Nagoya University (NU) was first founded in 1871 as a temporary hospital and medical school. After undergoing several transitions, NU was established as an imperial university in 1939, and it has grown to be one of the world’s top research universities. It is currently ranked as one of the 5 best universities in Japan according to the THE 2026 Ranking.
Nagoya University fosters a free, vibrant academic culture, conducting research and education across human, societal, and natural sciences to promote human well-being. Its mission is to cultivate leaders with courage and intellect—“勇気ある知識人 (Yuuki Aru Chishiki Jin)”—who use curiosity and creativity responsibly. NU’s multi-disciplinary curriculum develops global leaders capable of innovative problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork to thrive in a global environment.
Nagoya University (NU) leads internationally in Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, and Engineering. Since 2000, six Nobel Laureates have emerged from NU, reflecting its excellence in research and knowledge creation. The university ranks 3rd–4th in Japan for patents and receives significant government funding. With 13 graduate schools, 9 undergraduate schools, 29 research centers, and over 20 research institutes, NU fosters innovation and scholarship. Serving 16,200 students, including 2,500+ international students from 100+ countries, NU maintains over 450 global academic partnerships. NU combines research, education, and international collaboration to cultivate the next generation of global scholars.
One of the biggest strenghts of Nagoya University is its track record in helping students to reach their career goals. In 2024, 97% of 4th year undergraduate students received a job offer or an offer to enter a graduate school before graduation.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By TopUniversities
Climbed 8 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 152 | 164 | 156 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 26 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 367 | 354 | 328 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 201 | 201 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | 101 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
From counseling to career support to study abroad programs, Nagoya University students are well-supported.
Visit the Always NU website to information to guide you through daily life in Japan: https://sed.adm.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/index.html
G30 International Programs students are housed in the Ishida Memorial International Residence Myoken for the first year. The “Advising Offices for Housing” provides consultation to students searching for new accommodation and organizes “Moving Out” workshops twice a year. Rent for off-campus, a single-room apartment usually falls within 30,000 to 50,000 Yen per month.
Housing information is also available at on-campus places like the Nagoya University Co-op. For more information, visit: https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/campus/life/housing/
The University Library is composed of the Central Library, the Medical Library, and departmental libraries. The library collection holds about 3,000,000 volumes of books and more than 3,000 journals, as well as a large amount of electronic collections available through remote access.Bilingual access, internet (LAN and WiFi) and study cubicals provide a comfortable study atmosphere.
Nagoya University takes good care of its students’ health. Apart from free mandatory annual physical checkup for all students, the Health Administration Office provides health advice, first-aid and mental health support. For more information, visit: https://sed.adm.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/index.html
Nagoya University has three campuses, the Higashiyama Campus (main campus), the Tsurumai Campus (Medical School and hospital) and the Daiko Campus (The Department of Health Science). Experience the perfect balance of city life and affordability in Japan's fourth-largest city, where modern conveniences meet traditional culture without the crowds and costs of other large Japanese cities.
Nagoya University offers various sports facilities including: sports complex, badminton court, basketball court, table tennis, indoor swimming pool, soccer field, track and field facility, baseball field and tennis courts, which students can use freely or with their clubs and circles.
Nagoya University offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities that provide all kinds of opportunities to meet students sharing similar interests. From cultural to vocational and from athletics to academics, there are more than 100 students’ clubs and societies waiting to enrich your campus life. Some also provide the opportunity to experience captivating aspects of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. Valuing history and tradition, NU encourages many uniquely Japanese sports and activities such as traditional martial arts or Japanese tea ceremony. Read more: https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/campus/extracurricular/clubs/
Accredited by the Japanese Government (MEXT)
Based on 6 reviews
I really like the experience but I feel like my experience was hindered due to the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic was a thing. The program itself allowed us to join the laboratory of our choice which specializes in specific areas of study within the lines of our major. It covered the basics of engineering as well as having specialized courses for my specific major.
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies offers career-oriented business programs where students can build practical skills while improving their English. The Global Business program supports both professional development and international communication skills.
I appreciate the manner in which they impart knowledge to us, instilling discipline, good manners, and more. If there's room for improvement, I would recommend enhancing the comprehensiveness of discussions, as it significantly contributes to our understanding of the lessons.
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