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Osaka University

Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan Public
#3 National #91 QS World #151 THE #201 ARWU
Osaka University campus
Founded 1931 23,226 students Multiple Campuses $6k - $6.3k/yr

About Osaka University

Osaka University, also known as Handai, is a leading national research university located in Osaka, Japan. Established in 1931, it is recognized as one of Japan's most prestigious institutions, consistently ranking among the top universities nationally and globally. The university is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, driving innovation, and contributing to solving global challenges through its diverse research and educational initiatives.

Academics


Osaka University comprises 11 undergraduate schools and 15 graduate schools, offering a comprehensive range of disciplines from humanities to engineering, medicine, and science. The university emphasizes an interdisciplinary, international, and problem-solving approach to research and education. Notable programs include English-taught undergraduate degrees in Human Sciences and Science, as well as various English-medium graduate programs across science, engineering, and information science and technology. The university is home to world-class research institutes, such as the Immunology Frontier Research Center and the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, promoting cutting-edge research and innovation.

International Students


Osaka University provides robust support services for international students, including dedicated information rooms on each campus where students can access consultations, useful information, and participate in events. The university offers several English-taught degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, facilitating access for non-Japanese speaking students. Furthermore, administrative staff are available in each faculty and graduate school to assist international students with various procedures, from admission to daily life consultations. Opportunities for cultural integration are fostered through interactions with Japanese students, faculty, and local communities.

Campus & Location


Osaka University is spread across three main campuses: Toyonaka, Suita, and Minoh, located in quiet residential areas of Osaka Prefecture. While there is no campus in downtown Osaka, a free inter-campus shuttle bus service connects the three main campuses, making travel convenient for students and staff. Osaka, known as "the Manchester of the Orient," is a vibrant industrial city with numerous attractions. Students can easily access popular spots like Osaka Castle, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Universal Studios Japan, and the bustling districts of Dotonbori and Umeda via public transportation.

Career Outcomes


Osaka University is committed to preparing its graduates for successful careers, with a Career Center that offers extensive support for career development and job searching. The university fosters strong industry connections and a growing startup culture, with a significant increase in university-originated venture businesses in recent years. Graduates find employment in diverse sectors, including government agencies, private corporations such as Sony and Panasonic, international organizations, and research institutions. The university actively supports entrepreneurial endeavors, providing pre-incubation infrastructure and funding opportunities for promising research.

Highlights

  • Leading national research university
  • Diverse academic disciplines
  • World-class research institutes
  • Robust international student support
  • English-taught degree programs

Subject Areas

EngineeringScienceMedicineLawEconomics

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

Osaka University photo 1Osaka University photo 2Osaka University photo 3Osaka University photo 4Osaka University photo 5Osaka University photo 6Osaka University photo 7Osaka University photo 8Osaka University photo 9

Programs Offered at Osaka University (48)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Engineering Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (4)

Global Science Course (Chemistry)

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
babachelorbachelors degreebiochemistrybs
48 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program

Human Sciences

Human Sciences
humaninternationaljapanprogramsciences
48 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Special Integrated Science Course

STEM

Integrated Science

Integrated Science
Integrated Science degreebachelor of Integrated Sciencebachelor's in Integrated ScienceSpecial Integrated Science CourseIntegrated Science in Osaka
48 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

Special Integrated Science Course (Physics)

STEM

Physics

Physics
bachelorcourseintegratedjapanosaka
48 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master Programs (26)

International Program of Applied Chemistry

STEM

Applied Chemistry

Applied Chemistry
study in Osaka applied chemistryMS in Applied Chemistrymaster of applied chemistryapplied chemistry at Osaka Universitylaboratory science
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Frontier Biosciences

STEM

Biosciences

Biosciences
biosciences in osakastudy biosciences abroadbiosciencesgraduate program biosciencesmasters in biosciences
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Biotechnology

STEM

Biotechnology

Biotechnology
life sciences degreebiotechnology degree program abroadmasters biotechnology japanmasters in biotechnologyinternational masters biotechnology
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
civilcivil engineeringconstructionengineeringgeotechnical
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Dentistry

STEM

Dentistry

Dentistry
master dentistry Japandental science master OsakaOsaka University dentistry歯学修士oral science master Japan
24 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Economics

Economics

Economics
economicsinternationaljapanmasterosaka
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Economics

Economics

Economics
economicsfinancegraduatejapanma
24 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master in Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering

STEM

International Program of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering

Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering

Electrical Engineering
electricalelectronicengineeringgraduateinformation
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Engineering Science

STEM

Engineering Science

Engineering Science
masters in engineering sciencemaster of engineering sciencemsc engineering sciencema engineering sciencegraduate program engineering science
24 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Global Environmental Engineering

STEM

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering
engineeringenvironmentalglobalinternationaljapan
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Global Health

STEM

Global Health

Public Health
globalgraduatehealthinternationaljapan
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Global Human Resources Development

Human Resources

Human Resources
english master human resources in japanenglish-taught master human resourcesgraduate program human resourceshuman resources program in osakamaster of science in human resources
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Information and Computer Sciences

STEM

Information and Computer Sciences

Information and Computer Sciences
master's in information and computer sciencesMSc Information and Computer SciencesMA Information and Computer Sciencesstudy information and computer sciences in Osakainformation and computer sciences program Japan
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Information Science and Technology

STEM

Information Science

Information Science
master in information sciencemasters in information sciencestudy information science in japanmaster information science in japaninformation science program osaka
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Law and Politics

Law and Politics

Law and Politics
law and politics program japanlaw and politics program in osakama law and politicslaw degree abroadllm program
24 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Law and Politics

Law and Politics

Law and Politics
masters in law and politicsma law and politics in japanlegal studiesmasters law and politics japanlaw and politics program in osaka
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Management

Management

Management
master in managementinternational master managementmsc managementenglish-taught master managementma management
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Materials Science and Engineering

STEM

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering
masters in materials science and engineeringstudy materials science and engineering in japanstudy materials science and engineering in osakamsc materials science and engineeringma materials science and engineering
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Mechanical Engineering

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
mechanical engineering degreeinternational program of mechanical engineeringmasters in mechanical engineeringstudy mechanical engineering in japanengineering program abroad
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Medical Sciences

STEM

Medical Sciences

Medical Sciences
MSc medical sciencesMSc medical sciences in japaninternational masters medical sciencesmasters abroad medical sciencesmasters in medical sciences
24 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

STEM

Nanoscience

Nanoscience
andjapanmastermaster'snanoscience
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

STEM

Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
aeronauticalaerospacearchitectureengineeringgraduate
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Program of Nuclear Engineering

STEM Unique

Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering
become an engineerengineering degreeenglish-taught master nuclear engineeringinternational program of nuclear engineeringmaster in nuclear engineering
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences

STEM

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmaceutical Sciences
masters in Pharmaceutical SciencesPharmaceutical Sciences mastersmaster's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciencesstudy Pharmaceutical Sciences in JapanPharmaceutical Sciences program in Japan
24 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's Program in International Public Policy

Public Policy

Public Policy
MSc in public policyinternational public policy programstudy public policy in JapanMS in public policymaster degree public policy
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Master's in International Program of Quantum Engineering Design

STEM

International Program of Quantum Engineering Design

Quantum Engineering

Quantum Engineering
designengineeringgraduateinternationalinternational program of quantum engineering design
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD Programs (18)

Doctoral Program in Frontier Biosciences

STEM

Biosciences

Biosciences
biosciencesdoctoralfrontierjapanosaka
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Frontier Biosciences

STEM

Biosciences

Biosciences
BiosciencesFrontier BiosciencesFrontier Biosciences abroadFrontier Biosciences at Osaka UniversityFrontier Biosciences phd Japan
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Dentistry

STEM

Dentistry

dentistry
dentistrydoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctoral program in dentistrydoctorate
48 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Economics

Economics

Economics
doctoraldoctorateeconomiceconomicsfinance
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Economics

Economics

Economics
economics degreeeconomics programeconomics university in osakaeconomist career degreejapanese-taught economics
36 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Engineering Science

STEM

Engineering Science

Engineering Science
phdengineering sciencejapanosakaengineering
36 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Engineering Science

STEM

Engineering Science

Engineering Science
phd in engineering sciencephd engineering sciencestudy engineering science in japanphd engineering science in japanphd engineering science in osaka
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Global Human Resources Development

Human Resources

Human Resources Management
human resources managementhuman resources management degreehuman resources management programhuman resources management phdPhD program
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Human Sciences

Human Sciences

Human Sciences
Human Sciences PhDHuman Sciences doctoralinterdisciplinary social scienceanthropologysocial research
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Information Science and Technology

STEM

Information Science

Information Science
doctoraldoctoral program in information science and technologyinformationinformation sciencejapan
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Information Science and Technology

STEM

Information Science and Technology

Information Science and Technology
doctoratedoctoral degreeinformation sciencetechnology managementdigital systems
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Law

Law

Law
phd in lawphd lawstudy law in japanphd in law in japanstudy law in osaka
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Law and Politics

Law and Politics

Law and Politics
law politics careerlaw and politics degree phdphd law and politicsphd in law and politicsphd law and politics in japan
36 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Management

Management

Management
businessdoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctorategraduate research
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences

STEM

Medical Sciences

Medical Sciences
phd medical sciencesmedical sciences program in japandoctorate medical sciencesdoctoral medical sciences in japanstudy medical sciences in osaka
48 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

STEM

Nanoscience

Nanoscience
doctorate nanosciencenanoscience degree abroadinternational phd program nanosciencestudy abroad nanoscience japanstudy nanoscience in japan
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

STEM

Doctoral Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmaceutical Sciences
dissertationdoctoraldrug developmentjapanpharmaceutical
36 months Japanese Full-time

$535,800/yr

Doctoral Program in International Public Policy

Public Policy

Public Policy
doctoraldoctorateinternationaljapanphd
36 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Osaka University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Spring, Fall
Application Deadline January 6, 2026
Tuition (per year) $6k - $6.3k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$8000
0
Teaching Language Japanese, English
Accreditation
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

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Frequently Asked Questions About Osaka University

Common questions from international students considering Osaka University.

What is the acceptance rate at Osaka University?

Osaka University is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Osaka University cost for international students?

Tuition at Osaka University ranges from $6k - $6.3k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $8000/month), books, and living expenses.

What is Osaka University ranked globally?

Osaka University holds the following rankings: QS World #91, Times Higher Education #151, ARWU #201, #3 in Japan. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does Osaka University have?

Osaka University typically requires IELTS 6+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at Osaka University?

Yes, Osaka University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Osaka University start its semesters?

Osaka University has intakes starting in Spring, Fall. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Osaka University offer?

Osaka University offers 35+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Osaka University located?

Osaka University is located in Osaka, Japan 🇯🇵. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

How do I apply to Osaka University?

For specific details about Osaka University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Osaka University offer?

For specific details about Osaka University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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