As you approach the end of your undergraduate studies, you may start thinking about pursuing a master’s degree or an MBA program elsewhere. What better place to take the next step than a graduate school in Japan? Currently, around 60,000 students are enrolled in graduate programs across the country.
Japan is a popular study destination among international students, and for good reason. The country is home to many world-class universities that provide top-tier education at a comparatively reasonable cost.
With all the school options, it can be scary to decide on a university that is best suited to you, especially when navigating Japan’s education system. That is why we have conducted the research for you and compiled a list of excellent universities in Japan with high-quality graduate programs to ensure you have a fulfilling and meaningful educational experience!
Want to study Japanese in Japan? Get free support from the initial inquiry to the visa application with Coto School Finder!
Is Graduate School in Japan Right For You?
There are a lot of top universities in Japan. Many universities offer strong science, engineering, business, and data-related programs. And unlike years ago, you can now find plenty of English-taught programs, not just ones taught in Japanese (read our list of best majors to study in Japan for more of that).
Each university sets its own entrance requirements, so you’ll need to check them individually. If you’re aiming for a Japanese-taught graduate program, plan on needing at least JLPT N2, and many schools prefer N1.
As a result, many students choose to attend a language school in Japan before applying to grad school. These schools offer 1–2-year intensive, laser-focused programs that build solid Japanese skills and also support university preparation, including the EJU and the graduate application process.
This is where choosing the right language school beforehand really matters — it should match your goals and the program you want to enter. But with so many language schools in Japan, it can be tough to know where to start. This is where study-abroad support services help. For example, Coto School Finder partners with more than 15 language schools and gives personalized advice on whether a language school is right for you, which school fits your goals, and even handles the student visa application for you.
Japan does have English-taught graduate programs, but a common opinion in Japan-related communities is that these programs tend to be less rigorous than their Western counterparts. If the degree doesn’t offer concrete, technical skills, you might feel the academic side isn’t as strong as expected. Still, earning a graduate degree in Japan can be a good pathway to finding work here, especially if your Japanese is solid by the time you finish.
University of Tokyo
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~34% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~28,500 |
| Date Founded | 1877 |
| Website | www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/ |
The University of Tokyo is one of the most respected universities in Japan and around the world. It’s fully accredited by NIAD-QE and MEXT, which means its academic quality and research standards are regularly checked and held to a high level.
The university is also made up of 15 different graduate schools. The school also has a very impressive list of alumni, including 17 prime ministers and the founders of Toyota and Hitachi. Major scientific achievements— such as important work in quantum mechanics and organic synthesis — have also come from researchers here. If you’re looking for a place with strong academics, real-world opportunities, and a long history of success, the University of Tokyo is hard to beat.
Want to prepare yourself for life in Tokyo? Check out our guide on everything you should know about living in Tokyo.
Tokyo Institute of Technology
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~10% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~10,500 |
| Date Founded | 2024 |
| Website | www.titech.ac.jp |
Tokyo Institute of Science and Technology is a very new university with a graduate program in Japan, officially established in October 2024 through the merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Even though it’s newly formed, it carries a strong reputation from both institutions, especially in STEM fields. The school is accredited by NIAD-QE and the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).
The university is known for offering high-quality science and technology programs, supported by advanced research facilities—including powerful supercomputers like TSUBAME 3.0. International students make up about 17% of the student body. Overall, the Tokyo Institute of Science and Technology offers a modern, research-focused environment.
Keio University
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥1.4–2.0M per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~24% |
| Type | Private university |
| Student Body | ~33,700 |
| Date Founded | 1858 |
| Website | www.keio.ac.jp/ |
One of the oldest universities in Japan, Keio University offers 14 prestigious graduate programs, many of which are available entirely in English. It’s also a pretty large school, with almost 34,000 students—and about 10% of them are international students, giving the campus a diverse and welcoming atmosphere.
Keio also boasts one of the most impressive book collections in the country, with its libraries holding a combined 4.2 million books for students to read and use for research. On top of that, the university has a vibrant campus life, offering more than 400 clubs and societies that students can join and get involved in.
University of Tsukuba
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800/ per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~32% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~17,000 |
| Date Founded | 1872 |
| Website | www.tsukuba.ac.jp |
The University of Tsukuba is a great choice for graduate students who want a mix of strong academics and a relaxed, community-focused campus. It recently received the Nihon Ryugaku 2025 Award and has a diverse student body with people from over 100 countries. Tsukuba is also known for its active research environment. You’re just minutes away from major institutions like JAXA and KEK, which open the door to plenty of hands-on opportunities.
On top of that, the university encourages students to build solid tech and data skills by requiring everyone to take MDA (Mathematics, Data Science, and AI) classes. It’s also produced more than 50 Olympic medalists.
Kobe University
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~35% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~16,000 |
| Date Founded | 1902 |
| Website | www.kobe-u.ac.jp |
Located in its namesake city, Kobe, the university is a well-rounded national university with a strong focus on research and innovation, making it a solid graduate school in Japan interested in data-driven or science-based fields. It’s known as the first university in the country to establish a faculty dedicated to business administration, and it remains the only university in the country with a full faculty devoted to maritime sciences.
The university supports a wide range of research activities and provides funding opportunities through programs such as the JSPS “Core-to-Core Program” and several Japan–UK collaborative projects. In 2020, Kobe University also launched the Kobe University Innovation (KUI) initiative, which helps connect academic research with real-world industry needs.
Waseda University
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥1.2–1.8M per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~17% |
| Type | Private university |
| Student Body | ~50,000 |
| Date Founded | 1882 |
| Website | https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/ |
Waseda University is known for offering a wide range of graduate programs taught in English, with partnerships with more than 500 universities worldwide. Waseda also offers access to its Data Science Education Program for students of any major, along with optional online learning formats that make it easier to study in a way that fits your schedule.
Students can even earn data science certifications at beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels to strengthen their skill set. Waseda’s strong reputation is reflected in its international accreditations, including EQUIS and AACSB, two of the most respected recognitions a business school or university can receive.
Kyoto University
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~11% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~23,200 |
| Date Founded | 1897 |
| Website | https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en |
Kyoto University is one of the country’s top schools, ranked second by QS University Rankings. With 18 graduate schools in Japan to choose from, it’s especially well-known for scientific research and data-driven fields, and its programs in the sciences consistently earn high praise. The university also has an impressive list of achievements, including 13 Nobel Prize laureates among its alumni.
Read More: Kyoto vs Osaka: Which is The Best City to Study Japanese?
Osaka University
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | 41% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~23,200 |
| Date Founded | 1931 |
| Website | www.osaka-u.ac.jp |
Osaka University is widely known for its interdisciplinary approach to learning. For example, their schools of engineering and medicine combine data sciences into their program for a more rounded experience. Specialized research initiatives, such as the Graduate School of Medicine’s focus on biostatistics and data science, have allowed the University of Osaka to be renowned as one of Japan’s most innovative universities.
Its graduate division has several prestigious programs, such as its dentistry (ranked #1 nationally), engineering, and science programs that consistently rank highly.
Want to learn a bit more about Osaka? Check out our article on Osaka Prefecture.
Tohoku University
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | 41% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~18,000 |
| Date Founded | 1907 |
| Website | www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/ |
Tohoku University was the first university in Japan to accept women and one of the earliest to welcome international students. Some well-known inventions from Tohoku University include the Yagi-Uda Antenna, perpendicular magnetic recording, KS and NKS steels, and the NanoTerasu Synchrotron Light Source.
Academically, Tohoku University ranks among Japan’s top institutions for research output and industry collaboration. It has the 3rd highest number of highly cited researchers in the country and is ranked 2nd nationally for research partnerships with private companies.
Hokkaido University
| Category | Details |
| Tuition | ¥535,800 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~35% |
| Type | National university |
| Student Body | ~18,000 |
| Date Founded | 1876 |
| Website | https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/ |
With 21 graduate schools, Hokkaido University stands out in its science department, where it’s internationally recognized and even listed in a global biodiversity conservation registry. It also has a solid reputation in liberal arts and interdisciplinary learning, helping students build versatile skills that translate well into many career paths. Even its location in Sapporo is one of the underrated cities in Japan for studying Japanese. Here, students can get a unique mix of strong academics and incredible natural scenery. On top of that, Hokkaido University is ranked among the top 80 universities in Asia, making it both a beautiful and academically solid choice.
Conclusion
With so many graduate schools in Japan, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. And for most programs, especially those taught in Japanese, strong language skills are essential. That’s why many students start by attending a language school before applying to graduate school. It not only helps you reach the JLPT level you need, but also prepares you for entrance exams and the application process.
If you’re unsure where to begin, Coto School Finder can make the process much easier. They work with a variety of trusted language schools, help you compare programs, and even guide you through the student visa and application steps. With the right preparation and support, your path to graduate school in Japan becomes much clearer — and far less stressful.
Come to Japan on an exciting study-abroad journey!
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So if you want to come to Japan, let us help you! We provide free support, no agent fee! Our goal is to help make your dream of moving to Japan come true. Find a language school today and contact us!
FAQ
Which masters degree is most in demand in Japan?
STEM fields tend to be the most in-demand master’s degrees that employers are currently looking for in Japan. These include disciplines such as robotics, AI, computer science, and data science.
What’s the most prestigious school in Japan?
The University of Tokyo is typically considered the most prestigious school in Japan due to its highly selective admissions process and prestigious legacy. The university provides a top-tier education and leads the way in terms of innovation, with countless alumni going on to achieve great accomplishments in their lives.
What is the Ivy League equivalent in Japan?
The Ivy League equivalents in Japan are the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Waseda University, and Keio University. The first two are prestigious public universities that offer students amazing educational experiences, while the latter two are renowned private schools that also provide an excellent academic environment for students.
Is Japan good for doing a master's?
Yes, Japan is a wonderful country to pursue your master’s degree in. There is an abundance of world-renowned universities that offer students countless resources and opportunities to succeed. Japan is a global leader in many industries, most notably technology, robotics, manufacturing, and automobiles. The chance to kickstart your career in Japan is a great idea, especially if you obtain your degree here.
What is the minimum GPA for a master's in Japan?
The minimum GPA for a master’s in Japan can vary drastically depending on the university. Some do not have any minimum requirement for a GPA, while others typically range from 3.0-4.0, with some accepting 2.0+ as well. It is wise to look at the requirements for your desired university on their website to know their exact specifications for admission.
