Welcome back. Keep your shortlist and get deadline reminders with a free account.

Soai University official logo

Soai University

Osaka, Japan • Founded 1888

Updated May 2026 · Source: soai.ac.jp

Overview

English Name: Soai University
Local Name: 相愛大学
Founded: 1888
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: Buddhism
Soai University student life
1 / 4

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

Soai University's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.

Address: 4-4-1 Nanko-Naka Suminoe-ku
Postal Code: 559-0033
Phone: +81 (6) 6612 5900
Fax: +81 (6) 6612 2993

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Soai University: scale, staffing, and accreditation.

Recognition: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
Accrediting Agency: Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Soai University delivers teaching are listed below.

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
Music (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Music

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Soai University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

29 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan

Bachelor's Degree 27 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Buddhist Culture Specialization
Religious Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Business and Society Specialization
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Welfare Specialization

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Child Comprehensive Culture Specialization
Liberal Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Child Education Department
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Composition Specialization

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Compositional Performance Specialization
Performing Arts

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics Department
Nutrition & Dietetics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Specialization
Early Childhood Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Early Music Specialization
Music

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 27.

Master's Degree 1 programme

Music Research Master's Program
Music

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma 1 programme

Diploma in Music Specialty Program
Music

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Soai University

What applying to Soai University involves, in five steps.

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Frequently asked questions about Soai University.

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

Soai University and the universities below share a Buddhism affiliation.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Soai University, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Music

Music is also taught at these universities in Japan.

Universities Compared with Soai University

Comparable universities to Soai University are listed below.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Save this university to your shortlist

Save universities and programs, follow countries, and get deadline reminders by email. Free, takes a few seconds.

Explore More Universities in Japan

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare