Founded in 1913 by the Jesuits, Sophia University (上智大学, Jōchi Daigaku) has long embraced an international mission: “For Others, With Others.” In 1949, it pioneered one of Japan’s first full English-taught programs. Today, it stands as one of Japan’s top private universities with around 14,000 students and 1,400 faculty members from diverse backgrounds.
2. Academic Diversity & Global Programs
Sophia University offers nine undergraduate faculties and ten graduate schools across disciplines like Liberal Arts, Science & Engineering, Economics, Law, Global Studies, and more.
Highlights:
- Full English-taught programs including SPSF (Sustainable Futures), Liberal Arts, Global Studies, Science & Technology, and more.
- Ranked in QS by Subject: Linguistics (251‑300), Modern Languages (201‑250), Politics & International Studies and Sociology—bringing Sophia to fifth among Japanese private universities with ranked subjects.
3. Research & Sustainability Leadership
- THE Impact Rankings 2025: Ranked 75th globally for SDG 13 (Climate Action)
- Sustainability initiatives include 100% renewable energy usage at Yotsuya campus, an Office for Diversity & Sustainability, student-driven environmental projects, and responsible investment strategies.
4. Campus & Location
- Main Yotsuya Campus is centrally located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda/Shinjuku area—just a walking distance from major cultural and political hubs.
- Additional campuses: Mejiro Seibo, Shakujii, Hadano, and a Satellite Campus in Osaka.
- Facilities include modern libraries, student lounges, labs, cafeterias, and robust support services .
5. International Community & Student Life
- Roughly 1,200+ international students out of ~12,700 total students .
- Over 270 student clubs, English-speaking staff in academic affairs, career services, counseling, with a robust pairing program for international students.
- Reddit feedback: “I went there on exchange … The language classes are excellent.”
“I spent a year at Sophia … Highly recommend.”
6. Rankings, Prestige & Career Outcomes
- Ranked 18th in Japan by THE Japan 2021
- QS 2023 ranking placed Sophia 801–1000 globally, and 301‑350 in 2025
- Strong alumni employment, especially in major Japanese firms; considered as selective as Keio and Waseda with ~34% acceptance rate.
7. Admissions & Financial Support
- Admission for international students is competitive—requiring TOEFL/IELTS or JLPT plus essays, transcripts, resumes.
- Tuition typically ranges ¥1.0–1.5 million/year (~$7,150–11,100), with various merit- and need-based scholarships, including significant discounts for international students .
8. Contact & Location Info
Sophia University
Yotsuya Campus: 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102‑8554, Japan
📞 +81‑3‑3238‑3167 (General), +81‑3‑3238‑4018 (English admissions)
🌐 www.sophia.ac.jp/eng
Conclusion
Sophia University stands out as a leading Jesuit institution, offering a rich international environment, strong English-taught programs, cutting-edge research and sustainability efforts, and a central Tokyo campus. It’s an excellent choice for students aiming for global careers, language immersion, and holistic development in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
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