Osaka University
Suita, Japan • Founded 1931 • World Rank #209
Overview
Founded in 1931, the Osaka University (Osaka Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Suita (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Osaka.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Osaka University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Osaka 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 92-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Osaka University 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
Need to get in touch with Osaka University or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for Osaka 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 Structures
Osaka University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 25 items
- Faculty of Medicine
- Graduate School of Dentistry
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Graduate School of Engineering Science
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences
- Graduate School of Human Sciences
- Graduate School of Humanities
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology
- Graduate School of Law and Politics
- Graduate School of Medicine
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Graduate School of Science
- Osaka School of International Public Policy
- Osaka University Law School
- School of Dentistry
- School of Economics
- School of Engineering
- School of Engineering Science
- School of Foreign Studies
- School of Human Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Letters
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Science
Degrees
Also Homu Hakase (Juris Doctor), 3 yrs
Other 2 programs
- Dentistry
- Medicine
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Office for University-Industry Collaboration (Bureau) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Medical Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biotechnology (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
Cybermedia (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Media Producer
- Content Strategist
- Broadcast Journalist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education and Research (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bangkok
- Gröningen
- San Francisco and Shanghai Overseas Centres
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Science Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Innovation Design for Sustainability (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Global Collaboration (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Health Care (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Information and Neural Networks (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Sciences
- Neurosciences
Intellectual Property (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
Interdisciplinary Research and Education (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Education and Exchange (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Japanese Language and Culture (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Japanese
Laser Engineering (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Laser Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Low Temperature (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Electronic Engineering
- Physics
Nakanoshima (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Quantum Science and Technology under Extreme Conditions (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Renovation of Instruments for Science and Technology (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Instrument Making
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Study of Communication-Design (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
- Mass Communication
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Study of Finance and Insurance (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Finance
- Insurance
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Tekijuku Commemoration (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Kaitokudo for the 21st Century (Course/Programme) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Environment and Energy Management (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Safety and Hygiene (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Hygiene
- Safety Engineering
Medicine (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
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) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Management
- Political Sciences
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) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Physics
- Architecture
- Biotechnology
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Management
- Information Technology
- Machine Building
- Materials Engineering
- Measurement and Precision Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering Science (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bioengineering
- 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.
Frontier Biosciences (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Sciences (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Information Sciences and Technology (Graduate School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Multimedia
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Public Policy (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Comparative Politics
- International Studies
- Political Sciences
Language and Culture (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Japanese
- Modern Languages
- 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.
Law and Politics (Graduate School) 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 (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Cultural Studies
Medicine (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmaceutical Sciences (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Graduate School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
United Child Development (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Child Care and Development
Academic Initiatives (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- IAI
NanoScience Design (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nanotechnology
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Preservation (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Management
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Joining and Welding (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Metal Techniques
Microbial Disease (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Microbiology
Nuclear Physics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nuclear Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Protein Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
Radioisotope Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nuclear Engineering
Scientific and Industrial Research (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Social and Economic Research (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Social Sciences
Solar Energy Chemistry (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Electronic Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
WPI Immunology Frontier (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Immunology
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.
Economics (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Information Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering Science (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Materials Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Foreign Studies (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
Human Sciences (School) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- Comparative Literature
- French
- Geography
- German
- Hindi
- History
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Musicology
- Philosophy
- Theatre
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
- 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 (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
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.
Pharmaceutical Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Below: Osaka University's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
Bachelor's Degree
11 programmes
Osaka University runs 11 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.
Osaka School of International Public Policy Public Policy On-campus Japanese
School of Engineering Science General Engineering On-campus Japanese
School of Engineering General Engineering On-campus Japanese
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy On-campus Japanese
School of Dentistry Dentistry On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Medicine Medicine On-campus Japanese
School of Science Natural Sciences On-campus Japanese
School of Economics Economics On-campus Japanese
School of Law Law On-campus Japanese
School of Foreign Studies Politics & International Relations On-campus Japanese
School of Human Sciences Humanities & Cultural Studies On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
14 programmes
Explore 14 programmes of postgraduate study at Osaka University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Graduate School of Law and Politics Law On-campus Japanese
United Graduate School of Child Development, The University of Osaka, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui Medicine On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences Liberal Arts On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Information Science and Technology General Engineering On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Engineering Science General Engineering On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Engineering General Engineering On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Dentistry Dentistry On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Medicine Medicine On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Science Natural Sciences On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Economics Economics On-campus Japanese
School of Letters Humanities & Cultural Studies On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Human Sciences Humanities & Cultural Studies On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Humanities Humanities & Cultural Studies On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
Osaka University delivers 1 programme at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Osaka University Law School Law On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Osaka University
Application guidance for Osaka University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Osaka University's 26 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Osaka University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 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.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Osaka University processes applications through www.osaka-u.ac.jp. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 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 (6) 6877 5111. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Osaka University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Osaka University as a study destination.
In what year was Osaka University established?
Osaka University was founded in 1931 (approximately 95 years ago).
In which city is Osaka University?
Osaka University is based in Suita, Japan.
Is Osaka University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Osaka University?
Osaka University has approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
How is Osaka University ranked?
It ranks #209 globally and #2 in Japan.
How many faculties does Osaka University have?
Osaka University has 25 academic units.
Is Osaka University officially recognised?
Yes, Osaka University is recognised by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
How do I find Osaka University online?
Osaka University's official website is www.osaka-u.ac.jp.
Members of Open Education Consortium (OEC)
If Osaka University's Open Education Consortium (OEC) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Osaka University. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across General Engineering programmes in Japan. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Often Compared with Osaka University
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Osaka University when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
