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Official emblem of Hitotsubashi University

Hitotsubashi University

Japan • Founded 1875 • QS 2027 #575 =

Updated Nov 2026 · Source: hit-u.ac.jp

Overview

English Name: Hitotsubashi University
Local Name: 一橋大学
Founded: 1875
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #575 = Times Higher Education 2026 #1201-1500 SCImago 2026 #3379
Motto: Captains of Industry
Colours: Crimson
Hitotsubashi University campus and facilities
1 / 4

Established in 1875, the Hitotsubashi University (Hitotsubashi Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Kunitachi (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Tokyo.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Hitotsubashi University is a medium-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Hitotsubashi University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 148-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 applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Hitotsubashi University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Hitotsubashi University's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: 2-1 Naka
Postal Code: 186-8601
Phone: +81 (42) 580 8000
Fax: +81 (42) 580 8006
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Hitotsubashi University are listed below.

Academic Year: April to March (April-September; October-March)
Recognition: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school or equivalent and entrance examination
Student Enrollment: 6,000-6,999
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Urban

Academic Structures

Hitotsubashi University's academic structure — schools, colleges, and divisions — is listed below.

Unit 13 items
  • Faculty of Commerce and Management
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Social Data Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Graduate School of Economics
  • Graduate School of Language and Society
  • Graduate School of Law
  • Graduate School of Social Data Science
  • Graduate School of Social Sciences
  • Hitotsubashi University Business School (HUB)
  • Law School
  • School of International and Public Policy

Faculties & Divisions

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

Research and Development for Higher Education (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Higher Education
Executive Studies (Course/Programme) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economic and Finance Policy
  • Economics
Japanese Language Education (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Japanese
Commerce and Management (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business and Commerce
  • Management
Economics (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
Social Sciences (Faculty) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Anthropology
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Geography (Human)
  • History
  • Political Sciences
  • Social Policy
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Studies
  • Sociology
Commerce and Management (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Management
Economics (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
International and Public Policy (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Government
  • International Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Law
International Corporate Strategy (Graduate School) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • International Economics
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Political Sciences
  • Taxation
Language and Society (Graduate School) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Asian Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • English
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Linguistics
  • Modern Languages
  • Museum Management
  • Philosophy
  • Social Studies
Law (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
Social Sciences (Graduate School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Cultural Studies
  • History
  • International Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Political Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Studies
  • Sociology
Economic Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • International Economics
Innovation Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Management

Programs Offered

Hitotsubashi University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

12 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan

Bachelor's Degree 5 programmes

Master's Degree 6 programmes

How to apply to Hitotsubashi University

Five steps that capture how applications to Hitotsubashi University flow.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Hitotsubashi University's catalogue includes 12 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 Hitotsubashi 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 Hitotsubashi University's official website at www.hit-u.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 (42) 580 8000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hitotsubashi University

A short Q&A covering Hitotsubashi University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

When was Hitotsubashi University founded?

Hitotsubashi University was established in 1875 (approximately 151 years ago).

What city is Hitotsubashi University in?

Hitotsubashi University operates from Kunitachi, Japan.

Is Hitotsubashi University public or private?

It is a public higher-education institution.

How big is Hitotsubashi University's student body?

Hitotsubashi University serves approximately 6,000-6,999 students.

How is Hitotsubashi University ranked?

Hitotsubashi University holds rank QS 2027 #575 =.

What is Hitotsubashi University's academic structure?

Hitotsubashi University has 13 academic units.

Who recognises Hitotsubashi University?

Yes, Hitotsubashi University is recognised by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

What is Hitotsubashi University's official website?

Hitotsubashi University's official website is www.hit-u.ac.jp.

Top-Ranked Universities in Japan

A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in Japan. Useful for understanding how Hitotsubashi University compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.

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