Understanding Japanese Universities: National, Public, and Private

If you are planning to study in Japan, one of the first things you will notice is that universities are divided into three main categories:

1. National (Kokuritsu)

2. Public (Kōritsu)

3. Private (Shiritsu)

Unlike some countries where universities are simply “public” or “private,” Japan separates universities run by the national government from those run by local governments (prefectures or cities). Most importantly for international students, you can find English-taught degree programs in all three categories.

Here is a simple guide to how they differ in cost, academic focus, and admissions.

Quick Comparison Table

(Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology [MEXT] School Basic Survey, FY2025 — Total: 813 universities. First-year total fees include a one-time admission fee paid upon enrollment, plus annual tuition and facility fees.)

1. National Universities (Kokuritsu Daigaku)

National universities were originally founded by the Japanese government and are now managed as National University Corporations. There is at least one national university in every prefecture in Japan.

• What they are known for:

  • Strong Research Focus: National universities receive major research funding from the government. They usually have large laboratories, smaller class sizes for advanced research, and strong graduate schools.

  • High Academic Prestige: Many of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious research institutions belong to this category.

• Tuition and Costs:

  • Because they are supported by national taxes, tuition is much lower than at most private universities. The standard annual tuition is ¥535,800, plus a one-time admission fee of ¥282,000.

  • Good to know: Several major national universities have raised their annual tuition up to ¥642,960 (the legal limit of 20% above the standard rate) to improve student facilities and programs. Tuition is the same regardless of your major.

• English-Taught Programs:

  • Many national universities offer full undergraduate degree programs in English, especially in engineering, science, agriculture, and environmental studies, alongside select interdisciplinary and liberal arts programs.

2. Public Universities (Kōritsu Daigaku)

Public universities are established and funded by local governments, such as a specific prefecture or city.

• What they are known for:

  • Community Connection: Many public universities focus on fields that support local communities, such as nursing, healthcare, social welfare, and regional policy.

  • Specialized Global Campuses: Although there are just over 100 public universities, some are well-known among international students for unique, specialized English-taught undergraduate degrees in areas like international liberal arts or computer science and IT, while urban public universities also offer English-taught courses and graduate programs.

• Tuition and Costs:

  • Annual tuition is almost the same as at national universities, averaging about ¥536,000 per year.

  • However, the one-time admission fee usually depends on where you live. Local residents pay an average of around ¥225,000, while students coming from outside the prefecture—including most international students—pay an average of around ¥380,000.

• Academic Environment:

  • Public universities generally maintain solid academic standards and tend to have smaller student populations than large private universities, which often means closer interaction with professors.

3. Private Universities (Shiritsu Daigaku)

Private universities make up more than 75% of all universities in Japan (625 out of 813 institutions) and educate nearly 80% of all undergraduate students.

• What they are known for:

  • Largest Selection of English Programs: Private universities offer the highest number and widest variety of English-taught degree programs in Japan across business, international relations, liberal arts, and STEM fields.

  • Career and Campus Support: Many private universities are located in major metropolitan areas. They often have large international student support offices, international dormitories, and strong alumni networks that help students find jobs in Japan after graduation.

• Tuition and Costs:

  • Private universities rely heavily on student tuition rather than government funding, so costs are higher and depend on your major:

    • Humanities & Social Sciences (Business, International Studies, etc.): ~¥830,000/year in tuition (First-year total: ~¥1.2M – ¥1.35M including admission and facility fees)

    • Science & Engineering: ~¥1,160,000/year in tuition (First-year total: ~¥1.5M – ¥1.7M)

    • Medicine & Dentistry: ~¥2,800,000 – ¥5,000,000+/year

• Admissions Difficulty:

  • Because there are over 600 private universities, competitiveness varies greatly. Top private universities are just as selective as top national universities, while many mid-sized private universities offer more accessible admissions. Most English-taught programs use document screening (evaluating your high school grades, essays, and TOEFL/IELTS scores) and online interviews, so you do not need to fly to Japan to take an entrance exam.

How Should You Choose?

Because English-taught programs exist in national, public, and private universities, your choice comes down to what fits you best:

1. Check the Majors Available: If you want to study business, international relations, or liberal arts in English, private universities (along with select public universities) offer the broadest range of options. If you are interested in STEM, engineering, or computer science, check both national universities and specialized public or private universities.

2. Look at Total Cost, Not Just Sticker Price: National and public universities have lower base tuition. However, many private universities offer 30% to 100% tuition reduction scholarships for international students based on academic merit or financial need, which can make them just as affordable.

3. Think About Location: Do you want the energy, convenience, and part-time job opportunities of a major metropolitan area (where many private universities are concentrated), or would you prefer a quieter, more affordable regional city with deeper immersion in local Japanese life (common among national and public universities)?

Your Next Step Toward Studying in Japan

Whether you aim for a research-focused national university, a close-knit public campus, or a globally connected private university, Japan offers high-quality education at a much lower cost than many Western countries. Do not limit your search to just one category—compare individual degree programs, check scholarship deadlines early, and explore what campus life looks like in different regions of Japan. With over 800 universities across the country, there is a place that matches your academic goals, budget, and future career plans.