The Open University of Japan
Japan • Founded 1981
Overview
Founded 1983 as Open and Distance Institution with own broadcasting station to provide the general public with an opportunity for College-level education.
Digital broadcast via telecommunication satellite, supplementing the ground transmission using radio and TV, covering only the Kanto area, began 1998. Now programmes are accessible from every part of Japan.
Formerly known as the University of the Air, acquired present title 2007
Location & Contact
Address book entry for The Open University of Japan: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
The Open University of Japan's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Degrees
Also Non-Degree Expert Courses
Other 11 programs
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Clinical Psychology
- Computer Science
- Development Studies
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Government
- Health Sciences
- Natural Resources
- Social and Community Services
Faculties & Divisions
Each of The Open University of Japan's faculties focuses on different subject clusters — the breakdown is below. Cross-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by their lead division.
Non-degree Studies (Course/Programme) 20 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Clinical Psychology
- Cultural Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Health Sciences
- Japanese
- Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Museum Studies
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Social Work
- Sports
- Welfare and Protective Services
Liberal Arts (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Industrial and Production Economics
- Natural Resources
- Psychology
- Social Studies
Graduate Studies (Graduate School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Clinical Psychology
- Computer Science
- Development Studies
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Government
- Natural Resources
- Natural Sciences
- Social and Community Services
Programs Offered
The Open University of Japan's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
Bachelor's Degree
6 programmes
The Open University of Japan's 6 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Life and Welfare Course 生活と福祉コース Religious Studies
Natural Sciences and Environment Course 自然と環境コース Natural Sciences
Information Course 情報コース Information Systems & Technology
Humanities and Culture Course 人間と文化コース Humanities & Cultural Studies
Society and Industry Course 社会と産業コース Social & Cultural Studies
Psychology and Education Course 心理と教育コース Psychology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
7 programmes
There are 7 programmes to choose from at The Open University of Japan for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Social Management Science Program 社会経営科学プログラム Business & Management
Natural Environment Science Program 自然環境科学プログラム Environmental Sciences
Informatics Program 情報学プログラム Information Systems & Technology
Humanities Program 人文学プログラム Humanities & Cultural Studies
Clinical Psychology Program 臨床心理学プログラム Clinical Psychology
Human Development Science Program 人間発達科学プログラム Humanities & Cultural Studies
Life and Health Science Program 生活健康科学プログラム Health Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
6 programmes
At the highest level, The Open University of Japan runs 6 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Natural Science 自然科学プログラム Natural Sciences
Informatics 情報学プログラム Information Systems & Technology
Humanities 人文学プログラム Humanities & Cultural Studies
Social Management Science 社会経営科学プログラム Business & Management
Human Science 人間科学プログラム Humanities & Cultural Studies
Lifestyle and Health Science 生活健康科学プログラム Health Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to The Open University of Japan
Step-by-step guidance for applying to The Open University of Japan, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Identify the right programme
The Open University of Japan's catalogue includes 19 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for The Open University of Japan's admissions process.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through The Open University of Japan's official website at www.ouj.ac.jp. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Open University of Japan
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about The Open University of Japan, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
How old is The Open University of Japan?
The institution opened in 1981 (approximately 45 years ago).
Where can I find The Open University of Japan?
The institution is located in Chiba-shi, Japan.
What is The Open University of Japan's control type?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students does The Open University of Japan have?
The institution has a student body of 86,930.
Who recognises The Open University of Japan?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
How do I find The Open University of Japan online?
You can find The Open University of Japan online at www.ouj.ac.jp.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
Some Japan systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
Industry partnership exclusives on Humanities & Cultural Studies programmes vary — some Japan institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with The Open University of Japan
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
