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.

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
• Website: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/index.html

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/

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 Edo.
• 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/

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/

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

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

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

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/english/?auth=9abbb458a78210eb174f4bdd385bcf54

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

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/

Tokyo College of Music

• Tokyo College of Music is. 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

Universities outside Tokyo

Kyoto International University

• Kyoto International University, located in Kyoto, offers programs in English with a focus on global affairs, global studies, and social sciences.
• It’s a public research university located in Kyoto and is one of the former Imperial Universities and the second oldest university in Japan.
• KyotoU is consistently ranked amongst the top two in Japan, the top ten in Asia, and the world’s top fifty institutions of higher education.
• It provides a unique opportunity to study in the culturally rich city of Kyoto.
• Website: https://www.kyotoiu.ac.jp/en

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 profound 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/

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 2020 Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings, one of the top 10 Designated National University 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/

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/

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

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/

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://mba.nucba.ac.jp/en/

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