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For those who want to study amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, they don't come much bigger and busier than Tokyo, one of the world’s most populous urban areas. Tokyo is the best city in Asia in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking, ranked second overall behind London.
Such is the mind-blowing scale of the Japanese capital that, even with 18 internationally ranked universities, it still has a very low proportionate student population. Tokyo, then, is a city for those who favour total immersion in local culture rather than living in a “student bubble”.
The upshot of Tokyo's gargantuan size is that it offers one of the most varied and cosmopolitan living environments on Earth. As one of the world's three leading financial centers, alongside New York and London, it also provides enviable professional and internship opportunities, consistently ranking as one of the best in the world for the employer activity indicator.
Alongside a high rating from graduate employers, Tokyo scores notably well for desirability, which considers both the overall quality of living in the city, and how in-demand it is among prospective international students.
Ranked first in the world for employer activity, Tokyo offers one of the most stimulating student environments on earth. Between high streets, bustling city streets and a vibrant local culture, studying in Tokyo is guaranteed to be a unique experience regardless of where you come from.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
You can't move to Tokyo without expanding your palate. The local cuisine is one of the most exciting in the world: sushi and sashimi aside, you'll get to experience the joys of Japanese street foods the likes of takoyaki, Japanese barbecues and an array of delicious noodle dishes.
Great standard of living
The quality of life in Japan is high - probably one of the reasons why Tokyo landed the first spot for desirability for yet another year.
Tokyo's streets are not only clean, they're also extremely safe for locals and foreigners, making it a great place to study in. And with a top-notch transportation system, you're guaranteed to be able to experience all it has to offer in a comfortable and reliable way.
Cost of studying in Tokyo
Tokyo ranked 85th in the world for affordability. While it's not one of the cheapest study destinations on a global level, the exceptional quality of life is likely to make up for the cost of living. Nevertheless, the city is still cheaper than European hubs such as London and Munich.
Life & culture in Tokyo
Politeness and innovation are at the forefront of Japanese culture. By being a student in Tokyo, you'll have the opportunity to experience life in one of the world's most technologically advanced locations while also experiencing extreme kindness from the locals.
With more than 13m people living in the greater area of the city, it's easy to say you'll never be short of people to meet or things to do. Tokyo is home to thousands of restaurants and a plethora of museums, parks, temples, shrines and events that celebrate its rich history and culture.
Tokyo is one of the world's major international financial centres, housing the headquarters of some of the world's biggest investment banks, insurance companies and global firms.
Students who graduate from university in Tokyo are truly spoilt for choice. From high tech to transportation, trade, consulting, finance and medicine, the city's thriving economy allows talented individuals from all educational backgrounds to kick-start their careers and succeed in the long run.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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Study in Tokyo
Craig OCallaghan
Updated Aug 02, 2024Save
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QS Best Student Cities ranking: 2nd
For those who want to study amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, they don't come much bigger and busier than Tokyo, one of the world’s most populous urban areas. Tokyo is the best city in Asia in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking, ranked second overall behind London.
Such is the mind-blowing scale of the Japanese capital that, even with 18 internationally ranked universities, it still has a very low proportionate student population. Tokyo, then, is a city for those who favour total immersion in local culture rather than living in a “student bubble”.
The upshot of Tokyo's gargantuan size is that it offers one of the most varied and cosmopolitan living environments on Earth. As one of the world's three leading financial centers, alongside New York and London, it also provides enviable professional and internship opportunities, consistently ranking as one of the best in the world for the employer activity indicator.
Alongside a high rating from graduate employers, Tokyo scores notably well for desirability, which considers both the overall quality of living in the city, and how in-demand it is among prospective international students.
Have you studied in Tokyo? Share your experience.
Internationally ranked universities in Tokyo
Waseda University
Hitotsubashi University
Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)
751-760
Tokyo University of Science
Sophia University
International Christian University
Tokyo Metropolitan University
Aoyama Gakuin University
Meiji University
More about Tokyo
Ranked first in the world for employer activity, Tokyo offers one of the most stimulating student environments on earth. Between high streets, bustling city streets and a vibrant local culture, studying in Tokyo is guaranteed to be a unique experience regardless of where you come from.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Number of universities ranked by QS
18
Highest-ranked institution
University of Tokyo (=32nd in the world)
Population
37,115,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$7,700
Desirability rank
1st
Employer Activity rank
1st
Affordability rank
85th
Student Mix rank
=79th
Why study in Tokyo?
Delicious local cuisine
You can't move to Tokyo without expanding your palate. The local cuisine is one of the most exciting in the world: sushi and sashimi aside, you'll get to experience the joys of Japanese street foods the likes of takoyaki, Japanese barbecues and an array of delicious noodle dishes.
Great standard of living
The quality of life in Japan is high - probably one of the reasons why Tokyo landed the first spot for desirability for yet another year.
Tokyo's streets are not only clean, they're also extremely safe for locals and foreigners, making it a great place to study in. And with a top-notch transportation system, you're guaranteed to be able to experience all it has to offer in a comfortable and reliable way.
Cost of studying in Tokyo
Tokyo ranked 85th in the world for affordability. While it's not one of the cheapest study destinations on a global level, the exceptional quality of life is likely to make up for the cost of living. Nevertheless, the city is still cheaper than European hubs such as London and Munich.
Life & culture in Tokyo
Politeness and innovation are at the forefront of Japanese culture. By being a student in Tokyo, you'll have the opportunity to experience life in one of the world's most technologically advanced locations while also experiencing extreme kindness from the locals.
With more than 13m people living in the greater area of the city, it's easy to say you'll never be short of people to meet or things to do. Tokyo is home to thousands of restaurants and a plethora of museums, parks, temples, shrines and events that celebrate its rich history and culture.
Testimonials
Careers in Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world's major international financial centres, housing the headquarters of some of the world's biggest investment banks, insurance companies and global firms.
Students who graduate from university in Tokyo are truly spoilt for choice. From high tech to transportation, trade, consulting, finance and medicine, the city's thriving economy allows talented individuals from all educational backgrounds to kick-start their careers and succeed in the long run.
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As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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