Tokyo

Tokyo

QS Staff Writer

Updated July 15, 2025 Updated July 15

Such is the mind-blowing scale of the Japanese capital that, even with 18 internationally ranked universities, it still has a very low proportionate student population. Tokyo, then, is a city for those who favour total immersion in local culture rather than living in a “student bubble”.

The upshot of Tokyo's gargantuan size is that it offers one of the most varied and cosmopolitan living environments on Earth. As one of the world's three leading financial centers, alongside New York and London, it also provides enviable professional and internship opportunities, consistently ranking as one of the best in the world for the employer activity indicator.

Alongside a high rating from graduate employers, Tokyo scores notably well for desirability, which considers both the overall quality of living in the city, and how in-demand it is among prospective international students.

Cost of studying in Tokyo
While it's not one of the cheapest study destinations on a global level, the exceptional quality of life is likely to make up for the cost of living. Nevertheless, the city is still cheaper than European hubs such as London and Munich. 

Careers in Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world's major international financial centres, housing the headquarters of some of the world's biggest investment banks, insurance companies and global firms. 

Students who graduate from university in Tokyo are truly spoilt for choice. From high tech to transportation, trade, consulting, finance and medicine, the city's thriving economy allows talented individuals from all educational backgrounds to kick-start their careers and succeed in the long run.

Have you studied in Tokyo? Share your experience.

Internationally ranked universities in Tokyo

University of TokyoTokyo Institute of TechnologyWaseda UniversityKeio University;  Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)Tokyo Metropolitan UniversityHitotsubashi University; Yokohama City University; Tokyo University of Agriculture and TechnologyYokohama National UniversityTokyo University of Science; Rikkyo University

More about Tokyo

Number of universities ranked by QS

18

Highest-ranked institution

University of Tokyo

Population

38,001,000

Average international fees (at ranked unis)

US$5,700

Desirability rank

1st

Employer Activity rank

1st

Affordability rank

85

Student View rank

22nd

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

This article was originally published in December 2015 . It was last updated in July 2025

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