Sophia University
Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1913 • QS 2027 #951-1000
Updated May 2026 · Source: sophia.ac.jp
Overview
Established in 1913, the Sophia University (Jochi Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of 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, Sophia University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Sophia 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 111-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 applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Sophia 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
Address, contact details, and online presence for Sophia University are summarised below.
Academic Details
The figures below cover Sophia University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.
Academic Structures
The academic units of Sophia University are listed below.
Unit 12 items
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Foreign Studies
- Faculty of Global Studies
- Faculty of Human Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Liberal Arts
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- Faculty of Theology
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies
- Graduate School of Global Studies
- Graduate School of Science and Technology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Research and Human Development (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Human Resources
Economics (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
Foreign Studies (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Cultural Studies
- English
- French
- German
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Portuguese
- Spanish
Human Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social and Community Services
- Sociology
Humanities (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- English
- French
- German
- History
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Literature
Law (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- International Law
- Law
Liberal Arts (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- International Business
- International Economics
- Social Studies
Science and Technology (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Communication Studies
- Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Materials Engineering
- Natural Sciences
Theology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Economics (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Management
Foreign Studies (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Linguistics
Global Environmental Studies (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- International Studies
Global Studies (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Regional Studies
Human Sciences (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Humanities (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- English
- French
- German
- History
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Literature
Law (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Philosophy (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Science and Technology (Graduate School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Theology
American and Canadian Studies (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Canadian Studies
- History
- Political Sciences
- Social Studies
Asian Cultures (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
Bioethics (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Ethics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Christian Culture (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Christian Religious Studies
- Cultural Studies
Comparative Culture (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
European Cultural Studies (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- European Languages
- European Studies
- History
- Social Studies
Global Concern (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
Global Environmental Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
Grief Care (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Ibero-American Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Latin American Studies
Linguistic Institute for International Communication (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- International Studies
- Linguistics
Medieval Thought (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medieval Studies
- Philosophy
- Theology
Kirishitan Bunko Library (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Christian Religious Studies
- International Relations and Diplomacy
Programs Offered
Every programme Sophia University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.
30 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan
Bachelor's Degree 9 programmes
Master's Degree 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Doctorate 9 programmes
How to apply to Sophia University
A short guide to applying to Sophia University — five steps.
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1
Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Sophia University runs 30 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check entry requirements
Before applying to Sophia University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Japan.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Sophia University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.sophia.ac.jp). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (3) 3238 3111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sophia University
Frequently asked questions about Sophia University.
In what year was Sophia University established?
Sophia University was founded in 1913 (approximately 113 years ago).
In which city is Sophia University?
Sophia University is based in Tokyo, Japan.
What is Sophia University's control type?
Sophia University is a private institution.
How many students study at Sophia University?
Sophia University has approximately 13,280 students.
What is Sophia University's ranking?
It ranks QS 2027 #951-1000.
What is Sophia University's religious tradition?
Yes, Sophia University is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.
What is Sophia University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 12 academic units.
Is Sophia University officially recognised?
Sophia University is accredited by Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).
What is Sophia University's official website?
Sophia University's official website is www.sophia.ac.jp.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
The institutions topping Japan's rankings give national context for Sophia University. Context matters because employer perception in Japan often correlates with national rankings.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Other members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) are listed below.
Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Below: other Christian-Catholic-affiliated universities in Japan, alongside Sophia University.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Tokyo: universities located close to Sophia University.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
Humanities & Cultural Studies is also taught at these universities in Japan.
Universities Compared with Sophia University
Universities of a similar scale and standing to Sophia University are listed below.
Studying in Japan: guides and resources
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