Innovative Design Philosophy: Japan is known for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, offering students exposure to innovative design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Technological Advancement: Japanese architecture schools often incorporate cutting-edge technology and materials in their curricula, including earthquake-resistant techniques and smart building technologies, which are crucial in today’s construction industry.
Cultural Heritage: Students can learn how architectural designs are influenced by cultural and environmental factors, gaining insights into Japan’s rich heritage and its modern adaptations.
Global Perspective: Japanese architectural education often emphasizes global trends alongside local practices, preparing students for careers anywhere in the world.
High Standards of Education: Japan’s universities are known for their high educational standards and rigorous training, making their degrees highly respected internationally.
Research Opportunities: There are extensive research opportunities in various fields of architecture, including urban planning, disaster mitigation, and environmental architecture, supported by advanced facilities and funding.
University |
Course Program |
Specialization |
---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture, Structural Engineering |
Kyoto University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Structural Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Engineering |
Environmental Design, Urban Design, Structural Mechanics |
Waseda University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Building Technology, Urban Planning |
Keio University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Science |
Building Systems, Environmental Design, Urban Design |
Osaka University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Structural Engineering, Urban and Environmental Design |
Tohoku University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Engineering, Disaster Mitigation |
Nagoya University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Urban Design |
Urban Planning, Architectural Engineering, Sustainable Design |
Kyushu University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Design |
Architectural Design, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning |
Hokkaido University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Structural Engineering, Urban Planning, Environmental Design |
University |
Course Program |
Level of Study |
Special Features for International Students |
---|---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
English-taught programs available, international student support services |
Kyoto University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Exchange programs, English language courses, international student housing |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
English-taught master's programs, extensive research opportunities |
Waseda University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
English-taught courses, global exchange programs, scholarships for international students |
Keio University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Science |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
English-taught programs, dual degree options, international student support |
Osaka University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
International student programs, research collaborations, English support |
Tohoku University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
English-taught master's and PhD programs, international dormitories |
Nagoya University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Urban Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
International exchange programs, English language support, research funding opportunities |
Kyushu University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
English-taught graduate programs, international student workshops |
Hokkaido University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Global exchange programs, English-taught courses, international research collaborations |
University |
Bachelor Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
4 years |
Strong focus on research, access to cutting-edge facilities, exchange programs |
Kyoto University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Urban Planning |
Japanese |
4 years |
Interdisciplinary approach, international exchange opportunities |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Environmental Design, Urban Design |
Japanese (English options) |
4 years |
Hands-on experience, innovative technology integration |
Waseda University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Building Technology |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
4 years |
Global exchange programs, industry connections, scholarships available |
Keio University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Science |
Building Systems, Environmental Design |
Japanese |
4 years |
Dual degree options, focus on innovation and sustainability |
Osaka University |
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering |
Structural Engineering, Urban Design |
Japanese |
4 years |
Research collaborations, access to advanced labs and resources |
Tohoku University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Engineering |
Japanese |
4 years |
Disaster mitigation research, international exchange opportunities |
Nagoya University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Urban Design |
Urban Planning, Sustainable Design |
Japanese |
4 years |
Focus on urban challenges, international research collaborations |
Kyushu University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Design |
Architectural Design, Urban Planning |
Japanese |
4 years |
Emphasis on environmental engineering, international workshops |
Hokkaido University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Structural Engineering, Environmental Design |
Japanese |
4 years |
Integration of traditional and modern techniques, global perspectives |
University |
Master Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Master of Architecture |
Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture, Structural Engineering |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
2 years |
Access to advanced research facilities, global network, focus on innovation |
Kyoto University |
Master of Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Structural Engineering |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
2 years |
Interdisciplinary research opportunities, international collaborations |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Master of Architecture |
Environmental Design, Urban Design, Structural Mechanics |
English & Japanese |
2 years |
Emphasis on cutting-edge technology, international research partnerships |
Waseda University |
Master of Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Building Technology, Urban Planning |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
2 years |
Strong global connections, industry partnerships, scholarships available |
Keio University |
Master of Architecture and Building Science |
Building Systems, Environmental Design, Urban Design |
Japanese |
2 years |
Focus on innovative solutions, dual degree options, extensive research |
Osaka University |
Master of Architectural Engineering |
Structural Engineering, Urban and Environmental Design |
Japanese |
2 years |
Advanced labs and facilities, strong emphasis on research and development |
Tohoku University |
Master of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Engineering, Disaster Mitigation |
Japanese |
2 years |
Expertise in disaster resilience, opportunities for international collaboration |
Nagoya University |
Master of Architecture and Urban Design |
Urban Planning, Architectural Engineering, Sustainable Design |
Japanese |
2 years |
Focus on urban challenges, extensive research opportunities |
Kyushu University |
Master of Architecture and Design |
Architectural Design, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning |
Japanese |
2 years |
Research-intensive programs, international student workshops |
Hokkaido University |
Master of Architecture |
Structural Engineering, Urban Planning, Environmental Design |
Japanese |
2 years |
Integration of traditional and modern techniques, global research exposure |
University |
PhD Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
PhD in Architecture |
Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture, Structural Engineering |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
3-5 years |
Access to leading research centers, global academic network, interdisciplinary research opportunities |
Kyoto University |
PhD in Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Structural Engineering |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
3-5 years |
Extensive research opportunities, international collaborations, focus on sustainable practices |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
PhD in Architecture |
Environmental Design, Urban Design, Structural Mechanics |
English & Japanese |
3-5 years |
Strong emphasis on technological innovation, global research partnerships |
Waseda University |
PhD in Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Building Technology, Urban Planning |
Japanese (Some courses in English) |
3-5 years |
Global academic connections, industry collaborations, research funding opportunities |
Keio University |
PhD in Architecture and Building Science |
Building Systems, Environmental Design, Urban Design |
Japanese |
3-5 years |
Focus on advanced research, dual degree opportunities, strong industry ties |
Osaka University |
PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Structural Engineering, Urban and Environmental Design |
Japanese |
3-5 years |
Research-intensive, access to cutting-edge facilities, strong academic support |
Tohoku University |
PhD in Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Engineering, Disaster Mitigation |
Japanese |
3-5 years |
Expertise in disaster resilience, international research collaborations, extensive fieldwork opportunities |
Nagoya University |
PhD in Architecture and Urban Design |
Urban Planning, Architectural Engineering, Sustainable Design |
Japanese |
3-5 years |
Focus on solving urban challenges, extensive research resources, international exchanges |
Kyushu University |
PhD in Architecture and Design |
Architectural Design, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning |
Japanese |
3-5 years |
Emphasis on innovation in design and sustainability, global research workshops |
Hokkaido University |
PhD in Architecture |
Structural Engineering, Urban Planning, Environmental Design |
Japanese |
3-5 years |
Integration of traditional and modern architectural practices, global research exposure |
Institute/School |
Diploma Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tokyo Technical College |
Diploma in Architecture and Construction Technology |
Architectural Design, Construction Technology |
Japanese |
2-3 years |
Hands-on training, industry partnerships, focus on practical skills |
Osaka Sogo College of Design |
Diploma in Architectural Design |
Interior Design, Architectural Drafting |
Japanese |
2-3 years |
Emphasis on design and creativity, access to professional studios |
Nihon Kogakuin College |
Diploma in Architectural Engineering |
Structural Design, Building Construction |
Japanese |
2-3 years |
Strong industry connections, practical training, internships available |
Kyoto Computer Gakuin |
Diploma in Building and Construction Technology |
CAD Design, Structural Engineering |
Japanese |
2-3 years |
Focus on technology integration, access to modern software and tools |
Shibaura Institute of Technology (Vocational School) |
Diploma in Architecture and Environmental Design |
Sustainable Design, Environmental Engineering |
Japanese |
2-3 years |
Emphasis on sustainable practices, industry-relevant projects |
Nagoya Institute of Technology (Vocational School) |
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
Urban Design, Building Technology |
Japanese |
2-3 years |
Project-based learning, collaboration with local industries |
Tokyo Design Academy |
Diploma in Architecture and Interior Design |
Interior Design, Space Planning |
Japanese |
2 years |
Focus on interior architecture, creative design solutions |
Japan Electronics College |
Diploma in Architectural CAD Design |
CAD, 3D Modeling |
Japanese |
2 years |
Technical focus on CAD and 3D modeling, practical workshops |
Institute/School |
Short-term Course Program |
Specialization |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Short-term Program in Sustainable Architecture |
Sustainable Design, Environmental Engineering |
English & Japanese |
3-6 months |
Focus on sustainability practices, global collaboration opportunities |
Kyoto University |
Short-term Course in Urban Planning and Design |
Urban Planning, Architectural Design |
English & Japanese |
3-6 months |
Emphasis on urban challenges, research-based learning |
Shibaura Institute of Technology |
Intensive Course in Architectural Design |
CAD, Design Thinking |
Japanese |
1-3 months |
Practical design workshops, hands-on experience with CAD tools |
Waseda University |
Short-term Course in Building Technology |
Building Systems, Construction Technology |
English |
3-6 months |
Strong industry connections, focus on technology integration |
Nihon Kogakuin College |
Short-term Program in Construction Management |
Construction Management, Safety Standards |
Japanese |
3 months |
Practical training in construction site management, industry internships |
Tokyo Design Academy |
Short-term Course in Interior Architecture |
Interior Design, Space Planning |
Japanese |
1-3 months |
Creative design projects, focus on modern interior architecture |
Japan Electronics College |
Short-term Program in Architectural CAD |
CAD Design, 3D Modeling |
Japanese |
2-3 months |
Technical skills development in CAD and 3D modeling, practical workshops |
Yokohama National University |
Short-term Course in Earthquake Engineering |
Earthquake-resistant Design, Structural Engineering |
English |
3-6 months |
Special focus on earthquake-resistant architecture, fieldwork opportunities |
Hokkaido University |
Short-term Program in Environmental Architecture |
Environmental Design, Sustainable Construction |
Japanese |
3-6 months |
Emphasis on environmental sustainability, project-based learning |
University |
Course Program |
Level of Study |
---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Kyoto University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Waseda University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Keio University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Science |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Osaka University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Tohoku University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Nagoya University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Urban Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Kyushu University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Hokkaido University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
University |
Course Program |
Level of Study |
Intake Periods |
---|---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
Kyoto University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
Waseda University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), September (Secondary intake for international programs) |
Keio University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Science |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), September (Secondary intake for international programs) |
Osaka University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
Tohoku University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
Nagoya University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Urban Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
Kyushu University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
Hokkaido University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
April (Main intake), October (Secondary intake for some programs) |
University |
Course Program |
Level of Study |
Approximate Tuition Fees (per year) |
---|---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,000,000 (USD 5,000 - 9,500) |
Kyoto University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,000,000 (USD 5,000 - 9,500) |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,200,000 (USD 5,000 - 11,000) |
Waseda University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥1,200,000 - ¥1,500,000 (USD 11,000 - 14,000) |
Keio University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Science |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥1,200,000 - ¥1,500,000 (USD 11,000 - 14,000) |
Osaka University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,000,000 (USD 5,000 - 9,500) |
Tohoku University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,000,000 (USD 5,000 - 9,500) |
Nagoya University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Urban Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,000,000 (USD 5,000 - 9,500) |
Kyushu University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,000,000 (USD 5,000 - 9,500) |
Hokkaido University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
¥535,800 - ¥1,000,000 (USD 5,000 - 9,500) |
University |
Course Program |
Level of Study |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
The University of Tokyo |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Kyoto University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Waseda University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) or English (TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs) |
Keio University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Building Science |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) or English (TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs) |
Osaka University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Tohoku University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Nagoya University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Urban Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Kyushu University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture and Design |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Hokkaido University |
Bachelor/Master/PhD in Architecture |
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD |
Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent, proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher) |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Coverage |
Applicable Universities |
---|---|---|---|
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship |
International students with excellent academic records |
Tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel expenses |
All national and some private universities (e.g., University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tokyo Institute of Technology) |
JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Scholarship |
International students with financial need |
Monthly stipend |
Most universities across Japan |
University-specific Scholarships |
Varies by university, often based on academic merit |
Partial to full tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends |
Universities such as Waseda University, Keio University, and others |
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship |
International students, preference for graduate students |
Monthly stipend, travel expenses |
Various universities in Japan |
Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) |
Students from ADB member countries pursuing a master’s degree |
Full tuition, monthly stipend, housing, travel expenses |
University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, and others |
Abe Leadership Development Program |
Graduate students demonstrating leadership potential |
Monthly stipend, travel expenses |
Selected universities, including the University of Tokyo |
Yoshida Scholarship Foundation |
Graduate students in science and technology fields |
Full tuition, monthly stipend |
Selected universities in Japan |
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation |
Graduate students with high academic performance |
Monthly stipend |
Most universities across Japan |
Toyota Foundation Scholarship |
Graduate students, with a focus on sustainability and technology |
Monthly stipend, research funding |
Various universities in Japan |
Inoue Masaru Scholarship |
Graduate students pursuing research in engineering and architecture |
Research funding, monthly stipend |
Various universities in Japan |
Career Option |
Description |
Average Salary Range (per year) |
---|---|---|
Architect |
Designing buildings and overseeing construction projects, with a focus on aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability |
¥4,000,000 - ¥8,000,000 (USD 36,000 - 73,000) |
Urban Planner |
Developing plans and programs for land use in urban areas, including infrastructure, transportation, and zoning |
¥4,500,000 - ¥9,000,000 (USD 41,000 - 82,000) |
Structural Engineer |
Designing and analyzing the structural components of buildings and ensuring they are safe and stable |
¥5,000,000 - ¥10,000,000 (USD 45,000 - 91,000) |
Construction Manager |
Overseeing construction projects from planning to completion, managing teams, budgets, and schedules |
¥6,000,000 - ¥12,000,000 (USD 55,000 - 110,000) |
Interior Designer |
Designing interior spaces, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and the use of space |
¥3,500,000 - ¥7,000,000 (USD 32,000 - 64,000) |
Environmental Consultant |
Advising on environmental impact and sustainability for building projects and urban planning |
¥4,500,000 - ¥9,000,000 (USD 41,000 - 82,000) |
Real Estate Developer |
Developing land and real estate projects, from planning and construction to sales and management |
¥6,000,000 - ¥12,000,000 (USD 55,000 - 110,000) |
Researcher/Academic |
Conducting research in architecture or teaching at universities, focusing on advanced topics in design, technology, or urban planning |
¥4,000,000 - ¥7,500,000 (USD 36,000 - 68,000) |
Project Manager (Architecture/Construction) |
Managing specific building or construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget |
¥5,500,000 - ¥11,000,000 (USD 50,000 - 100,000) |
Sustainable Design Consultant |
Specializing in eco-friendly and sustainable building practices, advising on energy efficiency and green technologies |
¥5,000,000 - ¥9,000,000 (USD 45,000 - 82,000) |