Founded in 1931, Osaka University is one of Japan’s top national research institutions, known for its academic excellence and strong global outlook. Located in the vibrant Kansai region, it spans four campuses in Suita, Toyonaka, Minoh, and Nakanoshima. The Osaka University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and more.
In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Osaka University is ranked #86 globally and consistently holds a spot among the top 3 universities in Japan. With its cutting-edge research, international programs, and strong industry ties, Osaka University attracts ambitious students from around the world.
Osaka University – Summary
- Location: Osaka Prefecture, Japan (Suita, Toyonaka, Minoh campuses)
- Founded: 1931, one of Japan’s top national universities
- Global Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2025 – #86 worldwide
- Available Programs: 11 undergraduate schools, 16 graduate schools (Science, Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, International Studies & more)
- Program Duration:
- Bachelor’s: 4 years
- Master’s: 2 years
- PhD: 3–5 years
- Application Time: Varies by program; typically between October–February (some programs have spring and fall intakes)
- Graduate Program: 11 June, 2025
Study Areas: Program List
Osaka University offers a wide array of programs across various fields:
- Undergraduate Schools:
- Letters
- Human Sciences
- Foreign Studies
- Law
- Economics
- Science
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Engineering
- Engineering Science
- Graduate Schools:
- Humanities
- Human Sciences
- Law and Politics
- Economics
- Science
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Engineering
- Engineering Science
- Language and Culture
- International Public Policy
- Information Science and Technology
- Frontier Biosciences
- Law School
- United Graduate School of Child Development
To know more, visit Schools
Osaka University Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Programs:
- Completed a standard 12-year school education outside Japan (including early graduates).
- At least 18 years old and passed an exam proving equivalent academic ability to a 12-year education.
- Completed a high school-level curriculum outside Japan and required pre-university education for Japanese universities.
- Finished at least 11 years of recognized education abroad that meets MEXT standards.
- Studied in Japan at a foreign educational institution offering a 12-year curriculum, approved by MEXT.
- Studied in Japan at a foreign school with less than 12 years curriculum and completed pre-university education.
- Hold an International Baccalaureate diploma.
- Hold a German Abitur qualification.
- Hold a French Baccalaureate diploma.
- Hold the GCE A-Level or IGCSE A-Level (UK university entrance qualifications).
- Hold a European Baccalaureate diploma.
- Completed a 12-year curriculum in an international school in Japan certified by international accrediting bodies (WASC, ACSI, CIS, NEASC, Cognia).
Master’s and PhD Programs:
Master’s Program Requirements
- Be able to speak and understand English for lectures and lab work
AND meet one of the following: - Graduated (or expect to) from a Japanese university
- Earned (or expect to earn) a Bachelor’s degree (3+ years) from a non-Japanese university
- Completed (or will complete) 16 years of education outside Japan
- Completed 15 years of education outside Japan with exceptional academic performance and permission from the Graduate School of Science
Ph.D. Program Requirements
- Be able to speak and understand English for lectures and lab work
AND meet one of the following: - Have (or expect to have) a Master’s degree or equivalent professional degree
- Have graduated from a university and completed 2+ years of research, showing achievements equal to a Master’s level
Required Documents to Apply at Osaka University
Undergraduate
- Application Form
- Documents Certifying Eligibility for Application
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Results of Standardized Test(s) for University Admission
- EJU (for undergraduate programs taught in Japanese)
- SAT/ACT (if required for English programs)
- GRE/GMAT (for some graduate programs)
- Essay / Statement of Purpose
- Application Fee Payment Certificate
- Copy of the Applicant’s Passport
- Certification of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
- TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or equivalent
- Certification of Japanese Language Proficiency
- JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) scores
- Other Relevant Materials (as requested by specific faculties or departments)
Graduate Requirements
Documents Required (to be sent by applicant)
- Letter of Conditional Acceptance
- From your supervisor at Osaka University
- DDP applicants also need a letter from the partner institution supervisor
- Templates available here
- Application Form
- Download from the same admissions page above (Excel or PDF)
- Official Transcripts
- Master’s: From undergraduate studies
- Ph.D.: From both undergraduate and graduate studies
- Translations required if not in English or Japanese
- Certificate of Graduation / Expected Completion
- Must specify degree name, graduation year & month
- Translation needed if not in English/Japanese
- Statement of Purpose (Max 2 pages)
- Motivation and future research plans
- Why you want to join IPC at Osaka University
- English Proficiency Test Scores
- TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or TOEIC
- Not accepted: TOEFL ITP, TOEIC IP, IELTS Indicator
- Not needed if:
- You’re a native English speaker
- You studied in English or earned a degree in an English-speaking country
- You’re a MEXT scholar
- You have a waiver from the IPC director
- Master’s Thesis (Ph.D. applicants only)
- Submit thesis or 2-page summary (if not written in English or still in progress)
Documents Required (sent by evaluators directly to IPC Office)
- At Least Two Evaluation Letters
- From professors or supervisors familiar with your academic work
- Must use the official form from the admissions page
- Email directly to: ipc-office@ipc.phys.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp
Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition Fees / Matriculation Fee
| Category | Tuition Fee per year | Tuition Fee per half year | Matriculation Fee | Entrance Examination Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate student | ¥535,800 | ¥267,900 | ¥282,000 | ¥17,000 |
| Graduate student | ¥535,800 | ¥267,900 | ¥282,000 | ¥30,000 |
| Graduate School of Law | ¥804,000 | ¥402,000 | ¥282,000 | ¥30,000 |
| Category | Tuition Fee | Matriculation Fee | Entrance Examination Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auditor Student/Special Auditor | ¥14,400/credit | ¥28,200 | ¥9,800 |
| Research student | ¥28,900/month | ¥84,600 | ¥9,800 |
Method for making tuition payments
Tuition is paid in two equal installments. The first installment is due in May; the second installment is due in November.
Living Expenses (Continued)
Living in Osaka is relatively more affordable than Tokyo, though still urban. Here’s a monthly breakdown of average expenses for international students:
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Rent (dorm/shared apt) | ¥30,000 – ¥60,000 |
| Food | ¥20,000 – ¥30,000 |
| Transportation | ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ¥8,000 – ¥12,000 |
| Personal expenses | ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 |
On average, students should budget around ¥80,000 to ¥150,000 per month, depending on their lifestyle and housing.
Why Choose Osaka University
Osaka University is renowned for its cutting-edge research, diverse academic programs, and commitment to fostering global leaders. Its strategic location in Osaka, a vibrant economic and cultural hub, offers students ample opportunities for industry connections and cultural experiences. The university’s emphasis on innovation and internationalization makes it an ideal choice for students seeking a comprehensive and forward-thinking education.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Early Preparation: Start gathering required documents and understanding program requirements well in advance.
- Language Proficiency: Enhance your Japanese language skills, even if your program is in English, to ease daily life and integration.
- Research Supervisors: For graduate programs, identify and contact potential supervisors early in the application process.
- Financial Planning: Explore scholarship opportunities and plan your finances to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Cultural Adaptation: Familiarize yourself with Japanese culture and customs to ensure a smoother transition
Available Scholarships for Interested Students
Osaka University provides several scholarships and financial aid options for international students, both before and after enrollment:
Before Admission (Application-Based Scholarships)
- MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government)
– Full tuition, monthly stipend (~¥143,000), travel allowance
– Apply through Japanese embassies or university recommendation
After Admission (Internal / External Scholarships)
- Osaka University Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
– ¥30,000 – ¥80,000/month (varies by program and merit) - JASSO Scholarship
– ¥48,000/month for undergraduate and graduate students - Local Government & Private Scholarships
– Multiple foundations provide competitive scholarships (e.g., Panasonic, Rotary Yoneyama, etc.)
Many scholarships are competitive, so prepare a strong academic profile and apply early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply to Osaka University without Japanese language skills?
Yes, Osaka University offers several English-taught programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. However, having basic Japanese helps with daily life.
2. Is there on-campus housing available for international students?
Yes. The university offers dormitories like International Houses, especially for new students. Rooms are affordable and often subsidized.
3. What is the admission process like for international students?
It varies by program. Generally, it includes an online application, document screening, English or Japanese proficiency, and possibly interviews or written exams.
4. Are there part-time job opportunities for international students?
Yes, international students can work up to 28 hours/week during the semester and up to 40 hours/week during breaks, with a permit.
5. How international is the student community at Osaka University?
The university hosts over 2,500 international students from 80+ countries. It actively promotes international collaboration through research, exchange, and English programs.
