JAPAN · SUITA / OSAKA
University of Osaka
public · Founded 1931 · Languages: ja, en
In short
The University of Osaka is a leading national research university in Japan, founded in 1931, with campuses in Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh. It offers numerous faculties and graduate schools, hosting a diverse international student body from over 100 countries.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1931
- Students
- 23,234
- International students
- 2,800
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €5–6k/yr
- Languages
- JA, EN
- Location
- Suita / Osaka, Japan
The University of Osaka, founded in 1931, is a leading national research university in Japan and one of Asia's top comprehensive institutions. It operates 11 faculties and 15 graduate schools across three campuses in Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh, with roughly 23,000 students including nearly 3,000 internationals from over 100 countries. The university is home to world-class research centres including the Immunology Frontier Research Center, whose affiliated researcher Shimon Sakaguchi received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Its 'Osaka-Kansai Science Hills' initiative integrates campus research with the vibrant innovation ecosystems of Umeda and Nakanoshima.
Why study here
- Top-3 research university in Japan with a Nobel Prize-winning research environment at the Immunology Frontier Research Center.
- Over 400 international partner universities and English-taught degree programmes to support a truly global education.
- Strong industry-academia links: more than 100 corporate research organisations are co-located on campus.
- Affordable tuition (~4,750 EUR/year) combined with generous JASSO and university scholarships for international students.
- Located minutes from Osaka city centre — Japan's culinary capital and a hub for technology, manufacturing, and biotech industries.
Student life
Campus life at Osaka University is lively, with two major festivals (Icho Festival in May, Machikane Festival in November), dozens of student clubs, and a Co-op that covers dining, housing, and travel. The CO* Design Center runs interdisciplinary programmes connecting students to social challenges. International students are supported by the International Student Centre, buddy systems, and multilingual housing assistance.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay the standard national university tuition of approximately 535,800 JPY (~4,750 EUR) per year for most programmes. Medicine and dentistry programmes are higher. A tuition remission programme is available for eligible students.
HomeInformation regarding tuition and fees for domestic students, as well as remission programs, is available on the university's website. Please check the official pages for the most current details.
LivingLiving costs in the Osaka/Suita area typically range from 80,000–120,000 JPY per month (~700–1,050 EUR), covering rent, food, and transport. The Osaka University Co-op My Room service assists with finding accommodation.
Fee details for undergraduate and graduate programmes may differ. The university also offers a tuition remission programme, for which details are available on the official website.
Admissions
UndergraduateHigh school diploma + EJU scores; Japanese language proficiency (N2 or above for Japanese-medium programmes)
GraduateBachelor's degree or equivalent; research proposal; supervisor agreement
TOEFL iBT72+
IELTS6.0+
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 202591
THE World University Rankings 2025201
National ranking (Japan)3
University scholarships
JASSO Scholarship for International Students~48,000 JPY/month (~430 EUR)
Osaka University Special Scholarship (特待留学生制度)Tuition waiver + monthly stipend
Osaka University Mirai Fund SupportVaries by project
Accreditation
Osaka University is a National University Corporation (国立大学法人) under Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), conferring full national accreditation.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Osaka · Japan
Graduate School of Medicine
The Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University upholds the spirit of 'Tekijuku,' a historically significant medical school known for its free academic atmosphere and forward-thinking approach. This institution has evolved through various name changes, consistently contributing to the advancement of medical treatment and healthcare in Japan and globally. It aims to foster specialists in medicine and healthcare who will lead the 21st century through advanced education and research. The program offers a robust educational environment that respects the efforts of predecessors and upholds traditional cultural values while striving for further development. It serves as a hub for education, social contribution, and information dissemination, building upon a 150-year history dating back to the beginning of medical instruction in Japan. Students engage with cutting-edge research and contribute to the future of medicine.
Master's
Level
€3k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Osaka · Japan
Medicine and Health Sciences
The Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University is dedicated to advancing medical and health sciences, building upon a legacy of innovation and contributing to society. We aim to cultivate specialists in 21st-century medicine and healthcare through advanced education and research. Our programs foster a spirit of free inquiry, inspired by the historical 'Tekijuku' academy, pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and practice.
Master's
Level
€3k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Osaka · Japan
School of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
The School of Health Sciences at Osaka University offers graduate programs within the Graduate School of Medicine, focusing on advanced research and education in various health-related disciplines. Students engage in cutting-edge research and develop expertise in fields such as nursing, medical radiation technology, and physical therapy, preparing them for leadership roles in healthcare and research. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and provides access to state-of-the-art facilities. International students are encouraged to participate in global exchange programs and contribute to the diverse academic community. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of health sciences.
Master's
Level
€3k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Japan
full fundingNational Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
GRIPS Fully Funded Scholarships (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)
Open to international students applying to GRIPS master's and PhD policy programs taught in English. Master's and five-year PhD applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent; three-year PhD applicants need a master's degree or equivalent. Specific scholarships (MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, JICA, Japan-IMF) each carry their own nationality, age and work-experience conditions tied to the program selected.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNational Institute of Genetics (NIG)
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will obtain it before the start date) and have the research skills to pursue a genetics project. Applicants who were previously enrolled at NIG as postdocs, technical staff or SOKENDAI graduate students are not eligible.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
-27d left
Deadline
living only fundingNishimura Foundation
Nishimura Foundation Japan International Scholarship
Open to Indonesian citizens who are graduates of UGM, ITB, UI or UNAIR and who will apply for S1 (undergraduate), S2 (master's) or S3 (doctoral) study at an eligible Japanese university. Applicants must self-fund their study programme (the scholarship covers living expenses, not tuition), meet the minimum GPA (3.0 for undergraduate, 3.5 for master's), demonstrate financial need, and have or be willing to learn Japanese with an interest in Japanese culture and Indonesia-Japan relations.
living only
Funding
€22k
Max
Dec 10, 2026
Deadline
full fundingOsaka University (funded by MEXT, Japanese Government)
Osaka University MEXT Scholarship for Robotics and Bioengineering
Open to non-Japanese citizens with a strong academic background in a relevant field such as robotics, bioengineering or mechanical science, who meet the MEXT programme conditions, present a focused research proposal, and obtain a supporting supervisor at Osaka University before applying.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term Scholarships)
For young government officials and professionals from partner developing countries who are nominated/selected through their country's JICA programme (such as JDS) to pursue a master's (and some doctoral) degree in Japan. Applicants apply through the in-country JICA/JDS process during the partner country's call.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full fundingKyoto University (funded by the Bai Xian Asia Institute)
Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Kyoto University
Citizens of eligible Asian countries who meet Kyoto University's academic and admission requirements, are committed to completing the two-year programme and participating in AFLSP leadership activities, and are admitted to a qualifying undergraduate programme. Open to students of all academic disciplines.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Apr 10, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Osaka?
+
International students typically pay the standard national university tuition of approximately 535,800 JPY per year, which is about 4,750 EUR. Note that medicine and dentistry programmes may have higher fees. A tuition remission programme is available for eligible students.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in Osaka?
+
Living costs in the Osaka/Suita area generally range from 80,000 to 120,000 JPY per month, covering expenses like rent, food, and transportation. The university's 'My Room' service can assist with finding accommodation.
What are the admission requirements for international undergraduate students?
+
Undergraduate international students typically need to take the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) or the university's own selection process. For programmes taught in Japanese, proficiency at N2 level or above is usually required.
Does the University of Osaka offer English-taught programs?
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Yes, the University of Osaka supports a global education with English-taught degree programs available, in addition to having over 400 international partner universities.
Are there scholarships available for international students at Osaka University?
+
Yes, the university offers several scholarships for international students, including the JASSO Scholarship for International Students and the Osaka University Special Scholarship, which can include a tuition waiver and monthly stipend.
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