Osaka University

Osaka University: A Comprehensive Overview

Founded in 1931 as Japan’s sixth Imperial University, Osaka University (UOsaka since April 2025) is a leading national research university in Osaka, Japan. With roots in Kaitokudo (1724) and Tekijuku (1838), it enrolls over 23,000 students, including 2,600 international students from 100 countries, across 11 undergraduate and 10 graduate schools. Renowned for physics, immunology, and robotics, UOsaka is Japan’s largest national university by undergraduate enrollment.

History

Originating from historic institutions, UOsaka became a national university post-WWII, merging with Osaka University of Foreign Studies in 2007. Its legacy includes three Nobel laureates and contributions to lithium-ion batteries, shaping Japan’s scientific landscape.

Academic Structure

UOsaka’s 11 undergraduate schools and 10 graduate schools span humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine across Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh campuses. Key schools include Letters, Law, Engineering Science, and Foreign Studies. English-taught programs like the International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS) support international students.

Prominent Faculties and Departments

The Faculty of Engineering Science leads in robotics, collaborating with Toyota. The Faculty of Science excels in physics, and the School of Human Sciences is renowned for psychology. The Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) drives global health research.

Research Activities

UOsaka invests ¥80 billion annually, leading in immunology, robotics, and physics. With Nobel laureates like Hideki Yukawa (Physics, 1949) and Akira Yoshino (Chemistry, 2019), facilities like IFReC and the Institute for Protein Research produce 7,000+ publications yearly, addressing AI and sustainability.

International Rankings

UOsaka ranks 80th in QS 2024, 251–300 in THE 2023, and 101–150 in ARWU 2022. Physics and chemistry are in the global top 50 (QS 2023). Graduate employability ranks in the top 150 globally (QS 2022).

Campus Life

Three campuses offer modern libraries, labs, and the Machikane Festival. With 200+ clubs, Global Village, and Osaka’s vibrant culture, student life is dynamic. International students access Japanese courses, career support, and transport passes.

Notable Alumni

Alumni include Nobel laureates Hideki Yukawa, Yoichiro Nambu, and Akira Yoshino, plus Akio Morita (Sony co-founder) and Osamu Tezuka (manga artist). The 100,000+ alumni network impacts science, technology, and arts.

Future Goals

UOsaka’s 2031 Vision targets global research leadership, expanding AI and health innovations, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040. A ¥20 billion investment supports international partnerships and employability.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

With a 20% acceptance rate, undergraduates need a high school diploma (85% Indian CBSE equivalent), 3.0/4.0 GPA, and EJU/TOEFL iBT 80. Postgraduates require a bachelor’s (2:1) and JLPT N2 for Japanese-taught programs. Applicants submit transcripts, SOP, LORs, and ¥1,020,000/year proof of funds for a visa (¥7,000). Apply via university portal (December 2, 2024–January 10, 2025, for IUPS). Tuition: ¥535,800/year, plus ¥282,000 fee. Scholarships like MEXT and tuition waivers are available.

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