Sophia University
Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1913 • World Rank #2427
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
Geographic and contact information for Sophia University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Sophia University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Academic Structures
Sophia University's teaching organisation from faculties down to institutes. Faculty websites typically list their own programme catalogue, faculty bios, and contact information separately from the central site.
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
Degrees
Sophia University offers degrees across multiple levels. Full-time, part-time, and sandwich (with placement year) modes change total time commitment and total cost meaningfully.
Other 47 programs
- American Studies
- Applied Chemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- English Studies
- Environmental Studies
- European Languages
- European Studies
- French
- French Studies
- German
- Germanic Studies
- History
- Information Sciences
- International Business
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Modern Languages
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Portuguese
- Psychology
- Religion
- Russian
- Social Welfare
- Social and Community Services
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theology
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
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- English
- French
- German
- History
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Literature
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- International Law
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Foreign Studies (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Linguistics
Global Environmental Studies (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- International Studies
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- English
- French
- German
- History
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Literature
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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.
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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.
Bachelor's Degree
9 programmes
Sophia University lists 9 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
Faculty of Theology 神学部 Islamic & Quranic Studies
Faculty of Science and Technology 理工学部 General Engineering
Faculty of Liberal Arts 国際教養学部 Liberal Arts
Faculty of Global Studies 総合グローバル学部 Politics & International Relations
Faculty of Foreign Studies 外国語学部 Politics & International Relations
Faculty of Economics 経済学部 Economics
Faculty of Law 法学部 Law
Faculty of Comprehensive Human Sciences 総合人間科学部 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Faculty of Humanities 文学部 Humanities & Cultural Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
12 programmes
These 12 programmes form Sophia University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data Sciences Data Science & Analytics
Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies 地球環境学研究科 Environmental Sciences
Graduate School of Science and Technology 理工学研究科 General Engineering
Graduate School of Global Studies グローバル・スタディーズ研究科 Politics & International Relations
Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics 言語科学研究科 Linguistics & Language Studies
Graduate School of Economics 経済学研究科 Economics
Graduate School of Law (Juris Doctor Program) 法学研究科（法務職大学院） Law
Graduate School of Law 法学研究科 Law
Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences 総合人間科学研究科 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Graduate School of Applied Religious Studies 実践宗教学研究科 Religious Studies
Graduate School of Humanities 文学研究科 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Graduate School of Theology 神学研究科 Islamic & Quranic Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
9 programmes
Sophia University offers 9 programmes at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences 総合人間科学研究科 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies 地球環境学研究科 Environmental Sciences
Graduate School of Science and Technology 理工学研究科 General Engineering
Graduate School of Global Studies グローバル・スタディーズ研究科 Politics & International Relations
Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics 言語科学研究科 Linguistics & Language Studies
Graduate School of Economics 経済学研究科 Economics
Graduate School of Law 法学研究科 Law
Graduate School of Humanities 文学研究科 Humanities & Cultural Studies
Graduate School of Theology 神学研究科 Islamic & Quranic Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Sophia University
What applying to Sophia University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Sophia University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
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 10,000-14,999 students.
What is Sophia University's ranking?
It ranks #2427 globally and #115 in Japan.
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)
Fellow International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) members alongside Sophia University are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Universities affiliated with Christian-Catholic often align on chaplaincy provision, campus culture, and community values. These peers of Sophia University carry the same tradition, useful for students prioritising spiritual continuity alongside academic fit.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities near Sophia University often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at Sophia University is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
For students considering Humanities & Cultural Studies, these Japan institutions deliver the discipline alongside Sophia University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.
Universities Often Compared with Sophia University
Comparable institutions to Sophia University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
