Top 20 Engineering Universities in Japan

Reviewed by Soliu.

The top Engineering Universities in Japan are measured based on intellectual brilliance and technical achievements. This university includes The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, Osaka University, Nagoya University, etc.

By introduction, Japan, known for its technological strength, is home to several prestigious engineering institutes that have driven the country to the pinnacle of innovation. In this article, we will review the top 20 engineering universities in Japan.

Let us tour these academic strongholds that continue to affect the future of engineering, from their inception years to their numerous engineering curricula and buzzing student populations.

Top Engineering Universities in Japan

1. The University of Tokyo (1877) 

The top on our list of engineering universities in Japan is The University of Tokyo (UTokyo), founded in 1877, is Japan’s pinnacle of engineering education. This university, located in the center of Tokyo, has a student population of roughly 29,000.

It provides a wide range of engineering courses, including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, which are meant to develop well-rounded engineers capable of tackling global challenges.

• Course Flexibility: Tokyo offers online and in-person programs, allowing students to pick their preferred form of study.
• Semester Length: Traditionally, it follows a two-semester schedule, each semester lasting approximately 15 weeks.
• Average Session Costs: Session costs differ by program and level but range from ¥535,800 to ¥943,800 per academic year.

2. Kyoto University (1897) 

Next up on our list of engineering universities in Japan is Kyoto University, founded in 1897, is located within the culturally rich region of Kyoto. With a student body of over 22,000, it provides an array of engineering disciplines, such as Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Materials Engineering, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

• Course Flexibility: Kyoto University encourages a blend of online and in-person instruction, allowing students to manage their education with other obligations.

• Semester Length: There are two semesters, each lasting roughly 15 to 16 weeks.

• Average Session Costs: Annual session costs range from ¥282,000 to ¥535,800.

3. Tohoku University (1907) – Sendai 

Third place in The top 20 engineering universities in Japan is Tohoku University, established in 1907 based in Sendai. It excels in courses like Disaster Management Engineering, Renewable Energies Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering, which aim to tackle real-world difficulties through cutting-edge research, with an average student population of roughly 17,000.

• Course Flexibility: Tohoku University incorporates online components into numerous courses, increasing student accessibility.
• Semester Length: Follows a semester system with a length comparable to other colleges and universities, typically 15 weeks every semester.
• Average Session Prices: Annual session prices range from ¥535,800 to ¥835,800 on average.

4. Osaka University (1931) 

Fourth place on the list of the top Engineering Universities in Japan is Osaka University, founded in 1931, is located in the dynamic metropolis of Osaka. It has an average student population of roughly 25,000 and offers programs in Robotics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Civil and Structural Engineering, establishing a solid interaction between academia and industry.

• Course Flexibility: Osaka University provides a mixture of online lectures and direct contact to accommodate different learning preferences.
• Semester Length: Follows a typical semester schedule of approximately 15 weeks per term.
• Average Session Costs: Annual sessions range between ¥282,000 and ¥535,800.

5. Nagoya University (1939) 

Next, Nagoya University, founded in 1939, is number 5 of our top 20 engineering universities in Japan. It is situated in Nagoya. It has an average student population of over 18,000 and provides courses such as Automotive Engineering, Advanced Materials Science, and Electrical Systems Engineering, promoting itself as a technological advancement hub.

• Course Flexibility: Nagoya University adds online components to its courses, allowing students to participate in remote learning as needed.
• Semester Length: The school functions on a two-semester schedule, each semester lasting around 15 to 16 weeks.
• Average Session prices: Annual session prices range from ¥335,800 to ¥535,800 on average.

6. Kyushu University (1911) 

For 6th position on the list of the top universities in Japan is Kyushu University, established in 1911 in Fukuoka. With a student population of around 20,000, it specializes in subjects such as Aerospace Engineering, Biotechnology, and Environmental Engineering, contributing to the advancement of sustainable technologies.

• Course Flexibility: Kyushu University offers students various online learning choices.

• Semester Length: Follows the typical semester paradigm, with two semesters of around 15 weeks each.
• Average Session Prices: Annual session prices range from ¥335,800 to ¥535,800.

7. Tokyo Institute of Technology (1881) – (Tokyo Tech)

The Tokyo Institute of Technology made it to the 7th position of the top engineering universities in Japan. Established in 1881, it is located in Tokyo. It has a student population of around 10,000. It offers engineering and science degrees, as well as programs that prepare graduates for professions in sectors such as Information and Communications Engineering and Materials Science.

• Course Flexibility: Tokyo Tech offers online and in-person education, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences.
• Semester Length: Generally follows a two-semester program, each semester lasting around 15 weeks.
• Average Session Costs: Annual sessions range between ¥282,000 and ¥535,800.

8. Hokkaido University (1876) 

Hokkaido University, founded in 1876, is located in Sapporo. It has an average student population of over 18,000 and provides programs in Arctic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Energy Engineering, all of which contribute considerably to Japan’s technical landscape. Hokkaido University is our No. 8 of the best engineering universities in Japan. 

• Course Flexibility: Hokkaido University incorporates online components into its academic offerings, allowing students to tailor their educational experiences.
• Semester Length: Follows the traditional semester format, each semester lasting about 15 weeks. Average 
• Session Costs: Annual session costs range between ¥282,000 and ¥535,800.

9. Keio University (1858)

On our number 9 of the top 20 engineering universities in Japan is Keio University, founded in 1858, situated in Tokyo. It specializes in disciplines like information technology, electronics engineering, and mechanical engineering and fosters a climate of entrepreneurship and creativity, with an average student population of roughly 32,000. 

• Course Flexibility: Keio University provides classes in person and online, allowing students to participate successfully.
• Semester Length: Follows the traditional semester plan, with two semesters of about 15 weeks each. Average 
• Session Costs: Annual session costs range between ¥486,000 and ¥806,400.

10. Chiba University (1949) 

Chiba University is number 10 of the top engineering universities in Japan. Established in 1949, it is located in Chiba. It has an average student population of roughly 22,000 and provides majors like environmental engineering, Civil Engineering, and Architecture, all of which actively address societal concerns through engineering solutions.

• Course Flexibility: Chiba University supports online learning methods, allowing students to mix their education with other responsibilities.
• Semester Length: The system is semester-based, with each term lasting approximately 15 weeks.
• Average Session Costs: Annual sessions range between ¥282,000 and ¥482,400.

11. Hiroshima University (1949) 

Hiroshima University, founded in 1949, is located in Hiroshima. It has a typical student population of over 11,000 and provides courses in Sustainability Engineering, Disaster Resilience, and Civil and Environmental Engineering, all of which contribute to a safer and more sustainable world, making them number 11 of the top engineering universities in Japan.

• Course Flexibility: Hiroshima University provides online and in-person courses, allowing students to personalize their learning experience.
• Semester Length: Follows a typical two-semester schedule, with each semester spanning around 15 weeks.
• Average Session Fees: Annual session fees can vary between ¥335,800 and ¥536,400.

12. Okayama University (1870) 

Okayama University, founded in 1870, resides in Okayama. It excels in Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Materials Science, with an average student body of over 17,000, and contributes significantly to Japan’s agricultural innovation. Okayama University is number 12 among the top 20 Engineering universities in Japan. 

• Course Flexibility: Okayama University adds online components to its courses, giving students options for how they learn.
• Semester Length: Follows a standard semester format, each semester lasting around 15 weeks.
• Average Session Costs: Annual sessions range between ¥282,000 and ¥483,000.

13. Yokohama National University (1949) 

Yokohama National University, founded in 1949, is located in Yokohama. It has roughly 10,000 students on average and specializes in Marine Engineering, Urban Planning, and Disaster Management, tackling crucial issues for an island nation.

• Course Flexibility: Yokohama National University incorporates online learning elements into its curriculum, increasing student accessibility.
• Semester Length: Follows the regular semester schedule, with two terms of about 15 weeks each.
• Average Session Costs: Annual session costs range between ¥282,000 and ¥433,800.

14. Kanazawa University (1949) 

Kanazawa University, founded in 1949, is located in Kanazawa. It has an average student population of over 11,000 and provides courses in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, and Medical Engineering, all contributing to technological advancement.

• Course Flexibility: Kanazawa University provides online and in-person courses to accommodate a variety of learning styles.
• Semester Length: The school follows a semester-based structure, each lasting around 15 weeks.
• Average Session Fees: Annual session fees vary between ¥297,000 and ¥433,800.

15. Kobe University (1949) 

Kobe University, founded in 1949, is located in Kobe. With a student body of over 22,000, it specializes in disciplines such as Robotics Engineering, Data Science, and Intelligent Systems, which are critical to molding Japan’s technological future.

• Course Flexibility: Kobe University combines both in-person and online classes, allowing students to participate in a variety of learning experiences.
• Semester Length: Typically maintains a two-semester schedule, each semester lasting approximately 15 weeks.
• Average Session Fees: Annual session fees vary between ¥297,000 and ¥446,400.

16. Gifu University (1949) 

Gifu University, established in 1949, is located in Gifu. With a typical student population of roughly 13,000, it focuses on courses such as Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biotechnology, significantly contributing to Japan’s economic success.

• Course Flexibility: Gifu University provides online choices for students to fit their education around their schedules.
• Semester Length: Follows the typical semester-based paradigm, each semester lasting around 15 weeks.
• Average Session Fees: Annual session fees range from ¥297,000 to ¥433,800.

17. Niigata University (1949) 

• Course Flexibility: Niigata University incorporates online learning components into its programs, giving students various learning opportunities.
• Semester Length: Follows a typical two-semester schedule, with each semester spanning about 15 weeks.
• Average Session Fees: Annual session fees vary between ¥297,000 and ¥433,800.

18. Shizuoka University (1949) 

Shizuoka University, founded in 1949, is located in Shizuoka. It excels in disciplines that include Space Technology, Photonics, and Materials Engineering, promoting technical growth, with a typical student population of around 13,000 students.

• Course Flexibility: Shizuoka University provides online and in-person classes to meet the different demands of its students.
• Semester Length: Follows a conventional semester timetable, each semester lasting around 15 weeks.
• Average Session Fees: Annual session fees vary between ¥297,000 and ¥433,800.

19. Ibaraki University (1949) 

Ibaraki University, founded in 1949, is located in Ibaraki. With a typical student population of roughly 12,000, it focuses on subjects like nuclear engineering, Plasma Physics, and Environmental Studies, significantly contributing to Japan’s energy and environmental scene.

• Course Flexibility: Ibaraki University supports e-learning, allowing students to mix their education with other responsibilities.
• Semester Length: Traditionally, it follows a two-semester schedule, each semester lasting approximately 15 weeks.
• Average Session Costs: Annual session costs range between ¥1282,000 and ¥433,800.

20. University of Tsukuba (1973)

The University of Tsukuba, established in 1973, is located in Tsukuba. It has a student population of around 20,000 and provides courses on Interdisciplinary Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, and Sports Science, generating engineers who can work in various industries.

• Course Flexibility: The University of Tsukuba incorporates online aspects into its programs to provide students with customizable learning options.
• Semester Length: Follows a regular semester-based timetable, each semester lasting roughly 15 weeks.
• Average Session Fees: Annual session fees can vary from ¥297,000 to ¥433,800.

Conclusion 

These top engineering universities in Japan provide comprehensive engineering programs that prepare students for success in their fields, with semester lengths that match academic calendars.

Following the hierarchy of best, one will find that Japan’s top 20 engineering universities’ course flexibility, semester duration, and average session fees are all friendly options. Flexibility and accessibility are also joint. 

These colleges provide online and on-campus courses to help students adapt their learning and schedules. And these factors keep them on the list of 20 top engineering universities in Japan. Many students can get an excellent engineering education in Japan because the average session charge varies by schedule and level.

Now this is Japan 🎑. Let us know your preference for the engineering Universities with your location. Also, tell us why. Stay safe.