The University of Osaka
The University of Osaka overview
Osaka University is one of Japan's most prestigious national universities. It was founded in 1931, though its origins go back to the Tekijuku school. Ogata Kōan, a pioneer of Western medicine in Japan, established that school in 1838.
During Japan's imperial era, it was officially named Osaka Imperial University in 1931. It took its current name in 1947, after World War II.
The university sits in Osaka, Japan's economic and cultural hub, and has played a critical role in scientific advancement, technology and higher education.
Today it is a leading research university, with more than 23,000 students across 11 schools and 16 graduate programs. It ranks consistently among the best in Asia and the world.
Osaka University is known for encouraging interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering and physics.
The university has made groundbreaking contributions to research, and it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and distinguished scholars.
Akira Yoshino, a graduate and professor of the university, won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The prize honored his work developing the lithium-ion battery, a technology that revolutionized energy storage worldwide.
The university has also pioneered work 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. It is 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. Its graduates include influential politicians, business leaders and scientists who have shaped modern Japan.
About The University of Osaka
Osaka University is one of Japan's most prestigious national universities. It was founded in 1931, but its story starts earlier, at the Tekijuku School. Ogata Kōan, a pioneer of Western medicine in Japan, opened that school in 1838.
During Japan's imperial era, it was officially named Osaka Imperial University in 1931. After the Second World War, it took its present name in 1947.
The university stands in Osaka, Japan's economic and cultural center. It has played a critical role in scientific progress, technology and higher education.
Today it is a leading research university, with more than 23,000 students across 11 schools and 16 graduate programs. It ranks consistently among the best universities in Asia and the world.
Osaka University is known for encouraging interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, especially in areas such as medicine, engineering and physics.
The university has made groundbreaking contributions to research, and it has produced many Nobel laureates and distinguished academics.
Akira Yoshino, a graduate and professor of the university, won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The prize recognized his work on the lithium-ion battery, a technology that revolutionized energy storage worldwide.
Working with large companies such as Panasonic, Sharp and Toyota, the university has also led the way in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and robotics.
In medicine, the Osaka University School of Medicine is one of the most advanced in Japan. It is 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. It has produced influential politicians, business leaders and scientists who shaped modern Japan.
The University of Osaka faculties and programs
Human Sciences
Science
The University of Osaka scholarships and financial aid
Osaka University offers a range of scholarship programs for international undergraduate and graduate students. Keep in mind that these programs have limited capacity and funding, and that admission standards are high. If you want to apply, you can find information about these programs 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 runs a preparatory program known as "Preparatory Courses", which helps incoming students prepare for higher education and build their language skills. If you want to apply to an undergraduate program at Osaka University, you 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
- A sufficient score on the entrance exam administered by Osaka University
If you want to apply to a graduate program at Osaka University, you 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 runs three campuses—Suita, Toyonaka and Minoh—and each one serves a different purpose.
Suita is the largest and most research-intensive site. It holds the schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, which makes it a major hub for medical and technological innovation.
It also houses Osaka University Hospital, one of Japan's leading medical centers, known for its advanced research in regenerative medicine, organ transplantation and cancer treatment.
The Suita Campus is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities. These include the Institute of Laser Engineering and the Cybermedia Center, which works on cutting-edge artificial intelligence and computing technologies.
A student dormitory village, libraries and sports facilities sit here too, which makes this campus the heart of Osaka University's academic and research community.
The Toyonaka Campus lies closer to central Osaka and focuses on the humanities, social sciences and basic sciences. It houses faculties such as Law, Economics, Letters and Science.
The Osaka University library system is known for its rich intellectual atmosphere. It provides comprehensive resources for research in the arts, philosophy and politics.
The Minoh Campus is the smallest of the three. It focuses on foreign studies and international programs, and offers degrees in global studies, language education and cultural exchange.
This campus plays a key role in Osaka University's global engagement strategy, building partnerships with universities around the world.
The university is home to more than 100 student organizations, from academic clubs to cultural and athletic groups.
One of the most prominent is the Osaka University Student Union. It represents students in university affairs and organizes major events throughout the year. If you arrive as an international student, the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE) will support you. It runs language programs, cultural exchange activities and mentorship programs.
The university also has a strong tradition of volunteering and community service. Students often take part in disaster relief efforts, environmental conservation projects and educational outreach programs.
Osaka University is also known for its research-driven environment. As a student you can use state-of-the-art laboratories and join industry collaborations, particularly in robotics, artificial intelligence and the medical sciences.
The university hosts an annual Inter-Faculty Sports Festival, where students from different disciplines meet in friendly tournaments. One of the most beloved traditions is the Machikane Festival, held in November—the university's largest student-run event.
Musical performances, cultural exhibitions, food stalls and traditional Japanese shows fill the festival, which draws thousands of students and visitors.
Another major event is the Welcome Festival for New Students. It introduces first-year students to campus life through club presentations, social gatherings and university-wide celebrations.
Osaka University has an extensive alumni network, and its graduates have reached outstanding success in a wide range of fields. Its notable alumni include:
- 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 Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Osaka Location
Osaka, Japan
The University of Osaka Contact
The University of Osaka
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into The University of Osaka
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why The University of Osaka?
Other Universities in Japan
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)
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