Doshisha University
Kyoto, Japan • Founded 1875 • World Rank #2025
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1920, the Doshisha University (Doshisha Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Kyoto (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Doshisha University (DU) is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Doshisha University (DU) 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 104-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.
DU 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
Where Doshisha University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Doshisha University — the academic basics in one place. Cross-reference these against programme-specific data when finalising your shortlist.
Academic Structures
Doshisha University's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
Unit 31 items
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Culture and Information Science
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Global Communications
- Faculty of Global and Regional Studies
- Faculty of Health and Sports Science
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Letters
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Policy Studies
- Faculty of Psychology
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Social Studies
- Graduate School of Brain Science
- Graduate School of Business
- Graduate School of Commerce
- Graduate School of Culture and Information Science
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of Global Studies
- Graduate School of Health and Sports Science
- Graduate School of Law
- Graduate School of Letters
- Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences
- Graduate School of Policy and Management
- Graduate School of Psychology
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering
- Graduate School of Social Studies
- Graduate School of Theology
- Institute for the Liberal Arts
- Law School
- School of Theology
Degrees
Also MBA; Juris Doctor
Other 22 programs
- American Studies
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Studies
- Education
- Engineering Management
- English
- History
- Industrial Management
- International Studies
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Media Studies
- Neurosciences
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Social Studies
- Social Welfare
- Sociology
- Welfare and Protective Services
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Commerce (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
Culture and Information Science (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Information Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Global and Regional Studies (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
- Regional Studies
Global Communications (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health and Sports Science (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aesthetics
- Art History
- Cultural Studies
- English
- Literature
- Philosophy
Life and Medical Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedicine
- Information Sciences
- Medical Technology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Policy Studies (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Government
Psychology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Engineering (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Studies (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Education
- Journalism
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies
- Social Studies
- Social Welfare
- Sociology
Brain Science (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Cognitive Sciences
- Neurosciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
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.
Commerce (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
Culture and Information Science (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Information Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Global Studies (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
Health and Sports Science (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Graduate 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.
Letters (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aesthetics
- Art History
- Cultural Studies
- English
- History
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Philosophy
Life and Medical Sciences (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedicine
- Information Sciences
- Medical Technology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Policy and Management (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering Management
- Government
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Engineering (Graduate School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Studies (Graduate School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Education
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Media Studies
- Social Studies
- Social Welfare
- Sociology
Theology (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Liberal Arts (Institute) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- International Business
- International Studies
- Political Sciences
- Social Studies
Theology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Doshisha University offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
44 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan
Bachelor's Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Master's Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Doctorate 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
How to apply to Doshisha University
The standard application path for Doshisha University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Doshisha University's 44 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Doshisha University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Doshisha University processes applications through www.doshisha.ac.jp. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (75) 251 3110. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Doshisha University
Frequently asked questions about Doshisha University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
In what year was Doshisha University established?
Doshisha University was founded in 1875 (approximately 151 years ago).
In which city is Doshisha University?
Doshisha University is based in Kyoto, Japan.
What is Doshisha University's control type?
Doshisha University is a private institution.
How many students study at Doshisha University?
Doshisha University has approximately 25,000-29,999 students.
What is Doshisha University's ranking?
Doshisha University holds rank #2025 globally and #93 in Japan.
What is Doshisha University's religious tradition?
Yes, Doshisha University is affiliated with Christian-Protestant.
How is Doshisha University organised academically?
The institution comprises 31 academic units.
Is Doshisha University accredited?
Doshisha University is accredited by Japan University Accreditation Association.
Where can I learn more about Doshisha University?
You can find Doshisha University online at www.doshisha.ac.jp.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
Top universities in Japan typically offer the most generous institutional scholarships. Doshisha University's scholarship range relative to these benchmarks reflects funding capacity.
Members of Open Education Consortium (OEC)
Network reputation can differ from individual institutional reputation. Open Education Consortium (OEC) membership may enhance or moderate the perceived standing of Doshisha University depending on how the network is regarded.
Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant
Other Christian-Protestant institutions in Japan offer comparable campus values to Doshisha University. Values continuity across affiliated institutions provides a sense of cultural fit that can ease transition into university life.
Faculties at nearby universities
Students considering Doshisha University often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Business & Management is taught at multiple universities across Japan — these alternatives to Doshisha University are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Compared with Doshisha University
When students choose Doshisha University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
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