November 13, 2026 | Education & Careers | Muranika Editorial Team
Which are the best universities in Japan for 2027? The latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings reveal Japan’s leading institutions, with the University of Tokyo retaining the country’s top position.
For international students considering bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD studies in Japan, these rankings provide a useful starting point for comparing universities.
The THE World University Rankings 2027, released in September 2026, include 112 universities from Japan.
Top 10 Universities in Japan 2027
According to Times Higher Education, the following universities occupy Japan’s top 10 ranking positions.
| Japan Rank | University | World Rank 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Tokyo | 27 |
| 2 | Kyoto University | =62 |
| 3 | Tohoku University | =106 |
| 4 | The University of Osaka | =147 |
| 5 | Institute of Science Tokyo | =185 |
| 6 | Nagoya University | =242 |
| 7 | Kyushu University | 301–325 |
| =8 | Hokkaido University | 376–400 |
| =8 | University of Tsukuba | 376–400 |
| =10 | Hiroshima University | 601–650 |
| =10 | Juntendo University | 601–650 |
Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027. The list contains 11 institutions because two universities share 8th place and two share 10th place.
What Stands Out in Japan’s 2027 Rankings?
University of Tokyo Remains Japan’s No. 1
The University of Tokyo continues to lead Japan, securing 27th position globally.
Kyoto University follows in second place nationally, ranked joint 62nd worldwide.
Both institutions remain among Japan’s most prominent research universities, attracting attention from students and researchers interested in advanced academic study.
Tohoku and Osaka Maintain Strong Positions
Tohoku University ranks third in Japan and joint 106th globally, while the University of Osaka occupies fourth place nationally and joint 147th worldwide.
These institutions are important options for students exploring science, engineering, medical research, and interdisciplinary studies.
Institute of Science Tokyo Ranks Fifth
Institute of Science Tokyo holds fifth position nationally and joint 185th globally.
The institution was established in October 2024 through the merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
The merger brought together expertise in engineering, technology, medicine, and dentistry.
Hokkaido and Tsukuba Share Eighth Place
Hokkaido University and the University of Tsukuba both appear in the global 376–400 ranking band, sharing eighth place in Japan.
Hiroshima University and Juntendo University also share tenth place, each appearing in the 601–650 global band.
THE vs QS Rankings: Why Are the Results Different?
Students may notice that the QS World University Rankings 2027 present a different order.
For example, QS places the University of Osaka third in Japan, ahead of Tohoku University. It also ranks Waseda University and Keio University among Japan’s top ten.
THE, meanwhile, places Tohoku University third and includes Hiroshima University and Juntendo University in its top ten positions.
This doesn’t mean one ranking must be wrong.
Different ranking organizations evaluate universities using different indicators and weightings.
THE considers teaching, research environment, research quality, industry connections, and international outlook.
QS includes indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and internationalization.
Which Japanese University Should International Students Choose?
University rankings are useful, but the highest-ranked university isn’t automatically the best choice for every student.
Before applying, consider five important factors:
- Your academic field: Compare the department, curriculum, laboratories, and research strengths.
- English-taught programs: Check whether your intended degree is available in English.
- Research supervision: Master’s and PhD applicants should investigate potential supervisors and research groups.
- Scholarship availability: Review current MEXT scholarship opportunities and university-specific funding.
- Living expenses and location: Tokyo, Kyoto, Sendai, Sapporo, and other university cities offer different living environments and costs.
For research students, the suitability of the research laboratory and supervisor may matter more than a small difference in university rank.
Can You Study at These Universities Through MEXT?
Potentially, yes. Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology offers government scholarships through different selection routes, including embassy recommendation and university recommendation.
However, being ranked among Japan’s top universities does not automatically mean a particular university or degree program has MEXT-funded places available.
Students must verify the applicable scholarship category, eligibility requirements, university nomination arrangements, and current application guidelines.
International applicants should also check official English-taught degree listings because available programs differ by institution and academic level.
Final Thoughts
The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Tohoku University lead Japan in the THE World University Rankings 2027.
However, students should look beyond the overall ranking when selecting where to study.
A university that offers the right academic specialization, research supervisor, funding opportunities, and learning environment may provide a better fit than a higher-ranked institution with fewer suitable options.
For international students planning to study in Japan in 2027 or beyond, these rankings offer a useful place to begin researching universities.
Official Sources
- Times Higher Education – Best Universities in Japan 2027
- THE World University Rankings Methodology
- Hiroshima University – QS World University Rankings 2027
- Study in Japan – Degree Programs in English
- Study in Japan – MEXT Scholarships
Editorial note: Rankings reflect the published 2027 editions. Admissions, scholarships, degree availability, and university requirements must be verified individually.





