The University of Osaka
The University of Osaka
The University of Osaka overview
One of Japan's most prestigious national universities, Osaka University was founded in 1931, though its origins trace back to the Tekijuku school established in 1838 by Ogata Kōan, a pioneer of Western medicine in Japan.
During Japan's imperial era, it was officially named Osaka Imperial University in 1931, and after World War II it took on its current name in 1947.
Located in Osaka, Japan's economic and cultural hub, the university has played a critical role in scientific advancement, technology, and higher education.
Today, with more than 23,000 students across 11 schools and 16 graduate programs, it is a leading research university that consistently ranks among the best in Asia and the world.
Osaka University is known for fostering interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, and physics.
Osaka University has made groundbreaking contributions to research, producing numerous Nobel laureates and distinguished scholars.
Notably, Akira Yoshino—a graduate and professor of the university—won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work developing the lithium-ion battery, a technology that revolutionized energy storage worldwide.
The university has also been a pioneer in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics, partnering with major companies such as Panasonic, Sharp, and Toyota.
In the field of medicine, the Osaka University School of Medicine is one of the most advanced in Japan, known for its innovations in organ transplantation and regenerative medicine.
The university has also played an important role in Japan's cultural and academic development, producing influential politicians, business leaders, and scientists who have shaped modern Japan.
About The University of Osaka
The University of Osaka faculties and programs
The University of Osaka scholarships and financial aid
Osaka University offers a variety of scholarship programs for international undergraduate and graduate students. That said, keep in mind that these scholarship programs have limited capacity and funding and that admission standards are high. Students who wish to apply for the scholarship programs offered by Osaka University can find information about them at the link below.
The University of Osaka Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into The University of Osaka
Osaka University offers a preparatory program known as "Preparatory Courses" to help incoming students prepare for higher education and develop their language skills. That said, applicants who wish to apply to the undergraduate programs offered by Osaka University must meet the admission requirements listed below.
- A four-year high school diploma
- A strong grade point average
or - An International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
or - A European Baccalaureate diploma
or - A French Baccalaureate diploma
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) for programs taught in English
- Proof of Japanese proficiency for programs taught in Japanese
- Taking the university entrance exam administered by Osaka University and earning a sufficient score
Applicants who wish to apply to the graduate programs offered by Osaka University must meet the admission requirements listed below.
- A bachelor's degree
- A strong grade point average
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) for programs taught in English
- Proof of Japanese proficiency for programs taught in Japanese
- A resume
- A statement of purpose
- A letter of recommendation
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the The University of Osaka application process.
Take a closer look at The University of Osaka
Osaka University operates across three campuses—Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh—each serving a different purpose.
The Suita Campus, the largest and most intensive research site, is home to the schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Engineering, making it a major hub for medical and technological innovation.
It also houses Osaka University Hospital, one of Japan's leading medical centers, renowned for its advanced research in regenerative medicine, organ transplantation, and cancer treatment.
The Suita Campus is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Institute of Laser Engineering and the Cybermedia Center, which focuses on cutting-edge artificial intelligence and computing technologies.
This campus is also home to a student dormitory village, libraries, and sports facilities, making it the heart of Osaka University's academic and research community.
Located closer to central Osaka, the Toyonaka Campus focuses on the humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences, housing faculties such as Law, Economics, Letters, and Science.
Known for its rich intellectual atmosphere, the Osaka University library system provides comprehensive resources for research in the arts, philosophy, and politics.
The smallest of the three campuses, the Minoh Campus focuses on foreign studies and international programs, offering degrees in global studies, language education, and cultural exchange.
This campus plays a key role in Osaka University's global engagement strategy, fostering partnerships with universities around the world.
The university is home to more than 100 student organizations, ranging from academic clubs to cultural and athletic groups.
One of the most prominent is the Osaka University Student Union, which represents students in university affairs and organizes major events throughout the year. International students are actively supported by the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE), which provides language programs, cultural exchange activities, and mentorship programs.
The university also has a strong tradition of volunteerism and community service, with students frequently taking part in disaster relief efforts, environmental conservation projects, and educational outreach programs.
In addition, Osaka University is known for its research-driven environment, where students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and industry collaborations, particularly in robotics, artificial intelligence, and the medical sciences.
The university also hosts an annual Inter-Faculty Sports Festival, where students from different disciplines compete in friendly tournaments. One of the most beloved traditions is the Machikane Festival, held in November—the university's largest student-run event.
Featuring musical performances, cultural exhibitions, food stalls, and traditional Japanese shows, the festival draws thousands of students and visitors.
Another major event is the Welcome Festival for New Students, where first-year students are introduced to campus life through club presentations, social gatherings, and university-wide celebrations.
Osaka University has an extensive alumni network made up of individuals who have achieved outstanding success across a wide range of fields. Among the university's notable alumni are:
- Toru Kumon
- Akio Morita
- Osamu Tezuka
- Masataka Taketsuru
- Hideki Yukawa
- Akira Yoshino
- Osamu Suzuki
- Keizo Saji
- Pratiwi Sudarmono
- Norihiko Hibino
- Satoshi Umemura
- Toshio Hirano
- Shizuo Kakutani
- Tsuda Riho
- Mayu Usshida
- Masanao Shibahashi
The University of Osaka cost of living
The University of Osaka Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Osaka Location
Osaka
The University of Osaka Contact
The University of Osaka
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into The University of Osaka
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