Abroadly

Study Social Sciences in Japan 🇯🇵

Japan offers 156 Social Sciences programs across 39 universities. Tuition ranges from $390k–$1300k/yr, making it a competitive option for international students.

156 Programs
39 Universities
$390k–$1300k/yr Tuition
1% STEM
19% Scholarships

Why Japan for Social Sciences?

Living Cost

$12,000/yr

Full guide to studying in Japan →

By Degree Level

Bachelor (75) Master (42) PhD (39)

Top Universities for Social Sciences in Japan

Waseda University

Tokyo · National rank #2 · QS #196

Social Sciences · Bachelor Political Science · PhD Political Science and Economics · Bachelor Global Studies in English (Political Science and Economics) · Bachelor Master of Arts in International Relations · Master Master of Public Management · Master
Nagoya University

Nagoya · National rank #3 · QS #164

Global 30 Undergraduate Program in Social Sciences · Bachelor Global 30 International Programs - Social Sciences · Bachelor PhD in International Development · PhD
University of Tsukuba

Tsukuba · National rank #9 · QS #350

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations · Bachelor
Akita International University

Akita · National rank #10

Global Studies Program · Bachelor Global Studies (Master's Program) · Master PhD in Global Studies · PhD
Niigata University

Niigata · National rank #10 · QS #1001

Graduate School of Modern Society and Culture · Master
International Christian University

Tokyo · National rank #11 · QS #1201

Psychology · Bachelor
Osaka Metropolitan University

Osaka · National rank #11 · QS #901

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology · Bachelor
Hiroshima University

Hiroshima · National rank #12 · QS #480

PhD in Social Sciences · PhD
Kobe University

Kobe · National rank #12 · QS #482

Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies - International Studies · PhD Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies - International Relations · Master
Nihon University

Tokyo · National rank #14

Master of Arts in International Relations · Master Bachelor of Arts in International Relations · Bachelor PhD in International Relations · PhD
Hitotsubashi University

Tokyo · National rank #16 · QS #553

Social Sciences · PhD Global Governance · PhD
Sophia University

Tokyo · National rank #18 · QS #951

Faculty of Theology · Bachelor Graduate Program in Theology · Master
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Beppu · National rank #22 · QS #1001

International Relations · Bachelor
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Tokyo · National rank #25

Doctoral Program in European Studies · PhD
Tokyo Metropolitan University

Tokyo · National rank #26 · QS #1001

Social Sciences · Bachelor Geography · Bachelor
Ritsumeikan University

Kyoto · National rank #28 · QS #680

Social Sciences · PhD Global Studies Major · Bachelor International Relations · Master Psychology · Bachelor Doctoral Program in International Relations · PhD
Gifu University

Gifu · National rank #32 · QS #1001

Regional Development and Policy · Master Regional Studies · Bachelor
Kagoshima University

Kagoshima · National rank #33 · QS #1201

Social Sciences (PhD Program) · PhD
Meiji University

Tokyo · National rank #34 · QS #1201

Political Science · PhD Department of Political Science · Bachelor Psychology · Bachelor Sociology · Bachelor Clinical Psycho-Social Sciences · Master
Doshisha University

Kyoto · National rank #44 · QS #1201

Theology · Bachelor Psychology · Master Sociology · Master Political Science · Master International Relations · Master

All Programs

Social Sciences

Waseda University

Bachelor

Political Science

Waseda University

PhD

Political Science and Economics

Waseda University

Bachelor

Global Studies in English (Political Science and Economics)

Waseda University

Bachelor

Master of Arts in International Relations

Waseda University

Master

Master of Public Management

Waseda University

Master

Social Sciences (PhD Program)

Kagoshima University

PhD

Global 30 Undergraduate Program in Social Sciences

Nagoya University

Bachelor

Global 30 International Programs - Social Sciences

Nagoya University

Bachelor

PhD in International Development

Nagoya University

PhD

International Social Sciences

Yokohama National University

Bachelor

Theology

Doshisha University

Bachelor Aid

Psychology

Doshisha University

Master Aid

Sociology

Doshisha University

Master Aid

Political Science

Doshisha University

Master Aid

International Relations

Doshisha University

Master Aid

Global Studies Program

Akita International University

Bachelor

Global Studies (Master's Program)

Akita International University

Master

PhD in Global Studies

Akita International University

PhD

Faculty of Theology

Sophia University

Bachelor

Graduate Program in Theology

Sophia University

Master

International Social Studies

Utsunomiya University

Bachelor Aid

International Cultural Studies

Utsunomiya University

Bachelor Aid

Political Science

Meiji University

PhD

Department of Political Science

Meiji University

Bachelor

Psychology

Meiji University

Bachelor

Sociology

Meiji University

Bachelor

Clinical Psycho-Social Sciences

Meiji University

Master

Department of International Culture and Communication

Toyo University

Bachelor

Graduate Programs within the Graduate School of Arts

Rikkyo University

Master

Graduate School of Global and Regional Studies

Toyo University

Master

Graduate School of Contemporary Psychology (Psychology)

Rikkyo University

Master

Graduate School of Sociology (Sociology)

Rikkyo University

PhD

Doctoral Program in Sociology

Toyo University

PhD

College of Sociology (Department of Sociology)

Rikkyo University

Bachelor

Department of Sociology

Toyo University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Sociology

Toyo University

Master

College of Arts (Department of Christian Studies)

Rikkyo University

Bachelor

College of Contemporary Psychology (Department of Psychology)

Rikkyo University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Arts (Christian Studies)

Rikkyo University

PhD

PhD in Social Sciences

Hiroshima University

PhD

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

University of Tsukuba

Bachelor

Global and Regional Studies

Fukushima University

Bachelor

Public Policy and Regional Management

Fukushima University

Master

Psychology and Early Childhood Education

Fukushima University

Bachelor Aid

Psychology and Physiology

Fukushima University

Bachelor Aid

Social Sciences

Tokyo Metropolitan University

Bachelor

Geography

Tokyo Metropolitan University

Bachelor

Bachelor of Sociology

Musashi University

Bachelor

Sociology Major (PhD)

Musashi University

PhD

Sociology Major (Master's)

Musashi University

Master

Department of Sociology

Musashi University

Bachelor

Department of European Studies

Musashi University

Bachelor

Sociology Major

Musashi University

PhD

Major in Geography

Senshu University

PhD

Social Sciences

Ritsumeikan University

PhD

Global Studies Major

Ritsumeikan University

Bachelor

International Relations

Ritsumeikan University

Master

Psychology

Ritsumeikan University

Bachelor

Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies - International Studies

Kobe University

PhD

Doctoral Program in International Relations

Ritsumeikan University

PhD

Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies - International Relations

Kobe University

Master

Psychology

Temple University Japan Campus

Bachelor STEM

International Affairs

Temple University Japan Campus

Bachelor

Regional Development and Policy

Gifu University

Master

Regional Studies

Gifu University

Bachelor

Sociology

Kwansei Gakuin University

PhD Aid

Psychology

Kwansei Gakuin University

Bachelor Aid

International Studies

Kwansei Gakuin University

PhD Aid

Political Science

Kanagawa University

Bachelor Aid

Theology

Kwansei Gakuin University

PhD Aid

Psychology

Chuo University

Master

Department of Psychology

Aoyama Gakuin University

Bachelor

Doctoral Program in Psychology

Aoyama Gakuin University

PhD

Master's Program in Sociology

Aoyama Gakuin University

Master

Department of Sociology

Aoyama Gakuin University

Bachelor

Doctoral Program in Sociology

Aoyama Gakuin University

PhD

Master's Program in Psychology

Aoyama Gakuin University

Master

Department of Sociology

Senshu University

Bachelor

Master of Arts in International Relations

Nihon University

Master

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Nihon University

Bachelor

PhD in International Relations

Nihon University

PhD

Doctoral Program in European Studies

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

PhD

Social Sciences

Hitotsubashi University

PhD

Global Governance

Hitotsubashi University

PhD

Sociology

Chuo University

Master

Graduate School of Modern Society and Culture

Niigata University

Master

Program in Psychological Studies

Akita University

Bachelor Aid

Department of Geography

Senshu University

Bachelor

Department of Psychology

Senshu University

Bachelor

Major in Sociology

Senshu University

PhD

Major in Psychology

Senshu University

PhD

Department of Contemporary Societies

Seikei University

Bachelor Aid

Department of Political Science

Seikei University

Bachelor

Psychology

International Christian University

Bachelor

Faculty of Arts and Sciences - Department of International Studies

Tamagawa University

Bachelor

Faculty of Arts and Sciences - Department of Psychology

Tamagawa University

Bachelor

Faculty of Sociology

Kansai University

Bachelor

Faculty of Psychology

Kansai University

Bachelor

Graduate School of Sociology - Master's

Hosei University

Master Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study Social Sciences in Japan?
Tuition for Social Sciences programs in Japan ranges from $390k–$1300k/yr. 19% of programs offer scholarships or financial aid. Annual living costs (accommodation, food, transport) are approximately $12k.
What are the English language requirements for Social Sciences in Japan?
English-taught Social Sciences programs in Japan typically require:. Requirements vary by university and program level — always check the specific program page.
How many Social Sciences programs are in Japan?
Abroadly lists 156 Social Sciences programs at 39 universities across Japan. Programs are available at Bachelor, Master, and PhD level.
Are Social Sciences programs in Japan STEM-designated?
1% of Social Sciences programs in Japan carry STEM designation. STEM classification can be important for visa purposes in countries like the US and UK after graduation.
Is Japan a good country for Social Sciences students?
Japan is a strong choice for Social Sciences with 39 universities offering these programs. The primary language is Japanese, though many programs are taught in English.
What degree levels are available for Social Sciences in Japan?
In Japan, Social Sciences programs are offered at: Bachelor (75 programs), PhD (39 programs), Master (42 programs). This gives students flexibility whether they're seeking an undergraduate degree, postgraduate specialization, or doctoral research.