How to Choose a Japanese University to Study English (2026)
Deciding to study English at a Japanese university? The first question most applicants run into: **"Foreign Studies department vs Liberal Arts (kokusai kyōyō) — what's the difference?"** The names sound similar, but the English ability and career path coming out of each look very different.
This guide breaks down Japanese universities where you can study English, organized by department type and goal. Covers the 2026 admissions cycle including the latest English-certification-based admission options.
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3 Department Types for Studying English
Departments specializing in English fall into three broad categories. Understanding the distinction matters before choosing.
1. Faculty of Foreign Studies / English Department (英米語学科)
Focused on **English itself** as the object of study — linguistics, English studies, British/American literature, interpretation, translation. Systematic mastery of English structure, culture, and usage.
- **Top schools**: Sophia University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Kanda University of International Studies, Kansai Gaidai, Dokkyo
- **Best for**: English teachers, interpreters, translators, publishing, language education
- **Typical English level at graduation**: TOEIC 850–900 (top-school graduates, varies)
2. International Liberal Arts (国際教養学部)
Uses English **as a tool** to study economics, politics, culture, social issues — a liberal arts model. Most classes run in English, so academic English develops through practice.
- **Top schools**: International Christian University (ICU), Waseda SILS, Akita International University (AIU), Hosei GIS
- **Best for**: multinationals, international organizations, diplomacy, global business
3. English Literature (Faculty of Letters)
Centers on the literature, culture, and history of English-speaking countries. English ability develops alongside, but the focus is literary and cultural research.
- **Top schools**: Waseda (Faculty of Education), Aoyama Gakuin, Tsuda, Hiroshima Shudo
- **Best for**: those interested in English culture, literature, media studies
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Recommended Japanese Universities for Studying English (2026)
If your goal is maximum English ability
**Sophia University, Faculty of Foreign Studies, English Department** Among Japan's top English programs. Small-group classes with native-speaker faculty intensively train all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening). Alumni include interpreters, translators, and diplomats. Deviation score (hensachi) 67–70. Eiken / TOEFL-based admissions available.
**Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, School of Language and Culture** The only national university specialized in foreign language education. Deep understanding of language nature through comparison across languages, not just English. National university tuition is low, with strong scholarship support. Hensachi: 65–68.
If your goal is using English to study other fields
**International Christian University (ICU), College of Liberal Arts** All classes bilingual (Japanese/English). Intensive English Program (ELP) required in years 1–2. Network of 200+ partner universities for study abroad — one of Japan's most English-immersive environments. Hensachi 67–72; AO admissions and English-certification admissions both possible.
**Akita International University (AIU)** All classes in English, one mandatory year abroad. Small cohorts, strong placement record at major firms, multinationals, and international organizations. Public university — low tuition. Hensachi: 60–65.
**Waseda University, School of International Liberal Studies (SILS)** Most classes in English. Mixed cohort of domestic and international students develops English ability and diverse perspectives in parallel. Hensachi: 68–72.
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3 Checkpoints When Choosing
Check 1: Verify the percentage of English-taught classes
Even within "English departments," the proportion of English-medium instruction varies sharply. There's a huge practice gap between universities where you "study English in Japanese" vs ones where you "study using English."
**Universities where you can graduate in English only**:
- AIU: all classes in English
- Hosei GIS: full 4 years in English
- ICU: bilingual but effectively English-centric
Check 2: Check the study-abroad program
Practical English growth depends on study-abroad opportunities. Programs with scholarship support lower the financial barrier.
**Strongest study-abroad programs**: ICU (200+ partner schools), AIU (mandatory 1-year abroad), Waseda SILS, Tokyo Foreign Studies, Sophia
Check 3: Use English-certification-based admissions
For 2025–2026 admissions, more universities accept English certification scores (Eiken, TOEFL, IELTS). A significant advantage for applicants with strong English.
- **Eiken Pre-1 / 1**: preference at Sophia, ICU, Waseda, and many others
- **TOEFL iBT 80+**: preferences or waivers at many liberal arts faculties
- **IELTS 6.0+**: often evaluated for study-abroad program participation
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Tools for English Prep Before and During Enrollment
Locking down English foundations before enrolling in an English-focused program makes classes far more manageable. For Foreign Studies and Liberal Arts faculties, having CEFR A2–B1 at entry is ideal.
The free AI English learning app [MANA Learn](https://manamana.ai) is a CEFR-aligned (A1–C2) microlearning app designed around 3 minutes a day. Suited as a daily habit for busy applicants and those preparing for enrollment. Free to try.
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FAQ
**Q. What's the difference between an English Department and an International Liberal Arts faculty?** English Department = specialized study of English itself (linguistic structure, literature, interpretation). Liberal Arts faculty = using English as a tool to study fields like economics, politics, social issues in English. Basic principle: research English → English Department; learn the world in English → Liberal Arts.
**Q. Which universities/faculties do you recommend for studying English?** For maximum English ability: Sophia, Tokyo Foreign Studies, AIU. For liberal arts and global careers: ICU, Waseda SILS. For lower cost: Kanda University of International Studies, Dokkyo.
**Q. Which universities offer classes in English?** Fully English-medium examples: AIU, ICU, Hosei GIS, Waseda SILS. Senior theses are also written in English at these schools.
**Q. Are there national or public universities for studying English?** Yes — Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (national), Akita International University (public, Akita), Tsukuba (College of Foreign Languages), Ochanomizu (Faculty of Letters and Education, Language and Culture). Lower tuition than private universities.
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Summary: Choose Based on "How Do You Want to Use English?"
Many Japanese universities and departments let you study English. What matters is deciding the direction first:
- Deep study of English language, culture, interpretation → **Foreign Studies, English Department** (Sophia, Tokyo Foreign Studies)
- Studying the world in English, global career → **International Liberal Arts** (ICU, AIU, Waseda SILS)
- English literature and cultural research → **English Literature, Faculty of Letters** (Waseda, Aoyama Gakuin)
If you're weighing options, start with building foundations before enrollment. [MANA Learn](https://manamana.ai) — free AI app — gives you 3-minute daily English practice to start today.
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Hensachi scores and curricula may change by year. Always check official university websites and the latest admission guidelines.
