Empowering Global Talent: Nine Institutions Awarded for Their Commitment to International Education

Leading the Way: Schools Recognized for Exceptional Programs for International Students

The Japan Student Services Organization reported that the number of international students at Japanese language schools reached a record high of 90,719. To assist incoming students in finding suitable, high-quality schools, the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education (Nisshinkyo) established the Japan Ryugaku Awards in 2012. These awards are presented through the Academic Research Conference on Japanese Language Schools to improve the infrastructure for the intake of international students.

The awards recognize universities and vocational schools that excel in a web survey conducted among the faculty and staff of Japanese-language schools. These recommendations aim to guide international students in their school selection. A total of 50 schools received awards, with the top 10 schools—five from eastern Japan and five from western Japan—selected for the grand prize across five categories.

Kyushu University and the University of Tsukuba emerged as top winners. Kyushu University hosts over 2,500 international students and offers degree programs in English. It recently opened a new international education navigation center in April to provide more extensive support for international students. The University of Tsukuba emphasizes its commitment to being "Open to the World," offering programs specifically designed for international students.

In the private liberal arts university category, Takushoku University and the University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences earned top honors for the fourth consecutive year. Takushoku University features a study support office that assists international students with Japanese language challenges, providing supplementary language classes and tailored employment support. Since its establishment in 1988, the University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences has recognized the importance of cross-border exchanges and values collaboration with Japanese language schools, offering job-hunting assistance to international students.

Tokai University and Ritsumeikan University each secured the top prize in their regions within the private university science and engineering category. Tokai University emphasizes the importance of nurturing human resources with a strong sense of mission and a rich sense of humanity. The university focuses on providing education that integrates humanities and natural sciences, fostering historical, national, and global perspectives. Ritsumeikan University welcomes over 200 international students each year from 80 countries and regions, with around 70% of these students having graduated from Japanese-language schools.

In the vocational school categories, top prizes went to Bunka Fashion College and the Ehle Institute in the society and culture category, while Nippon Engineering College and Toyota Technical College Nagoya took top honors in the skills and technology category. Bunka Fashion College hosts 750 international students and is well-respected internationally for producing outstanding creators and designers. The Ehle Institute, located in western Japan, offers preparatory Japanese courses for students from around the globe, helping them gain entry into prestigious universities.

Additionally, several schools were recognized for winning the top prize in their categories for five consecutive years. These include Japan Electronics College, Tokyo International Business College, Ashikaga University, Fukui University of Technology, and Yokohama National University. Their consistently high evaluations earned them a spot in the Ryugaku Awards Hall of Fame.

Here are 9 of the 10 schools awarded this year’s Japan Ryugaku Awards, which honor their exceptional support for international students:

1. Japan Electronics College
The college has welcomed about 4,700 students from 78 countries, currently hosting around 600 international students in innovative technology fields. Over 90% of those seeking jobs in Japanese companies have succeeded.

2. Takushoku University
Known for its strong support of international students, Takushoku shares classes with Japanese students, enhancing language skills and providing scholarships for financial assistance.

3. Nihon Kogakuin College, Hachioji Campus
Offering 34 courses in various fields, the college provides comprehensive support, including scholarships and health resources, ensuring a conducive learning environment.

4. Tokyo Metropolitan University
As Tokyo’s only public university, TMU offers the Tokyo Global Partner Scholarship Program, covering fees and living expenses for exceptional international students.

5. Tokai University
Tokai provides extensive support for international students, including academic guidance, job-hunting assistance, and scholarships for high achievers.

6. Tokyo Denki University
Focusing on practical education in science and engineering, TDU offers Japanese language courses to help students integrate culturally and academically.

7. Tokyo University of Science
Since 1881, the university has maintained a commitment to excellence, offering guidance and support for international students in legal residency and dormitory arrangements.

8. Ryutsu Keizai University
RKU aims to unlock students' potential with practical education and extensive support in Japanese language acquisition and job placement.

9. University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences
The university specializes in guiding international students through their learning and job-hunting processes, offering numerous scholarships and support until they reach N1 proficiency in Japanese.

Editor's Note:

The Japan Ryugaku Awards celebrate the dedication and excellence of institutions that support international students. This year, nine schools received recognition for their outstanding programs, which foster a welcoming and enriching environment for students from around the globe. The commitment to providing quality education, comprehensive support, and opportunities for cultural exchange highlights the important role these institutions play in shaping the future of international education in Japan.

Skoobuzz congratulates all the winners for their outstanding performance.