The Most Expensive Universities in Japan

Japan has one of the best educational systems in the world. It has many world-class universities and is among the best Asian destinations for international students. While education in Japan is expensive, schooling there is cheap compared to a country like the US.

However, it has some universities that charge tuition close to schools in the US. These schools are usually well-known, which makes them worthy of the tuition. This article will educate you on the most expensive universities in Japan. You’ll learn how much it costs to attend them.

The best universities in Japan consist of mostly public but some private ones. That said, here are some of the most expensive schools in the country.

1. Waseda University

Waseda University is another private research university located in Tokyo. It was founded in 1882 and boasts of nearly 50,000 students. The school has 36 departments of twenty-three graduate and 13 undergraduate schools. It offers many degrees across these schools, including around 2,400 courses in English.

You can also study over 50 programs in English if you want. The bilingual instruction method and the institution’s quality contribute to why it’s one of the most popular in Japan. It isn’t surprising that it has trained nine Japanese Prime ministers.

As expected, tuition at Waseda University is among the highest in the country, with most degrees costing between ¥2,500,000 ($17,659) to ¥6,000,000 ($42,383) annually for tuition and living expenses. The degree type that you want to study is the most significant influence on this fee. Waseda University also has some scholarships and research grants for Ph.D. students, whether Japanese or international, and you can check out their eligibility requirements.

2. Ritsumeikan University

Risumeikan University was founded in 1900 and is among Japan’s most prestigious private universities. Its main campus is in Kyoto, but it also has in Osaka, Ibaraki, Kusatsu, and Shiga. The school boasts around 35,000 students in 16 undergraduate and 20 graduate schools.

The school’s tuition is among the highest in Japan, and undergraduates pay tuition of around ¥2,500,000 ($17,635) annually for the GLD programs. Other degrees are cheaper, but it doesn’t get lower than ¥829,000 ($5,848) at the school, which it charges for the CRPS programs. Tuition for the second to final years is cheaper, but not by a significant margin.

For instance, you’ll only get a discount of ¥200,000 ($1,411) for the second year of your GLD programs, bringing down the tuition to ¥2,300,000 ($16,227). You’ll also need to pay ¥200,000 in admission fees, depending on the degree you want to study.

3. International Christian University

The International Christian University is one of Japan’s finest. It was founded in 1949 and currently has around 3,200 students and 237 undergraduates. The school offers 31 undergraduate majors in liberal arts and graduate and master majors in comparative culture, natural sciences, education, and public administration.

International Christian University instructs its students in English and Japanese. Its mode of instruction contributes to why it has a massive international student body. The school has also produced reputable alumni, including Kazuko Yokoo, Kaz Irai, Princess Mako of Akishino, and Jay Rockefeller.

International Christian University’s annual tuition is ¥1,107,000 ($7,857.47). You’ll also need to pay ¥300,000 ($2,129.40) as a matriculation fee if you’re a new student. Non-residents will also need to pay ¥90,000 ($638.77).

4. Kawasaki Medical School

Kawasaki Medical School is one of Japan’s best medical schools and one of the most expensive universities. It was founded in 1970 and offers different undergraduate and graduate programs.

The school is also known for its research prowess, and it has a medical bioresource research unit, bioimaging research unit, radioisotope research unit, molecular and cellular biology research unit, and Kawasaki hospital research unit.

Kawasaki Medical School charges around $12,500 per year. Master students will pay more, but it’s still around the $12,500 range. In-state students also pay more than foreign ones. However, Kawasaki Medical School has many scholarships and financial aid.

5. Keio University

Keio University is a private university, and its location is in Minato, Japan. It was founded in 1858 and is one of Japan’s best universities. The school boasts 34,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, of which around 1,500 are international students. Keio University has many undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, with many in English.

Three of its ten undergraduate and nine of its 14 graduate faculties teach in English, which contributes to why the school is famous among international students willing to study in Japan. The school has an elite network of alumni, most notably three Japanese prime ministers.

This elite education at Keio University comes with premium tuition. Although the tuition varies for most programs, undergraduate Faculty of Medicine students will pay over ¥3,000,000 ($21,000) annually. Faculties of Law, Business, Commerce, and Economics students are cheaper at around ¥900,000 ($6,350). The faculties of Policy Management, Environment, and Information Studies, and the Faculty of Pharmacy may pay anything from ¥1,090,000 ($7,690) to ¥1,770,000 ($12,502).

Graduate students pay considerably more, and their tuition can range from ¥690,000 ($4,873) to over ¥2,000,000 ($14,121). You can find a breakdown of the school’s tuition on its website.

6. Tohoku University

Times Higher Education has ranked Tohoku University as the best in Japan in 2020, and the reason isn’t far-fetched. Founded in 1907, it’s the third imperial university in Japan and one of the oldest in the country. It has also maintained high education standards for a long time and is a Top Type of University in the Global University Project.

The school has ten faculties, 16 graduate schools, and six research institutes. Tohoku University charges a high tuition, but it is not the highest on this list. Undergraduate students pay ¥535,800 ($3,784). Students in the Law or Accounting school will need to pay ¥804,400 ($5,682) and ¥539,300 ($3,810). Understand that this tuition doesn’t include living costs or other academic expenses.

Additionally, new students will pay ¥17,000 ($120) application fee to take the entrance exams and another ¥282,000 ($1,992) as an acceptance fee. Students unable to pay the application, admission, or tuition fees can apply and get a waiver at the school. It also has some decent scholarship opportunities for local and international students.

7. Tokyo University

Tokyo University is arguably the best in Japan and one of the best in the world. It was founded in 1877, making it the country’s oldest national university. Tokyo University has ten faculties, 15 graduate schools, and 11 affiliated research institutes. Students can study almost all undergraduate disciplines at these faculties.

The school’s main campuses are in the Japanese city of Komaba, Kashiwa, and Hongo. It also has over 50 different facilities in Japan and over 40 overseas. The school is undoubtedly the largest in Japan and one of the largest in Asia.

Tokyo University charges comparably high tuition of around $4,000-$4,200 depending on your discipline. If you’re chasing a master’s, expect to pay anything from $4,850-$7,500 in annual tuition. P.H.D. is the most expensive and can cost up to $5,000 for the most challenging degrees. This tuition doesn’t factor in the cost of accommodation or non-tuition-related costs.

These are some of the most expensive universities in Japan. Most of these schools are also among the best in Asia. They usually have scholarships for local and international students. Some schools also let you waive part of the fees to make it affordable. However, you need to qualify for the waiver for it to apply.

It’s essential to note that high tuition doesn’t necessarily mean a school is worthwhile. If you come across another school not on this list, it’s best to research it before deciding. After all, you’re entrusting them with your career.