Best Computer Science Universities in Japan for International Students

Beyond its vibrant culture and unique experiences, Japan has some of the world’s most prestigious universities for STEM. Some of the best Computer Science universities in Japan are the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Osaka University, and Tohoku University. While tuition fees for national universities typically fall within an affordable range of JPY 535,800 to JPY 635,400 per year (approximately 3,600 to 4,300 USD), the cost of living, especially in major cities, can be a consideration, ranging from JPY 80,000 to JPY 150,000 per month (around 540 to 1,000 USD). 

Why Study Computer Science in Japan?

Studying Computer Science in Japan offers a unique and highly rewarding experience for international students. Here is why you should study in Japan with this subject:

• Japan has globally recognized universities like the University of Tokyo for cutting-edge CS programs and groundbreaking research. It’s a leader in AI, robotics, and quantum computing, with high-ranking researchers.
• Japan’s IT market is set for significant growth (expected to be around USD 78.01 billion in 2024), facing a projected shortage of up to 369,000 IT workers by 2025. 
• Japan creates excellent job prospects, especially in AI and cybersecurity, with government initiatives encouraging foreign tech talent.
• Students will be at the forefront of developing next-gen tech in Japan. The country leads in IoT, cloud computing, and digital transformation, offering exposure to diverse and advanced fields.
• Japanese universities and companies heavily invest in R&D, ranking high globally in R&D expenditure. 
• Numerous scholarships, including the MEXT Scholarship, are available to help international students with tuition and living costs. Graduates have promising career pathways and supportive visa options for post-study work.

Also Read: Study Abroad in Japan “The Land of the Rising Sun”

List of Best Computer Science Universities in Japan

Japan offers a diverse range of excellent universities and colleges for Indian and international students pursuing Computer Science, spanning both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels. These best Computer Science universities in Japan provide strong academic foundations, the best research opportunities, and varying campus experiences.

QS World University Rankings 2026	University Name	Common Specializations	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
#196	Waseda University	Computer Science and Communications Engineering, Information and Computer Sciences, Applied Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Data Science, Media and Communication Studies.	Undergraduate: INR 6,94,000 – INR 10,65,000 Postgraduate (MS): INR 3,30,000 – INR 5,62,000
#=215	Keio University	Computer Science and Information Systems, System Design and Management, Engineering (various sub-fields), Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Security, Network Systems, Software Engineering, Computational Linguistics.	Undergraduate: INR 5,79,000 Postgraduate (Master’s): INR 5,85,000
#=350	University of Tsukuba	Computer Science, Informatics, Intelligent Systems, Information Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Bioinformatics, Mathematical Informatics, Software Engineering.	INR 3,17,000
#170	Hokkaido University	Information Science and Technology, Computer Science, Intelligent Systems, Media Information Science, Information Network Engineering, Bioinformatics, Robotics, Image Processing, Artificial Intelligence.	INR 3,17,000
164th	Nagoya University	Computer Science, Information Science, Intelligent Systems, Media Informatics, Information and Communication Engineering, Mathematical Information Systems, Advanced Robotics, Data Science, AI.	INR 3,17,000
167th	Kyushu University	Computer Science and Engineering, Information Science and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Cybersecurity, Network Systems, Computational Biology.	INR 3,17,000
–	Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST)	Information Science (with divisions like Computer Science, Media Informatics, Data Science, AI, Robotics), Advanced ICT, Biological Sciences, Materials Science (highly research-focused and often graduate-only institution).	INR 3,17,000
–	The University of Electro-Communications (UEC)	Computer Science, Communication Engineering, Applied Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Human-Computer Interaction, Media and Information Network Engineering, Information Systems.	INR 3,17,000

Also Read: Best University in Japan for International Students

Eligibility Criteria for Computer Science in Japan

For Indian students aspiring to study Computer Science in Japan, the eligibility criteria can vary slightly between universities and whether you’re applying for an undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) program, as well as the language of instruction. However, here’s a comprehensive overview of the eligibility criteria for computer science in Japan:

Undergraduate (UG) Specific Requirements

• Must have completed 12 years of formal schooling (high school diploma or equivalent). 
• If your education system is less than 12 years, you might need to complete a designated university preparatory course in Japan.
• Generally, applicants must be at least 17 or 18 years old.
• Proof of English proficiency is mandatory. Commonly accepted tests include TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.
• Some universities might also accept Duolingo English Test (DET) or PTE exam.
• Standardized Entrance Exams like EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students), SAT/ACT, or University specific entrance exam.

Postgraduate (PG – Master’s & Doctoral) Specific Requirements

• For Master’s programs, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required. 
• For Doctoral programs, a Master’s degree in a relevant field is necessary.
• A good GPA or equivalent in your undergraduate (for Master’s) or Master’s (for Doctoral) studies, particularly in Computer Science subjects.
• Similar to UG, strong TOEFL (iBT around 80-100) or IELTS (6.0-7.0 bands) scores are typically required.
• Japanese-Taught Programs: JLPT N2 or N1 is generally expected.
• Some universities or specific programs, especially for Master’s, might require GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores, though this is less common for pure Computer Science compared to business-related fields.
• For research-oriented Master’s or Doctoral programs, a detailed research proposal outlining your proposed research topic, methodology, and objectives is often a crucial requirement.
• While not always mandatory, relevant work experience can strengthen your application, especially for Master’s programs.

Also Read: Top Masters Courses to Pursue in Japan

Intakes in Japan for International Students

Japan primarily has two main intakes:

• Spring Intake (April): Applications typically close between September and November of the previous year.
• Fall/Autumn Intake (September/October): Applications usually close between April and June of the same year.
• Some universities might have a Summer intake (around July).

Admission Process for Computer Science in Japan

The admission process for Indian students to Computer Science programs in Japan involves several important steps, from initial research to visa application. It’s crucial to be organized and pay close attention to deadlines, which can vary by university and intake period. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the admission process for computer science in Japan:

• Most Japanese universities use their own online application systems. There is no centralized portal.
• Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly and meet the specified format.
• Pay the application fee.
• Shortlisted candidates, especially for postgraduate programs or competitive undergraduate courses, may be invited for an online or in-person interview.
• After submission and any required tests/interviews, you will receive an admission decision from the university.
• If accepted, you will receive an official admission offer letter.
• Your admitting university in Japan will typically apply for your CoE on your behalf at the regional immigration services bureau in Japan.
• Once you receive your CoE (the original and a copy), you can apply for a student visa at the Embassy of Japan or a Japanese Consulate in India.
• You may be required to attend a visa interview to verify your intent to study.
• There is a visa application fee (approximately INR 1,600 – INR 2,700 for Indian citizens for a single entry).
• Once approved, collect your passport with the student visa affixed.
• Arrange for accommodation in Japan (university dorms, private apartments, homestays).

Required Documents

Applying to Computer Science programs in Japan as an Indian student requires a meticulous collection of documents whether you’re applying for an undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) program. Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and submitted by the stipulated deadlines.

Here’s a breakdown of the commonly required documents:

• Academic Transcripts and Certificates (high school, undergraduate, postgraduate)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency Test Scores like TOEFL iBT (usually 70-100), IELTS Academic (5.5-7.0 bands), or sometimes Duolingo English Test (DET) or PTE
• Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency (if applicable) 
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement
• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
• Passport Copy
• Passport-sized Photographs (usually 3cm x 4cm)
• Financial Proof
• Application Fee Receipt
• Standardized Test Scores (if required)
• Medical Certificate/Health Check-up Report

Scholarships for Computer Science in Japan

Securing a scholarship in Japan can significantly ease the financial burden of studying Computer Science in Japan. Indian students have access to a range of funding opportunities from the Japanese government, private foundations, and universities themselves. Here’s a breakdown of some prominent scholarships, including their sources and typical coverage:

Scholarship Name	Source	Coverage / Amount
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship	Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Government of Japan	Full tuition fees (including admission/examination), Monthly stipend (UG: JPY 117,000, PG Research: JPY 143,000, Master’s: JPY 144,000, Doctoral: JPY 145,000), Round-trip airfare.
JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Scholarships	Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)	Primarily monthly stipend for living expenses: JPY 48,000 (approx. INR 28,000 INR) for graduate/university students. Does not fully cover tuition.
Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)	Government of Japan / Asian Development Bank (ADB)	Fully funded for Master’s/PhD: Full tuition fees, Monthly subsistence allowance (incl. housing), Books/materials, Medical insurance, Travel expenses (round-trip airfare), Special grant for thesis.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)	Government of Japan / World Bank	Full tuition fees, Monthly living stipend, Round-trip airfare, Health insurance, Travel allowance, Books allowance.
Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship	Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation, Japan	Monthly stipend: UG: JPY 100,000 (approx. INR 59,000 INR), PG: JPY 140,000 (approx. INR 82,000 INR). May include some travel reimbursement.
University-Specific Scholarships	Individual Japanese Universities (National & Private)	Can be partial tuition waivers (e.g., 10-100% tuition reduction), full tuition coverage, or include small living stipends.
Private Foundation Scholarships	Various Private Foundations/Corporations (e.g., Honjo, Nitori, Otsuka Toshimi)	Can range from partial support to full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses. Each foundation has unique benefits.

Also Read: Japan Study Support Scholarships worth 500000 Yen 

Cost of Studying for Computer Science in Japan

Studying Computer Science in Japan as an Indian student involves a combination of tuition fees and living expenses. While Japan offers high-quality education, the overall cost can vary significantly based on the type of university (national/public vs. private) and the city you choose to live in.

Expense Category	Type of University	JPY (Approximate Range)	INR Equivalent (Approximate Range)
Tuition Fees (Annual)	National Universities	JPY 535,800	INR 3,17,000
	Public Universities	JPY 535,800	INR 3,17,000
	Private Universities	JPY 800,000 – JPY 1,500,000	INR 4,73,000 – INR 8,87,000
Admission Fee (One-Time)	National Universities	JPY 282,000	INR 1,66,000
	Public Universities	JPY 393,000	INR 2,32,000
	Private Universities	JPY 260,000 – JPY 1,200,000	INR 1,54,000 – INR 7,10,000
Examination Fee	All Universities	JPY 25,000 – JPY 35,000	INR 14,700 – INR 20,700
Textbooks & Study Materials	All Universities	JPY 20,000 – JPY 50,000	INR 11,800 – INR 29,500
National Health Insurance (NHI)	All Universities	JPY 18,000 – JPY 30,000	INR 10,600 – INR 17,700

Cost of Living in Japan for Computer Science

The cost of living in Japan for Indian students pursuing Computer Science varies significantly based on the city and individual lifestyle. Here’s a table summarizing the estimated monthly living expenses, with approximate INR equivalents (using an exchange rate of 1 JPY ≈ 0.59 INR).

Expense Category	Tokyo	Other Major Cities (Osaka, Kyoto)	Smaller Cities (Fukuoka, Sapporo)	INR Equivalent (Approximate Monthly Range)
Accommodation	JPY 60,000 – JPY 170,000	JPY 50,000 – JPY 110,000	JPY 30,000 – JPY 70,000	INR 17,700 – INR 1,00,000+
Food & Groceries	JPY 28,000 – JPY 50,000	JPY 25,000 – JPY 45,000	JPY 15,000 – JPY 30,000	INR 8,800 – INR 35,000
Transportation	JPY 5,000 – JPY 15,000	JPY 4,000 – JPY 12,000	JPY 3,000 – JPY 8,000	INR 1,700 – INR 8,800
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet/Phone)	JPY 8,000 – JPY 22,000	JPY 7,000 – JPY 12,000	JPY 5,000 – JPY 10,000	INR 2,900 – INR 13,000
Personal & Leisure	JPY 10,000 – JPY 30,000	JPY 8,000 – JPY 25,000	JPY 5,000 – JPY 20,000	INR 2,900 – INR 17,700
National Health Insurance (NHI)	JPY 1,500 – JPY 2,500	JPY 1,500 – JPY 2,500	JPY 1,500 – JPY 2,500	INR 885 – INR 1,475
Total Monthly Living Cost (Approx.)	JPY 100,000 – JPY 290,000	JPY 80,000 – JPY 200,000	JPY 55,000 – JPY 140,000	INR 32,000 – INR 1,71,000+

Must Read: 

• Cost of Living in Tokyo
• Cost of Living in Osaka
• Cost of Living in Miyagi
• Cost of Living in Kyoto

Job Opportunities After Computer Science in Japan

Japan’s IT sector presents significant job opportunities for Computer Science graduates, including Indian students, driven by a growing demand for tech talent. While English-speaking roles are available, proficiency in Japanese significantly broadens the scope of opportunities, especially within major Japanese corporations.

Here’s a table summarizing job roles, important companies, and estimated salary ranges.

Job Role / Area of Expertise	Important Skills & Technologies	Top Companies	Annual Salary Range	Annual Salary Range
Software Engineer / Developer	Python, Java, JavaScript, Go, Ruby, C++, React, Node.js, Spring, .NET, Mobile (iOS/Android) frameworks	Rakuten, Mercari, LINE, Sony, Fujitsu, Google Japan, Amazon Japan, Indeed	JPY 3,500,000 – JPY 9,000,000+	INR 20.6 Lakhs – INR 53.1 Lakhs+
AI & Machine Learning Engineer / Data Scientist	Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, R, SQL, Big Data tools (Spark, Hadoop), NLP, Computer Vision	SoftBank, Sony, Hitachi, SmartNews, Mujin, Rapyuta Robotics, Google Japan, IBM Japan	JPY 5,000,000 – JPY 15,000,000+	INR 29.5 Lakhs – INR 88.7 Lakhs+
Cloud Architect & DevOps Engineer	AWS, GCP, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Jenkins, Ansible, Terraform, Linux	Amazon Web Services Japan, Microsoft Japan, NTT Data, Fujitsu, various startups	JPY 5,500,000 – JPY 15,000,000+	INR 32.5 Lakhs – INR 88.7 Lakhs+
Cybersecurity Specialist	Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Assessment, SIEM tools, Compliance (ISO27001)	NEC, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Security vendors, Financial Institutions	JPY 5,000,000 – JPY 14,000,000+	INR 29.5 Lakhs – INR 82.8 Lakhs+
IT Project Manager / Technical PM	Agile/Scrum, PMP, Leadership, Communication, Technical Background	Rakuten, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Accenture, IBM Japan, large Japanese corporations	JPY 6,000,000 – JPY 12,000,000+	INR 35.4 Lakhs – INR 70.9 Lakhs+
UI/UX Designer	User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD	Mercari, LINE, Cookpad, Rakuten, various startups	JPY 4,000,000 – JPY 8,000,000	INR 23.6 Lakhs – INR 47.3 Lakhs
Robotics Engineer	ROS, C++, Python, Control Systems, Embedded Systems	Mujin, Rapyuta Robotics, Sony, SoftBank, Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric	JPY 4,500,000 – JPY 10,000,000+	INR 26.5 Lakhs – INR 59.0 Lakhs+
Blockchain Developer	Solidity, Go, Python, JavaScript, Ethereum, Hyperledger	Fintech companies, crypto exchanges, innovative startups	JPY 5,000,000 – JPY 10,000,000+	INR 29.5 Lakhs – INR 59.0 Lakhs+

Also Read: Top 6 Highest Paying Jobs in Japan

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