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Japan university rankings: QS and THE 2027

Choose your route, compare the course, then check the current application guide.

Our overall review: how to choose

For a full degree

Prioritise course content, entry requirements and the total cost through graduation. A broad university can suit exploration; a specialised institution can suit a defined profession. Check the qualification and transfer options before deciding.

For exchange

Prioritise transferable modules, teaching language, semester fit and housing support. A famous university is less useful to your plan if the modules you need are closed to exchange students.

For a career in Japan

Compare access to practical projects, internships and Japanese communication support alongside graduate destinations. Review rankings as one signal, then use an open day and conversations with current students to test your shortlist. These are editorial comparison criteria, not student ratings.

Japan university rankings: QS and THE 2027

Selected institutions, ordered by QS global rank. QS and THE use different methods; these are global positions, not entry scores or employment rankings. “=” means tied; a band stays a band. A blank means this comparison has no verified value. Colleges without a global rank remain in the directory.

UniversityQS 2027THE 2027
The University of Tokyo3927
Kyoto University64=62
The University of Osaka95=147
Institute of Science Tokyo97=185
Tohoku University102=106
Nagoya University156=242
Kyushu University171301–325
Hokkaido University=179376–400
Waseda University=201—
Keio University=213—

Find a school

MEXT register: 1 May 2026, provisional; retrieved 26 October 2026. All 825 university, 292 junior-college and 58 KOSEN records without a closure marker are included, plus 2,957 specialised training-school records. Universities include graduate-only schools. Training-school course levels vary. Names and addresses follow the register; current programmes and admissions must be checked with each institution.

Official school names are Japanese. English search aliases are available for selected universities; use a prefecture filter or the official programme finder for other English names.

Official programme finder

Questions

When does university start in Japan?

The academic year usually starts in April. Some universities also admit in September or October; exchange calendars and application deadlines are programme-specific.

Do I need JLPT N2 or N1 to study in Japan?

The requirement depends on the programme. Japanese-taught degrees may use JLPT and/or EJU with other tests; English-taught degrees and exchange programmes set separate language rules. Check the current faculty guidance.

Is SPI a university admission test?

SPI is used in recruitment. Prepare for the university’s specified entrance assessments when applying, and use SPI practice for relevant internship or job selection later.

How do I choose a university in Japan?

Shortlist courses you can enter, compare their language, total cost and graduate destinations, then check campus support. For exchange, confirm partner eligibility and credit transfer first.

Sources