Japan offers international students access to research-intensive universities, advanced laboratories, English-taught programs, and government-funded opportunities such as the MEXT Scholarship. Choosing among these institutions requires more than comparing rankings: applicants should also consider academic strengths, prospective supervisors, teaching language, tuition fees, scholarship routes, and the experiences of students who have already followed these paths.
This guide introduces ten of the best universities in Japan for international students and features the application journeys and outcomes of students and graduates. Their stories explain how they prepared for MEXT examinations and interviews, contacted prospective supervisors, developed targeted research plans, selected suitable laboratories, and demonstrated a clear connection between their backgrounds and future goals.
Their outcomes include progressing from a funded master’s to a PhD, completing both master’s and doctoral degrees in Japan, working in Tokyo after graduation, becoming university faculty members, and continuing to postgraduate study at institutions such as Oxford and Manchester. Alongside these real experiences, you can compare each Japanese university’s admissions information, tuition fees, scholarships, notable academic areas, research environment, and international study options.
Top Universities in Japan for International Students
| University | Selected Academic Areas |
|---|
| University of Tokyo | Engineering, Economics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences |
| Kyoto University | Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Medicine, and Environmental Studies |
| Tohoku University | Materials Science, Physics, Pharmacology, and Chemistry |
| Institute of Science Tokyo | Science, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, and Life Sciences |
| Nagoya University | Chemistry, Engineering, and Biological Sciences |
| Waseda University | Political Science and Economics, Business, Engineering, and International Studies |
| The University of Osaka | Natural Sciences, Engineering, Dentistry, and Physics |
| Kyushu University | Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, and Energy Research |
| University of Tsukuba | Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, and Sport Sciences |
| University of Hyogo | Economics and Management, Engineering, Science, and Nursing |
1. University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo, commonly known as UTokyo, was established in 1877 as Japan’s first national university. It has 10 faculties and 15 graduate schools covering fields such as science, medicine, engineering, agriculture, economics, education, law, and the arts. Its three core campuses are Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa.
UTokyo offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs taught in English, including its undergraduate Programs in English at Komaba and numerous English-language graduate programs. The university also conducts extensive research with academic, government, and industry partners in Japan and abroad. Its academic breadth, research environment, and English-taught study options make it a strong choice for international students.
One student’s journey: Malaysian student Lim Zi Heng reached a Chemical Engineering bachelor’s at the University of Tokyo through the fully funded MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship, after entering a four-stage selection process in which more than 100 applicants were called for written tests, more than 10 advanced, nine reached the final stage, and seven ultimately received the scholarship in his cohort. After a year of Japanese-language preparatory study, university placement depended on his results; he says each university could take at most five MEXT students in his year, and by the time of his story he was a third-year UTokyo Chemical Engineering undergraduate. He credited his 4A* A-Level record and preparation beyond the A-Level syllabus for helping on the Japanese high-school-standard written tests, and advised applicants to study past papers closely. View More University of Tokyo recipients →
2. Kyoto University
Kyoto University was founded in 1897 and is Japan’s second-oldest former imperial university. It is known for its tradition of academic freedom and free academic exchange. As of May 2025, it had 10 faculties and 18 graduate schools covering subjects such as integrated human studies, education, medicine, engineering, energy science, and global environmental studies.
Kyoto University offers several English-taught degree programs, although the language of instruction varies by faculty, graduate school, and program. Its broad research environment, international community, and location in the historic city of Kyoto provide international students with a distinctive academic and cultural experience.
Griselda’s path to Kyoto University: Indonesian student Griselda entered Kyoto University’s International Undergraduate Program for a bachelor’s in Chemical Science and Technology after completing A-Levels with A*, A*, A and A* grades and building an extracurricular record spanning science competitions, internships, volunteering and international forums. In her application and interviews, she deliberately connected earlier science projects and her interest in clean alternative energy to prospective research at Kyoto; she says that personal, field-relevant motivation, alongside her academic and extracurricular record, helped her stand out, and she was accepted by all four universities she applied to. Kyoto initially awarded her its iUP Scholarship before recommending her for the fully funded MEXT Scholarship, which covers tuition, a ¥120,000 monthly stipend and round-trip travel. View More Kyoto University recipients →
3. Tohoku University
Tohoku University was founded in Sendai in 1907. It offers undergraduate and graduate education across a broad range of disciplines and is guided by the principles of “Research First,” “Open Doors,” and “Practice-Oriented Research and Education.” It is particularly known for research in materials science, physics, chemistry, engineering, and related fields. Tohoku University ranked first in the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings 2025.
The university’s research-intensive culture and hands-on approach to education are major draws. Kushagra from India, a master’s student in System Information Sciences, describes the program as “more focused on research than on academic coursework,” with students “expected to read research papers and do a lot of independent study.” Shripriya advises, “It is vital to have a healthy lab environment since you will be spending a major part of your time there,” a sentiment echoed by Kushagra, who notes that the “quality of the research experience really depends on the lab you join.” These accounts emphasize the importance of carefully selecting a laboratory and actively engaging with the university’s research culture.
One student’s journey: Shubham Verma completed a master’s in Information Technology focused on high-performance computing at Tohoku University after identifying labs in supercomputing and data science and contacting aligned professors with personalized emails. After receiving a positive response from a professor, he submitted a tailored research plan, statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendation letter, and English-medium certificate; he says aligning the proposal with his intended lab was a key strength of his application, while the MEXT Scholarship funded his tuition, stipend, and airfare. He completed the master’s in 2024 and continued into a Tohoku PhD in Information Technology, again with university-recommended MEXT funding. View More Tohoku University recipients →
- Student outcome from a Tohoku University graduate: Kushagra Shekhawat, who completed a master’s in System Information Science and went on to pursue a PhD in computer vision.
4. Institute of Science Tokyo
Institute of Science Tokyo, commonly called Science Tokyo, was established on October 1, 2024, through the merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University. The institution combines science and engineering with medicine, dentistry, and related life and health sciences.
Science Tokyo offers English-language degree options in its science and engineering fields, including the Global Scientists and Engineers Program at the undergraduate level and multiple International Graduate Programs taught in English. Applicants should check the current program page carefully because the language of instruction, eligibility requirements, and application procedures differ among fields.
The academic experience at the Institute of Science Tokyo has been described as “both challenging and deeply rewarding.” The pace and expectations can be intense, but they can also promote rapid growth in technical laboratory skills, scientific communication, and critical thinking. Bhaskar from India notes, “Being surrounded by dedicated researchers and mentors has helped me maintain a strong sense of purpose.”
Beyond the laboratory, international students can connect with the broader university community through student organizations and cross-cultural activities. This combination of intensive research and international engagement makes Science Tokyo an attractive option for aspiring scientists, engineers, and health researchers.
Bhaskar Chatterjee’s path to Institute of Science Tokyo: Bhaskar Chatterjee, enrolled in a five-year integrated Master’s and PhD in Biomedical Science and Engineering, approached prospective labs by reading their recent papers and projects closely and sending personalized cold emails explaining where his background could contribute. For the MEXT Scholarship, he spent weeks refining a research plan around mRNA therapeutics and nanomedicine; he credits relevant laboratory experience, publications, a proposal aligned with Japan’s scientific priorities, and tailored supervisor outreach that helped him secure a strong acceptance letter, while the award covers tuition and fees, a roughly ¥147,000 monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare. His full story provides a concrete selection-process example for Institute of Science Tokyo, where he says he is currently conducting research on mRNA therapeutics and nanocarrier-based delivery systems.
View More Institute of Science Tokyo recipients →
5. Nagoya University
Nagoya University traces its origins to a temporary hospital and medical school established in 1871. It was formally established as an imperial university in 1939 and became Nagoya University under Japan’s postwar education system in 1949. Today, it has nine undergraduate schools and 13 graduate schools and maintains a strong research tradition in chemistry, physics, engineering, medicine, and the biological sciences.
Nagoya University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs taught entirely in English through its Global 30 International Programs, along with many individual courses offered in English. These options allow international students to study in several science, engineering, social science, and humanities fields without completing a Japanese-taught degree.
Nagoya University is a strong choice for students who have a clear vision for their careers. Jillian Abigail Sutrisno from Indonesia, a Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology student, was drawn to the university because of Japan’s “very strong industrial base, with a significant demand for chemical engineers.” She explains that she hopes to “work towards a cleaner environment, through Chemical Engineering by the creation of new materials,” illustrating how the university’s programs can support students interested in environmental sustainability.
The university’s environment also supports professional development. Muhammad Abdullah from Pakistan, a PhD graduate in Civil Engineering, notes that his work as a structural design engineer “pushed me to study more about Structural Engineering, and that push brought me to Japan.” His experience illustrates how graduate research can serve as a natural next step for professionals seeking deeper expertise in their fields.’
One student’s journey: Indranil Enkhtuvshin completed a bachelor’s in Japan in Asia-Cultural Studies at Nagoya University, funded by its G30 Undergraduate Scholarship. His application required two essays, and he says he spent about a month refining them with mentor feedback while defining a research focus on Japan-Mongolia relations. He later moved into a Master of Social Sciences in East Asian Studies at the University of Turku, continuing that regional and policy focus. View More Nagoya University recipients →
- Outcomes of Students Who Studied at Nagoya University: Aruzhan Kaisar: after completing her BSc in Agricultural Sciences at Nagoya, went on to an MSc in Biotechnologies for Food Science at the University of Padua and had graduated by the time of her story; Banu Keikina: after her Nagoya bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, spent a gap year living and working in Japan before beginning a Master’s in Forensic Science at the University of Amsterdam.
6. Waseda University
Waseda University is a private research university located in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1882 by Shigenobu Okuma, who later served as prime minister of Japan. Today, Waseda is one of the country’s largest and most internationally recognized private universities, with approximately 48,000 students.
The university has 13 undergraduate schools and more than 20 graduate schools covering fields such as political science, economics, business, law, education, literature, social sciences, engineering, international studies, and sport sciences. International students can also choose from English-taught degree programs offered by several undergraduate and graduate schools.
Waseda has developed an extensive international network, maintaining partnerships with hundreds of universities and institutions around the world. Its Tokyo location, diverse academic offerings, and large international student community make it an attractive choice for students who want to study in Japan while participating in a globally connected academic environment.
A recipient’s path: Agnese Dionisio pursued both her master’s and PhD in International Culture and Communication Studies at Waseda University, choosing the university after researching faculty whose work closely matched her proposed research. For the MEXT Scholarship, she applied through the Embassy Recommendation route with a research plan, personal statement, recommendation letters, interviews and written exams; she says repeatedly refining the research plan and demonstrating a close fit with a particular professor were central to her application. Fully funded by MEXT, she ultimately completed her PhD at Waseda, after continuing there through both graduate degrees. View More Waseda University recipients →
- Outcomes of Students Who Studied at Waseda University: One outcome from a Waseda University graduate: Shuen, who is working in Tokyo after completing her bachelor’s in International Liberal Studies.
7. University of Osaka
The University of Osaka adopted its current official English name in April 2025. It was formally founded as Osaka Imperial University in 1931, while its historical roots extend to Tekijuku, a private school for Western medicine founded in 1838. Today, it is a comprehensive research university with programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, dentistry, and related fields.
The university is known for research in areas such as physics, chemistry, engineering, life sciences, medicine, dentistry, and advanced technology. Its combination of a long academic history and a broad modern research environment makes it an appealing option for international students.
The university’s research-focused approach and facilities are major draws for international students. Dr. Usama Perwez from Pakistan, who completed his PhD in Energy Systems, describes Osaka University as “an extensive research-based university that provided all the essentials required to conduct the research.” His experience in the Urban Energy System Lab highlights the facilities and expertise available to researchers. Similarly, Kartika from Indonesia, a master’s student in Biotechnology, says she is “truly grateful to be surrounded by so many experts here” and emphasizes that the services, equipment, and overall laboratory environment support a wide range of experiments.
The university also fosters a collaborative environment. Dr. Perwez notes that an associate professor in his laboratory was fluent in English, which made communication easier. Kartika similarly describes professors and colleagues who are willing to teach and support her. This atmosphere can help international students develop their research skills and contribute to projects in their chosen fields.
One student’s journey: Kartika, an Indonesian biology graduate, entered a master’s in Biotechnology at the University of Osaka through the university-recommendation MEXT Scholarship. After identifying a lab aligned with molecular microbiology, she contacted a professor, interviewed with him and two associate professors, then faced an oral entrance exam before a panel of ten professors testing biotechnology and biochemistry. She identified recommendation letters and the statement of purpose as especially important, and after university nomination received her final MEXT result in July 2024 for October 2024 enrollment. View More University of Osaka recipients →
- Outcomes of Students Who Studied at the University of Osaka: Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim: after completing his Osaka PhD in Chemistry, became a Faculty Fellow at Osaka and is now an Associate Professor at GALALA University and Minia University; Dr. Usama Perwez: after completing his PhD in Energy Systems, is now Associate Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at NUST in Pakistan.
8. Kyushu University
Kyushu University is a Japanese national university whose roots extend to the establishment of Kyoto Imperial University’s Fukuoka Medical College in 1903. Kyushu Imperial University was founded in 1911. The university has since developed into a comprehensive institution offering education and research across the humanities, social sciences, medicine, engineering, agriculture, natural sciences, design, and other fields.
Kyushu University offers English-taught international programs at the undergraduate level in selected schools, as well as international programs taught in English through its graduate schools. The availability and structure of these programs vary, so prospective students should consult the current admissions information for their intended school and degree.
The university’s academic programs can offer a high degree of research autonomy. Nauman from Pakistan, a master’s student in Automotive Science focusing on battery research, describes the program as academically strong, “especially if you’re involved in research.” He also valued the university’s “supportive professors, and a lot of autonomy in terms of research direction.” His experience illustrates how students can take an active role in shaping their research projects.
Kyushu University’s English-based programs also make parts of the institution accessible to students who do not yet speak Japanese. Nauman explains that his coursework, thesis writing, and laboratory meetings were conducted in English, allowing him to participate fully in academic and research activities. However, learning Japanese can still be valuable for daily life, employment, and broader cultural engagement.
One student’s journey: Raghav Bansal is pursuing a full bachelor’s degree in Information and Electrical Engineering at Kyushu University after leaving IIT Kanpur following his first year to take up the fully funded MEXT Scholarship. His JEE Advanced preparation—where he ranked 2,316—also prepared him for MEXT’s written examination, while his interview covered his academic background, reasons for choosing Japan, future goals, cultural exchange, and knowledge of Japanese culture; he believes strong academics and essays connecting his goals to Japan and India helped him stand out. After a one-year intensive Japanese course, he began his Kyushu degree with classes conducted in Japanese. View More Kyushu University recipients →
9. University of Tsukuba
The University of Tsukuba traces its roots to a Normal School founded in 1872. The present university was established in 1973 following the relocation and reorganization of its predecessor, the Tokyo University of Education. It was created as a new-model comprehensive university under Japan’s national university reform plans and is located in Tsukuba Science City.
The university offers programs across a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, information science, the humanities, social sciences, art, and physical education. Its Tokyo Campus also offers graduate education designed for working professionals. The university’s interdisciplinary programs, international activities, and links with research organizations in Tsukuba Science City provide a distinctive environment for study and research.
A recipient’s path: Gardin, an Indonesian materials-engineering graduate with a GPA of about 3.6/4.0, enrolled in the University of Tsukuba Master’s in Materials Innovation and received the fully funded MEXT Scholarship through university recommendation. For admission he submitted TOEFL iBT, and after being admitted he applied for MEXT with a study plan, recommendation letter, transcript, graduation certificate, thesis abstract, and English-proficiency certificate. He believed a supportive prospective supervisor and clear study plan helped in the interview, while his publications, conference experience, international internship, academic awards, and strong recommendation letter gave his application evidence beyond grades. View More University of Tsukuba recipients →
10. University of Hyogo
The University of Hyogo is a public university administered by Hyogo Prefecture. It was established in 2004 through the merger of Kobe University of Commerce, the Himeji Institute of Technology, and the College of Nursing Art and Science, Hyogo. The university now operates nine campuses across the prefecture, including locations in Kobe, Himeji, Akashi, Harima, Awaji, and Toyooka.
The university has six undergraduate schools covering economics and management, social information science, engineering, science, human science and environment, and nursing. Its nine graduate schools extend into areas such as information science, landscape design and management, regional resource management, and disaster resilience and governance.
The University of Hyogo also operates specialized research facilities for social data science, advanced science and technology, environmental science, nursing, and medical engineering. Its Global Business Course provides an English-taught undergraduate option within the School of Economics and Management. Most other degree programs are primarily taught in Japanese, so international applicants should confirm the language requirements for their intended course before applying.
Keane’s path to University of Hyogo: Keane Edbert Walerian chose University of Hyogo for its English-taught Global Business degree, Kansai location, and scholarship support. His selection process included document screening, a math component, and a business-idea presentation with Q&A; he pitched a plant-based bakery in Japan and was challenged on its feasibility and weaker parts of his academic record. He ultimately received the MEXT Scholarship, covering application and admission fees, full tuition, a ¥120,000 monthly stipend, and round-trip international airfare. View More University of Hyogo recipients →
FAQs: Studying in Japan
Is Japan a Good Place for International Students to Study?
Yes. Japan offers internationally recognized universities, English-taught degree options, and financial support programs such as the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and institution-specific tuition reductions or waivers. Academic costs vary substantially by institution and subject. As a general guide, the official Study in Japan website estimates first-year undergraduate costs, including admission and tuition, at approximately ¥820,000 for national universities, ¥930,000 for local public universities, and ¥1.1 million for private universities, excluding private medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs. Students should also budget for housing, insurance, transportation, food, and other living costs. Prospective students can compare more affordable universities in Japan, but they should confirm current fees directly with each institution.
Can International Students Work in Japan While Studying?
The Student status of residence does not permit employment by itself. International students must first obtain permission to engage in activities outside the scope of their status of residence. Once permission is granted, students can generally work part-time in Japan for up to 28 hours per week and up to eight hours per day during designated long school holidays. The work must not interfere with their studies, and employment connected with adult entertainment businesses is prohibited. Paid internships also require permission. Students undertaking a paid internship for more than 28 hours per week must apply for specific authorization and provide documents explaining the internship. Because immigration treatment can depend on the activity and whether compensation is provided, students should confirm the requirements with their university and a regional immigration services bureau. See the Japanese student visa guide and the Japan Student Services Organization guidance for more information.
Can International Students Stay in Japan after Graduation?
Eligible graduates who have not secured employment by graduation may apply to change their status of residence from Student to Designated Activities so that they can continue searching for a job in Japan. The status is normally granted for six months and can generally be renewed once for another six months, allowing a maximum of one year of continued job hunting. Applicants normally need a recommendation letter from their university or school. After receiving an eligible job offer, graduates must change to the appropriate work-authorized status of residence before beginning full-time employment. More information is available from the Japan Student Services Organization.
We hope this article on the best universities in Japan for international students was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
