Soai University
Osaka, Japan • Founded 1888
Overview
Founded in 1888, the Soai University (Soai Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the metropolis of Osaka (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Soai University is a coeducational Japanese higher education institution formally affiliated with the Buddhist religion. Soai University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 136-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Soai University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for Soai University are summarised below. Cross-check with the official website if you intend to send documents or financial information.
Academic Details
Soai University's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Academic Structures
Soai University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Human Development
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Music
Degrees
Also one year postgraduate programme in Music
Other 13 programs
- Buddhist Religious Studies
- Business Administration
- Child Care and Development
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- English
- Food Science
- History
- Literature
- Music
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Human Development (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Child Care and Development
- Food Science
- Nutrition
Humanities (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Buddhist Religious Studies
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- English
- History
- Literature
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Music (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Music
Programs Offered
Below: Soai 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
27 programmes
Soai University lists 27 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
Japanese Language and Literature Specialization 日本語・日本文学専攻 Literature
Dietetics Department 管理栄養学科 Nutrition & Dietetics
Child Comprehensive Culture Specialization 子ども総合文化専攻 Liberal Arts
Child and Family Welfare Specialization 子ども家庭福祉専攻
Early Childhood Education Specialization 乳幼児教育専攻 Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education Specialization 初等教育専攻 Education & Teaching
Child Education Department 子ども教育学科 Education & Teaching
Business and Society Specialization ビジネス・社会専攻 Business & Management
International Communication Specialization 国際コミュニケーション専攻 Communication Studies
Psychology Specialization 心理専攻 Psychology
Buddhist Culture Specialization 仏教文化専攻 Religious Studies
History and Tourism Specialization 歴史・ツーリズム専攻 Tourism & Leisure
Subculture Specialization サブカルチャー専攻
Music Department 音楽学科 Music
Humanities Department 人文学科 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Music Therapy Specialization 音楽療法専攻 Health Sciences
Musicology Specialization 音楽学専攻 Music
Music Design Specialization ミュージックデザイン専攻 Music
Composition Specialization 作曲専攻
Early Music Specialization 古楽器専攻 Music
Percussion Instruments Specialization 打楽器専攻
String Instruments Specialization 弦楽器専攻
Wind Instruments Specialization 管楽器専攻
Organ Specialization オルガン専攻
Compositional Performance Specialization 創作演奏専攻 Performing Arts
Piano Specialization ピアノ専攻
Vocal Performance Specialization 声楽専攻 Performing Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
1 programme
Soai University lists 1 programme awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Music Research Master's Program 音楽研究科（修士課程） Music
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
1 programme
Soai University offers 1 programme as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Music Specialty Program 音楽専攻科 Music
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Soai University
What applying to Soai University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Soai University runs 29 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to Soai University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Japan.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Soai University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.soai.ac.jp). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (6) 6612 5900. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Soai University
Quick reference for Soai University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was Soai University established?
Soai University was founded in 1888 (approximately 138 years ago).
Where is Soai University located?
Soai University is located in Osaka, Japan.
Is Soai University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
Does Soai University have a religious affiliation?
Soai University is associated with Buddhism.
How is Soai University organised academically?
Soai University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Soai University?
Yes, Soai University is recognised by Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).
What is Soai University's official website?
The institution's website is www.soai.ac.jp.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
When shortlisting in Japan, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Soai University, helpful for calibrating where Soai University sits in the broader landscape.
Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Buddhism
Faith-based scholarships exist at most Buddhism institutions, sometimes restricted to coreligionists, sometimes open to all. The peers below often run parallel funding programmes.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Students considering Soai 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 Music
Other universities in Japan that teach Music appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Soai University. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.
Universities Often Compared with Soai University
The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to Soai University, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.
