Japanese Engineering Universities for International Students in 2025

Dreaming of mastering cutting-edge technology in the Land of the Rising Sun? Japanese engineering universities are a haven for innovation and international collaboration, offering top-tier education, groundbreaking research opportunities, and a vibrant cultural experience. Discover why global students flock to Japan for engineering programs and how you can join this exciting journey!

Japan is rapidly emerging as the top choice for international engineering majors due to its standing as a pioneer and leader in the scientific community. Numerous Japanese engineering universities with specializations taught in English are available to students at prestigious universities across Japan. A crucial component of being prepared for the workforce is experiential learning. As a result, graduates find it much easier to find engineering jobs both in Japan and other countries.

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Why Would an International Student Choose to Study Engineering in Japan?

Many aspiring engineers find studying in Japan to be a good option due to the many alluring aspects of the nation. Japanese engineering universities’ ingenuity is evident everywhere you look in the nation, from the highly effective bullet trains to the country’s creative attempts to build earthquake-proof infrastructure to the Japanese automakers controlling the market.

Many IT professionals are also drawn to work in Japan due to the growing demand for specialists in database design, software engineering, and artificial intelligence development. Graduates of engineering programs in Japan are employed in a variety of fields. They usually find themselves working in multiple fields due to their versatility.

Japan is a fantastic choice if engineering is your area of interest. Every university has cutting-edge equipment and facilities comparable to those found in other countries. For that engineering degree, Japanese engineering universities for international students might be your best option for the following reasons.

1. Quality Engineering Degrees at Japanese Universities

The degree of education The engineering schools in Japan are among the best in the world. Five Japanese universities are listed in the top 100 worldwide for engineering education. Indeed, the University of Tokyo achieves a remarkable ranking in the top 20!

2. Japan’s Goal of Staying Internationally Competitive

Non-Japanese engineers are becoming more and more needed in Japan. Experts and researchers predict that there may be a 789,000 software developer shortage in Japan. In Japan, which has the largest concentration of industrial robots worldwide, you might be able to obtain employment as a system engineer if you know how to program. Check out Daijob.com and Gaijinpot if you’re seeking a job in Japan that doesn’t need you to speak the language well.

3. Japan is among the World Leaders in Technology

Japan is home to a number of well-known high-tech enterprises and is largely acknowledged as a pioneer in technological innovation. Sony, Mitsubishi Motors, Toyota, Hitachi, Nikon, Canon, Honda, Nintendo, Kyocera, and others are well-known brands.

4. Japanese Institutions Could be More Affordable for International Students

You can save money because a number of Japanese universities are less costly than those in other well-known locations, such as the USA, UK, Australia, etc.

University	Tuition Cost Per Year
Kyoto University	$4,650
Hokkaido University	$5076
Sophia University	$4611
Tokyo Institute of Technology	$6020
University of Tsukuba	$7762

5. High-Paying Job Opportunities

Japan offers some of the most competitive salaries in the world. In actuality, they are comparable to those provided in other industrialized nations worldwide. Having a degree in Japanese engineering gives you access to higher-paying jobs both in Japan and abroad. You can also obtain a work visa as a student and work part-time employment for a variety of pay levels!

Japanese Engineering Universities for International Students

Japan is a great place for many prospective engineering students to study. Working in Japan is also a desirable alternative for many IT professionals due to the steadily rising demand for specialists in database, software, and AI development. Engineering graduates have a wide range of professional options in Japan.

They are adaptable and usually work in several different fields. Furthermore, the top-notch resources and tools each university has to promote engineering research and innovation are on par with those of international universities. This is even more justification for studying engineering in Japan! The top 200 universities in the world for engineering are listed here, including a few Japanese engineering universities for international students.

1. University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo is one of the Japanese engineering universities that has the dual status of being the biggest and oldest university in the country. It ranks #1 among Japanese universities and #17 overall among the world’s universities, according to the QS World Ranking. The faculty of engineering at this university takes pride in providing a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates the most recent academic and international research. Aeronautics and astronautics, information and communication engineering, mechanical engineering, and 16 more disciplines are among the faculty’s departments.

Additionally, faculty members support the implementation of research in a variety of fields. This is exemplified by the interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and medicine that produces prosthetic bones made of biomaterials. The university is especially open to international students because it is dedicated to promoting global cooperation and research. It depends on the curriculum, but you can stay as short as one semester or as long as four years.

2. Tokyo Institute of Technology

Increasing the number of highly skilled Japanese engineering universities that successfully participated in the global employment market is a top priority for the Tokyo Institute of Technology’s School of Engineering. The curriculum of the school is structured in accordance with specific rules and principles to achieve this aim. As part of their coursework, students gain the knowledge and abilities needed to perform engineering-related tasks.

The School of Environment and Society’s Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering is home to the four-year Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP), which offers a Bachelor of Engineering degree. This program is available to students worldwide who want to develop a global perspective and work as scientists and engineers in interdisciplinary fields. Although it is an elective, prior knowledge of Japanese is not required because all classes are delivered in English. We advise thoroughly investigating your alternatives because the opportunities accessible to international students may differ!

3. Kyoto University

As a result of its centuries-long leadership in Japanese academia, Kyoto University is currently one of the Japanese engineering universities ranked second in Japan and 49th globally in the QS World Rankings. Of its undergraduates, almost 55.8% go on to get graduate degrees. With 262 IP-based innovations and 382 inventions to its name, the institution is a global leader in research and application.

Additionally, nearly 2,000 students from throughout the globe are admitted to the university each year. The Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Engineering provide seventeen doctoral programs in engineering and six undergraduate programs. Many international students find that the Undergraduate International Course Program in Global Engineering at this university is the greatest option for earning an engineering degree in the US. Graduate degrees in fields such as nuclear engineering, informatics, mathematics, micro engineering, and civil and earth resources engineering are provided.

4. Tohoku University

Tohoku University is one of the Japanese engineering universities according to the QS Global World Ranking, Tohoku University is the fourth-best university in Japan for engineering and technology and the 78th-best university globally. Unlike other imperial universities in Japan, this one was the first to admit women and technical school graduates around the turn of the 20th century, which was uncommon at the time.

Tohuku University scholars have been focusing on medical and disaster-prevention science since the terrible 2011 earthquake in East Japan. Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Information Engineering, and Physics Engineering are among the five undergraduate programs offered by Tohoku University’s School of Engineering.

Graduate students in the program have access to 18 different departments, from Applied Chemistry to Communications Engineering, providing a vast array of multidisciplinary study opportunities. Their graduates have achieved success in a variety of fields, including engineering, chemistry, and information technology (IT). Here, thousands of students began their journey toward their objectives.

5. Osaka University

Osaka University is located in the Kansai region of Japan and is among the Japanese engineering universities ranked as the fifth best university in Japan and the 92nd best university globally by the QS Global World University Rankings. Approximately 2,500 international students come to study here each year, with the School of Engineering, which was founded in 1933, housing state-of-the-art labs such as the Cyber Media Center and the Research Center for Nuclear Physics. Students learn by doing in the School of Engineering, utilizing a wealth of industry-leading research that has immediate practical applications. The following make up the School of Engineering:

Department of Applied Science
Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Manufacturing Science
Department of Electronic and Information Engineering
Department of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering
Department of Global Architecture

Then, instruction in a specific field of study is the responsibility of a huge number of sub-departments inside each of those bigger divisions. Those who have graduated from Osaka University are professionals with new insights and expertise who can quickly develop and implement innovative ideas.

6. Kyushu University

Kyushu University, one of Japan’s prestigious National Seven Universities, was established in 1903 in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu and one of the Japanese engineering universities. According to the QS Global World Ranking, it is ranked sixth in Japan and #156 among the top institutions globally. Every year, the university accepts about 2,000 students from 102 different nations and areas. Kyushu University is ideally positioned to take part in the Top Global University Project, which is a government-funded initiative to raise a select group of universities’ profiles internationally.

In 2010, Kyushu University’s Faculty of Engineering started providing foreign undergraduate and graduate programs as part of this approach. The four fields that comprise the Bachelor of Science degree are Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering/Computer Science, Civil Engineering, and Applied Chemistry. The Graduate Program offers 11 distinct fields of study, such as Civil and Structural Engineering, Urban and Environmental Engineering, and Maritime Engineering.

7. Nagoya University

One of the Japanese engineering universities that has about 2,400 students from around the world in attendance is Nagoya University, which is situated in the center of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and has rapidly grown to become one of Japan’s most prestigious research institutions since its founding in 1939. According to the QS Global World University Rankings, the university ranks 7th in Japan and 189th in the world, emphasizing multidisciplinary education to meet the demands of a wide range of cutting-edge companies. The School of Engineering comprises five undergraduate departments:

Chemical and Biological Engineering
Physical Science and Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Information Engineering
Mechanical, and Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering and Architecture

The School of Engineering has twelve graduate departments, which include:

Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Materials, Physics, and Energy Engineering
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Mechanical Science and Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering
Crystalline Materials Science
Energy Engineering and Science
Quantum Engineering
Micro-Nano Systems Engineering
Molecular Design and Engineering
Computational Science and Engineering

Application Process for Japanese Engineering Universities

International students must submit an application through the university’s special procedure to be admitted to Japanese engineering universities.

Send an application to a Japanese university.
International students applying to Japanese institutions must do so directly through the university’s website because there isn’t a single online application platform.
One must be able to meet the requirements of the institution to be eligible for enrollment.
Assess whether any particular language proficiency is required.
Proof of fluency in both Japanese and English may be required for study in Japan. In this regard, each school makes its own decision.
- TOEFL iBT
- Academic IELTS
- PTE Academic tests students written and verbal communication skills
In order to verify that you can speak successfully in Japanese, you will need to take and pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Complete the needed exam for International Students to Enter Japanese Universities
Be sure to get your application in before the deadlines! The deadlines for applications to Japanese universities and colleges differ by system. For additional information about these significant events, the official university website is the best resource.
Confirming your enrollment comes next when you receive an acceptance letter or university offer.
If you want to study in Japan, you’ll need a student visa; find out how to apply for one.
Send in a health coverage application.
If you’re thinking about applying for financial assistance, you should do so by the dates specified for scholarships and awards.

Documents Required

Application fee payment
Completed application form
The 12th grade certificate or secondary school-leaving qualification
A bachelor’s degree at the very least, is required for graduate school entrance.
Official transcript
Image (passport size)
Official photos and/or certified copies of valid passports
Recommendation Letter
Letter of Motivation
Statement of Purpose

Depending on the institution, each degree may have various requirements.

What is EJU?

International students who wish to enroll and study as undergraduates at Japanese universities, etc., must pass the Examination of Japanese University Admission, or EJU. It assesses core academic subjects like science, mathematics, and Japan and the World. The EJU has no limitations on the examinee’s age or the number of times it can be taken.

Cost of Studying Engineering in Japan

Japanese academic expenses are more affordable than those in the US and the UK. Furthermore, a lot of Japanese colleges offer financial aid to overseas students in the form of scholarships and reduced or waived tuition.

One of the most significant determinants of the cost of studying engineering in Japan is the tuition fee. Depending on the degree you wish to pursue and the university you choose, this cost can vary significantly. The tuition prices at the many universities in Japan are broken down here; maybe, this will be helpful.

National Universities
Public Universities
Private Science Universities

Type of University	Average Tuition for the First Year
National Universities: -Akita University -Fukushima University -Kyoto Institute of Technology -Nagasaki University -Osaka University	USD 4100 approx
Public Universities: -Kyushu University -University of Tokyo -Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine -Hiroshima City University -Fukuoka Women's University	USD 4400 approx
Private Universities: -Waseda University -Keio University -International Christian University -Sophia University -Toyota Technological Institute	USD 8000 approx

Consequently, public and national colleges charge lesser tuition and fees than private universities. Undergraduate education in Japan typically costs between 12,40,000 yen and 28,30,000 yen (approximately USD 9000 to USD 21,000) for each course.

Applying for a number of Ph.D. scholarships will help you lower the expense of studying for a doctorate in Japan, which can be about the same as the tuition for postgraduate programs. Thus, an English language course is expected to cost between 19,000 and 1,20,000 Yen (about USD 145 to USD 915).

Institutions might also require more money to pay for tuition or operating costs. During the application process, enrollment costs (approximately USD 2,100 to USD 2,900) will also be imposed. These fees might range from 280,000 to 390,000 Yen.

The cost of tuition at Japanese universities that offer engineering programs

University	Bachelor’s	Master's
University of Tokyo	USD 4,111	USD 4,087 - 22,124
Kyoto University	USD 4,469	USD 4,469
Osaka University	USD 4,077	USD 4,165
Kyushu University	USD 4,291	USD 4,291
Keio University	USD 6,391	USD 7,000

Best Cities in Japan for Students

If you would like to study in Japan, you have a lot of options available to you. Below is a list of some of the best places to study in Japan, along with the cost of living in each city:

Cities
Tokyo	USD 990 - 1030
Osaka	USD 840 - 915
Kyoto	USD 880 - 915
Fukuoka	USD 915 - 990
Nagoya	USD 950 - 990

Scholarships for International Students

The good news is that international students can apply for a large number of scholarships. To assist with the cost of your degree program at a Japanese university, you can qualify for a scholarship. There are several joint scholarships available as well. For instance:

Scholarships by Mext
Jasso
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
Scholarships by private foundations and many more.

The university’s website is a fantastic spot to start your search for scholarships for international students. You can also check to see if there are any appropriate scholarships offered by the Japanese or your governments. For instance, the MEXT scholarship options for local students are promoted by the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh.

Let’s Examine a Few Scholarships for Universities in Japan

Scholarship	Field of Study	Coverage
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific	Postgraduate degrees in development-related subjects such as: #Engineering and technology #Management #Health #Education #Agriculture #Environment and natural resource management	#Academic #Travel #Insurance #Monthly costs, etc
Japanese Government Scholarships for International Research Students	The Japanese Embassy reserves the right to limit the research areas to a certain set of areas.	#Monthly stipend #Monthly living expenses, travel costs #Educational costs #Airfare to and from Japan
Japan Human Resource Development Scholarships (JDS) for Developing Countries in Asia	#Law #Public policy #International relations #Information technology #Industrial development #Public administration #Business #Finance	#Academic #Travel #Insurance #Monthly costs, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. Can I Work Part-Time in Japan?

You can work part-time at restaurants, convenience stores, and other establishments if you apply for and receive “permission to participate in activity different from that permitted under the status of residence previously granted” from the Immigration Bureau. Under Japanese legislation, students are permitted to work up to 28 hours each week.

2. Is Japan a Safe Country?

Based on measurable safety indicators, Japan is frequently listed as one of the safest countries in the world. In 2019, Tokyo and Osaka were named the world’s safest cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Furthermore, Kyoto is known for being among the safest cities.

3. Can I Get a Job On-Campus?

The majority of undergraduates may easily find work on campus. However, if you are not already fluent in Japanese, you may need to wait around a year to learn the language. Graduate students may be able to get employment as Teaching Assistants (TAs) on campus.

4. What will happen to my Japanese visa once I graduate?

A company will assist you in obtaining a work visa if you are hired after graduation. They will begin this process when they have extended an offer of employment to you. Depending on your employment, a Japanese working visa may be valid for one, three, or five years.

In conclusion, Japan is a global leader in engineering and technology, making its universities an excellent choice for international students seeking cutting-edge education and innovation. Japanese engineering universities combine world-class teaching, advanced research opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Programs emphasize practical skills, critical thinking, and industry collaboration, preparing graduates for a wide range of global career opportunities.

Additionally, studying in Japan offers a unique cultural experience, blending ancient traditions with modern advancements. International students benefit from scholarships, language programs, and an inclusive academic environment that fosters global collaboration. Whether you aim to specialize in robotics, civil engineering, or renewable energy, Japan’s engineering programs stand as a gateway to success.

Embark on your academic journey at Japanese engineering universities to gain a world-class education and be part of a transformative global learning experience.