Osaka University

Osaka University, officially known as The University of Osaka (UOsaka) since April 2025, is a prominent national research university located in Osaka, Japan. Established in 1931 as the sixth Imperial University, it traces its origins to the 18th-century institutions Kaitokudo (1724) and Tekijuku (1838). Following post-war educational reforms and a merger with Osaka University of Foreign Studies in 2007, UOsaka has become Japan’s largest national university by undergraduate enrollment.

Academic Structure

The university comprises 11 undergraduate schools and 10 graduate schools, organized across three campuses: Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh. The university offers a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medical fields. Notable faculties include Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering Science, School of Foreign Studies, School of Human Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering Science, and Graduate School of Science.

Research Activities

Osaka University is renowned for its research output, particularly in physics, immunology, robotics, and engineering. The university has produced several Nobel laureates, including Hideki Yukawa (Physics, 1949), Yoichiro Nambu (Physics, 2008), and Akira Yoshino (Chemistry, 2019). Other distinguished alumni include immunologist Shizuo Akira, virologist Hidesaburo Hanafusa, and robotics expert Hiroshi Ishiguro. Research centers such as the Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) and the Institute for Protein Research are at the forefront of scientific discovery. The university also boasts advanced facilities for robotics and artificial intelligence research.

International Rankings

UOsaka consistently ranks among the top universities globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, it is placed at 80th, while the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 lists it between 251–300. The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2022 positions UOsaka in the 101–150 range.

Campus Life

Osaka University offers a vibrant campus life across its three campuses. The university provides modern facilities, including libraries, research centers, and student lounges. Students can engage in various extracurricular activities through numerous clubs and organizations, ranging from sports to cultural events. The Machikane Festival is a notable annual event showcasing student talents. For international students, UOsaka offers support services such as Japanese language courses, cultural exchange programs, and career counseling. The Global Village initiative promotes interaction between international and Japanese students, fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

Notable Alumni

• Hideki Yukawa – Nobel Prize in Physics (1949)
• Yoichiro Nambu – Nobel Prize in Physics (2008)
• Akira Yoshino – Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2019)
• Shizuo Akira – Immunologist, Gairdner Award (2011)
• Hidesaburo Hanafusa – Virologist, Lasker Award (1982)
• Hiroshi Ishiguro – Robotics Expert
• Akio Morita – Co-founder of Sony
• Osamu Tezuka – Manga Artist
• Ryōtarō Shiba – Author

Future Goals

Osaka University aims to strengthen its position as a leading global research university by expanding international collaborations, enhancing interdisciplinary education, and fostering innovation. The university is committed to addressing global challenges through research excellence and contributing to societal development.

Contact Information

Website:

https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en

Admissions Office:

[email protected]

Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences:

[email protected]

Graduate School of Science:

[email protected]

Graduate School of Engineering Science:

[email protected]

Admission Requirements & Application Procedures

Undergraduate Programs

International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS)

Duration: 4.5 years (including 6 months of intensive Japanese language education).
Fields: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Biological Sciences.
Application Period: December 2, 2024 – January 10, 2025.
Requirements: Completion of secondary education, English proficiency (TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher), standardized test scores (EJU, IB, or GCE A-Level), statement of purpose, recommendation letters, proof of Japanese language proficiency (if applicable).
Application Portal: https://e-apply.jp/n/osaka-u-inter

Graduate Programs

Application Process:

Identify a prospective supervisor, prepare a statement of purpose and research plan, submit application through the Admissions Assistance Desk (AAD), provide required documents including academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation (if required).

Graduate Admissions Office:

[email protected]

Language Proficiency

English:

TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher with minimum section scores: Reading 18, Listening 18, Speaking 20, Writing 20.

Japanese:

Required for programs conducted in Japanese; Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 or N2 level recommended.

Tuition

Undergraduate:

535,800 JPY per year.

Graduate:

535,800 JPY per year.

Tuition Waiver:

Available for outstanding international graduate students.

For detailed information on specific programs and application procedures, please refer to the respective graduate schools’ websites or contact the admissions office.