Universities in Japan Taught in English
Japan is no longer a destination only for students who speak Japanese. Today, more than 100 universities across the country offer degree programs taught entirely or primarily in English, making it possible for international students to earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree without first becoming fluent in Japanese.
Whether your goal is to study business, engineering, international relations, computer science, environmental studies, or the humanities, Japan offers world-class education at a significantly lower cost than many universities in North America, Australia, or the United Kingdom.
Many universities also provide generous scholarships, modern campuses, excellent research opportunities, and strong career support for international students. Combined with Japan's reputation for safety, efficient public transportation, and unique culture, it has become one of Asia's most attractive destinations for higher education.
Featured English-Taught Universities in Japan
Below is a selection of universities in Japan that offer English-taught degree programs. While this is not a complete list, these universities are among the most popular choices for international students. If you're unsure which university is right for you, we're happy to help you compare your options.
Study in Japan
Universities in Japan with English programs
Undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees taught in English — a great next step after Japanese language school, or as a direct entry to studying in Japan.
Tokyo
Meiji University
Official site ↗Undergraduate
School of Japanese Studies English Track
Doctoral
Mathematical Modeling & Simulation · Global Governance · Science and Technology (Master's)
University of Tokyo (PEAK)
Official site ↗Undergraduate
Japan in East Asia · Environmental Sciences
Master's & Doctoral
Graduate School of Science — Biological Sciences · Biology · Chemistry · Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Sophia University
Official site ↗Undergraduate
Liberal Arts (Comparative Culture, International Business, Social Studies) · Science & Technology (Green Science, Green Engineering)
Master's & Doctoral
Global Studies (Intl Business & Development, Japanese Studies) · Global Environmental Studies · Green Science & Engineering · TESOL · Educational Science
University of Tsukuba
Official site ↗Undergraduate
Life & Environmental Sciences · International Social Studies · Medical Science
MBA · Public Health · Computer Science · Environmental Sciences · Sport & Olympic Studies · Nanoscience · Library & Information Science + more
Biological Science · Earth Evolution Sciences · International Public Policy · Life Sciences & Bioengineering · Sustainable Environment Studies + more
Waseda University
Official site ↗Undergraduate (EDESSA / SILS)
Political Science & Economics · Social Science · Science & Engineering · International Liberal Studies · Culture, Media & Society
Political Science · Economics · Law · Science & Engineering · Social Sciences · Sport Sciences · Asia Pacific Studies · Information Production & Systems + more
Temple University Japan
Official site ↗Undergraduate majors
Art · Asian Studies · Communication · Economics · General Studies · International Affairs · International Business · Japanese Language · Political Science · Psychology
International Christian University (ICU)
Official site ↗Undergraduate (liberal arts)
Arts · Sciences · Social Sciences · Language Education · International Relations · Peace Studies · Gender Studies · Japan Studies + more
Postgraduate
Arts & Sciences (Doctoral) · Education & Psychology · Public Policy & Social Research · Comparative Culture · Natural Sciences (Master's)
Kyoto
Doshisha University
Official site ↗Undergraduate (ILA)
Humanities & Human Sciences · Business & Economics · Politics & Policy
Master's & Doctoral
Science & Engineering (Info Science, EE, Mechanical, Chemistry) · Life & Medical Sciences · Global Studies (American, Asian, Global Society)
Ritsumeikan University
Official site ↗Undergraduate
International Relations (Global Studies, AUR Joint Degree) · Community & Regional Policy · Information Systems
Economic Development · Science & Engineering · Information Science · Life Science · International Relations · Policy Science
Undergraduate tuition
¥535,800 – ¥1,098,000 / year
Postgraduate tuition
¥312,000 – ¥946,000 / year
Can I Study in Japan Without Speaking Japanese?
Yes.
One of the biggest misconceptions about studying in Japan is that students must already speak Japanese fluently before applying. While Japanese language skills are useful for everyday life, many universities now offer complete degree programs taught entirely in English.
Students can attend lectures, complete assignments, write research papers, and communicate with professors in English throughout their degree program.
Many international students also choose to study Japanese while attending university, allowing them to improve their language skills naturally during their time in Japan.
Types of English Degree Programs
Universities in Japan offer English-taught programs at several academic levels.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor's degrees usually take four years to complete and are available in fields such as:
Business
Economics
International Relations
Political Science
Computer Science
Engineering
Environmental Science
Liberal Arts
Japanese Studies
Master's Programs
Master's degrees generally require one to two years of study and are ideal for students wishing to specialize in a particular academic field.
Doctoral Programs
Many universities also offer PhD programs in English, especially in science, engineering, medicine, economics, and international studies.
Language Schools in Japan
If you're also considering studying Japanese at a language school before university, or simply want to explore your options, we've put together a guide to Japanese language schools across Japan.
At Take Me To Japan, we help you find the language school or study program that best fits your goals, budget, and travel plans. Whether you're looking for a short-term course, long-term study, or a unique cultural experience, we're here to help you choose the right program.
Explore our language school guide below or get in touch for free personalized advice.
OUR STEPS
01: Submit Your Inquiry
Fill out the required information in the inquiry form. As spots are limited, applications will close once we reach capacity.
02: Support Confirmation
If you’re selected for support, we’ll contact you along with our recommended courses.
03: Start Preparing
We’ll help you prepare the necessary documents and provide the latest information for your study in Japan.
Our support is completely free of charge.
Due to limited resources, we are unable to assist every applicant in order to maintain high-quality, personalized support. Selected applicants will receive a response within 5 days. If you do not hear from us within this time, we regret that we are unable to assist you at this time.