Official emblem of Hitotsubashi University

Hitotsubashi University

Japan Founded 1875 World Rank #3379

Overview

English Name: Hitotsubashi University
Local Name: 一橋大学
Founded: 1875
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #3379
Rank in Japan: #155
Motto: Captains of Industry
Colours: Crimson
Hitotsubashi University campus and facilities
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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

Looking to reach Hitotsubashi University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.

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

Academic Details

Hitotsubashi University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Academic Year: April to March (April-September; October-March)
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
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Urban

Academic Structures

The departmental layout below shows how Hitotsubashi University groups subjects, faculties, and teaching units. Subject grouping reflects institutional priorities, research strengths, and historical evolution.

Unit 10 items
  • Faculty of Commerce and Management
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Graduate School of Economics
  • Graduate School of Language and Society
  • Graduate School of Law
  • Graduate School of Social Sciences
  • Hitotsubashi University Business School (HUB)
  • School of International and Public Policy

Degrees

Hitotsubashi University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.

Other 15 programs
  • Business Administration
  • Commercial Law
  • Cultural Studies
  • Data Processing
  • Economic and Finance Policy
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Government
  • International Business
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Japanese
  • Law
  • Management
  • Modern Languages
  • Social Sciences

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

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

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

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

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

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

Commerce and Management (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business and Commerce
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

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.

Law (Faculty) 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.

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

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

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

Commerce and Management (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

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.

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

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

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

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

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

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

Economic Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

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

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Management

Programs Offered

Browse Hitotsubashi University's programmes by level, or filter by name to find a specific course. The grouping helps when you have a target qualification tier but want to compare specific programme content.

Bachelor's Degree

5 programmes

Hitotsubashi University's 5 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.

Faculty of Commerce and Management Business & Management 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Economics Economics 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Law Law 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Social Sciences Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Social Data Science Data Science & Analytics 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus

Master's Degree

6 programmes

These 6 programmes form Hitotsubashi University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.

Graduate School of Economics Economics 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Business Administration(HUB - Hitotsubashi University Business School) Business Administration 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Law Law 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Social Sciences Social Sciences & Education 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Language and Society Linguistics & Language Studies 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Social Data Science Data Science & Analytics 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus

Professional Doctorate

1 programme

Hitotsubashi University delivers 1 programme at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.

School of International and Public Policy Public Policy 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus

How to apply to Hitotsubashi University

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

  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

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

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 #3379 globally and #155 in Japan.

What is Hitotsubashi University's academic structure?

Hitotsubashi University has 10 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.

Where Else to Study Economics

Below: institutions across Japan that offer Economics, providing comparison points for Hitotsubashi University's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.

Universities Often Compared with Hitotsubashi University

Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Hitotsubashi University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.

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