Top Universities in Japan: Programs, Costs, and What You Need to Know to Get In

Japan is known for its advanced technology, rich culture, and high-quality education, making it a popular destination for students from all over the world. With so many top-tier institutions to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to begin. This guide will take you through Japan’s most renowned universities, explore the programs they offer, break down the cost of studying, and give you all the insider tips on how to successfully apply and secure your place in one of these academic powerhouses.

1. University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo was Japan’s first national university when it opened in 1877. It offers courses on the full range of academia and possesses 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools, 11 affiliated institutes of research (such as the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology), 13 university-wide centres, three primary libraries and three institutes of advanced study.

Students are educated on three major campuses in Hongo, Komaba and Kashiwa, but there are facilities affiliated with the university across Japan. The university has a somewhat unconventional course pattern in that students take a liberal arts program at one campus for their first two years before moving to a different campus to study their chosen field.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 32

Popular Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Law, International Relations, Business

Cost of Study:

• Admission Fee: ¥282,000
• Undergraduate Tuition: Around ¥535,800 per year (approximately $4,800 USD).
• Graduate Tuition: Approximately ¥535,800 annually (the same as undergrad).

Other costs (such as entrance fees and student health insurance) might bring your total cost to about ¥800,000 to ¥1,000,000 per year.

2. Kyoto University

Kyoto University is one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions and is known for its emphasis on independent thinking and research. It always ranks well in top rankings, often ranking in the top two in Japan, the top 10 in Asia, and among the top 50 universities globally, cementing its position as a top institution. Numerous accomplished researchers, including 11 Nobel Prize winners, have graduated from the school.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 50

Popular Programs: Medicine, Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies

Cost of Study:

• Admission Fee: ¥282,000
• Undergraduate Tuition: ¥535,800 per year (about $4,800 USD).
• Graduate Tuition: Roughly the same as undergrad, around ¥535,800 annually.

Overall living expenses (including housing and food) will vary, but estimate about ¥1,200,000 to ¥1,500,000 per year.

3. Osaka University

Located in Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka University is a renowned institution known for its innovative research and emphasis on global partnerships. It offers a range of programs that focus on interdisciplinary studies, making it ideal for students who want to explore a variety of fields.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 86

Popular Programs: Engineering, International Studies, Business Administration, Science, Health Sciences

Cost of Study:

• Admission Fee: ¥ 150,000 
• Undergraduate Tuition: ¥535,800 per year.
• Graduate Tuition: ¥535,800 per year (the same).

Living costs are approximately ¥1,000,000 to ¥1,300,000 per year.

4. Tohoku University

Tohoku University is a top Japanese research university, and it stands out particularly in terms of material science, engineering, and the physical sciences. International collaboration is a priority at the university, and it has extensive English-taught programs for undergraduates and graduates. The university also gained a reputation for disaster resilience research, given its past and the efforts it made to recover following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 107

Popular Programs: International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, as well as undergraduate programs in areas like molecular chemistry and marine biology

Cost of Study:

• Admission Fee: ¥282,000
• Undergraduate Programs:  ¥535,800 per year
• Graduate Programs: ¥535,800 per year​

Living Expenses: Estimated at ¥70,000 to ¥80,000 per month in Sendai.

5. Tokyo Institute of Technology

The Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) is among Japan’s top research universities, well known for its scientific, technological, and engineering education excellence. Founded in 1881, it has earned a solid reputation in academics as well as innovation, and hence it is a popular choice for students from around the world. Students are offered world-class laboratories, equipment, and technology to aid their studies and research work.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 84

Cost of Study:

• Admission Fee: ¥282,000
• Undergraduate students: Approximately ¥535,800 per year.
• Graduate students: Around ¥535,800 per year.

The average living expenses in Tokyo are around ¥100,000 to ¥150,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

6. Nagoya University

Nagoya University is one of Japan’s leading national universities, known for its excellent programs in science, engineering. Many Nobel Prize laureates, particularly in the sciences and chemistry, have been affiliated with Nagoya University.  The Nagoya University Global 30 project offers a variety of English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs.  There are nine faculties and thirteen graduate schools at the university, which is famous for its scientific studies.  There are 3 research institutes and 18 research centers within Nagoya University.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 152

Popular Programs: Automotive engineering, International development, and Materials science

Cost of Study:

Admission Fee: ¥282,000

¥535,800 per academic year. The tuition fee is the same for both undergraduate and graduate students.

7. Keio University

Keio University is one of the oldest universities in Japan. It was founded in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa. It has a great record for both teaching and research and has existed for a very long time. It is one of the most renowned institutions in Japan and is found in Tokyo. Keio University is also very well-liked by foreign students because of its strong focus on international education and its wide global network of partner universities.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 188

Popular Programs: Business , Economics , Law , Media Studies,Law, International Relations.

Cost of Study:

• Admission Fee: ¥200,000
• Undergraduate Tuition: ¥1,200,000 to ¥1,500,000 per year.
• Graduate Tuition: Around ¥1,500,000 per year, depending on the program.

Keio’s living costs are similar to other major cities in Japan, so the budget is around ¥1,200,000 to ¥1,500,000 annually.

8. Hokkaido University

Hokkaido University, situated in Sapporo, Japan, is the country’s oldest and largest university. It has 12 undergraduate faculties and 21 graduate schools, with a wide variety of academic courses. Hokkaido University is well known for its vast, green campus.

QS World University Ranking 2025 # 173

Popular Programs: Linguistics, International Relations, Business Administration, and Management

Cost of Study:

¥535,800 per year​. The tuition fee is the same for both undergraduate and graduate students.

How to Apply and What You Need to Know About Scholarships

With the information above about the best universities in Japan, their courses, fees, and requirements for admission, the next step is to prepare your application. Here’s some important information on the application process and the available scholarships.

Application Process

The Japanese university application process may be a bit unique compared to other nations, so getting started early is important. The following are the general steps to take:

Step 1: Select Your Program

First, pick a program that caters to your academic and professional aspirations. Research every program thoroughly to know its course structure, duration of study, as well as its faculty.

Step 2: Fulfill Admission Requirements

Universities will generally ask for evidence of your prior academic qualifications. For undergraduate courses, you might need to provide your high school diploma and test scores such as the SAT or ACT. For graduate courses, you will need a Bachelor’s degree, and you might need to provide supporting documents such as your research proposal, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

Step 3: Language Proficiency

Numerous universities in Japan provide English language programs, so proof of proficiency in the English language (through TOEFL, IELTS, or other tests approved by the universities) is generally a requirement. In case you’re applying for a Japanese language program, you’ll have to prove your language skills in Japanese (JLPT).

Step 4: Entrance Exams (EJU or Equivalent)

If you’re applying for an undergraduate course, you may need to sit the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students). Others take other standard tests, but the EJU is widely used as an entrance test for international students.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After you have prepared your documents and cleared any exams that are required, you can submit your application either through the university portal or by post. Ensure that you submit all your required documents within the deadline. 

Step 6: Interview or Further Testing (if relevant)

Depending on the program, you might be asked to come in for an interview or further testing (either remotely or in person). This is especially the case for graduate-level programs or competitive courses.

Other Well Reputed Universities In Japan

Conclusion

Japanese universities are a doorway to a world-class education. From advanced research to a variety of fields to explore, Japan provides an environment that encourages personal and intellectual growth. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, giving you more than just a degree—but a chance to experience life in a truly inspiring setting.