10 Most Popular International Universities in Tokyo

Japan is a country with an interesting combination of cultures, both modern and traditional. Although seemingly homogeneous, each brings its own uniqueness to the fabric of Japanese society. This is especially evident in a metropolis like Tokyo, which has become the center of Japanese life. It is in Tokyo that we can enjoy a variety of both modern and traditional Japanese culture at the same time.

In addition, Tokyo’s high standard of living makes the city a career destination for many foreigners. The center of civilization and technological advancement, everything you need is available in Tokyo. Especially for foreigners who are currently planning to pursue higher education in Japan, choosing Tokyo as a place to study, build a personal portfolio, develop experience and network, and build a career can be a great choice that will have lifelong implications.

To help you find the best international schools in Tokyo with international student-friendly programs, we have compiled the 10 most popular international universities in Tokyo just for you. Not only that, but we have also included all the information you need to know about studying and living in Tokyo. So let’s get started with the 10 Most Popular International Universities in Tokyo!

The Crucial Reasons to Study in Tokyo, Japan

Before we dive into the 10 most popular international universities in Tokyo, let’s reflect on why Tokyo is a great choice for higher education.

1. High quality and highly internationalized education
2. Delicious food
3. Very broad job opportunities
4. Center of government
5. Center of technological development
6. Efficient transportation system
7. Very friendly to foreigners
8. Wide range of quality public and private universities

The access, opportunities, facilities, and many other aspects that Tokyo offers to foreigners to live comfortably and safely in Japan are very different from other cities in Japan. The above 8 reasons should help you choose Tokyo as a place to study and build your future career.

10 Most Popular International Universities in Tokyo

Here are the 10 Most Popular International Universities in Tokyo, Japan. Each university has its own characteristics and excellent programs. Please read the information below and find the best place for you.

1. University of Tokyo

Established in 1877, the University of Tokyo, known as Todai is the most famous Japanese university. It is historically the first national university in the country. It is also ranked as the 1^st university in the country, while at the same time securing 23^rd place in the QS World University Rankings 2023. It has 4 campuses: Hongo, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokanedai or Nakano campus.

For more detailed, comprehensive and up-to-date information about the University of Tokyo, please visit their official website directly by clicking the button below!

2. Waseda University

Waseda University is one of the top private universities in Tokyo. As the second largest university in Japan, Waseda University has seven undergraduate schools with English-based programs and accepts various types and formats of standardized test scores.

In addition, the campus also manages dormitories and has contracts with private dormitories so that students arriving in Japan can quickly find a place to live. With a large student body, both domestic and international, it is considered one of the best universities to mix with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

If you want to dig more comprehensive and up-to-date information about Waseda University, please visit their official website directly by clicking the button below!

3. Meiji University

Meiji University is another well-known private university in Tokyo with ten undergraduate schools. Meiji University emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and active learning. For English-language studies, it has an English track program at the School of Global Japanese Studies. At Meiji University, courses taught in English are grouped into 3 areas: Culture and Art, Globalization, and Business and Society.

For more detailed, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about the Meiji University, please visit their official website directly by clicking the button below!

4. Keio University

Composed of 6 campuses located in Tokyo and the nearby Kanagawa region, Keio University is one of the most prestigious private universities in the Tokyo area. It is also considered to be the oldest among them. While Keio University offers a wide variety of graduate programs taught in English, its selection of English courses for undergraduate students is more limited, including only three faculties: Economics, Environment and Information Studies, and Policy Management.

While this selection is small, the courses represent the quality of study expected from Keio University, making it an excellent option for international students who wish to work in these fields. Like Waseda, it also has its own dormitories to help international students focus on their studies and have the opportunity to create a community with other students taking courses at Keio University.

If you want to get more comprehensive and up-to-date information about Keio University, please visit their official website directly by clicking the button below!

5. Tokyo Institute of Technology

Commonly known as Tokyo Tech or Titech. It has an interesting take on a multifaceted degree based on the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP), which focuses on multidisciplinary studies that include classes in science, management, engineering, and liberal arts. And the subjects are entirely self-selected.

Moreover, each student receives personalized guidance with the intention of developing the student in the area they are most passionate about and with a higher level of specialization, while still having a general understanding of other areas of study. This course is taught at Tokyo Tech’s Meguro campus.

For more detailed, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about the Tokyo-tech, please visit their official website directly by clicking the button below!

6. Sophia University

Sophia University, or in Japanese the Jochi Daigaku, is a private catholic university known for its excellence in education. It presents high standards in the studies of foreign languages and literature. The Campus of Sophia University is located in Yotsuya, the heart of Tokyo. However, it presents an abundance of greenery and nature. It has a variety of courses held in English, including STEM, Economics, International Relations, and Liberal arts.

In addition, the course calendar used at Sophia University is similar to the one in most of the rest of the world. This course calendar makes it so that courses start in September, while in other universities in Japan, the school year starts in April. It makes Sophia an excellent option for international students who want to continue their education without waiting between the end of an American School Cycle and a Japanese one in April. Please click the following link to visit the official website of the Sophia University.

7. Hitotsubashi University

Founded in 1875, Hitotsubashi University was the first business school in Japan. The mission of this renowned business school is to educate the “captains of industry” who are essential to the modernization and rapid development of the nation.

In addition, the university also has an excellent reputation and is one of the leading research universities in Japan. For those of you who want to become a reliable businessman or professional in the field of economics and business, this school can be the best choice. Visit the website of the university by clicking the following button.

8. Tokyo Medical and Dental University

Tokyo Medical and Dental University (東京医科歯科大学, Tōkyō ika shika daigaku) is the first national dental school established in Japan. Located in Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan, the school was founded in 1928. It is also very prestigious and is one of the 9 National Designated Universities and was selected as a Top Type University from the Top Global Universities Project by the Japanese government. It also has 2 hospitals.

If you want to get more detailed, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about Tokyo Medical and Dental University, please visit their official website directly by clicking the button below!

9. Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (東京農工大学, Tōkyō Nōkō Daigaku) or commonly referred to as TUAT, is a Japanese national university focusing on agricultural and engineering studies. The university was established in 1874 as an agricultural training institute. Then, in 1949, the university was reorganized into a national university.

Further, the school has campuses in West Tokyo, Fuchū, and Koganei sections. The Fuchū campus is the main campus of the university and is responsible for agricultural academic activities. Meanwhile, academic activities for engineering are held at the Koganei campus. Click the following link to visit the official website of TUAT.

10. Ochanomizu University

Ochanomizu University (お茶の水女子大学, Ochanomizu Joshi Daigaku) is one of the leading national universities in Japan. Located in the Ōtsuka Bunkyō-ku district of Tokyo, Japan, the university was founded in 1875. The original campus was destroyed by the Kanto earthquake on August 31, 1932. Meanwhile, the current campus that you can visit is the new campus that was built in 1936. This campus was officially named Ochanomizu University in 1949.

Furthermore, please click the following link to visit the official website of Ochanomizu University.

FAQ About Studying at International Universities in Tokyo, Japan

Below are the answers to questions you may have about studying at international universities in Tokyo, Japan. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions!

We really hope that you will be able to get what you are looking for here, based on our recommendations above. Each university or college has its own specialty. Please choose according to your needs, abilities, and future plans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying in Japan and especially in Tokyo can be seen as something difficult, expensive, and foreign, mainly because of the language barrier. However, a large number of international universities in Tokyo offer courses and opportunities for international students to study in English. This makes it easier for all of you from abroad to continue your education with ease.

And surprisingly at a more affordable rate compared to universities in America and the United Kingdom, making studying in Japan not just an idea, but one that could be recommended and thought of as a viable option for studying abroad while enjoying the wonders and experiences that take place in the mega-metropolis city, Tokyo.

Read Also:
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Top 10 Medical Universities in Japan
English Programs of Sophia University: Program Introduction and Acceptance Rate