Flying to the Asian continent, Japan is a popular country for international students. This country has a high reputation for the quality of education it offers, and many students are considering this country because of its high value for education. As you will realize, Japanese universities are generally the most selective globally.
Are you looking to study in Japan but not sure about which university to choose? In this article, we listed some Japanese universities with the highest acceptance rate. In other words, these institutions are the least selective in that you have a higher chance of being accepted if you apply.
Before we get started, we will look over some of the frequently asked questions that readers of this article ask.
Universities in Japan with High Rates of Acceptance
1. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, is a private university founded in 2000. It is a unique and highly international institution, distinguished by its diverse student body, with approximately half of its students coming from over 160 countries. The university’s mission is to cultivate global leaders through a bilingual education system, offering courses in both English and Japanese. This multicultural environment is a cornerstone of the APU experience, fostering intercultural understanding and providing a truly global learning atmosphere.
The acceptance rate at APU is quite high for international students. For the 2025 April Entry, the acceptance rate was 71.4% (469 admitted out of 657 applicants) for undergraduate international students. Its high percentage of international students and focus on diversity suggest a more accessible admissions process than highly selective Japanese universities. The university offers a variety of programs in fields such as Asia Pacific Studies, International Management, and Sustainability and Tourism. APU’s reputation is built on its international character and its practical approach to education, aiming to equip students with the skills needed to address global challenges.
2. Nihon Fukushi University
Nihon Fukushi University (NFU) is a private university located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, established in 1953 as a junior college and later becoming a four-year university. As its name, “Fukushi” (welfare), suggests, the university specializes in social welfare and related fields. It’s recognized as a leading institution in Japan for social welfare education and research, with a strong focus on fostering professionals who can contribute to a better society. The university has multiple campuses and offers a broad range of programs across faculties like social welfare, education, health sciences, economics, and nursing.
While NFU has a respected reputation in its specialized field, it has a fairly high acceptance rate for international students. For 2025 admissions for foreign students, the acceptance rate was 76.5% (75 admitted out of 98 applicants). NFU actively supports both domestic and international students and is noted for its commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and research that directly addresses societal challenges.
3. Tokyo University of Information Sciences
Tokyo University of Information Sciences (TUIS) is a private university in Chiba, Japan, founded in 1988 by the Tokyo NODAI Educational Corporation. The university’s educational philosophy is “Contemporary Practicality” and “Independence and Cooperation,” focusing on training students with both professional skills and liberal arts knowledge to meet societal needs. TUIS offers undergraduate and graduate programs primarily within the Faculty of Informatics, which includes departments like Information Systems, Environmental Information, Business & Information, and Media & Cultural Studies. It also features a Faculty of Nursing and a Graduate School of Informatics.
The university’s reputation is built on its focus on informatics, a field that has become increasingly vital. It was the first private university in Japan to incorporate the word “information” into its name. TUIS places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, and research in fields like data analysis, information security, and media studies. The university also offers various support systems for students, including language courses for international students, to ensure a well-rounded and successful academic experience.
There are two admissions rounds for international students. In 2025, around 70% of all international applicants were accepted for bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of General Information, which is a very high acceptance rate for a Japanese university. What’s even more is that the early admission acceptance rate was even higher. However, note that this rate may vary according to the area of study in which you are interested such as nursing or graduate school.
4. Kwansei Gakuin University (School of International Studies)
Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU), located in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, is a prominent private, non-denominational Christian university in Japan. Established in 1889, it’s known for its commitment to providing a holistic education based on its motto, “Mastery for Service,” which encourages students to use their talents for the betterment of society. KGU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across its 14 undergraduate and 14 graduate schools, with a strong emphasis on international exchange and fostering global citizens. It has a distinctive architectural style, inspired by the Spanish Mission style, which gives its main campus a unique and beautiful appearance.
KGU has a School of International Studies, which provides English-based tracks for international students. For that track, the acceptance rate was 66.7% (16 admitted out of 24 applicants) for 2025 admissions. important to note that KGU is a selective institution. The acceptance rate for the Japanese-based track is a lot lower and is around 20% – 30%.
5. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS)
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) is a private university located in Kyoto, Japan, with a history dating back to its founding in 1947. As its name suggests, the university specializes in foreign language education and international studies, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in nine languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and French. KUFS is known for its strong focus on practical language skills and its efforts to create a multicultural campus environment, which is a significant part of its educational philosophy. The university’s mission is to foster global citizens who can contribute to international society.
It’s worth noting that KUFS is a private institution, and it does have a high acceptance rate for international students. For 2025 admissions for international students, the acceptance rate was 62.8% (93 admitted out of 148 applicants), which is a fairly high number. The university actively attracts a significant number of international students and has special admissions procedures for them.
6. Kanazawa University
Kanazawa University was established in 1949 and has since grown in size to accommodate more students. This Japanese university makes our list of high-acceptance rate universities. At the moment, there are over 11,000 students in total (8,000 undergrads and 2,200 postgrads) enrolled in various courses. This population is distributed across two main campuses: Takaramachi and Kakuma campuses. These universities are also divided into 16 schools and three colleges specializing in various areas of study.
Regarding acceptance rates, the privately funded international students’ 2025 data shows 13 admitted out of 23 applicants and 19 examinees, so around 60% acceptance rate (13 admitted out of 23 applicants). Of course, it might vary by year, subject, and degree, so please take note of it.
7. Nagasaki University
Nagasaki University is a national university located in the city of Nagasaki, Japan, with a long and unique history tied to the city’s role as a gateway to international trade and its recovery from the atomic bombing of 1945. Its origins trace back to 1857 with the establishment of Japan’s first Western-style medical school. Today, the university offers a broad range of programs across several faculties, including medicine, economics, engineering, and environmental sciences. Its mission is to contribute to global peace and development through high-quality education and research, with a particular focus on fields like tropical medicine and radiation health, given its history.
While the university has a respected reputation and is considered a top-tier institution in Japan, it does have a fairly high acceptance rate for international students. For 2025 entry for international students, the acceptance rate was 29.7% (22 admitted out of 74 applicants). For 2024 entry for international students, the acceptance rate was 52.2% (35 admitted out of 67 applicants). So, the acceptance rate varies quite a bit each year.
8. Kagawa University
Kagawa University, a national university located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, was established in 1949 by the consolidation of several older institutions, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. As one of the core national universities in the Shikoku region, it offers a diverse range of academic disciplines through its six faculties: Education, Law, Economics, Medicine, Engineering and Design, and Agriculture. The university prides itself on its strong connection to the local community while also engaging in pioneering research and international collaboration.
Despite being a national university with a respected reputation, Kagawa University has a fairly high acceptance rate for international students. For 2025 undergraduate admissions for international students, the acceptance rate was 27.0% (10 admitted out of 37 applicants). For 2024 admissions, the acceptance rate was 34.3% (12 admitted out of 35 applicants).
9. Nihon University
Nihon University, or Nichidai, is a large and well-known private research university in Japan, founded in 1889 as Nihon Law School. As one of the country’s most expansive academic institutions, it boasts a federation of 16 colleges and 87 departments, spanning a vast array of fields from humanities and medicine to engineering and art. The university’s size and diverse academic offerings contribute to its significant presence and influence in Japanese society, with alumni having a notable impact in various industries and public life.
Due to its sheer size and wide range of programs, Nihon University is often considered to have a high acceptance rate compared to many other top-tier universities in Japan. While the specific acceptance rate can vary significantly by college and department, its overall size and varied offerings can make it more accessible to a broad spectrum of students. According to 2025 admissions data, the acceptance rate for international students was 31.7% (747 accepted out of 2,355 applicants). Some faculty have a much higher acceptance rate. For example, the College of Commerce has a 66.4% acceptance rate for both rounds (71 accepted out of 107 applicants). Its reputation for practical education and strong connections to industry also make it a popular choice for students seeking a wide range of career paths.
10. University of Kitakyushu
The University of Kitakyushu, a public university in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1946 as a language academy before becoming a full-fledged university. It has two campuses, Kitagata and Hibikino, and offers a wide range of academic programs across its faculties, including Foreign Studies, Economics and Business Administration, Humanities, Law, and Environmental Engineering. The university is known for its strong ties to the local community and its commitment to tackling regional issues and promoting international exchange.
While the University of Kitakyushu is a public institution with a solid academic reputation, the acceptance rate for international students is quite reasonable. In the 2025 undergraduate international admissions, the acceptance rate was 20.0% (22 admitted out of 110 applicants. For 2024 admissions, the acceptance rate was 19.1% ( 17 admitted out of 89 applicants). Its admissions process is fairly competitive, requiring students to perform well on entrance examinations. The university’s focus on international collaboration and its location in a major industrial city make it an attractive option for students interested in fields like environmental engineering and urban development.
FAQs: Studying in Japan
Can You Easily Get Into Japanese Universities?
The answer is no for most universities. In Japan, the highest acceptance rate is around 60%, indicating that they are still selective. More selective universities can range from 20% to 30%.
Which University in Japan is the Hardest to Get Into?
Kyoto University is one of the hardest Japanese universities to get into, with an estimated acceptance rate of 15% – 25%, depending on the faculty and program. The university has 125 years of history in providing education to local and international students, and today, it is considered one of the most prestigious institutions in the country.
We hope that this article on the universities in Japan with high acceptance rates was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Japan, you’ll find valuable resources on the Japan Page including several Available Programs.
