This article provides a comprehensive list of the top 4 Japanese universities offering English-degree programs to help international students study in Japan. 

Please note that this article is intended for Undergraduate Programs. If you are looking for English Graduate Programs, check out the following article. 

Interested to study in Japan but haven’t quite grasped the Japanese language yet? 

International students do not have to worry as many of Japan’s top universities now offer English-Degree Programs where you can earn your degree with classes taught completely in English! 

Since the establishment of the Global G30 Project in 2009, the Japanese Government has been funding numerous English degree programs in order to make it more accessible for foreign students to study in Japan. This article will introduce some of the most prestigious and popular English programs at one of the top 4 Japanese Universities! Here we go!

#1. The University of Tokyo 

University of Tokyo’s Komaba Campus where all students study for the first two years

The University of Tokyo is often regarded as the BEST university in Japan. The PEAK program is the university’s flagship English-degree program for international students looking to study in Japan. 

The Acceptance Rate of the University of Tokyo for International Students.

Programs in English At Komaba (PEAK)

PEAK offers two tracks and majors.

  1. Japan in East Asia (JEA)
  2. Environmental Sciences (ES)

PEAK has a number of key differences when compared to other English degree programs. It has a low student to faculty ratio with about 30 students per each year group. This means that students can engage in stimulating and rigorous discussions with professors. The downside is that there are fewer classes to choose from.

To find more information about the PEAK Program: 
Bachelor of Arts program PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba)

To check out some interviews from PEAK students, see below:
Study at the University of Tokyo PEAK: Chris’ Story

#2. Waseda University

Waseda University is located in Takadanobaba, right next to the bustling Shinjuku

Waseda University is one of the top Japanese private universities and is well known for its large student body of international students. It also offers a great balance between academic and extracurricular opportunities.

There are a number of English-Degree Programs available for international students to study in Japan.

School of International Liberal Studies (SILS)

SILS is a liberal arts program established in 2004. It has one of the largest number of international student at over 200 students per year group. Being a liberal arts program, a key advantage of SILS is that students do not have to select a major to study prior to matriculation. 

To find more information about SILS:
School of International Liberal Studies (SILS)

Here is a comprehensive three-part guide to student life at SILS:

Waseda University’s School of International Liberal Studies: Comprehensive and Resource-Oriented Academics at SILS

Waseda University’s School of International Liberal Studies: The Fulfilling Lifestyle of a SILS Student

Waseda University’s School of International Liberal Studies: The Dorm Life of a SILS Student

There are also a number of more specialized English degree programs at Waseda University. 

School of Political Science and Economics (SPSE)

A BA degree focused on one of three majors: Political Science, Economics, and Global Political Economy. 

School of Political Science and Economics

Study Political Science and Economics at the Waseda University: Angelina’s Story

Overcoming Challenges: Ami Amarsaikhan’s Story as a Waseda University International Student

School of Social Sciences: Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (TAISI)

Study in Japan from the UK: Zainab’s Story

Established in 2018, TAISI focuses on nurturing global leaders through various lectures on social issues.

School of Social Sciences Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (TAISI)

School of Culture, Media and Society: Global Studies in Japanese Cultures Program (JCulP)

A small program comprised of fifteen Japanese students and fifteen international students where students can study in Japan in English while learning about its rich culture.

School of Culture, Media and Society Global Studies in Japanese Cultures Program (JCulP) 

School of Fundamental Science and Engineering (FSE)

English-based program in Mathematics, Electronic and Physical Systems, Computer Science and Engineering. 

School of Fundamental Science and Engineering

School of Creative Science and Engineering (CSE)

Offers one of two English programs in Modern Mechanical Engineering or Civil Environmental Engineering.

School of Creative Science and Engineering

School of Advanced Science and Engineering (ASE)

A English based Science program specializing in Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry

School of Advanced Science and Engineering

To find more about the average SAT and ACT scores for each program:
Waseda University SAT and ACT scores 

#3. Keio University 

Keio University was founded by Yukichi Fukuzawa, the man on the 10,000 yen bill

Keio University is Japan’s oldest institute of higher education and one that has a friendly rivalry relationship with Waseda University. Keio University is also regarded as a top tier private university to study in Japan and is especially known for its Economics department. 

To learn more about Keio’s campuses, you can check out the articles on the Mita Campus and the Fujiwara Campus.

PEARL (Programme in Economics for Alliance, Research, and Leadership)

PEARL is a new English-degree program founded in 2016. It is a selective program where students can earn a BA degree in Economics. A key advantage of PEARL includes the opportunity to enroll in dual degrees at prestigious European Universities such as Science-PO and HEC Paris. Furthermore, students will be able to study in Japan at two different campuses, spending the first two years at Hiyoshi Campus and the last two years at Mita Campus.

PEARL (Programme in Economics for Alliance, Research, and Leadership)

See our complete guide on the PEARL Program
Keio University English Economics Program PEARL

GIGA (Global Information and Governance Academic)

GIGA is a joint program offered by the Faculty of Policy Management and the Faculty of Environment and Information focusing on an interdisciplinary approach to Technology, Science, Design, and Governance. Students can study in Japan at the famous Shonan Fujisawa Campus located in Kanagawa. 

GIGA (Global Information and Governance Academic)

For interviews with both a PEARL and GIGA student:
Interviews with Sam and Nuey Keio PEARL and GIGIA 

#4. Sophia University 

Sophia University is arguably one of the most internationalized universities to study in Japan

Last but not least, Sophia University is regarded as the first university in Japan to offer an English-degree program. Also known by its Japanese name, 上智大学(Jōchi Daigaku), Sophia has a large international presence with partnerships with over 300 institutions around the world, making it a great place for foreign students to study in Japan. 

Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA)  

FLA is the oldest undergraduate program. With its prestige and history, FLA also boasts one of the largest international student bodies with around 200 students per year. A key advantage of FLA is the large variety of classes students can take. There are also many international student communities that students can join. 

Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA)

To learn more about Sophia University:

Sophia University: What Can We Understand from Its Ranking? Why Should You Study Here?

Conclusion 

Studying at a university in Japan may seem intimidating at first. However, there are many top universities with English-based degree programs that support international students hoping to study in Japan!

We hope you can use this article to navigate through other articles written about Japanese Universities. 

For more information, check out our 5-part guide on English degree undergraduate programs to study in Japan below:   

Study in Japan #1: English-taught Undergraduate Programs at Sophia University

Study in Japan #2: English-taught Undergraduate Programs at Waseda University

Study in Japan #3: English-taught Undergraduate Programs at Keio University

Study in Japan #4: English-taught Undergraduate Programs at Toyo University

Study in Japan #5: English-taught Undergraduate Program at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Happy studying and hope your dreams to study in Japan comes true!