Osaka Metropolitan University will open a new undergraduate program in 2029 with admissions starting in the fall. The new faculty, tentatively called the College of Creative Studies, will offer all classes in English and welcome both Japanese and international students. Half of the students will come from overseas, showing the university’s strong focus on global education.
Each year, about 50 students will join the program—25 from Japan and 25 from abroad. The first year will include language training, and from the second year students can build their own study plan by choosing from 80–100 courses in areas such as biotechnology, data science, and tourism. The program encourages students to explore both local issues, like aging populations and city development, and global challenges such as climate change.
Japanese students will be required to study abroad for at least three months. International students will receive Japanese language lessons and have the chance to join internships at Japanese companies. The university will also provide project‑based learning with local communities, for example using Osaka’s urban development projects as real‑world study opportunities.
Vice President Tetsuya Takahashi explained that the goal is to train people who can not only gain knowledge but also bring positive change to society.
At the graduate level, the university plans to expand fall admissions and make sure that by 2028 every graduate school offers degree programs taught in English. By 2030, the target is to host 1,600 international students—three times more than in 2024.
Competition for international students is strong. Waseda University had over 5,500 international students in 2024, while Ritsumeikan, Kyoto University, and Osaka University also attracted large numbers. As a new university founded in 2022, Osaka Metropolitan University is still building global recognition and is working on partnerships with overseas high schools, especially in Asia, to strengthen recruitment.
The university also aims to improve its global ranking. In 2023, it was placed between 1201–1500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. By 2030, it hopes to reach the top 500, and within ten years, the top 200.
(Source: Nikkei, April 23, 2026)
*About Osaka, please refer to Travel Japan website.
Global University in Japan view:
In the coming years, more universities in Japan—like Osaka Metropolitan University—will offer degree programs that can be completed entirely in English. For new faculties to compete with traditional institutions and highly ranked universities in attracting international students, strong support systems will be essential.
International students should not choose a university based only on name recognition or rankings. It is important to understand the curriculum, student services, and support structures available after admission.
At Global University in Japan, we will continue to share practical information to help international students make informed choices when selecting a university in Japan.
