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Top 20 Universities for PhD Study in Japan in 2026
Written by Hannah Slack
Japan has become increasingly established as a top location for international PhD study. One reason is that the Japanese government’s Top Global University Project has granted additional funding for 37 universities to improve their international connections and recruitment.
With all this in mind, we’ve taken a look at how Japanese universities are currently performing in the global rankings.
| University | THE 2025 | QS 2025 | ARWU 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tokyo | 28 | =32 | 28 |
| Kyoto University | 55 | =50 | 45 |
| Tohoku University | 120 | 107 | 201-300 |
| Osaka University | 162 | 86 | 201-300 |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology | =191 | =91 | 151-200 |
| Nagoya University | 201-250 | =152 | 101-150 |
| Kyushu University | 301-350 | =167 | 201-300 |
| Hokkaido University | 351-400 | 173 | 201-300 |
| University of Tsukuba | 351-400 | =377 | 201-300 |
| Tokyo Medical and Dental University | 401-500 | 661-670 | 501-600 |
| The University of Aizu | 601-800 | - | - |
| Hiroshima University | 601-800 | =474 | 501-600 |
| Juntendo University | 601-800 | - | 901-1000 |
| Kejo University | 601-800 | - | - |
| Kobe University | 601-800 | 465 | 501-600 |
| Chiba University | 1001-1200 | 771-780 | 601-700 |
| Kumamoto University | 1001-1200 | 951-1000 | 901-1000 |
| Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine | 1001-1200 | - | - |
| Okayama University | 801-1000 | 851-900 | 501-600 |
| Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology | 1001-1200 | 851-900 | 901-1000 |
| Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. | |||
So, how good are Japanese universities for PhD study?
With a multitude of its universities in the global top 500, Japan performs well as an international study destination. Its emphasis on technological developments also makes the country an innovative location for students wishing to study in scientific fields.
But university rankings are not always that clear when it comes to PhD study. For a few extra tips on how to use them wisely be sure to read our guide to PhD rankings.
Search for a PhD in Japan
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse PhDs in Japan on FindAPhD.com or read our guide to studying a PhD in Japan.
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Hannah Slack
Hannah worked at FindAPhD as a Content Writer from 2020 to 2023. She started with us part-time whilst studying for her PhD, giving her personal experience with balancing work responsibilities with academia. Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of East Anglia, and both a Masters in Early Modern History and a PhD on Early Modern English seafarers from the University of Sheffield.
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