Japan is one of the world’s largest economies and is widely known for its strengths in technology, electronics, research, and education. Its higher education system includes national, public, and private universities, junior colleges, colleges of technology, and professional training colleges. In 2025, Japan had approximately 2.97 million students enrolled across universities, and several Japanese universities continue to appear in major global rankings. Students interested in learning more can read our guide to higher education in Japan.
Universities in Japan with Low Rates of Acceptance
1. Tokyo Institute of Technology
Also known as Tokyo Tech, Tokyo Institute of Technology became part of the Institute of Science Tokyo, also called Science Tokyo, on October 1, 2024, after its merger with Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Located in Tokyo, Science Tokyo remains a major national university for science, engineering, medicine, and dental sciences.
Science Tokyo is one of Japan’s leading universities and is ranked highly in current global university rankings. Its science and engineering fields are organized into six schools, while its medical and dental sciences fields are organized into two faculties and two graduate schools. The university is especially known for research, science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education.
2. Waseda University
Established in 1882, Waseda University is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected private universities. Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, it has 13 undergraduate schools and 23 graduate schools, offering programs across the humanities, social sciences, business, law, science, engineering, and other fields.
Waseda is also known for its global outlook and alumni network. It has produced more than 688,000 alumni worldwide and is ranked 201st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, where it was also listed first among Japan’s private universities.
3. Keio University
Keio University is one of Japan’s oldest and best-known private universities. Founded in 1858, it has 10 undergraduate faculties and 14 graduate schools, and it offers a wide range of programs across the humanities, social sciences, medicine, science, technology, and other fields.
Keio has a large international community, with approximately 2,100 international students and students representing 81 countries and regions. The university is also highly regarded in current global rankings and placed 213th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
4. University of Tsukuba
The University of Tsukuba is a national research university in Tsukuba, Ibaraki. The current university was established in 1973 after the relocation of its predecessor, Tokyo University of Education, to the Tsukuba area. It traces its roots to institutions founded in the 19th century.
The University of Tsukuba is especially strong in research and has links to three Nobel laureates. Its academic strengths include science, technology, medicine, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. It is ranked 351st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
5. Tokyo University of Science
Tokyo University of Science is one of Japan’s oldest private universities of science and technology. It was founded in 1881 and is known for education and research in science, engineering, technology, pharmacy, and related fields.
The university has seven undergraduate faculties and 33 departments, with more than 16,000 undergraduate students. It is also notable for being the first Japanese private university to have produced a Nobel Prize recipient among its graduates.
6. Hitotsubashi University
Next on our list of universities in Japan with low acceptance rates is Hitotsubashi University, a national university in Tokyo. Founded in 1875, Hitotsubashi is especially known for the humanities and social sciences, including commerce, management, economics, law, social sciences, and social data science.
Hitotsubashi University has about 6,200 students, including about 900 international students. It is made up of five faculties, six graduate schools, and one institute, making it a focused institution for students interested in social science-related fields.
7. Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS)
A national university devoted to international studies, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, or TUFS, is located in Fuchu, Tokyo. TUFS traces its history to 1873 and was established as a new-system university in 1949.
TUFS is known for language, culture, area studies, and international studies. It offers education in 28 major languages and additional language courses covering about 80 languages in total. The university has 663 international students from 76 countries, giving it a highly international learning environment.
8. Nihon University
Nihon University is a large private university in Japan. Founded in 1889, it has about 70,000 students and offers a broad range of programs through 16 colleges and 86 undergraduate departments, as well as graduate-level schools and majors.
Nihon University began as Nihon Law School and remains known for the breadth of its academic offerings. Its wide program selection makes it one of Japan’s most comprehensive private universities.
9. University of Tokyo
If a list of universities in Japan with low acceptance rates is to be made, the name of the University of Tokyo cannot be missed. It is one of the most renowned public research universities in Japan and was founded in 1877.
The University of Tokyo has 10 faculties and 15 graduate schools. It is ranked 39th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, making it one of the highest-ranked universities in Japan. Its law-related programs and other academic fields are widely recognized.
10. Sophia University
Sophia University is a private university located in Tokyo. It is known for its international outlook, English-taught programs, and diverse student body. According to Sophia’s official data, about one in eight students is a foreign national.
Sophia University is also known for strong career support. The university reports that approximately 97% of its graduates secure employment after graduation, making employability one of its notable strengths.
We hope that this article on Japanese universities with low acceptance rates was helpful. To learn more information, check out the Japan Page and browse some of the popular Available Programs for International Students.
