Located at the very heart of the world’s largest city and steeped in 144 years of tradition, Meiji University (明治大学) offers international students a rare blend of metropolitan buzz, academic credibility and pastoral support. This guide distils everything you need to decide whether Meiji aligns with your study‑abroad goals in 2025 and beyond.
Meiji’s Global Reputation and Rankings
Meiji’s domestic prestige is long‑established, but its international profile has risen markedly through Japan’s Top Global University Project and joint research with partners from Berkeley to Bordeaux.
Standing in Major World Tables
Times Higher Education 2025: 1510 – 1600 band overall; top‑500 for Engineering and Computer Science.
Rankings fluctuate annually; always consult the latest releases before applying.
Four Campuses, One Capital
First and second year undergraduates usually begin at leafy Izumi Campus (Suginami), then advance to the flagship Surugadai Campus in central Chiyoda. Science majors migrate to Ikuta (Kanagawa) while creative technology students thrive at Nakano.
| Campus | District and Prefecture | Nearest Station | Commute Time from Shinjuku |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surugadai | Chiyoda‑ku, Tokyo | JR Ochanomizu (3 min walk) | 5 min |
| Izumi | Suginami‑ku, Tokyo | Keio Meidaimae (5 min) | 10 min |
| Ikuta | Kawasaki, Kanagawa | Odakyu Ikuta (10 min) | 25 min |
| Nakano | Nakano‑ku, Tokyo | JR /Subway Nakano (8 min) | 6 min |
See also: our guide to [Tokyo’s Public Transport Hacks for Newcomers]
English‑Medium Degrees
Meiji now delivers five full undergraduate and over ten graduate degrees entirely in English, all of which allow elective Japanese‐language classes.
Undergraduate Highlight
School of Global Japanese Studies (SGJS) – a four‑year BA exploring culture, business and globalisation through a Japan‑centric lens. No Japanese proficiency required at entry.
Graduate Opportunities
- International Programme in Architecture and Urban Design (I‑AUD) – studio‑based MA fostering sustainable city solutions.
- MBA (Graduate School of Global Business) – one‑year, case‑method programme with electives on East‑Asian markets.
- Dual‑degree tracks with the National University of Singapore and Korea University.
Admissions Roadmap for 2026 Entry
| Pathway | Application Window (2025) | Required Tests | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Track (SGJS) | 1 Sep – 27 Oct | TOEFL iBT 83 / IELTS 6.0 | Online (Zoom) |
| General International (Japanese‑medium) | 4 Nov – 15 Dec | EJU + JLPT N2 | In person in Tokyo or Zoom |
Visa documents are issued within 14 days of acceptance, and Meiji’s International Student Office hosts pre‑departure webinars.
Tuition and Scholarships
First‑year tuition ranges from ¥1.32 million (roughly US $8,500) in Law to ¥1.82 million (roughly US $11,700) in Science & Technology. Thereafter fees fall by roughly ¥200 000 as the admission levy is one‑off.
Funding at a Glance
- Meiji Incentive Scholarship – tuition reduction of 30 – 100% for a GPA of 3.3+.
- MEXT honours scholarship – ¥117,000 monthly stipend.
- JASSO reservation‑programme – ¥48,000 per month for privately funded undergraduates.
Check the Financial Aid Office site each January for updated quotas and deadlines.
Living and Thriving on Campus
Meiji’s International Lounges offer daily language exchanges, visa counselling and free Japanese conversation clinics. Annual medicals are free, while the Meiji Student Health Insurance reimburses 80% of outpatient fees at 160 partner hospitals.
Accommodation Options
- Izumi International House – private room, shared kitchen, ¥84,900 inc. utilities.
- Global Village Dormitory (Ikuta) – mixed Japanese‑international floors, compulsory meal plan, ¥75,000. Degree‑seeking students who prefer apartments receive a university guarantor letter and access to vetted real‑estate portals.
Student Life – International Exchanging in Kissui (生粋)
Kissui is a community mainly operated by students from Meiji University. It welcomes both local and international students and provide various opportunities to exchange their diverse backgrounds and cultures. It often held events such as BBQ and other Japanese seasonal activities, which is enjoyed by numerous students over a decade. (Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissui__meiji/?hl=ja)
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