Data is collected in massive quantities in a variety of situations on a daily basis, but in order to make logical sense of all this information, this data needs to be sorted, processed, interpreted, and analyzed. Data Science is the practice of using a variety of different tools like math, computer science, and statistics to apply meaning to large amounts of data in order to find solutions to solve complex problems.
With the exponential growth of data, the need for qualified Data Scientists is growing at a rapid rate.
Although Japan is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, there are a surprisingly limited number of opportunities to study Data Science in Japan. Japan does offer a number of tertiary education opportunities for international students, but it is highly recommended that prospective students possess a certain level of Japanese, especially for undergraduate programs.
We have compiled a list of the best universities to study Data Science in Japan, but it should be noted that many of the programs offered are not strictly degrees, but rather courses and minors.
Top Universities Offering Data Science Programs in Japan
1. Tohoku University – Graduate School of Information Sciences
Located in Sendai, Tohoku University is internationally recognized for its exceptional standards in education and research. Established in 1907, Tohuku University was the third national university and a top institution for data science in Japan.
International students only make up about 10% of the university’s student population with only about 1.7% belonging to the undergraduate student base.
Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Information Sciences offers postgraduate students the opportunity to complete an International Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Data Science (AIQDS). This graduate program opened in October of 2021 and aims to develop highly specialized graduates who will be able to utilize data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.
AIQDS is a five-year program, combining a two-year master’s program with a three-year doctoral program. Prospective students who have an existing master’s degree can complete the doctoral program for only three years.
2. Hiroshima University – School of Informatics and Data Science
Hiroshima University is located in Higashihiroshima and Hiroshima, Japan, and was established in 1949 by combining eight existing institutions: Hiroshima School of Education, Hiroshima School of Secondary Education, Hiroshima University of Literature and Science, Hiroshima School of Education for Youth, Hiroshima Women’s School of Secondary Education, Hiroshima Higher School, Hiroshima Higher Technical School, and Hiroshima Municipal Higher Technical School.
HU’s School of Informatics and Data Science is among the top schools for data science in Japan that offer undergraduate students the four-year Informatics and Data Science Program.
This program offers integrated and structured courses in Informatics and Data Science, with the aim to equip students with the ability to understand data content, improve data-informed problem solving, and understand the technology required to process huge amounts of data in the most efficient way possible.
3. Tokyo Medical and Dental University – M&D Data Science Center
Tokyo Medical and Dental University, located in the Yushima / Shoheizaka area, is a comprehensive medical university and one of the best universities for data science in Japan, has been consistently ranked as one of the top five medical schools in the country.
In 2007, TMDU launched the International Graduate Program for Biomedical Science to offer more opportunities for international students, and as such the Data Science Medicine Global Leader Program is taught primarily in English.
Similar to Tohoku University’s AIQDS Graduate Program, DS-GLP is also a 5-year combination of both a master’s and doctoral program and is open to students in possession of an undergraduate degree. Upon successful graduation from the program, students will be awarded a master’s degree (in Science or Engineering) and a Ph.D. degree (in Science or Engineering).
This graduate program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in a number of disciplines so as to develop global leaders in disease prevention. DS-GLP offers students a choice of two specializations, the Biomedical Science Track (BST) and the Implementation Medical Science (IMS) track.
4. Shiga University – Faculty/Graduate School of Data Science
Shiga University, based in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is a historic national university with three faculties: the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Economics, and the Faculty of Data Science. Shiga University was founded in 1874 and has campuses in both Ōtsu and Hikone.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in Japan appointed six, core universities to strengthen mathematical and data science education, Shiga University being one of them.
Shiga University’s Graduate School of Data Science offers postgraduate students a master’s in Data Science. This program aims to educate students in data science methodologies using real-world examples, in order to acquire knowledge and experience in problem-solving while gaining real value from data.
5. Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology is considered the top university in Japan for science and technology. Founded in 1881 as the Tokyo Vocational School, Tokyo Tech boasts around 10,500 students and three campuses: Ookayama, Suzukakedai, and Tamachi. Roughly 16% of the student population at Tokyo Tech are International students.
Tokyo Tech offers graduate students a Progressive Graduate Minor in Data Science/Artificial Intelligence. This program aims to offer advanced skills, comprehensive knowledge, and hands-on practical training in both data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
6. Tokyo University of Science – Faculty of Science and Technology
Tokyo University of Science is a private university in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1881 as the Tokyo Vocal Music School and is the oldest private university in Japan.
One of the most renowned programs at TUS is its undergraduate program in Information Sciences, offered through the Faculty of Science and Technology. The curriculum seeks to equip students with the abilities and knowledge to handle data issues of everyday life, making TUS one of the top data science institutes in Japan. The students’ learning is achieved through a combination of coursework and research.
7. Waseda University – Center of Data Science
Located in Tokyo, Japan, Waseda University is a private university founded in 1882. It is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the country. The university has a strong international focus and offers programs in various languages, including English.
Waseda’s Ph.D. program in the Development of Data Analysis Talents is a unique program that aims to train professionals in data science. Students of this program are expected to work in corporations, organizations, and most importantly, universities.
8. Kyoto University – Graduate School of Informatics
Kyoto University is a public university located in Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in 1897 and is a go-to university for students seeking a research-oriented education.
The university offers a master’s and Ph.D. program in Informatics through the Graduate School of Informatics. The programs aim to instill the ability to design and conduct research in informatics. Students take courses in various topics, including data mining and machine learning. The programs culminate in a thesis or dissertation.
9. Osaka University – Graduate School of Information Science and Technology
Information and Physical Sciences is a field of study that has been on the rise in recent years. It involves the acquisition and intelligent interpretation of data. Osaka University is at the forefront of this field, offering a Ph.D. program in Information Science and Technology, reinforcing its reputation as a top Japanese school for data science.
The program is designed for those who want to pursue a career in research or academia and provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research in the field.
10. Osaka Institute of Technology – Faculty/Graduate School of Infomation Science & Tech.
Osaka Institute of Technology is a private university located in Osaka, Japan. It was founded in 1929 and has four faculties and six graduate schools. It is also renowned as one of the best data science schools in Japan, welcoming a good number of aspiring data scientists – both from Japan and foreign countries – annually.
The Department of Data Science at the Osaka Institute of Technology equips graduate students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, and operate intelligent systems. It also aims to sharpen analytical skills. The program covers many topics, including network systems, media science, and Artificial Intelligence.
11. Tokyo Metropolitan University
Tokyo Metropolitan University is a public university with its main campus located in Hachioji, Tokyo. The university also has campuses in Minami-Osawa and Meguro. It was founded in 1949 and is one of the largest universities in Japan and has a strong international focus, offering English and Japanese-taught programs.
Students can study the Mathematical and Data Science minor course that covers a wide range of topics, including system design, data mining, and machine learning. With the help of this Data Science course, students become equipped to handle data analytics problems that may arise in their careers.
12. Hosei University – Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences
Located in Tokyo, Hosei University is a private university founded in 1887. Most of the university’s faculties and graduate schools are located on its main campus in Tokyo.
The Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences at Hosei University offers a range of courses in Data Science, including virtual reality, intelligent computing, parallel computing and architecture, and statistics. As one of the best Japanese schools for data science, the university is equipped with the latest technology to help students learn and explore the field.
13. Nanzan University – Department of Data Science
Nanzan University is a private Catholic university located in Nagoya, Japan. It was founded in 1946 by the Society of Mary, a Catholic religious order. The university dates back to 1932 but was officially established in 1946.
Nanzan University offers a range of courses in Data Science, including database systems, data mining, machine learning, and Artificial Intelligence.
14. Kyushu University – Faculty/Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering
Kyushu University is a Japanese national university located in Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu. It is the fourth oldest university in Japan and was founded in 1903. The university has ten faculties and nine graduate schools.
Through the Graduate School and Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University offers a range of courses in data science, including data mining, machine learning, and statistics. A renowned data science research institute is also present at the university.
In a world that is driven by data, it is no secret that data scientists are in high demand on an international scale. Although there is no doubt that obtaining a qualification in Data Science from a country that is at the forefront of technological innovation would be highly beneficial, it seems that the opportunity to obtain such a degree in Japan is rather limited for international students, especially if you do not speak Japanese.
We hope that this article will be of help as you search for the best school that offers data science. Be sure to visit the Study in Japan and Available Courses in Japan for more valuable tips, academic opportunities, and insightful articles!
