Ultimate Guide to Universities in Japan with English Programmes

With the increasing globalization of Japanese universities, there has been a rise in programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels that enable students to earn degrees through English-taught courses, with no hindrance related to Japanese language proficiency. This selection highlights some of the well-known Japanese universities offering degree programs in English, providing an attractive opportunity for international students seeking a diverse range of academic experiences in Japan.

When it comes to international schools in Tokyo, several names stand out. While these schools offer diverse educational experiences, they share tuition and fees ranging from 2 to 3 million yen per year, excluding additional expenses.

If you are looking for accommodation while studying at university in Tokyo, Housing Japan and Kens Place have some great short- and long-term rental options near to many of the main Universities throughout Tokyo. A furnished short-term rental, Like what Kens Place offers, can give more flexibility and remove the initial costs of furnishing an apartment. A long-term apartment, offered through Housing Japan, gives you security and the freedom to make a place your own.

The University of Tokyo

• The University of Tokyo, often referred to as “Todai” was established in 1877, the university was the nation’s first Imperial University and is considered to be the most selective and prestigious university in Japan.
• It offers various graduate-level programs in English, such as the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences and the Graduate Program in Sustainability Science.
• The University of Tokyo is considered a top research institution of Japan. It receives the largest amount of national grants for research institutions
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 2
• Website: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/index.html
• Location: 7 Chome-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8654

Waseda University

• Waseda is regarded as one of the most selective and prestigious universities in Japanese university rankings, particularly for its humanities and social sciences education.
• It offers English-taught programs like the Waseda University International Program (WIP) and the Global Leadership Program (GLP).
• Waseda has a diverse and international student body and is known for its strong connections with industry.
• Website: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/admission/en/
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 14
• Location: 1 Chome-104 Totsukamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-8050

Keio University

• Keio University is the oldest institute of western higher education in Japan. Its founder, Fukuzawa Yukichi, originally established it as a school for Western studies in 1858 in the Edo period.
• It offers the Keio University International Program (KIP) for undergraduate studies and various English-taught graduate programs.
• Keio has a long history and is renowned for its academic excellence.
• Website: https://www.keio.ac.jp/en/
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 12
• Location: 2 Chome-15-45 Mita, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0073

Sophia University

• Sophia University offers a range of programs in English, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as liberal arts, business, and international relations.
• Sophia University is a highly globalised university with international students from 77 countries and exchange agreements with 400 universities in 81 countries. The university attracts many students from across Japan and abroad.
• It has a strong emphasis on international education and global perspectives.
• Website: https://adm.sophia.ac.jp/eng/admissions/ug_p/en_ug/
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 22
• Location: Yotsuya Campus 7-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-8554

Tokyo Institute of Technology

• Tokyo Tech offers international graduate programs and research opportunities conducted in English.
• The university is particularly strong in science and engineering fields.
• Tokyo Tech is the largest institution for higher education in Japan dedicated to science and technology, one of first five Designated National University and selected as a Top Type university of Top Global University Project by the Japanese government. 
• Website: https://www.titech.ac.jp/english
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 4
• Location: 2 Chome-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-8550

Rikkyo University

• Rikkyo University, also known as Saint Paul’s University offers a Global Liberal Arts Program (GLAP) in English, which provides a well-rounded education.
• Rikkyo is one of the six leading universities in the field of sports in Tokyo and the university’s deviation value is in the top 10 in the ranking of private universities in Japan
• It also has various English-taught graduate programs in areas like business and international relations.
• Website: https://english.rikkyo.ac.jp/index.html
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 40
• Location: 3 Chome-34-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-8501

Meiji University

• Meiji University offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in English, including the Global Japanese Studies Program.
• The university has a strong presence in various academic fields and business and has highly selective admissions, with an acceptance rate averaging around 15%. 
• Established in 1881 as Meiji Law School  by three Meiji-era lawyers, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Japan.
• Website: https://www.titech.ac.jp/english
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 45
• Location: 1 Chome-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-8301

HOSEI University

• HOSEI offers degree-seeking programs taught in English called “English-based Degree Programs”. Since 2016 Hosei University has expanded its English-based degree programs to include subjects such as: global business, sustainability co-creation, and science and technology. 
• HOSEI is known for its strong ties to industry and a wide range of research opportunities
• Website: https://www.hosei.ac.jp/
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 59
• Location: 2 Chome-17-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-8160

Temple University, Japan Campus

• Temple University in Japan, is an international campus of Temple University (located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States).
• It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in English, including programs in business, law, and communication.
• Website: https://www.tuj.ac.jp
• Location: 1 Chome-14-29 Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0004

International Christian University (ICU)

• ICU is known for its bilingual education and offers English-based undergraduate programs.
• The university has a strong emphasis on liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies.
• Nearly 1 in 3 full-time faculty are international faculty.
• Website: https://www.icu.ac.jp/en/
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 10
• Location: 3 Chome-10-2 Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8585

Tokyo College of Music

• Tokyo College of Music is a private music school and It was founded as Toyo Conservatory of Music
• It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in music, many of which are taught in English.
• It is an excellent choice for students passionate about music and performance.
• Website: https://www.tokyo-ondai.ac.jp/en
• Location: 1 Chome-9-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051

Universities outside Tokyo

Kyoto University

• Kyoto University, located in Kyoto, offers programs in English with a focus on Economics, Biostudies, and energy sciences.
• It’s a public research university and is one of the former Imperial Universities and the second oldest university in Japan.
• KyotoU is consistently ranked amongst the top five in Japan, the top twenty five in Asia, and the world’s top sixty institutions of higher education.
• Website: https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 5
• Location: 63-1 Tanabeyuden, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0331

International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA)

• iCLA is Yamanashi Gakuin University’s International College of Liberal Arts and is located in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• It provides a liberal arts education in English with a focus on critical thinking and global perspectives.
• Yamanashi Gakuin University is an comprehensive educational institution from kindergarten to university and graduate school. (YGU) sits at the core of the whole institution, and aims to contribute to society by nurturing in students knowledge and creativity, a globalized perspective and deep understanding of and appreciation for Japanese culture.
• The campus is situated in a scenic area close to the Japanese Alps.
• Website: https://www.icla.ygu.ac.jp/en/
• Location: 2 Chome-7-17 Sakaori, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0805

Kyushu University

• Kyushu University, based in Fukuoka, offers several graduate programs in English, including engineering, international development, and science.
• It was the 4th Imperial University in Japan, ranked as 6th in the 2023 Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings and selected as a Top Type university of Top Global University Project by the Japanese government.
• Kyudai is recognized for its research contributions and international collaborations and is a member of the Alliance of Asian Liberal Arts Universities along with the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Peking University and others.
• Website: https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/
• Location: Ito Campus 744 Motooka, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka, 819-0395

University of Tsukuba

• The University of Tsukuba is a public research university located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. It is a top 10 Designated National University, and was ranked Type A by the Japanese government as part of the Top Global University Project.
• The university is primarily focused on STEMM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine), Physical Education and related interdisciplinary fields. 
• It offers various graduate programs in English, including international business, environmental sciences, and computer science.
• It is known for its research and innovation.
• Website: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 6
• Location: 1 Chome-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577

Ritsumeikan University

• Ritsumeikan University offers a range of English-taught programs, including the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, which focuses on international relations and sustainability.
• Also known as one of Western Japan’s most prestigious universities and is renowned for its Social Sciences, particularly International Relations (IR), as well as its Science & Engineering department
• The university also has English-taught graduate programs in various fields.
• Website: https://en.ritsumei.ac.jp
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: Oita – 22 and Kyoto – 31
• Location: 56-1 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8577

Doshisha University

• Doshisha University, also referred to as Dodai, is a private university in Kyoto City, Japan. It’s one of the most prestigious universities in Japan today, with particularly strong influence in the Kansai region, and is considered one of the most selective private universities in Japan
• It offers English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs, including Global Studies and Global Business Administration.
• The university is known for its strong emphasis on global education and has a diverse student body.
• Website: https://intad.doshisha.ac.jp/en/
• Japan Times Higher Education Rank: 43
• Location: Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0898

NUCB Undergraduate School

• NUCB Undergraduate School, is part of Nagoya University of Commerce and Business (NUCB), , is a non-profit Japanese private university in Nisshin, Aichi in the Tokai region of Japan. The second campus was opened in Nagoya.
• It offers programs in English and specializes in business-related fields and has a strong emphasis on international business education.
• The second campus was opened in Nagoya.
• Their MBA is the only program in Japan to have earned all three major international accreditations for management schools (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA) and has consistently been ranked first in Japan by QS and FT, the world’s top MBA rankings.
• Website: https://www.nucba.ac.jp/en/
• apan Times Higher Education Rank: 99
• Location: Sagamine-4-4 Komenokicho, Nisshin, Aichi 470-0193

Next Steps: University Applications and Visa Information

Applying to Japanese universities typically involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught programs), and often a personal statement or essay. Most universities have application deadlines between November and February for April enrollment, or May to July for September/October intake. Once accepted, international students must apply for a Student Visa (留学ビザ, Ryūgaku Visa) through the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country. This requires a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau, which your university will help you obtain. The visa application process typically takes 1-3 months, so it’s advisable to begin preparations well in advance. Students should also prepare proof of financial support showing they can cover living expenses (approximately 1.5 million yen per year) during their studies in Japan.

Q&As

Can international students study in English at Japanese universities?

Yes, many prestigious Japanese universities offer complete degree programs taught entirely in English, including The University of Tokyo, Waseda University, and Sophia University, eliminating the need for Japanese language proficiency.

What are the tuition fees for international students in Japan?

Tuition ranges from ¥535,800 per year at public universities to ¥1,500,000-3,000,000 at private institutions. English-taught programs typically cost ¥2,000,000-3,000,000 annually, excluding additional expenses.

What is the application process for international students in Japan?

Submit academic transcripts, test scores (TOEFL/IELTS), recommendation letters, and application forms to universities. After acceptance, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before applying for a Student Visa at your local Japanese embassy.

Which areas in Tokyo are best for international students to live?

Popular areas include Shinjuku and Takadanobaba (Waseda University), Hongō and Nezu (University of Tokyo), Shibuya and Yoyogi (Keio), and Yotsuya (Sophia University). All offer excellent transportation and student-friendly amenities. Check out Housing Japan for places to rent in these areas here

Do international students need to speak Japanese to study in Japan?

No, many degree programs are taught entirely in English. However, basic Japanese skills are beneficial for daily life, and most programs offer optional language courses to help students integrate into local society.

What Next?

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