Nihon University
Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1889 • World Rank #1126
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1889, the Nihon University (Nihon Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in 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, Nihon University is a very large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Nihon 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 134-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Nihon University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Nihon University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Nihon University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
Each constituent academic unit at Nihon University is captured below — including research centres alongside teaching faculties. Research centres often signal the institution's strategic priorities.
Unit 24 items
- College of Art
- College of Bioresource Sciences
- College of Commerce
- College of Economics
- College of Engineering
- College of Humanities and Sciences
- College of Industrial Technology
- College of International Relations
- College of Law
- College of Science and Technology
- College of Sports Sciences
- Graduate School of Art
- Graduate School of Business Administration
- Graduate School of Dentistry At Matsudo
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Graduate School of Industrial Technology
- Graduate School of Integrated Basic Sciences
- Graduate School of International Relations
- Graduate School of Journalism and Media
- Graduate School of Law
- Graduate School of Literature and Social Sciences
- Graduate School of Science and Technology
- School of Dentistry
Degrees
Also Postgraduate Professional Degree in Law
Other 64 programs
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Law
- Computer Engineering
- Dentistry
- Design
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- German
- History
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Law
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Measurement and Precision Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Natural Resources
- Natural Sciences
- Naval Architecture
- Nursing
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Psychology
- Public Law
- Real Estate
- Sociology
- Structural Architecture
- Transport Engineering
- Veterinary Science
- Visual Arts
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Art (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cinema and Television
- Design
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Literature
- Music
- Photography
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
- Theatre
Bioresource Sciences (College) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Animal Husbandry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Development Studies
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Forest Products
- Forestry
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Commerce (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
Economics (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Finance
- Industrial Management
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities and Sciences (College) 23 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- English
- Geography
- German
- History
- Information Technology
- Japanese
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Welfare
- Sociology
- Systems Analysis
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Industrial Technology (College) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Bridge Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering Drawing and Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management
- Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Road Engineering
- Structural Architecture
International Relations (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
Law (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Economics
- Journalism
- Law
- Media Studies
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Public Administration
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology (College) 16 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Measurement and Precision Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Physics
- Town Planning
- Transport Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Distance Learning (Department/Division) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- English
- History
- Japanese
- Law
- Literature
- Political Sciences
Art (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Literature
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
Bioresource Sciences (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Natural Resources
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) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Administration
- International Business
- Management
- Small Business
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Matsudo) (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Finance
- Fiscal Law
- Small Business
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Industrial Technology (Graduate School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Management
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Structural Architecture
Integrated Basic Sciences (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Intellectual Property (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
International Relations (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
Journalism and Media (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Journalism
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Editor
- News Producer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- 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.
Literature and Social Sciences (Graduate School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Education
- English
- German
- History
- Japanese
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
- Social and Preventive Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology (Graduate School) 18 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geography
- Information Sciences
- Marine Engineering
- Mathematics
- Measurement and Precision Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Technology
- Naval Architecture
- Physics
- Real Estate
- Structural Architecture
- Transport Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social and Cultural Studies (Graduate School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Foreign Languages Education
- International Business
- International Economics
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Management
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Statistics
Veterinary Medicine (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Matsudo) (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
- Fiscal Law
- International Law
- Labour Law
- Law
- 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.
Medicine (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Nihon University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.
56 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan
Bachelor's Degree 16 programmes
Showing 10 of 16.
Master's Degree 21 programmes
Showing 10 of 21.
Doctorate 19 programmes
Showing 10 of 19.
How to apply to Nihon University
How to apply to Nihon University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Research programmes at Nihon University
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Nihon University offers 56 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at Nihon University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via Nihon University's online portal at www.nihon-u.ac.jp. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (3) 5275 8110. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nihon University
A short Q&A covering Nihon University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
In what year was Nihon University established?
Nihon University was founded in 1889 (approximately 137 years ago).
In which city is Nihon University?
Nihon University is based in Tokyo, Japan.
Is Nihon University a public or private institution?
Nihon University is a private institution.
How many students study at Nihon University?
Nihon University has approximately over-50,000 students.
Where does Nihon University stand in university rankings?
Nihon University is ranked #1126 globally and #24 in Japan.
How many faculties does Nihon University have?
The institution comprises 24 academic units.
Who recognises Nihon University?
Yes, Nihon University is recognised by Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).
How do I find Nihon University online?
Nihon University's official website is www.nihon-u.ac.jp.
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