Japan exerts a great influence on many countries, from culinary talent to iconic artistic styles to digital transformations. Blending ancient traditions with pioneering technology fosters a humble yet innovative perspective, an approach that education should take. In this article we will analyze the most notable universities in Japan for international students.
Japan is an archipelago country in Asia and is known as one of the most technologically advanced nations. It is the third largest economy in the world, demonstrating its resilience despite being prone to natural adversities.
Is Japan a good place to study for international students?
Japan, one of the most literate countries in the world, is consistently ranked among the top 10 countries in Asia and the world in terms of higher education, encouraging internationalization through Japanese universities through support programs such as the Japan Scholarship. Japanese Government (MEXT). Its economy also has a high demand for foreign workers, and international students are encouraged to stay in the country after university.
Living in Japan offers a unique experience with its stunning landscape, incredible cuisine and intriguing inventions. It also has advanced medical technology and efficient public transportation. Although the cost of living may be slightly higher, tuition fees are more affordable than in the US or the UK, ranging between $3,000 and $20,000. It is an affordable way to study world-class research programs and opportunities, especially in science and technology.
Can foreign students work and study in Japan?
Generally, the Japanese student visa does not allow students to work. However, international students at universities in Japan can apply to the Minister of Justice for an exemption. You can process this authorization at the nearest Immigration Office.
Once the application is approved, student visa holders can work part-time in Japan as long as it does not conflict with their studies. You can work up to 28 hours per week and a maximum of 8 hours per day during spring, summer or winter vacations.
Jobs related to adult entertainment services (for example, gaming establishments) are not permitted, even if the work is not front-line. See the Japan Student Services Organization guide for more information on job categories and hourly rates.
You can request a separate authorization from the same office if you wish to work more hours. For unpaid internships and similar activities, you do not need to apply for any permit.
Can foreign students stay in Japan after graduation?
Bilingual and multilingual employees are in high demand in various Japanese industries, so foreign graduates are encouraged to stay in Japan. After graduation, you can stay and look for a job for six months which can be renewed once for a maximum of one year. Your visa status changes from “Student” to undertaking “Designated Activities”. You can process it at the nearest Immigration Office, where you will fill out an application form and prepare the essential documents.
Once hired, the duration of the job will depend on your specialty and sector. You can find more information on the Japan Student Services Organization website .
10 Good universities in Japan for foreign students
1. University of Tokyo (UTokyo/Todai)
The University of Tokyo is Japan’s first national university, founded in 1877. The University of Tokyo is one of the most recommended universities in Japan for international students, with campuses in Hongō, Komaba, Kashiwa and Nakano. UTokyo has ten faculties, including science, medicine, engineering, agriculture, economics, education, law, and arts and sciences. Among its 15 graduate schools in the same areas of study, economics and law stand out as the most eminent. Several of these programs are taught in English, especially the graduate courses.
The university carries out world-class research in cooperation with various local and foreign industries. Additionally, UTokio has produced notable alumni, from prime ministers to astronauts to Pritzker Prize and Nobel laureates. Its long-standing academic prestige makes it the best university for international students in Japan.
2. Kyoto University (Kyodai)
Kyoto University is the second oldest in Japan, founded in 1897 following the principle of “freedom of academic culture.” It has ten faculties offering a wide range of subjects such as integrated human studies, education and medicine, to name a few.
Among its eighteen graduate schools are areas of advanced study such as energy sciences and global environmental studies. Kyodai is also known for her cutting-edge research, especially in chemistry, biology and biochemistry, and pharmacology.
Kyoto University consistently ranks in major university rankings, including one of the top 10 in Asia, one of the top 50 in the world, and one of Japan’s top universities. Its modern and avant-garde facilities in a quiet and historic city offer a unique experience to international students.
3. Tohoku University (Tohokudai)
Tohoku University is a higher education institution located in Miyagi Prefecture. This leading university in Japan offers extensive undergraduate and graduate programs in almost all fields of knowledge. Additionally, she is known for her research achievements. Tohukodai’s highest-ranked research program is Materials Science, which is ranked first in Japan and third in the world. The institution also excels in physics, toxicology, pharmacology and chemistry.
Tohokudai was the first university in Japan to accept female students in 1913, and has maintained its progressive and inclusive vision to this day. In addition to being a pioneer in gender equality, Tohokudai leads extensive international collaborations for teaching and research.
4. Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech / Tokodai / TIT)
Tokyo Institute of Technology, one of Japan’s best universities for international students, is dedicated to science and technology. It has three degree schools in engineering, science and bioscience and biotechnology. Information science, decision science and innovation management are added to the areas of study in its graduate programs.
Tokodai applies practical research and a hands-on approach in its research units, such as the leading DLab (Laboratory for Design and Social Innovation) and ELSI (Earth and Life Sciences Institute).
Tokyo Tech offers comprehensive degree programs in English. It hosts an International Postgraduate Program, special for international students with high academic potential.
5. Nagoya University (NU/Meidai)
Nagoya University began as a temporary medical school in 1871 and became a national university in 1947. Today, NU follows the principles of freedom, openness and entrepreneurship in its nine faculties and 13 graduate schools. It has a deep tradition in chemistry and physics and has world-class research achievements in these fields. NU has produced notable alumni who have become ambassadors, CEOs and Nobel Prize winners.
Meidai offers more than 1,000 courses in English, has 2,200 foreign students and participates in an interactive global exchange every year. The university’s open tradition fosters education on a global scale.
6. Japan University of Occupational and Environmental Health (UOEH)
The University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, one of Japan’s leading universities for international students, is a private university dedicated to occupational health. It was created in 1978 under the Industrial Health and Safety Law, which obliges Japanese companies to ensure the health of their workers by appointing occupational doctors.
Thus, this institution spearheads the training of these medical professionals. In addition to occupational health training, it offers programs in medicine, nursing and industrial ecological sciences.
UOEH facilitates the Asia International Educational Program for Graduate Students, in which selected international students are exempt from paying tuition fees. It also has a world-renowned Animal Research Center and Radioscopic Research Center.
7. Osaka University (OU/Handai)
Osaka University is a research university with roots in ancient Japanese schools, including a samurai school. Despite its historic academic tradition, it is first in Japan and 35th worldwide on Thomson Reuters’ list of the world’s most innovative universities. Handai’s research units focus on practical sciences, such as regenerative medicine and robotics. Sony founder Akio Morita is an OU alumnus.
Currently, the OU has 11 faculties and 16 graduate schools. It is known above all for the areas of natural sciences, chemical engineering, dentistry and physics and astronomy. One of Japan’s universities renowned for its innovative approach, Handai is an excellent place for international learning.
8. Kyushu University (Kyudai)
Kyushu University is a Japanese national university offering high-level teaching, research and medical activities. This leading university in Japan began as a medical school in 1903 and has expanded to the present day with 11 undergraduate schools, 17 graduate schools, three affiliated research centers and a university hospital.
It is famous for hydrogen energy research and is a world-class medical school. The institution’s action plan includes education, research, social contribution and international cooperation.
Kyudai has branches in San Jose (United States) and Cairo (Egypt). In addition, she collaborates with more than 100 universities around the world and has been selected for the Top Global University Project, the Japanese initiative program for international academic competitiveness.
9. Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)
Tokyo Medical and Dental University is a leading institution in Japan in medicine, dentistry and related fields such as biomedical and health sciences. In 1965, the university added the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where students learn the ethical standards of the health professions.
Currently, TMDU is the only national university with this faculty. It has a Research Institute in Biomaterials and Bioengineering, a Medical Research Center and two teaching hospitals (medicine and dentistry).
This specialized university has a modest student population, but has more than 6% international students, the majority from Asian countries. TMDU’s Faculty of Medicine participates in exchange programs with Imperial College London, while its dental departments collaborate with schools in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
10. University of Tsukuba
The University of Tsukuba began as a Normal School in 1872, Japan’s first teaching school. Following this history, this leading university in Japan became a precursor of university reform. It has various study programs and stands out especially for its STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine) and physical education fields. Today, it is located in the Tsukuba Science City science park and has a campus in Tokyo that offers graduate programs for working adults.
The university is committed to interdisciplinary studies and internationalization with several universities such as Taiwan, California, the North African region, etc. The University of Tsukuba’s comprehensive programs and progressive approach make it an extraordinary international academic experience.
We hope that this article about the best universities in Japan for international students encourages you to make a decision and be able to study on the Asian continent.
