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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
We hope that this article has helped narrow your search for Japanese universities where you can study computer science. Make sure to also check out the Available Computer Science Programs and Study in Japan pages for more study options!
