QS Japan University Rankings 2023: Top Universities in Japan

The first ever edition of the QS Japan University Rankings has now been released, and sees 75 Japanese universities rank among the best in the nation. The universities are ranked based on a methodology of 11 key indicators, which include: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio (which assesses the proportion of full-time academic staff members employed per student enrolled), and more. By utilizing the rankings and associated data, developers can contribute to enhancing the overall educational experience, facilitating seamless communication between faculty and students, and promoting innovative teaching and learning methods.

Best Global Universities in Japan

1. University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo, also known as Tokyo or Todai, is a Japanese national university that was founded in 1877.

1.1 - The university has three main campuses the Hongo, Komaba and Kashiwa campuses and additional facilities located in other parts of Japan.

1.2 - The university is affiliated with two hospitals: the University Hospital and the Institute of Medical Science Hospital. In a recent year, roughly half of the student body was studying at the undergraduate level.

1.3 Tuition costs are the same for domestic and international students, and some university student housing is available.

1.4 Tokyo has 10 main academic divisions for undergraduate education: agriculture, arts and sciences, economics, education, engineering, law, letters, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences and science.

2. Kyoto University

Kyoto University is a Japanese national university that was founded in 1897. Originally known as Kyoto Imperial University, the institution received its current name in 1947. In a recent year, around 23,000 students attended the university.

2.1 - Kyoto University has three campuses, the main Yoshida campus and the Uji and Katsura campuses – as well as facilities located in other areas of Japan, such as field stations for research.

2.2 - Tuition costs are the same for international and domestic students, and some university student housing is available.

2.3 - The university’s academic calendar is semester-based, and the primary language of instruction is Japanese.

2.4 - In all, 10 academic divisions at the university offer undergraduate degrees: integrated human studies, letters, education, law, economics, science, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering and agriculture.

3. Osaka University

Osaka University, sometimes called OU, is a Japanese national university that was founded in 1931 as the sixth imperial university of Japan. It is located in Osaka, Japan, and has three main campuses – Suita, Toyonaka and Minoh. In 2007, the university merged with the Osaka University of Foreign Studies.

3.1 - Tuition costs are the same for domestic and international students, and university housing is available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

3.2 - The research-oriented university has 11 undergraduate schools: human sciences, foreign studies, law, letters, economics, science, medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering and engineering science.

3.3 - The university boasts multiple libraries, including a life science library, a science and engineering library and an international studies library. Osaka University's research institutes include the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases and the Joining and Welding Research Institute.

4. Tohoku University

Tohoku University is a Japanese national university that was founded in 1907. The institution is spread across five sites – the Katahira, Kawauchi, Aobayama, Seiryo and Amamiya campuses in the city of Sendai, Japan. Sendai is located around 225 miles north of Tokyo. In a recent year, more than 17,000 students attended the university and upward of 60 percent of them studied at the undergraduate level.

4.1 - Tohoku University has 10 schools for undergraduates: arts and letters, education, law, economics, science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, engineering and agriculture.

4.2 - The university’s academic calendar is semester-based. The primary language of instruction is Japanese, but the university offers three undergraduate degree programs – in molecular chemistry, marine biology, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.

5. Kyushu University (Fukuoka, JP)

Kyushu University is commonly referred to as Kyudai and is located in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. Fukuoka is ranked the number one city to live in in Japan. Kyudai’s campus is one of the largest in the country.

5.1 - Over 2300 international students from 102 countries and regions study there. The university is recognized in the top 20 schools in all of Asia, and in the top 10 for research institutions.

5.2 - Notable alumni include the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station, and the inventor of Siri.

5.3 - The university has a 9 to 1 student to faculty ratio, with the School of Engineering boasting the most students. The schools of medicine, science, and economics are not far behind, and studies in agriculture, design, education, and many other subjects can be pursued.

Conclusion

Japan's higher education system is highly respected, with many universities and institutions offering a range of programs in various fields, including engineering, business, medicine, and the arts. Japan's education system is recognized for its quality, with many Japanese universities ranking among the top universities in Asia and the world. Japan is also home to a large number of international students, with over 300,000 foreign students enrolled in Japanese universities in 2021. Additionally, Japan's vibrant culture, friendly people, and unique blend of traditional and modern influences make it an exciting and welcoming destination for international students seeking a unique and enriching educational experience in East Asia.