Data is collected in massive quantities in a variety of situations every day, but to make logical sense of this information, data needs to be sorted, processed, interpreted, and analyzed. Data science uses tools from mathematics, computer science, statistics, and domain knowledge to apply meaning to large amounts of data and solve complex problems.
As organizations continue to build services around data and AI, the demand for qualified data professionals remains strong.
Although Japan is considered one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, English-language opportunities to study data science in Japan remain more limited than in some other countries. 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 notable universities to study data science in Japan, but it should be noted that many of the options below are not standalone data science degrees. Some are data science courses, certificate programs, minors, or programs within informatics and information science.
Top Schools Offering Data Science and Related Study in Japan
1. Kyoto University
Kyoto University is a national university located in Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in 1897 as Kyoto Imperial University and is a strong option for students seeking a research-oriented education.
The university offers master’s and doctoral study through the Graduate School of Informatics. In April 2023, the Graduate School of Informatics established a Data Science Course focused on mathematics, data science, machine learning, and related research fields. Students pursue advanced research that culminates in a thesis or dissertation, depending on the degree level.
2. Tohoku University
Located in Sendai, Tohoku University is internationally recognized for its strong standards in education and research. Established in 1907, Tohoku University was Japan’s third Imperial University. As of May 2025, international students made up about 10% of the university’s degree-seeking student population, with a smaller share at the undergraduate level.
Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Information Sciences has offered the International Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Data Science, commonly known as AIQDS. The program was designed to develop highly specialized graduates who can use data science, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and quantum computing knowledge to solve real-world problems.
AIQDS combined a two-year master’s program with a three-year doctoral program. Prospective students who already held a master’s degree could apply to complete only the doctoral portion. However, the AIQDS program was listed as limited to October entrance recruitment for 2021, 2022, and 2023, so prospective students should also check Tohoku University’s current Graduate Program in Data Science and the latest admissions information before applying.
The university’s data science offerings are interdisciplinary. As described by Shubham, a student from India, the AIQDS program provided a platform where students studied core data science principles while also learning about related fields such as quantum computing and AI.
What Current Students / Alumni of Tohoku University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Data Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Shripriya
Master’s in Information Sciences
Preceded by a research-student period | She found the data science courses good, although some courses and joint seminars were conducted in Japanese despite her largely English-based studies. She reported a difficult laboratory experience and recommends speaking with existing lab members before choosing a supervisor. | — |
Shubham Verma
Master’s in Information Technology, AIQDS program
High-Performance Computing
October 2022–September 2024 | He describes rigorous, English-taught courses combining data science, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing in an interdisciplinary program taught by researchers. | He appreciated support with housing, visa procedures, and mental health services. Everyday life outside the university required some Japanese, although he did not find this a major barrier. |
3. The University of Osaka
Through its Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Osaka offers graduate study in areas related to information science, data analysis, and mathematical science.
One relevant field is Information and Physical Sciences, which involves mathematical modeling, data analysis, and the interpretation of complex phenomena. The graduate school offers master’s and doctoral pathways for students who want to pursue advanced research or academic careers in information science and related fields.
4. Kyushu University
Kyushu University is a Japanese national university located in Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu. Its origins include Fukuoka Medical College in 1903, while Kyushu Imperial University was established in 1911 as Japan’s fourth Imperial University.
Through the Graduate School and Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University offers study in information science and technology, including a Data Science Course within the Department of Information Science and Technology. The university also has laboratories related to machine learning, data mining, statistical learning, and other data science fields.
5. Shiga University
Shiga University, based in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is a national university with three undergraduate faculties: the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Economics, and the Faculty of Data Science. Shiga University was established in 1949, while its educational roots go back to predecessor institutions, including an institution founded in 1874. The university has campuses in Otsu and Hikone.
Shiga University is widely noted for establishing Japan’s first undergraduate faculty specializing in data science in 2017. The university has also been associated with national efforts to strengthen mathematical and data science education in Japan.
Shiga University’s Graduate School of Data Science offers master’s and doctoral study in data science. These programs aim to educate students in data science methodologies using real-world examples so they can acquire knowledge and experience in problem-solving while gaining practical value from data.
6. Hiroshima University
Hiroshima University is located in Higashihiroshima and Hiroshima, Japan. The university was established in 1949 after the integration of several predecessor institutions.
HU’s School of Informatics and Data Science offers undergraduate programs in informatics and data science, including Japanese-taught tracks and an English-based bachelor’s degree program.
These programs offer integrated and structured courses in informatics and data science, with the aim of equipping students with the ability to understand data content, improve data-informed problem-solving, and understand the technologies needed to process large amounts of data efficiently.
7. Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University in Japan offers data science education through its Department of Mathematical Sciences and College of Information Science and Engineering. These provide different approaches: the former emphasizes mathematical foundations and financial applications, while the latter connects data analysis with computing and information systems.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a formal Data Science course alongside its Mathematics course. Students study the mathematical foundations of statistics, including probability and analysis, with applications in finance. This is a pathway within Mathematical Sciences, rather than a separate degree titled Data Science. The computing college also offers an optional Data Science Unit covering probability, statistics, and data modeling; completing this unit earns a certificate, not an additional degree.
Graduate options include master’s and doctoral programs in Advanced Information Science and Engineering. The published master’s curriculum includes machine learning and requires a thesis, while the doctorate centers on supervised research and a dissertation. These broader information science qualifications can support research in data science and related fields.
What Current Students / Alumni of Ritsumeikan University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Data Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Muhammad Hamza Mehdi
Master of Science in Computer Science
Research in AI, deep learning, and machine learning | He reports conducting research in artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning. Finding a research position involved contacting several potential supervisors through numerous detailed emails. | He found the language barrier challenging and wishes he had learned Japanese earlier. He describes people around him as kind and helpful, including those willing to communicate in English despite limited fluency. |
8. Tokyo University of Science
Tokyo University of Science is a private university in Japan. It was founded in 1881 and is one of Japan’s oldest private universities focused on science and technology.
One relevant undergraduate option at TUS is the Department of Information Sciences, offered through the Faculty of Science and Technology. The department focuses on mathematical, computational, and applied approaches to information science. For students interested in data science, this area of study can provide useful training in computing, statistics, and data-oriented problem-solving.
9. Osaka Institute of Technology
Osaka Institute of Technology is a private university located in Osaka, Japan. It was founded in 1922 as Kansai Engineering Technical School and became Osaka Institute of Technology in 1949.
The university’s Faculty of Information Science and Technology includes a Department of Data Science, which was established in 2021 and combines scientific and humanities-oriented approaches. At the graduate level, students pursue related study through the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology rather than through a standalone graduate Department of Data Science.
10. Waseda University
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 Center for Data Science offers data science education and a certification program for full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Waseda also offers D-DATa, a doctoral career development program designed to help doctoral students and Ph.D. holders apply data analysis skills to their research and future careers.
Explore available data science degree programs and compare the study options that match your goals.
