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Aoyama Gakuin University

Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1874 • World Rank #2908

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Aoyama Gakuin University
Local Name: 青山学院大学
Acronyms: AGU
Founded: 1874
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Methodist
World Rank: #2908
Rank in Japan: #142
Motto: The Salt of the Earth and Light of the World
Aoyama Gakuin University campus from the outside
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Founded in 1874, the Aoyama Gakuin University (Aoyama Gakuin Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Tokyo (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 150-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

AGU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Aoyama Gakuin University's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.

Address: 4-4-25 Shibuya Shibuya-ku
Postal Code: 150-8366
Other Sites: Also campus in Sagamihara
Phone: +81 (3) 3409 7798
Fax: +81 (3) 3409 9424
Social Media:

Academic Details

Institutional vitals for Aoyama Gakuin University: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.

Academic Year: April to March (April-July; September-February)
Recognition: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
Accrediting Agency: Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school (Sotsugyo Shomeisho) or foreign equivalent, and entrance examination
Total Students: 20,164
Student Enrollment: 15
Academic Staff Range: 1,500-1,999
Full-Time Academic Staff: 2,034
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA)

Academic Structures

Aoyama Gakuin University delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.

Unit 21 items
  • College of Economics
  • College of Education, Psychology and Human Studies
  • College of Literature
  • College of Science and Engineering
  • Faculty of Law
  • Graduate School of Business
  • Graduate School of Cultural and Creative Studies
  • Graduate School of Economics
  • Graduate School of Education, Psychology and Human Studies
  • Graduate School of International Management
  • Graduate School of International Politics, Economics and Communication
  • Graduate School of Law
  • Graduate School of Literature
  • Graduate School of Professional Accountancy
  • Graduate School of Science and Engineering
  • Graduate School of Social Informatics
  • Law School
  • School of Business
  • School of Cultural and Creative Studies
  • School of International Politics, Economics and Communication
  • School of Social Informatics

Degrees

Each qualification level at Aoyama Gakuin University appears below with its degrees. Research-by-thesis versus taught master's programmes differ in structure, assessment, and graduate-school positioning.

Other 21 programs
  • American Studies
  • Art Management
  • Business Administration
  • Communication Studies
  • Comparative Literature
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English
  • History
  • International Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Japanese
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Natural Sciences
  • Performing Arts
  • Private Law
  • Psychology
  • Public Law
  • Visual Arts

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Economics (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economic History
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Industrial and Production Economics
  • International Economics

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education, Psychology and Human Studies (College) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Communication Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Education
  • Educational Sciences
  • Media Studies
  • Primary Education
  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Sociology

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Literature (College) 19 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • American Studies
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Asian Studies
  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • English
  • English Studies
  • Fine Arts
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • French
  • French Studies
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Visual Arts
Science and Engineering (College) 22 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Applied Physics
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Natural Sciences
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Production Engineering
  • Safety Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Cultural and Creative Studies (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Art Management
  • Cultural Studies
  • Fine Arts
Economics (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • International Economics

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education, Psychology and Human Studies (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

International Management (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Operations Research

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

International Politics, Economics and Communication (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • International Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Linguistics
  • Political Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Commercial Law
  • Law
  • Private Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Literature (Graduate School) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • English
  • Fine Arts
  • French
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Visual Arts
Professional Accountancy (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
Science and Engineering (Graduate School) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Astrophysics
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • Information Technology
  • Management
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Natural Resources
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Informatics (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Information Technology
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
Business (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Cultural and Creative Studies (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Art Management
  • Cultural Studies
  • Social Sciences
International Politics, Economics and Communication (School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Government
  • International Business
  • International Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • International Studies
  • Political Sciences
  • Regional Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Commercial Law
  • Criminal Law
  • European Union Law
  • Human Rights
  • International Law
  • Labour Law
  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Social Informatics (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Social Sciences

Programs Offered

Search and filter Aoyama Gakuin University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.

50 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan

Bachelor's Degree 22 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Community and Human Services
Humanities & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Comprehensive Cultural Policy
Public Policy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary Economic Design
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Education and Human Sciences - Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Education and Human Sciences - Psychology
Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Global Studies
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Human Rights

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in International Politics and Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 22.

Master's Degree 28 programmes

Graduate School of Accounting Profession
Accounting

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Comprehensive Cultural Policy - Cultural Creation
Public Policy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Comprehensive Cultural Policy - Cultural Systems
Public Policy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Economics
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Economics - Public and Regional Management
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Education and Human Sciences - Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Education and Human Sciences - Psychology
Psychology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of International Management - Management
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of International Management - Management Science
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 28.

How to apply to Aoyama Gakuin University

A practical five-step guide to applying to Aoyama Gakuin University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Aoyama Gakuin University's catalogue includes 50 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Aoyama Gakuin University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Aoyama Gakuin University's official website at www.aoyama.ac.jp. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (3) 3409 7798. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aoyama Gakuin University

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Aoyama Gakuin University, drawn directly from institutional records.

In what year was Aoyama Gakuin University established?

Aoyama Gakuin University was founded in 1874 (approximately 152 years ago).

In which city is Aoyama Gakuin University?

Aoyama Gakuin University is based in Tokyo, Japan.

What is Aoyama Gakuin University's control type?

Aoyama Gakuin University is a private institution.

How many students study at Aoyama Gakuin University?

Aoyama Gakuin University has approximately 15,000-19,999 students.

How is Aoyama Gakuin University ranked?

Aoyama Gakuin University holds rank #2908 globally and #142 in Japan.

Is Aoyama Gakuin University affiliated with a religion?

Yes, Aoyama Gakuin University is affiliated with Christian-Methodist.

How many faculties does Aoyama Gakuin University have?

The institution comprises 21 academic units.

Is Aoyama Gakuin University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).

What is Aoyama Gakuin University's official website?

Aoyama Gakuin University's official website is www.aoyama.ac.jp.

Top-Ranked Universities in Japan

Time-trend in rankings matters: rising universities in Japan may overtake Aoyama Gakuin University or its peers over your study horizon. Year-on-year movement signals institutional momentum.

Members of Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA)

Strategic alliances often grow alongside Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between Aoyama Gakuin University and specific members below.

Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Christian-Methodist

Pastoral counselling services at Christian-Methodist institutions typically integrate with mental health support rather than being standalone. The peers below generally follow this integrated approach.

Faculties at nearby universities

Beyond Aoyama Gakuin University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.

Where Else to Study Economics

Choosing the right Economics programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across Japan cover the same discipline as Aoyama Gakuin University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.

Universities Compared with Aoyama Gakuin University

Peer universities to Aoyama Gakuin University by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.

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