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Sophia University(“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 13,800 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 85 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization. Students can study business and economics, science and technology, and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English as well as Japanese studies that Sophia boasts a long tradition. Variety of disciplines are available in English while the main language of instruction is Japanese (please see “undergraduate” and “graduate” for the medium language of instruction).
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project."
Sophia University(“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 13,800 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 85 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization. Students can study business and economics, science and technology, and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English as well as Japanese studies that Sophia boasts a long tradition. Variety of disciplines are available in English while the main language of instruction is Japanese (please see “undergraduate” and “graduate” for the medium language of instruction).
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project."
Utilizing its accumulated knowledge of a broad range of subjects, the University supports the studies of its students at Yotsuya Campus in the heart of Tokyo. Sophia University comprises 9 faculties for undergraduate students. The university also offers English-taught program offered as collaboration between six departments.
Faculty of Theology: The only Catholic-oriented theology faculty in Japan, the faculty holds a special place at Sophia, as the university itself was founded on the ideals of Christian education.
Faculty of Humanities:A faculty of ”humanities” based on the search for wisdom and human dignity, consisting of seven departments, offering courses in philosophical thought, history, art, literature, language, media, information, journalism, and physical culture.
Faculty of Human Sciences: Faculty focuses on the core idea of "the dignity of individuals," offering programs to cover theoletical as well as practical approaches to policy management, human care, and human science.
Faculty of Law: 3 departments under this faculty look at law from different perspectives; application of law in Japan, application of law in international contexts, and in the specialized studies in environmental law.
Faculty of Economics: Department of Economics and the Department of Management cover large areas of studies in economic, commerce, and marketing, preparing students for the today's business world.
Faculty of Foreign Studies: The Faculty takes a multi-dimentional approach to the rich and diversified world, aiming not only to produce students strong in languages, but the individuals who can use the languages as tools for better understanding of the world
Faculty of Global Studies: The faculty aims to foster competent individuals well equipped with knowledge and skills as "global professionals" who can contribute to the globalized world.
Faculty of Liberal Arts: Formerly known as Faculty of Comparative Culture, the faculty offers American-style liberal arts education with programs in social sciences, humanities, international business, and the Japanese language and studies taught in English.
Faculty of Science and Technology: Science and technology programs at Sophia aims to prepare students to tackle the complex problems facing us today, not only through the studies of science, but also by integrating the studies of the humanities and science.
SPSF (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures): English-taught program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in their field of specialization, while taking interdisciplinary courses on the theme of Sustainable Futures, educating them to be the kind of game changers our globalized world needs in order to steer towards a sustainable future.
Sophia University’s graduate school provides an environment that is conducive to cross-disciplinary research while enhancing academic expertise, taking advantage of the fact that top-notch researchers are gathered on one campus across disciplines.
There are various admissions to apply for Sophia University.
In general, the admission decision is made based on document screening for English-taught programs. No written exam or interview is required.
For the English-taught programs, no Japanese skill is needed to apply, enroll, and graduate with all support in English whereas students have chances to learn the Japanese language while focusing on your major studies.
-English-taught programs
We offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, non-degree (taking credits for a semester or two), and exchange programs. We also offer Sophia short-term programs in summer and January. Short-term program students cannot earn a Sophia University degree or take regular courses, but can earn credits upon completion of the program. Please refer to our website for the details.
-Scholarships
Sophia University’s scholarships are all grants with various types for international students. Please refer to our website for the details.
General
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The Campus (YOTSUYA Campus) is located in the heart of Tokyo a megacity, yet surrounded by nature and greenery. Students can enjoy all the benefits of its state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and infrastructure.
Fours Years to Grow with Unique Friends From all Over the World Campus life at Sophia University begins with the entrance ceremony, marked by cherry blossoms in full bloom along Sanadabori. Located in the heart of the city, yet surrounded by nature in Yotsuya, the campus is filled with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. As a single campus, students can interact with international students as well as peers from different faculties. Additionally, there are facilities and equipment to support a variety of activities, including extracurricular activities and volunteer activities, as well as a support system to consult with students when they face problems in their student life or career development. For details, please visit Sophia official website
Overview: Of the humanities and social sciences graduates (about 2500), 84% went to work and 6% went on to graduate school. Of the science and technology graduates (about 400), 43% went to work and 54% went to graduate school.
Among undergraduates, the employment rate for applicants is 97.7%. There is a lot of support for current students utilizing the network of alumni, such as seminars by company. Support
Career Center: The Sophia Career Center supports students' job-seeking activities and gives them tips to find career opportunities.
Students have access to the following programs offered by the Career Center.
- Individual counseling service
- Job fair
- Job search workshops
Where Students Go (from English-taught programs):
- Public Services (Japanese governmental ministries)
- Trade and Industry
- Banking and Finance
- Media and Arts
- Communications and Technology
- Graduate School
Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA) : Sophia University has approximately 140,000 alumni; 3,000 students graduate every year. The Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA or "Sophia-kai" in Japanese) promotes friendship among Sophia's alumni and contributes to Sophia University's developing, setting and accomplishing further goals.
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
What is the ratio of Japanese students and foreign students?
In terms of undergraduate students, In the Faculty of Liberal
Arts, approximately 70% are Japanese students and 30% are foreign nationals,
while in the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs,
approximately 80% are foreign nationals. However, even if the students’
nationality is Japanese, they could have dual nationality or have spent most of
their lives abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to know students’ background
from their nationalities.
What are the countries that international students usually come from?
Most of the international students come from the U.S.,
followed by China and Korea. In the Faculty of Science and Technology
English-taught programs, many students come from Southeast Asia. Nationalities
are diverse and they represent about 40 countries in the world.
Is there an on-campus examination or interview?
No. Decision on acceptance or rejection will be based on document screening only. However, Ph.D. applicants may be asked to have an interview.
Is there a minimum requirement for standardized test score (SAT/ACT/IB/GCE A-Level) to apply ?
There is no minimum standardized test score requirements for application, However all applicants for admission to undergraduate programs have to submit at least one of the indicated scores (SAT/ACT/IB/GCE A-Levels.)
Can I apply for more than one English-taught program at the same time?
Yes. However, you need to register online, pay the application fee and submit the application documents for each program.
Sophia University advanced PrivateHigh12yes100001218L1027
Sophia University
Yotsuya Campus, Tokyo Japan
# 951-1000QS World University Rankings
30Undergraduate programs
67Postgraduate programs
10,000 USDTuition Fee/year
Follow University
About Sophia University
Sophia University (“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 13,800 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 85 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization. Students can study business and economics, science and technology, and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English as well as Japanese studies that Sophia boasts a long tradition. Variety of disciplines are available in English while the main language of instruction is Japanese (please see “undergraduate” and “graduate” for the medium language of instruction).
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project."
For more details, please visit the official website: https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/.
Up to date pictures of campus are also available on facebook and instagram.
About Sophia University
Sophia University (“Jochi Daigaku” in Japanese) was founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, a Catholic order renowned for excellence in education. From the beginning, the university founders stressed an internationally oriented curriculum and rigorous training in foreign languages. Sophia soon established itself as a leading institution for scholarship on foreign languages and literature in Japan. Today Sophia University is a major teaching and research university in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with 13,800 students and teaching staff of 1,400 members, embracing over 1,500 international students studying on one campus from 85 countries. This approach yields significant benefits for the University’s programs by deepening educational mobility, collaboration, and specialization. Students can study business and economics, science and technology, and environmental studies, all strengths of Japan, in English as well as Japanese studies that Sophia boasts a long tradition. Variety of disciplines are available in English while the main language of instruction is Japanese (please see “undergraduate” and “graduate” for the medium language of instruction).
Sophia University has been selected as one of 37 universities to receive funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for internationalization effort called the "Top Global University Project."
For more details, please visit the official website: https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/.
Up to date pictures of campus are also available on facebook and instagram.
Available programs
Bachelor UG
Master PG
PHD
Utilizing its accumulated knowledge of a broad range of subjects, the University supports the studies of its students at Yotsuya Campus in the heart of Tokyo. Sophia University comprises 9 faculties for undergraduate students. The university also offers English-taught program offered as collaboration between six departments.
Arts and Humanities (6)
Faculty of Liberal Arts (Courses are taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of English Literature
Undergraduate Program, Department of English Studies
Undergraduate Program, Department of French Literature
Undergraduate Program, Department of French Studies
Undergraduate Program, Department of German Literature
Undergraduate Program, Department of German Studies
Undergraduate Program, Department of Hispanic Studies
Undergraduate Program, Department of History
Undergraduate Program, Department of Japanese Literature
Undergraduate Program, Department of Luso-Brazilian Studies
Undergraduate Program, Department of Philosophy
Undergraduate Program, Department of Russian Studies
Business and Management (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Management (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Engineering and Technology (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Undergraduate Program, Department of Information and Communication Sciences
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Nursing
Undergraduate Program, Department of Psychology
Natural Sciences (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Materials and Life Sciences
Undergraduate Program, Green Science/Engineering (English Courses in Science and Technology)
Social Sciences and Management (6)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Economics (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Education (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Global Studies (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of International Legal Studies
Undergraduate Program, Department of Journalism (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Law
Undergraduate Program, Department of Legal Studies of the Global Environment
Undergraduate Program, Department of Social Services
Undergraduate Program, Department of Sociology (Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures – SPSF, taught in English)
Undergraduate Program, Department of Theology
Sophia University’s graduate school provides an environment that is conducive to cross-disciplinary research while enhancing academic expertise, taking advantage of the fact that top-notch researchers are gathered on one campus across disciplines.
Theology
Humanities
Applied Religious Studies
Human Sciences
Law
Economics
Languages and Linguistics
Global Studies
Science and Technology
-Mechanical Engineering Division
-Electrical and Electronics Engineering Division
-Applied Chemistry Division
-Chemistry Division
-Mathematics Division
-Physics VDivision
-Biological Science Division
-Information Science Division
-Green Science and Engineering Division (Courses are taught in English)
Global Environmental Studies
Applied Data Sciences
Arts and Humanities (6)
Graduate Program, MA, English and American Literature
Graduate Program, MA, French Literature
Graduate Program, MA, German Literature
Graduate Program, MA, History
Graduate Program, MA, Japanese Literature
Graduate Program, MA, Linguistics
Graduate Program, MA, Philosophy
Graduate Program, PhD English and American Literature
Graduate Program, PhD Linguistics
Graduate Program, PhD Philosophy
Business and Management (6)
Graduate Degree Program of Applied Data Sciences
Graduate Program, Applied Data Sciences
Graduate Program, MA, Management
Graduate Program, PhD Management
Engineering and Technology (6)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Electrical and Electronics Engineering Division
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Information Science Division
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Green Science and Engineering (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Information Science Division
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Mechanical Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Nursing
Graduate Program, MA, Psychology
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Biological Science Division
Graduate Program, PhD, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Biological Science Division
Natural Sciences (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Applied Chemistry Division
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Mathematics Division
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology / Physics Division
Graduate Program, MS, Science and Technology/ Chemistry Division
Graduate Program, PhD, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Mathematics Division
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Physics Division
Social Sciences and Management (6)
Graduate Program, MA, Area Studies
Graduate Program, MA, Cultural Interaction
Graduate Program, MA, Death and Life Studies
Graduate Program, MA, Economics
Graduate Program, MA, Education
Graduate Program, MA, Global Studies (Courses are taught in English)
Graduate Program, MA, International Cooperation Studies
Graduate Program, MA, International Relations
Graduate Program, MA, Journalism
Graduate Program, MA, Law
Graduate Program, MA, Social Services
Graduate Program, MA, Sociology
Graduate Program, MA, Theology
Graduate Program, PhD Area Studies
Graduate Program, PhD Death and Life Studies
Graduate Program, PhD Economics
Graduate Program, PhD Education
Graduate Program, PhD International Relations
Graduate Program, PhD Law
Graduate Program, PhD Social Services
Graduate Program, PhD Sociology
Arts and Humanities (5)
Graduate Program, PhD Cultural Interaction
Graduate Program, PhD French Literature
Graduate Program, PhD German Literature
Graduate Program, PhD History
Graduate Program, PhD Japanese Literature
Engineering and Technology (5)
Graduate Program, PhD,Science and Technology Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (5)
Graduate Program, PhD Psychology
Natural Sciences (5)
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology / Chemistry Division
Graduate Program, PhD, Science and Technology Applied Chemistry
Social Sciences and Management (5)
Graduate Program, PhD Journalism
Graduate Program, PhD, Systematic Theology
Juris Doctor Program (Law School)
University information
There are various admissions to apply for Sophia University.
In general, the admission decision is made based on document screening for English-taught programs. No written exam or interview is required.
For the English-taught programs, no Japanese skill is needed to apply, enroll, and graduate with all support in English whereas students have chances to learn the Japanese language while focusing on your major studies.
-English-taught programs
We offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, non-degree (taking credits for a semester or two), and exchange programs. We also offer Sophia short-term programs in summer and January. Short-term program students cannot earn a Sophia University degree or take regular courses, but can earn credits upon completion of the program. Please refer to our website for the details.
-Scholarships
Sophia University’s scholarships are all grants with various types for international students. Please refer to our website for the details.
General
The Campus (YOTSUYA Campus) is located in the heart of Tokyo a megacity, yet surrounded by nature and greenery. Students can enjoy all the benefits of its state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and infrastructure.
Yotsuya Campus Map
On and off-campus Facilities
Central Library
Learning Support Information
Student life
Fours Years to Grow with Unique Friends From all Over the WorldCampus life at Sophia University begins with the entrance ceremony, marked by cherry blossoms in full bloom along Sanadabori. Located in the heart of the city, yet surrounded by nature in Yotsuya, the campus is filled with students from a wide variety of backgrounds, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. As a single campus, students can interact with international students as well as peers from different faculties. Additionally, there are facilities and equipment to support a variety of activities, including extracurricular activities and volunteer activities, as well as a support system to consult with students when they face problems in their student life or career development.
For details, please visit Sophia official website
Overview: Of the humanities and social sciences graduates (about 2500), 84% went to work and 6% went on to graduate school. Of the science and technology graduates (about 400), 43% went to work and 54% went to graduate school.
Among undergraduates, the employment rate for applicants is 97.7%. There is a lot of support for current students utilizing the network of alumni, such as seminars by company. Support
Career Center: The Sophia Career Center supports students' job-seeking activities and gives them tips to find career opportunities.
Students have access to the following programs offered by the Career Center.
- Individual counseling service
- Job fair
- Job search workshops
Where Students Go (from English-taught programs):
- Public Services (Japanese governmental ministries)
- Trade and Industry
- Banking and Finance
- Media and Arts
- Communications and Technology
- Graduate School
Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA) : Sophia University has approximately 140,000 alumni; 3,000 students graduate every year. The Sophia University Alumni Association (SUAA or "Sophia-kai" in Japanese) promotes friendship among Sophia's alumni and contributes to Sophia University's developing, setting and accomplishing further goals.
Tuition fee and scholarships
Domestic Students
International Students
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
In this guide you will find:
Where to look for scholarship opportunities
How to apply to scholarships relevant to you
A list of available scholarships around the world
A scholarship application checklist
Rankings & ratings
Sophia University is one of the top private universities in Tokyo, Japan. It is ranked #951-1000 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
Asian University Rankings - Eastern Asia
Asian University Rankings
QS World University Rankings
Sophia University
Videos & media
Videos & media
Campus locations
open the map
FAQs
In terms of undergraduate students, In the Faculty of Liberal Arts, approximately 70% are Japanese students and 30% are foreign nationals, while in the Faculty of Science and Technology English-taught programs, approximately 80% are foreign nationals. However, even if the students’ nationality is Japanese, they could have dual nationality or have spent most of their lives abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to know students’ background from their nationalities.
No. Decision on acceptance or rejection will be based on document screening only. However, Ph.D. applicants may be asked to have an interview.