Degrees in technology and computer science continue to become more valuable as society advances in its technological capabilities. Japan is well known for technological innovation, including artificial intelligence, robotics, electronics, cameras, and transportation technology.
If you are looking to study computer science in one of the world’s most innovative countries, Japan is a strong option. Several universities in Japan rank highly in global university rankings, and some offer computer science-related programs in Japanese and English. Japan’s universities also offer affordable education options for qualifying students through scholarships and other financial support.
Here is a list of notable universities to consider if you want to study computer science in Japan.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Japan
1. Sciences Tokyo
A major benefit of Science Tokyo’s School of Computing is that students can study computer science as well as related graduate fields such as artificial intelligence. The university also offers international graduate programs conducted entirely in English for eligible international students with little or no Japanese-language background.
The degrees offered through the School of Computing are connected to laboratories and research themes in areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematical and computing science, cybersecurity, and related computing fields. Students interested in research-based study should review the current School of Computing and admissions pages before applying.
2. University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo has a highly regarded graduate computer science program. The Department of Computer Science focuses on areas such as programming languages, computer architecture, visual information, and bioinformatics.
The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Information Science and Technology offers master’s and doctoral programs, and international applicants can review admissions information through the graduate school. The university also offers the MEXT Scholarship route for eligible students through the Japanese government scholarship system.
To apply to the University of Tokyo, students should review the current graduate school and department guidelines, contact prospective faculty members when required, and follow the entrance examination process. Applicants to the Department of Computer Science must also follow the TOEFL score submission rules, as TOEFL has replaced the English-language entrance examination.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Tokyo Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Jagreet Dasgupta
Non-degree research student
Research focus: Graph Theory | Reports conducting graph theory research at the University of Tokyo after moving from an electrical engineering background into computer science. His account describes a research-student stage before graduate-degree enrollment. | — |
3. Kyoto University
Kyoto University is a strong university in Japan for students interested in computer science and informatics. Its School of Informatics and Mathematical Science provides education and research connected to information processing, transmission, and accumulation.
Unlike the University of Tokyo’s graduate-focused computer science department, Kyoto University offers an undergraduate Course Program of Computer Science through the School of Informatics and Mathematical Science. Students generally separate into the Applied Mathematics and Physics Course or the Computer Science Course at the end of the first academic year.
Kyoto University focuses on both education and research, so students can build a foundation in information science while exploring how information is processed, transmitted, and accumulated. Students interested in English-taught study options should review Kyoto University’s current list of English-taught degree programs, as availability varies by program.
4. Waseda University
Waseda University is a private university with a long history of education and research. It was founded in 1882 as Tokyo Senmon Gakko by Shigenobu Okuma, who served as prime minister of Japan. Waseda is also known for its alumni network, including Japanese prime ministers and leaders across business, culture, and technology.
The computer science curriculum is designed to maximize students’ abilities and produce specialists in computer science and communications engineering. Waseda’s English-based undergraduate program includes courses such as Fundamentals of Programming, Foundations of Statistics, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Algorithms and Data Structures, and related laboratory work. Its graduate program also offers advanced study in computer science and communications engineering.
5. The University of Osaka
The University of Osaka is one of the best-known Japanese universities for science and technology. Students can study information and computer sciences through the School of Engineering Science, with options to continue into graduate study.
In the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, students study the relationship between computing, informatics, software, and mathematical science. After a first year of general education that includes basic computer science courses, students enter one of three courses offered by the Divisions of Computer Science, Software Science, and Mathematical Science. Undergraduate students usually complete the program in four years, although high-achieving students may finish in three years.
The university’s strong reputation and research-driven community are key factors that attract talented students from around the world. For instance, Mazhar Iqbal, a Master’s student from Pakistan, chose Osaka University because of its “strong global reputation, vibrant research community, and alignment with my research interests in AI and computer vision.” This highlights how the university’s specialized focus can provide a strong setting for students pursuing research in emerging technologies.
Mazhar’s experience also reflects the university’s support for ambitious research goals. His aim to “dive deeper into research, strengthen my technical expertise, and contribute to cutting-edge innovations” aligns with the opportunities provided at the university. By fostering a research-intensive environment, the university enables students to advance their skills and contribute to fields such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and 3D vision.
6. Keio University
Keio University is Japan’s first modern institution of higher learning and is one of Japan’s best-known private universities. Established in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa, Keio has a long history of education and research. The university emphasizes independence, practical learning, and the cultivation of people who can contribute to society.
The Department of Information and Computer Science at Keio offers a four-year undergraduate program taught in Japanese. Its curriculum covers computers, communications, networks, and information processing, and students can study fields related to information generation, acquisition, transmission, storage, processing, and display.
7. Tohoku University
Tohoku University stands as a world-class institution for computer science and technology, offering both undergraduate study in Computer Science through the School of Engineering and graduate study through the Graduate School of Information Sciences. The university provides a dynamic research environment for students interested in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and related fields.
The university’s academic environment is both rigorous and supportive, offering specialized programs taught by experienced faculty. Shubham, a Master’s and Ph.D. student from India, describes the AIQDS program as an “interdisciplinary platform combining AI, Quantum Computing, Data Science, and Smart Systems.” He also notes that “the courses are rigorous, taught in English, and taught by leading researchers,” which highlights the high standard of education.
What Current Students / Alumni of Tohoku University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Shubham Verma
Master’s and PhD in Information Technology
Specialization: High-Performance Computing
Master’s: October 2022–September 2024; PhD began October 2024 | Describes his AIQDS coursework as demanding and taught in English by active researchers, combining AI, quantum computing, data science, and smart systems. For his HPC research, he contacted professors working on scheduling and system optimization and developed a proposal concerning workload interference in vector supercomputers. | Reports that everyday life outside the university required some Japanese, although this was manageable for him. He recommends learning basic Japanese before arrival to make daily interactions easier. |
Shripriya
Master’s in Information Sciences
Research-student entry: 2021 | Found the data science courses useful, but reports an unsatisfactory lab experience and recommends speaking with existing lab members before choosing a supervisor. Although much of her study was in English, some courses and joint seminars were in Japanese, making seminar participation difficult. | — |
Kushagra Shekhawat
Master’s in System Information Science | Reports that his English-taught master’s emphasized research, reading papers, and independent learning, with much of his learning being self-directed. He stresses that the laboratory students join strongly shapes their research experience. | Viewed the university’s reputation positively and considered it a valuable part of his experience. |
8. Tokyo University of Science
Tokyo University of Science is a private university in Japan with campuses in Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. In April 2026, it established the Faculty of Information Science and Technology by bringing together information-related fields. The faculty combines computing with data analysis and management, while its department includes a dedicated Computer Science Course within the broader Information Science and Technology undergraduate program.
Undergraduate students can pursue the Computer Science Course, a specialization rather than a separately named computer science degree. Its curriculum covers programming, algorithms, computer networks, operating systems, databases, and software engineering, supported by mathematics and statistics. Additional topics include graph theory and quantum computing. Students choose among the faculty’s courses from their second year, and research-group activities are available from the first year.
At graduate level, the Department of Information and Computer Technology in the Graduate School of Engineering offers a Master of Engineering and a Doctor of Engineering. Its curriculum centers on software engineering, with tracks in Social Design, Data Science, Software Design, and Intelligent Systems. Master’s students complete thesis research, while doctoral study develops independent research capabilities.
What Current Students / Alumni of Tokyo University of Science Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Hiroki Oshio
Bachelor’s in Management Science
April 2021–March 2025 | Reports studying machine learning within his management-focused undergraduate program, alongside quantitative and qualitative research methods. His account establishes computing-related coursework within Management Science. | — |
9. JAIST (Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
JAIST (Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is a research-focused national graduate university. Established in 1990 as Japan’s first national graduate school with its own campus and research organization, JAIST offers master’s and doctoral study in advanced science and technology.
JAIST’s graduate areas include Computing Science, Next-generation Digital Infrastructure, AI Wisdom, Social Data and Media, and other interdisciplinary fields. This makes the university a strong option for students interested in research in computer science, information science, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.
The university fosters a supportive and inspiring environment that helps students thrive. Jawad Khan from Pakistan, a student in Information Science, notes that the “culture, discipline, and academic atmosphere at JAIST are truly inspiring.” He also highlights the collaborative spirit within the university, stating that his “professors and lab members are incredibly supportive.” This supportive community, combined with a focus on relevant research, allows students to tackle impactful real-world problems, such as Jawad’s work on “disaster-resilient IoT infrastructures.”
Ultimately, the experience at JAIST is designed to help students grow as researchers and future leaders in technology and academia. The institution provides a strong setting for ambitious students to pursue research, build an academic foundation, and grow as global citizens.
What Current Students / Alumni of Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Jawad Khan
Master’s in Information Science
Research focus: Disaster-resilient IoT infrastructure | Reports spending most of his time in the laboratory researching disaster-resilient Internet of Things infrastructure. Describes his professors and laboratory colleagues as supportive of his research. | Found JAIST’s culture and disciplined atmosphere inspiring and describes studying in Japan as a major personal experience. |
10. Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University is a private university with campuses in Kyoto, Shiga, and Osaka, Japan. Its College of Information Science and Engineering provides undergraduate computing education, while the corresponding graduate school offers advanced study and research. The college’s seven educational courses cover areas such as system architecture, security and networks, media technology, and artificial and natural intelligence.
An option for international students is the Information Systems Science and Engineering Course, or ISSE, at Osaka Ibaraki Campus. This four-year, English-medium course leads to a Bachelor of Engineering. Students develop information science foundations and engineering skills through project-based learning, progressing from introductory work to team projects and an individual project in the later years.
The Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering offers master’s and doctoral programs under the Major in Advanced Information Science and Engineering. Master’s study develops expertise in information processing, networks, system architecture, media, and intelligence-related technologies. The doctoral program emphasizes original research, identifying and solving research problems, research ethics, and communicating findings within information technology.
What Current Students / Alumni of Ritsumeikan University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Muhammad Hamza Mehdi
Master of Science in Computer Science
Research focus: AI, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning | Reports conducting research in AI, deep learning, and machine learning. Secured a laboratory position after extensive correspondence with potential supervisors about research opportunities. | Describes the local language barrier as a significant challenge and wishes he had learned the language earlier. Found people kind and willing to communicate in English despite varying levels of fluency. |
11. University of Aizu
The University of Aizu (UoA) is a public university dedicated to computer science and engineering. Its ICT Global All-English Program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering in English. The university is also known for strong employment outcomes, with graduates employed at a rate of nearly 100% every year according to the university.
The Computer Science and Engineering program at UoA emphasizes programming, software development, and modern fields in computer science. Students can study areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, space informatics, medical ICT, and other specialized computer science fields.
12. Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Nara Institute of Science and Technology, commonly known as NAIST, is a national graduate university in Ikoma, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its Graduate School of Science and Technology offers an Information Science and Engineering program supported by the Division of Information Science. The program spans computer hardware, software, networks, human-computer interaction, media technologies, and robotics, bringing several major areas of computer science into one research-based environment.
NAIST does not offer undergraduate programs, so it is an option for graduate study rather than a first bachelor’s degree. Students interested in computing enter its master’s or doctoral pathways. The official program name is Information Science and Engineering, and the awarded qualification is in engineering or science, depending on the subjects studied and thesis content.
The standard duration is two years for the master’s program and three years for the doctoral program. Relevant laboratories include Software Engineering, Software Design and Analysis, Information Security Engineering, Computational Linguistics, and Computing Architecture. These laboratory options allow students to pursue focused research within the broader information science program.
What Current Students / Alumni of Nara Institute of Science and Technology Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Iqra Ali
Master’s in Engineering
Research focus: Low-resource and multilingual Natural Language Processing | During her master’s, developed a Pashto paraphrase-detection dataset, Urdu machine-generated text-detection benchmarks, and multilingual vision-language evaluation datasets, with resulting publications at COLING and LREC. Describes research conducted in English in an environment that demanded independent thinking and sustained technical effort. | Reports an initial language barrier while adjusting to Japan. Adapting to a different culture helped her develop independence and cross-cultural understanding. |
13. Kyushu Institute of Technology
The Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) is a national institution focused on science and technology. As of May 2025, Kyutech had 5,828 students, including 4,179 undergraduates and 1,649 graduate students. The university aims to educate graduates who can contribute to science, engineering, and industry.
The School of Computer Science and Systems Engineering includes the Department of Computer Science and Networks, which offers Software Design, Network Engineering, and Computer Engineering courses. The department emphasizes the integration of computer and communication technology to support a next-generation smart society. Graduate students can continue into programs connected with information science, information systems, and creative informatics.
We hope that this article has helped narrow your search for Japanese universities where you can study computer science. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
