Universities with the Highest Number of International Students in Japan (2025)

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Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions for international students planning to study in Japan, whether for undergraduate programs or graduate studies (master’s and doctoral programs). When selecting a university in Japan, after identifying institutions with programs that align with your career goals, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the “number of international students.”

Attending a university with a large international student population allows you to study in a truly global environment. Additionally, you’ll have access to comprehensive support services designed specifically for international students and can take advantage of extensive scholarship opportunities, ensuring a comfortable and enriching student life in Japan.

In this article, we’ll share the ranking of Japanese universities by international student enrollment and provide detailed information about the top 5 universities with the largest international student populations in Japan.

Rankings of Japanese Universities by International Student Enrollment

According to the 2024 survey on international students conducted by JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization), the ranking of Japanese universities with the highest international student enrollment is as follows:

Top 5 Universities with the Highest International Student Enrollment in Japan

1- Waseda University

• 1882 yılında “Doğu ve Batı kültürlerinin sentezi” ilkesi doğrultusunda kurulan Waseda Üniversitesi, Japonya’nın en iyi özel üniversitelerinden biri olup, uluslararası düzeyde tanınmaktadır.
• 13 lisans ve 22 lisansüstü programı vardır.
• 50,000’den fazla öğrencisiyle Japonya’nın en büyük ikinci üniversitesidir.
• Siyaset, ekonomi ve hukuk gibi sosyal bilimlerde son derece güçlüdür.
• Waseda Üniversitesi’nin misyonlarından biri, Japonya’ya ve küresel topluma katkı sağlayan küresel liderler yetiştirmektir. Bugüne kadar sayısız bürokrat, sanatçı, iş adamı ve bilim adamı yetiştirmiştir. Mezunları arasında 8 Japonya başbakanı bulunmaktadır.
• Dünya liderlerine fahri doktora vermesiyle ünlüdür.

Founded in 1882 under the principle of “synthesizing Eastern and Western cultures,” Waseda University is one of Japan’s leading private universities and is internationally recognized worldwide.

University Highlights:

• Offers 13 undergraduate schools and 22 graduate schools
• Japan’s second-largest university with over 50,000 students
• Exceptionally strong in social sciences including politics, economics, and law
• Mission to cultivate global leaders who contribute to Japan and the international community; has produced countless bureaucrats, artists, business leaders, and scientists
• Alumni include 8 Prime Ministers of Japan
• Renowned for awarding honorary doctorates to world leaders

2- The University of Tokyo

Established in 1877 as Japan’s first imperial university, the University of Tokyo is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning.

University Highlights:

• Ranks second globally (after Harvard University) in producing CEOs of Fortune 500 companies
• Alumni include 13 Nobel Prize laureates and 16 Prime Ministers
• Comprises 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools, and 11 research centers
• Five campuses across Tokyo: Hongo, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane, and Nakano

3- Ritsumeikan University

Founded in 1869, Ritsumeikan University boasts over 150 years of history and tradition, making it one of Japan’s most prestigious private universities.

University Highlights:

• Consists of 16 colleges and 22 graduate schools spanning social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences
• A global university attracting domestic students from across Japan and international students from around the world through its high-quality education
• Exceptionally strong international network with partnership agreements with 463 universities across 68 countries and regions worldwide
• Provides an environment that fosters the ability to collaborate globally across cultural and linguistic differences while promoting innovation
• Four campuses: Kinugasa (Kyoto), Biwako-Kusatsu (Shiga), Osaka Ibaraki (Osaka), and Suzaku (Kyoto)

4- Kyoto University

Established in 1897 as one of Japan’s Imperial Universities, Kyoto University has a rich and distinguished history.

University Highlights:

• One of Asia’s leading research-intensive universities, not just in Japan
• Alumni serve as leaders shaping society at national and international levels in academia, politics, industry, and other significant fields
• Renowned for its commitment to academic freedom; alumni include 10 Nobel Prize laureates, with a total of 21 including faculty members. Kyoto University is synonymous with the Nobel Prize in Japan
• Located in Kyoto, a city celebrated for its historical charm that attracts international students; as a student city where 1 in 10 residents is a student, it offers an extremely livable environment for students

5- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

Established in April 2000 in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) provides education under the ideals of “Freedom, Peace & Humanity.”

University Highlights:

• Japan’s Most International University: APU is a truly multicultural institution where international students comprise 48.3% of the student body and international faculty make up 46.2% of the teaching staff. Students from over 110 countries and regions study together on campus.
• Academic Structure: Comprises 3 colleges and 2 graduate schools
• Bilingual Education System: Classes at APU are conducted in both English and Japanese, with approximately 90% of courses offered in both languages. This system enables students to deepen their expertise while achieving advanced language proficiency.
• Global Career Opportunities: APU graduates leverage their international perspectives and multicultural experiences to build careers at companies in Japan and worldwide, NPO/NGO organizations, and international institutions such as the United Nations.
• Campus and Location: The campus sits atop a hill overlooking Beppu Bay in Beppu City, famous for its natural hot springs (onsen). This location offers students not only academic development but also rich cultural experiences.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve provided you with the ranking of Japanese universities by international student enrollment—a valuable resource for choosing where to study in Japan—along with detailed information about the top 5 universities with the largest international student populations.

If you have any questions about universities in Japan or need guidance with your university selection, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach us through social media or via the contact form below. We wish all prospective students success in pursuing their dreams of studying in Japan!

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