Colleges/International/Japan/Osaka University
Osaka University

Osaka University

Japan

osaka-u.ac.jp

About

Osaka University is one of Japan's most prestigious comprehensive research institutions, globally renowned for its world-class contributions to medicine, life sciences, chemistry, and engineering. The university offers several specialized undergraduate and graduate degree programs taught entirely in English—such as the Human Sciences and Chemistry programs—eliminating language barriers for international applicants. To support its diverse student body, the Center for International Education and Exchange provides comprehensive assistance with visas, housing, academic advising, and Japanese language courses. A distinctive characteristic of the university is its historical roots in *Rangaku* (Western learning) and the pioneering educational philosophy of *Kigaku* ("Live locally, grow globally"), which emphasizes practical wisdom and societal contribution over mere rote learning. International students here benefit from a vibrant, multicultural campus culture alongside robust career support that bridges Japanese industry and global opportunities.

Background

The University of Osaka (大阪大学, Ōsaka daigaku), abbreviated as UOsaka or Handai (阪大), is a national research university in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The university traces its roots back to Edo-era institutions Tekijuku (1838) and Kaitokudo (1724), and was officially established in 1931 as the sixth of the Imperial Universities in Japan, with two faculties: science and medicine. Following the post-war educational reform, it merged with three pre-war higher schools, reorganizing as a comprehensive university with five faculties: science, medicine, letters, law and economics, and engineering. After the merger with Osaka University of Foreign Studies in 2007, UOsaka became the largest national university in Japan by undergraduate enrollment. The official name of the university in English has been changed from "Osaka University" to "The University of Osaka (UOsaka)" as of April 2025. UOsaka is one of the most...

Read more on Wikipedia

Location

Quick facts

Country
Japan
City
Suita
Founded
1931
Source: Wikidata
Type
Public
Students
23,234 (2025)
Source: Wikidata
Website
osaka-u.ac.jp
Source: Wikidata

Nearby universities

Also in Suita

Elsewhere in Japan

All 569 universities in Japan →

Wondering if Osaka University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search

Wondering if Osaka University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Get your college list →See a sample college plan first