Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Innovating tomorrow, leading globally.
📍 Ikoma, Japan 🇯🇵
🏆 #58 in Japan · QS World #1401 · ARWU #901
Quick Facts about Nara Institute of Science and Technology
- Type: Public
- Students: 1,223
- International: 25%
- Campus: Suburban
- Tuition: $6,100 – $6,400/year
- Language: English, Japanese
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Intakes: Spring, Fall
About Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Academics
NAIST's academic structure focuses on three core areas: Information Science, Biological Sciences, and Materials Science, which are integrated into a single Graduate School of Science and Technology. Within this framework, students can choose from five specialized education programs: Information Science and Engineering, Biological Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Data Science, and Digital Green-innovation. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary research and offers curriculum that allows students to pursue advanced specialties while aligning with their career aspirations.
International Students
NAIST actively welcomes international students, with over 300 students from more than 40 countries and regions as of April 2020. The university provides comprehensive support services, including one-on-one career consultations in English and Japanese language classes. NAIST offers English-taught programs, allowing students to earn degrees solely in English. Cultural integration is fostered through campus activities like Japanese language partners, tutoring, host families, and cultural events.
Campus & Location
NAIST's campus is situated in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, offering a suburban environment with access to urban amenities. The campus itself features a library, cafeteria, health care center, and sports facilities. Ikoma City is rich in temples and shrines, providing opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture. Excellent transportation links connect Ikoma to major cities like Nara (15 minutes from Gakuemmae Station), Osaka (30-40 minutes from Gakken Kita-Ikoma Station), and Kyoto (35 minutes from Takanohara Station).
Career Outcomes
NAIST boasts high employment rates for its graduates, with 98.0% for master's students and 96.1% for doctoral students. Notably, a significant portion of doctoral graduates secure positions in Japanese companies or academia within Japan. The Division for Career Development offers extensive support, including individual consultations, seminars with NAIST alumni working in Japanese companies, and company visits. NAIST actively promotes a startup culture through its Division for Innovation Education, which supports entrepreneur development and aims to strengthen the university's startup ecosystem.
Information for International Students at Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Nara Institute of Science and Technology in Ikoma, Japan welcomes international students, with 25% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 25% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$10000/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Japanese
Admissions Requirements for Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Nara Institute of Science and Technology:
- GPA minimum: 2.3
- Application fee: $30000
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: Varies by program and examination period
Programs at Nara Institute of Science and Technology (5 programs)
Nara Institute of Science and Technology offers 5 programs across Master, PhD levels.
Master Programs (3)
- Green Innovation Program (Master's) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $535,800/yr · STEM
This program focuses on developing sustainable technologies and solutions for environmental challenges, integrating aspects of materials science, biotechnology, and information science.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Specialist, Green Technology Developer, Policy Analyst - Materials Science Program (Master's) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $535,800/yr · STEM
This program provides comprehensive knowledge and research skills in advanced materials, including nanomaterials, functional materials, and biomaterials, with applications in various industries.
Field: Materials Science
Career outcomes: Materials Engineer, R&D Scientist, Process Engineer, Quality Control Specialist - Global Education Program for Frontier Leaders in IT (Master's) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $535,800/yr · STEM
This interdisciplinary program aims to cultivate global leaders in information technology through specialized courses and research opportunities, often with an international focus.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: IT Project Manager, Global IT Consultant, Technology Strategist, Entrepreneur
PhD Programs (2)
- Materials Science Program (Doctoral) (PhD) — 36 months · English · $535,800/yr · STEM
The doctoral program in Materials Science focuses on pioneering research into the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials, addressing global challenges in energy, environment, and health.
Field: Materials Science
Career outcomes: Research Professor, Senior Materials Scientist, Innovation Lead, Consultant - Global Education Program for Frontier Leaders in IT (Doctoral) (PhD) — 36 months · English · $535,800/yr · STEM
This doctoral program develops highly skilled researchers and leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges in information technology through advanced research and international collaboration.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, Chief Technology Officer, International IT Consultant, Policy Advisor
Scholarships & Tuition at Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Annual tuition for international students: $6,100 – $6,400/year
✅ Nara Institute of Science and Technology offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Nara Institute of Science and Technology
- National Ranking: #58 in Japan
- QS World University Ranking: #1401
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #901
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at Nara Institute of Science and Technology
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Suburban
- Housing cost: ~$10000/month
Key Highlights
- Graduate-only, advanced research focus
- Three core science areas
- High international student population
- English-taught degree programs
- Interdisciplinary education and research
Accreditation
- National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
Fields of Study at Nara Institute of Science and Technology
- Information Science
- Biological Sciences
- Materials Science
Notable Alumni
- Shinya Yamanaka
- Takashi Nakano
- Hirokazu Kato
Frequently Asked Questions about Nara Institute of Science and Technology
What is Nara Institute of Science and Technology?
Nara Institute of Science and Technology is a public university located in Ikoma, Japan. It has approximately 1,223 students, with 25% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Nara Institute of Science and Technology?
Tuition fees at Nara Institute of Science and Technology for international students range from $6,100 – $6,400/year. Student housing costs approximately $10000/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Nara Institute of Science and Technology?
GPA minimum: 2.3. Application fee: $30000. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: Varies by program and examination period.
What language are courses taught in at Nara Institute of Science and Technology?
Courses at Nara Institute of Science and Technology are taught in English and Japanese.
How many programs does Nara Institute of Science and Technology offer?
Nara Institute of Science and Technology offers 5 programs: 0 Bachelor's, 3 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Nara Institute of Science and Technology ranked?
#58 in Japan · QS World #1401 · ARWU #901.
Does Nara Institute of Science and Technology offer scholarships?
Yes, Nara Institute of Science and Technology offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Nara Institute of Science and Technology provide visa support?
Yes, Nara Institute of Science and Technology provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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