Overview
Osaka University, founded in 1931, is a national public research university in Japan and one of the country’s most respected institutions for science, engineering, medicine, and the humanities. Located in Osaka Prefecture—home to Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area—it has strong global visibility through research output and international partnerships. Osaka University also participates in Japan’s Top Global University Project and is part of the HeKKSaGOn Alliance, supporting cross-border collaboration and advanced research across multiple disciplines.
1. General Information
| Name | Osaka University |
| Founded | 1931 |
| Location | Suita, Osaka, Japan |
| Type | National Public Research University |
| QS World Ranking (2024) | 80th |
| Japan Ranking | Top 5 |
| Campuses | Suita, Toyonaka, Minoh |
2. Academic Programs
Undergraduate Faculties
- Science
- Engineering Science
- Foreign Studies
- Law
- Letters
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Human Sciences
- Graduate Schools:
- Information Science and Technology
- Frontier Biosciences
- Engineering
- Global Public Policy
- Humanities
- Language and Culture
- International Collaboration Programs
English-Taught Programs
- Human Sciences International Undergraduate Program (HUSIP)
- Chemistry-Biology Combined Major Program (CBCMP)
- International Graduate Programs in science, engineering, and biosciences
If you are comparing options across Japan’s leading research universities, you may also want to review programs at Kyoto University and The University of Tokyo, which are often considered alongside Osaka University for academic strength and international enrollment.
3. Research Excellence
- Leading in quantum science, AI, biosciences, materials engineering, and robotics
- Home to multiple Centers of Excellence, including:
- Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC)
- Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB)
- Institute of Laser Engineering
For students looking for research-intensive environments, Osaka University’s focus areas make it a strong match for coursework and graduate study that connect lab work with real-world innovation. Similar research strengths can be found when comparing other national universities such as Tohoku University, another major hub for advanced science and engineering in Japan.
4.Global Collaborations
- Member of HeKKSaGOn Alliance (with Heidelberg, Kyoto, and Tohoku Universities)
- 650+ academic partnerships worldwide
- Exchange and dual degree programs with institutions such as:
- University of California
- University of Sydney
- Seoul National University
- University of Cambridge
These international ties are especially relevant for applicants considering pathways like research internships, exchange semesters, and joint supervision options at the graduate level.
5. Fee Structure
| Program Level | Annual Tuition (JPY) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 535,800 | $3,600 |
| Graduate (Master’s/PhD) | 535,800 | $3,600 |
| Admission Fee (One-time) | 282,000 | $1,900 |
Actual out-of-pocket costs can also vary depending on living expenses, required program fees, and any scholarship support. Before applying, verify the latest tuition and fee schedule on the university’s official resources.
6. Rankings Recognition
- QS World Ranking 2024 80th
- Times Higher Education ranking: strong performance for Engineering and Life Sciences (with Osaka University frequently listed among Japan’s top research universities in these areas)
- Renowned for high-impact global research and innovative education
7. Contact Information
- Website: Osaka University (official English site)
- Email: info@ciee.osaka-u.ac.jp
- Address: 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Phone: +81-6-6877-5111
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