Are you planning on attending a university in Japan? Congratulations! You are making an exciting decision. Apart from being home to renowned traditional cuisine like sushi and mochi, Japan also has some of the best universities and colleges worldwide.
With many national and local public universities to choose from, international students have plenty of options when picking their institution of interest. So, which one should you consider if you are planning to study in Japan? To help you, let us look at seven leading public universities in Japan for international students.
Top Public Universities in Japan
| INSTITUTION NAME | NOTABLE AREAS |
|---|
| University of Tokyo | Engineering, Economics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology |
| Nagoya University | Chemistry, Engineering, and Biological Science |
| The University of Osaka | Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Dentistry, and Physics & Astronomy |
| Tohoku University | Physics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Chemistry |
| Institute of Science Tokyo | Engineering, Bioscience & Biotechnology, Information Science, and Innovation Management |
| Kyoto University | Chemistry, Biology & Biochemistry, and Pharmacology |
| Kyushu University | Medicine, Engineering, and Agriculture |
1. University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo is a remarkable institution with some of the highest academic standards in Asia. It is one of the top-ranked universities in Japan and has 4,350 international students.
The university is known for its strong academic subjects in areas such as physics, space science, chemistry, and microbiology. International students can also choose from various graduate programs offered in English, including engineering, global science, public policy, and economics.
The International Student Support Room offers support services for international students concerning their stay in Japan and their understanding of Japanese society. Other support services include mental health counseling and help finding career opportunities in Japan.
2. Nagoya University
If innovative research is your thing, Nagoya University should be on your list. The university is a leading national university in central Japan, and its researchers have contributed to major scientific discoveries. For instance, Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano of Nagoya University received the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on efficient blue light-emitting diodes.
International students can enroll in diverse degree programs if they meet the admission requirements, including proving their English proficiency. For Nagoya University’s Global 30 International Programs, the listed minimum English qualifications include an overall band score of 6.0 in IELTS, 110 or above in Duolingo, and at least 80 in TOEFL iBT. With this, eligible students can access the G30 International Programs taught in English.
Additionally, international students can benefit from scholarships and tuition waivers if they meet the eligibility requirements.
3. The University of Osaka
As one of Japan’s leading public universities, The University of Osaka provides a strong academic environment and exceptional research support for international students. Its reputation for academic rigor is well-earned, attracting researchers from around the globe who are eager to engage in advanced studies. Manish, a doctoral student at the University of Osaka, noted that he “eventually chose the University of Osaka for its strong academic environment and research support,” a testament to the institution’s ability to facilitate high-level scholarly work.
The academic experience at the University of Osaka is transformative and encourages students to grow both as researchers and as individuals. The university offers a diverse and supportive learning environment, where students come from a variety of countries, creating a close-knit community. According to a doctoral researcher, “That diversity created an incredible learning environment. We became more than classmates; we became a family, supporting each other through cultural and academic hurdles.” This collaborative atmosphere allows students to take on new challenges, leading to significant skill development.
This supportive and intellectually stimulating environment enables students to master new skills they never thought possible. The same student found that thanks to encouragement from peers and professors, he was able to learn quantitative data analysis and can now “analyze large-scale datasets with confidence, a skill I never imagined myself mastering.” This dedication to academic and personal growth makes the University of Osaka a strong choice for international students.
4. Tohoku University
Tohoku University is one of the oldest universities in Japan, established as Japan’s third national university in 1907. Located on the ancient site of Aoba Castle in Sendai City, it is known for strong research and education in fields such as materials science, physics, and chemistry. Its Nobel-linked community includes Koichi Tanaka, a Tohoku University graduate who won the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
More than 2,100 international students study at Tohoku University. There are several courses taught in English available to degree-seeking international students. As one of the respected Japanese public universities, international students can benefit from excellent facilities, including modern lecture halls, laboratories, and research centers.
The academic environment at Tohoku University is characterized by its rigor and the quality of its faculty. As described by Tohoku student Shubham, the courses are “rigorous, taught in English, and taught by leading researchers,” which ensures that students receive strong instruction and guidance regardless of their field. The university’s commitment to providing English-based courses allows many students to focus on their studies while adjusting to life in Japan.
Beyond academics, Tohoku University and the wider Japanese community offer a supportive setting for international students. While navigating daily life may present some challenges, Shubham noted that “Japan provides excellent support for international students—be it visa procedures, housing, or mental health services.” This holistic support, combined with the university’s academic excellence, creates a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
5. Institute of Science Tokyo
Institute of Science Tokyo, also known as Science Tokyo, was established on October 1, 2024, through the merger of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. It is a prestigious public university known for strengths in science, engineering, technology, medical science, and dental science, and it ranks among Japan’s top universities.
The university offers programs and courses for international students, and its international student guide provides essential information for studying at Science Tokyo and navigating campus life. International students can also use student support services and guidance systems to help them adjust to life on campus.
Science Tokyo has signed agreements with overseas institutions to promote exchange, improve the quality of education and research, and strengthen international contributions. These partnerships help international students gain valuable academic experience and take advantage of cultural exchange opportunities.
6. Kyoto University
Kyoto University has been a leader in education, research, and innovation within Japan, producing Nobel laureates such as Tasuku Honjo, a Kyoto University distinguished professor who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Kyoto University is among the highest-ranked universities in Japan, with strengths in areas such as chemistry, physics, immunology, and medicine. Additionally, it offers an expansive range of courses for international students, including English-taught degree programs.
The International Support Center at Kyoto University provides support for international students, researchers, and their families, including information about visa procedures, university accommodation, and daily life in Japan. There are also scholarships for international students designed to help them pay for tuition and living costs and get the most out of their study abroad experience in Japan.
Apart from the research facilities on campus, international students get to experience Kyoto with its many historic locations, including temples and shrines that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
7. Kyushu University
Kyushu University is a top-ranking public university in Japan, located in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is known for strong education and research in fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, chemistry, and materials science.
It has nearly 19,000 students, including 2,618 international students as of May 1, 2025, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs on a spacious campus with beautiful natural surroundings.
The International Student Support Center offers various support services to international students, including visa assistance, housing application support, and bank account opening guidance before you arrive in Japan.
Additionally, the university has several research centers and projects, such as the Center for Clinical and Translational Research and the Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies, offering excellent study and research opportunities.
FAQs: Studying in Japanese Public Universities
Can International Students Enroll in Public Universities in Japan?
Yes! International students can enroll in various public universities across Japan if they meet the set requirements. These may include passing entrance exams or submitting EJU results, having high school or higher education credentials accepted by the university, and holding a valid student visa when required. Sometimes, you may be required to submit proof of language proficiency in English or Japanese. Additionally, some universities may ask you to take additional tests or further interviews before granting admission. Examples of public universities in Japan that accept international students include the University of Tokyo and The University of Osaka.
You will find many incredible public universities spread across Japan, each with unique strengths and offerings. Whether you are looking for an all-around educational experience at a prestigious university or want to take advantage of world-class resources, the above seven universities are worth considering if you are an international student looking to study in Japan.
We hope that this informative article will help you choose a suitable university! For even more information about studying abroad, please check out the Available Programs for International Students and Study in Japan pages!
