Universities in Japan ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 783 Universities in Japan

Japan is divided into 47 prefectures (Japanese: todōfuken). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in the prefectures of Tokyo, which is home to the capital and largest city, as well as Osaka, Aichi, Hyogo, and Hokkaido. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all prefectures that include at least one Japanese higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Aichi (51)  
Akita (7)  
Aomori (10)  
Chiba (28)  
Ehime (5)  
Fukui (6)  
Fukuoka (35)  
Fukushima (8)  
Gifu (12)  
Gumma (3)  
Gunma (12)  
Hiroshima (21)  
Hokkaido (37)  
Hyogo (35)  
Ibaraki (10)  
Ishikawa (13)  
Iwate (6)  
Kagawa (4)  
Kagoshima (6)  
Kanagawa (31)  
Kochi (4)  
Kumamoto (9)  
Kyoto (33)  
Mie (7)  
Miyagi (14)  
Miyazaki (7)  
Nagano (11)  
Nagasaki (8)  
Nara (10)  
Niigata (21)  
Oita (5)  
Okayama (17)  
Okinawa (8)  
Osaka (53)  
Saga (2)  
Saitama (27)  
Seki (1)  
Shiga (8)  
Shimane (2)  
Shizuoka (13)  
Tochigi (9)  
Tokushima (4)  
Tokyo (135)  
Tottori (3)  
Toyama (4)  
Wakayama (3)  
Yamagata (6)  
Yamaguchi (11)  
Yamanashi (8)  

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Overview of Japan Universities

Japan's higher education system features rigorous academic institutions categorized into national (established by the national government), public (established by local governments) and private universities. National universities emphasize research excellence and receive significant government funding, while private institutions enroll the majority of students and often specialize in fields like humanities and business. Universities offer comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with degrees including bachelor's (4 years), master's (2 years) and doctorates (3-5 years). English-taught programs are increasingly available, particularly at graduate level. Japan's academic year starts in April, though some universities offer October intake.

Top 10 Japan Universities

1. The University of Tokyo (東京大学, TODAI) ranks #1 in Japan and #98 globally. Established in 1877, this public university is located in Tokyo, Tokyo. It offers comprehensive programs across all academic levels.
2. Kyoto University (京都大学) ranks #2 in Japan and #154 globally. Founded in 1897, this public institution is situated in Kyoto, Kyoto. It provides comprehensive education and research opportunities.
3. Keio University (慶應義塾大学) ranks #3 in Japan and #245 globally. Established in 1858, this private university is located in Tokyo, Tokyo. It delivers comprehensive academic programs.
4. Osaka University (大阪大学) ranks #4 in Japan and #320 globally. Founded in 1931, this public university is located in Suita, Osaka. It offers comprehensive studies across disciplines.
5. Tohoku University (東北大学) ranks #5 in Japan and #341 globally. Established in 1907, this public institution is located in Sendai, Miyagi. It provides comprehensive education and research.
6. Hokkaido University (北海道大学, Hokudai) ranks #6 in Japan and #396 globally. Founded in 1918, this public university is situated in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It offers comprehensive academic programs.
7. Kyushu University (九州大学) ranks #7 in Japan and #400 globally. Established in 1911, this public institution is located in Fukuoka, Fukuoka. It provides comprehensive education across levels.
8. Nagoya University (名古屋大学) ranks #8 in Japan and #405 globally. Founded in 1939, this public university is situated in Nagoya, Aichi. It offers comprehensive academic studies.
9. University of Tsukuba (筑波大学) ranks #9 in Japan and #432 globally. Established in 1973, this public institution is located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki. It provides comprehensive education programs.
10. Waseda University (早稲田大学) ranks #10 in Japan and #478 globally. Founded in 1882, this private university is situated in Tokyo, Tokyo. It offers comprehensive academic disciplines.

Analysis of University Types

Japan has 783 universities, with private institutions dominating the landscape. Private universities constitute 77.9% (610 institutions) of all higher education establishments, while public universities account for 22.1% (173 institutions). This distribution reflects Japan's reliance on private sector education, particularly for humanities and professional studies, while public universities focus heavily on STEM research and receive substantial government funding.

Global Ranking and Standing

Japan demonstrates strong global academic representation, with 2 universities ranking in the world's top 200 (0.26% of all Japan universities). Additionally, 22 institutions (2.81% of total) appear in the global top 1000. This positions Japan among Asia's top destinations for research and higher education, particularly in engineering, technology and natural sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Japan's most prestigious universities?
The University of Tokyo and Kyoto University consistently rank as Japan's top institutions, known globally for research output and academic rigor.

Are Japanese universities taught in English?
Many top universities offer English-taught programs (especially at graduate level), though Japanese proficiency remains important for most undergraduate courses and daily life.

How much are tuition fees at Japanese universities?
National universities charge approximately ¥535,800/year for undergraduates. Private institutions cost significantly more (¥800,000-¥1.5 million/year). Scholarships are widely available.

What is unique about Japan's university system?
Key features include April academic start dates, emphasis on entrance exam performance and the "cram school" (juku) culture preparing students for university admissions.

Do Japanese universities offer international student support?
Most top institutions provide dedicated support including orientation programs, Japanese language courses, housing assistance and visa guidance for international students.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Japanese universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Japan
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Japanese post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Japan
  Search for Japanese higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Japanese Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Japanese town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Japan
  Discover Japanese public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Japan
  Find out about Japanese private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Japan
  Explore Japanese not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Japan
  Look for Japanese for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Japanese Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Japan have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Japanese Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Japan that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Japanese Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Japan are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Japanese Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Japan with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.