Abroadly

Study Social Sciences in Japan 🇯🇵

Japan offers 156 Social Sciences programs across 39 universities. Tuition ranges from $390k–$1300k/yr, making it a competitive option for international students.

156 Programs
39 Universities
$390k–$1300k/yr Tuition
1% STEM
19% Scholarships

Why Japan for Social Sciences?

Living Cost

$12,000/yr

Full guide to studying in Japan →

By Degree Level

Bachelor (75) Master (42) PhD (39)

Top Universities for Social Sciences in Japan

Waseda University

Tokyo · National rank #2 · QS #196

Master of Arts in International Relations · Master Global Studies in English (Political Science and Economics) · Bachelor Social Sciences · Bachelor Master of Public Management · Master Political Science · PhD Political Science and Economics · Bachelor
Nagoya University

Nagoya · National rank #3 · QS #164

Global 30 Undergraduate Program in Social Sciences · Bachelor Global 30 International Programs - Social Sciences · Bachelor PhD in International Development · PhD
University of Tsukuba

Tsukuba · National rank #9 · QS #350

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations · Bachelor
Akita International University

Akita · National rank #10

Global Studies (Master's Program) · Master Global Studies Program · Bachelor PhD in Global Studies · PhD
Niigata University

Niigata · National rank #10 · QS #1001

Graduate School of Modern Society and Culture · Master
International Christian University

Tokyo · National rank #11 · QS #1201

Psychology · Bachelor
Osaka Metropolitan University

Osaka · National rank #11 · QS #901

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology · Bachelor
Hiroshima University

Hiroshima · National rank #12 · QS #480

PhD in Social Sciences · PhD
Kobe University

Kobe · National rank #12 · QS #482

Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies - International Relations · Master Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies - International Studies · PhD
Nihon University

Tokyo · National rank #14

PhD in International Relations · PhD Master of Arts in International Relations · Master Bachelor of Arts in International Relations · Bachelor
Hitotsubashi University

Tokyo · National rank #16 · QS #553

Social Sciences · PhD Global Governance · PhD
Sophia University

Tokyo · National rank #18 · QS #951

Faculty of Theology · Bachelor Graduate Program in Theology · Master
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Beppu · National rank #22 · QS #1001

International Relations · Bachelor
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Tokyo · National rank #25

Doctoral Program in European Studies · PhD
Tokyo Metropolitan University

Tokyo · National rank #26 · QS #1001

Geography · Bachelor Social Sciences · Bachelor
Ritsumeikan University

Kyoto · National rank #28 · QS #680

Global Studies Major · Bachelor Doctoral Program in International Relations · PhD International Relations · Master Social Sciences · PhD Psychology · Bachelor
Gifu University

Gifu · National rank #32 · QS #1001

Regional Studies · Bachelor Regional Development and Policy · Master
Kagoshima University

Kagoshima · National rank #33 · QS #1201

Social Sciences (PhD Program) · PhD
Meiji University

Tokyo · National rank #34 · QS #1201

Political Science · PhD Psychology · Bachelor Sociology · Bachelor Department of Political Science · Bachelor Clinical Psycho-Social Sciences · Master
Doshisha University

Kyoto · National rank #44 · QS #1201

Psychology · Master Theology · Bachelor Sociology · Master International Relations · Master Political Science · Master

All Programs

Department of Political Science

Seikei University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Contemporary Psychology (Psychology)

Rikkyo University

Master

Master's Degree Program in Buddhism

Komazawa University

Master Aid

Master of Arts in International Relations

Waseda University

Master

Doctoral Program in European Studies

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

PhD

Public Policy

Komazawa University

Master

Psychology

Doshisha University

Master Aid

Graduate School of Humanities - Master's Program in Christian Studies

Nanzan University

Master

Global 30 Undergraduate Program in Social Sciences

Nagoya University

Bachelor

College of Contemporary Psychology (Department of Psychology)

Rikkyo University

Bachelor

Global Studies in English (Political Science and Economics)

Waseda University

Bachelor

Social Sciences

Waseda University

Bachelor

Doctoral Degree Program in Buddhism

Komazawa University

PhD Aid

Master's Program in Psychology

Aoyama Gakuin University

Master

Social Sciences (PhD Program)

Kagoshima University

PhD

Master of Public Management

Waseda University

Master

Global 30 International Programs - Social Sciences

Nagoya University

Bachelor

Theology

Doshisha University

Bachelor Aid

Sociology

Doshisha University

Master Aid

International Relations

Doshisha University

Master Aid

Global Studies (Master's Program)

Akita International University

Master

Global Studies Program

Akita International University

Bachelor

Faculty of Theology

Sophia University

Bachelor

Graduate Program in Theology

Sophia University

Master

International Social Studies

Utsunomiya University

Bachelor Aid

Political Science

Meiji University

PhD

Psychology

Meiji University

Bachelor

Sociology

Meiji University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Sociology (Sociology)

Rikkyo University

PhD

College of Sociology (Department of Sociology)

Rikkyo University

Bachelor

Doctoral Program in Sociology

Toyo University

PhD

College of Arts (Department of Christian Studies)

Rikkyo University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Sociology

Toyo University

Master

Department of Sociology

Toyo University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Arts (Christian Studies)

Rikkyo University

PhD

PhD in Social Sciences

Hiroshima University

PhD

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

University of Tsukuba

Bachelor

Psychology and Early Childhood Education

Fukushima University

Bachelor Aid

Psychology and Physiology

Fukushima University

Bachelor Aid

Geography

Tokyo Metropolitan University

Bachelor

Sociology Major (PhD)

Musashi University

PhD

Sociology Major (Master's)

Musashi University

Master

Department of Sociology

Musashi University

Bachelor

Sociology Major

Musashi University

PhD

Major in Geography

Senshu University

PhD

Global Studies Major

Ritsumeikan University

Bachelor

Doctoral Program in International Relations

Ritsumeikan University

PhD

Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies - International Relations

Kobe University

Master

Psychology

Temple University Japan Campus

Bachelor STEM

Regional Studies

Gifu University

Bachelor

International Relations (English Language track)

Kwansei Gakuin University

Bachelor Aid

Sociology

Kwansei Gakuin University

PhD Aid

International Studies

Kwansei Gakuin University

PhD Aid

Political Science

Kanagawa University

Bachelor Aid

Political Science

Komazawa University

Bachelor

Psychology

Chuo University

Master

Department of Psychology

Aoyama Gakuin University

Bachelor

Doctoral Program in Psychology

Aoyama Gakuin University

PhD

Doctoral Program in Sociology

Aoyama Gakuin University

PhD

Department of Sociology

Senshu University

Bachelor

PhD in International Relations

Nihon University

PhD

Social Sciences

Hitotsubashi University

PhD

Global Governance

Hitotsubashi University

PhD

Sociology

Chuo University

Master

Graduate School of Modern Society and Culture

Niigata University

Master

Program in Psychological Studies

Akita University

Bachelor Aid

Psychology

International Christian University

Bachelor

International Social Sciences

Yokohama National University

Bachelor

International Affairs

Temple University Japan Campus

Bachelor

Department of Geography

Senshu University

Bachelor

Department of Psychology

Senshu University

Bachelor

Major in Sociology

Senshu University

PhD

Major in Psychology

Senshu University

PhD

Department of Contemporary Societies

Seikei University

Bachelor Aid

Graduate School of Sociology - Doctoral

Hosei University

PhD Aid

Graduate School of Humanities - Doctoral Program in Human Relations

Nanzan University

PhD

Faculty of Arts and Sciences - Department of Psychology

Tamagawa University

Bachelor

Faculty of Sociology

Kansai University

Bachelor

Faculty of Psychology

Kansai University

Bachelor

Social Sciences

Tokyo Metropolitan University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Sociology - Master's

Hosei University

Master Aid

Department of Psychology

Hosei University

Bachelor

Department of Sociology

Hosei University

Bachelor

Department of Geography

Hosei University

Bachelor

Master's Degree Program in Geography

Komazawa University

Master Aid

Psychology

Komazawa University

Bachelor

Zen Buddhist Studies

Komazawa University

Master

Sociology

Komazawa University

Bachelor

Applied Psychology

Komazawa University

Master

Medical Sociology

Komazawa University

Master

Doctoral Degree Program in Sociology

Komazawa University

PhD Aid

Master of Arts in International Relations

Nihon University

Master

International Relations

Kwansei Gakuin University

Bachelor Aid

Political Science

Kwansei Gakuin University

Bachelor Aid

School of Theology

Kwansei Gakuin University

Bachelor

School of Sociology

Kwansei Gakuin University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Sociology

Kwansei Gakuin University

Master

Graduate School of Humanities - Doctoral Program in Christian Studies

Nanzan University

PhD

Department of Christian Studies

Nanzan University

Bachelor

Graduate School of International Studies (Master's Program)

Nanzan University

Master

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study Social Sciences in Japan?
Tuition for Social Sciences programs in Japan ranges from $390k–$1300k/yr. 19% of programs offer scholarships or financial aid. Annual living costs (accommodation, food, transport) are approximately $12k.
What are the English language requirements for Social Sciences in Japan?
English-taught Social Sciences programs in Japan typically require:. Requirements vary by university and program level — always check the specific program page.
How many Social Sciences programs are in Japan?
Abroadly lists 156 Social Sciences programs at 39 universities across Japan. Programs are available at Bachelor, Master, and PhD level.
Are Social Sciences programs in Japan STEM-designated?
1% of Social Sciences programs in Japan carry STEM designation. STEM classification can be important for visa purposes in countries like the US and UK after graduation.
Is Japan a good country for Social Sciences students?
Japan is a strong choice for Social Sciences with 39 universities offering these programs. The primary language is Japanese, though many programs are taught in English.
What degree levels are available for Social Sciences in Japan?
In Japan, Social Sciences programs are offered at: Bachelor (75 programs), Master (42 programs), PhD (39 programs). This gives students flexibility whether they're seeking an undergraduate degree, postgraduate specialization, or doctoral research.