Category Archives: Japan

Osaka University is one of Japan’s top national universities and a global hub for innovation, research, and academic excellence. Established in 1931, but with historical roots going back to 1724 (as the Kaitokudo and Tekijuku academies), the university is a powerhouse in science, engineering, medical research, humanities, and social sciences. It is located in the vibrant and industrially significant Kansai region, close to Osaka city — Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area and a center for business, culture, and technology.

Osaka University offers a dynamic, multicultural learning environment and is home to several English-taught programs, research centers, and international collaborations. The university’s mission centers on “Live Locally, Grow Globally,” emphasizing real-world applications of academic knowledge and innovation.

University Overview

• Location: Osaka, Japan

• Established: 1931

• Student Population: 23,000+

• International Students: 2,500+ from over 90 countries

• Language of Instruction: Japanese & English (for selected programs)

• Global Rankings: Top 100 globally (QS, THE)

• Research Focus: Materials Science, Biotechnology, Engineering, Physics, Medical Sciences, Data Science

Faculties & Graduate Schools

Osaka University consists of 11 undergraduate schools and 16 graduate schools, along with various affiliated institutes and research centers.

Undergraduate Schools:

• School of Science

• School of Engineering

• School of Letters

• School of Law

• School of Economics

• School of Medicine

• School of Dentistry

• School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

• School of Human Sciences

• School of Foreign Studies

• School of Engineering Science

Graduate Schools:

• Graduate School of Information Science and Technology

• Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences

• Graduate School of International Public Policy

• Graduate School of Language and Culture

• Graduate School of Law and Politics

• And many more

Intakes

• Undergraduate Intake: April (main), October (English programs)

• Graduate Intake: April and October

• Application Periods:

  • Undergraduate: December – January (for October entry)

  • Postgraduate: Varies by department (typically 6–8 months in advance)

Note: Early application is advised for visa and scholarship considerations.

Admission Requirements

Note: Some programs may require an interview, portfolio, or additional academic testing.

Top Programs at Osaka University

Undergraduate (English-Taught):

• Human Sciences International Undergraduate Program (HUIP)

• International College Program in Science, Engineering, and Chemistry

Postgraduate (English-Taught):

• MSc in Global Architecture

• MSc in Biotechnology

• MSc in Information Science and Technology

• MSc in Quantum Engineering

• PhD in Medical Science and Frontier Biosciences

Tuition Fees (USD/year)

Note: Enrollment fee of approximately $2,300 applies at the time of admission.

Scholarships for International Students

MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship

• Eligibility: High-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students

• Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare

• Duration: Entire study period

• Selection: Via Embassy or University recommendation

Osaka University Foundation Scholarships

• Eligibility: Privately funded international students

• Amount: $900 – $1,200/month

• Renewable: Based on academic performance

JASSO Honors Scholarship

• Eligibility: International students with high academic results

• Amount: ~$500/month

• Duration: Up to one year

Why Choose Osaka University?

• One of Japan’s top three national research universities

• Strong industry collaboration with companies like Panasonic, Sharp, and Mitsubishi

• English-taught programs with globally competitive curricula

• Located near Osaka — Japan’s hub for commerce, innovation, and cultural heritage

• Access to top research labs and interdisciplinary programs

• Affordable tuition and generous scholarship support for international students

Kyoto University is Japan’s second-oldest university and one of Asia’s most prestigious research institutions. Established in 1897, it has a long-standing tradition of academic freedom and intellectual innovation. The university has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners and is renowned for its world-class research in science, engineering, medicine, economics, and the humanities. Its liberal academic environment encourages creativity and critical thinking.

Located in Kyoto — the historical and cultural heart of Japan — Kyoto University offers a serene and inspiring learning environment. With multiple campuses and a strong international presence, the university provides a diverse and inclusive academic experience through several English-taught degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

University Overview

• Location: Kyoto, Japan

• Established: 1897

• Student Population: 23,000+

• International Students: 2,800+

• Language of Instruction: Japanese & English (for selected programs)

• Global Rankings: Top 50 globally (QS & THE)

• Research Focus: Life Sciences, Engineering, Quantum Physics, Global Environmental Studies, Humanities

Faculties & Graduate Schools

Kyoto University consists of 10 faculties and 18 graduate schools:

Undergraduate Faculties:

• Faculty of Integrated Human Studies

• Faculty of Letters

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Economics

• Faculty of Science

• Faculty of Medicine

• Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Faculty of Engineering

• Faculty of Agriculture

Graduate Schools:

• Graduate School of Science

• Graduate School of Engineering

• Graduate School of Medicine

• Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies

• Graduate School of Informatics

• Graduate School of Law

• Graduate School of Economics

• Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies

• And others

Intakes

• Undergraduate Intake: April (main), October (for English-taught programs)

  • Application Period: December – January (English programs)

• Postgraduate Intake: April and October

  • Application Period: Varies by department (usually 6–9 months before start)

Note: Early application is crucial for international students needing visas and scholarships.

Admission Requirements

Note: Some departments may require Japanese language proficiency or additional written/oral examinations.

Top Programs at Kyoto University

Undergraduate (English-Taught):

• International Course in Civil Engineering

• Program for Advanced Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics)

Postgraduate:

• MSc in Global Environmental Studies

• MSc in Informatics

• MSc in Civil and Earth Resources Engineering

• MSc in Economics

• PhD in Medicine, Energy Science, or Asian Studies

Tuition Fees (USD/year)

Note: Initial enrollment fees (~$2,300) may apply. Tuition is relatively low compared to global standards.

Scholarships for International Students

Kyoto University International Education Support Scholarship

• Eligibility: Degree-seeking international students

• Coverage: Tuition waiver + living stipend (~$900/month)

• Renewable: Yes, based on academic performance

MEXT Scholarship (via Embassy or University)

• Eligibility: Undergraduate and Postgraduate students

• Coverage: Full tuition, travel, and monthly allowance

• Duration: Full degree program

Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP)

• Eligibility: Graduate students from Asia

• Coverage: Tuition + monthly stipend

• Focus: Leadership, peace, and cross-cultural understanding

JASSO Honors Scholarship

• Eligibility: International students with excellent grades

• Coverage: Monthly stipend ($450 – $500/month)

• Renewable: Based on academic performance

Why Choose Kyoto University?

• Japan’s leading institution for advanced research and innovation

• Numerous Nobel laureates and global experts among alumni and faculty

• English-taught programs available in science, engineering, and global studies

• Located in Kyoto — Japan’s cultural capital, blending tradition and modernity

• Low tuition costs and generous scholarship options

• Strong international community and global academic networks

The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) is Japan’s premier national university and one of the most prestigious institutions in Asia and the world. Established in 1877, it has built a reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and producing influential global leaders, including Nobel laureates, prime ministers, and top executives. UTokyo combines deep traditions with forward-thinking innovation, making it a leader in science, engineering, humanities, law, and medicine.

With three main campuses across Tokyo (Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa), the university provides a vibrant academic environment, blending historical architecture with modern research facilities. UTokyo also offers several English-taught programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, attracting students from around the globe.

University Overview

• Location: Tokyo, Japan

• Established: 1877

• Student Population: 28,000+

• International Students: 4,500+

• Language of Instruction: Japanese & English (for select programs)

• Global Rankings: Top 30 globally (QS & THE)

• Research Focus: Quantum science, AI, Sustainability, Health sciences, Public policy

Faculties & Graduate Schools

The University of Tokyo is comprised of 10 undergraduate faculties and 15 graduate schools:

Undergraduate Faculties:

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Medicine

• Faculty of Engineering

• Faculty of Science

• Faculty of Letters

• Faculty of Economics

• Faculty of Agriculture

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Graduate Schools:

• Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology

• Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences

• Graduate School of Engineering

• Graduate School of Science

• Graduate School of Medicine

• Graduate School of Public Policy

• Graduate School of Frontier Sciences

• And more

Intakes

• Undergraduate Intake: April (main), October (for English-taught programs)

  • Application Period: November – January (for English programs)

• Postgraduate Intake: April and October

  • Application Period: Varies by graduate school (typically 6–9 months prior)

Note: Early application is essential for international visa and scholarship consideration.

Admission Requirements

Note: Many programs also require entrance exams, interviews, and may be conducted in Japanese unless specified.

Top Programs at University of Tokyo

Undergraduate Programs (English-Taught):

• PEAK Program – International Program on Japan in East Asia

• PEAK Program – Environmental Sciences

Postgraduate Programs:

• MSc in Environmental Studies

• MSc in Sustainability Science

• MSc in Public Policy (GraSPP)

• MSc in Computer Science and Engineering

• Master in Economics

• PhD in Biological Sciences

• PhD in Quantum Materials Science

Tuition Fees (USD/year)

Note: UTokyo has relatively low tuition for a top global university, with additional application and facility fees applicable.

Scholarships for International Students

University of Tokyo Fellowship

• Eligibility: Graduate students with excellent academic background

• Coverage: Tuition + monthly stipend (~$1,000)

• Renewable: Yes, based on performance

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship

• Eligibility: Undergraduate & Postgraduate international students

• Coverage: Full tuition + travel + monthly stipend

• Application: Through Japanese embassies or university nomination

PEAK Scholarships (Undergraduate)

• Eligibility: PEAK applicants

• Coverage: Tuition waiver + partial living support

Private Foundation Scholarships

• Eligibility: Offered through partnerships and alumni funds

• Coverage: $500 – $1,000/month (varies)

Why Choose the University of Tokyo?

• Japan’s #1 university and a world leader in research and innovation

• Multiple English-taught degree programs available

• Strong government, industry, and academic collaborations

• Low tuition compared to global top-tier universities

• Located in Tokyo — a global metropolis with safety, culture, and opportunity

• Outstanding alumni network including Nobel laureates and national leaders