Quick Summary
Since 1875, Doshisha University has been one of Japan's prominent privates, based in Kyoto. Ranked #901-950 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28650 students including 9.2% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Theology, Business & Management, Arts and Humanities, it maintains an acceptance rate of 27%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of Japan's most prestigious private universities with a unique liberal arts tradition based on Christian principles and a central Kyoto location.
Subject Strengths
TheologyBusiness & ManagementArts and HumanitiesGlobal StudiesLaw
Founded1875
TypePrivate
Total Students28650
Intl Students9.2%
Faculty Ratio24
CampusUrban/Suburban
Campus Size145 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMEXT, JUAA, AACSB (Business School), ABEST21
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#901-950
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Degrees, Non-degree Certificates
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Harris Science Research Institute, Institute for Technology Enterprise and Competitiveness, Center for Study of the Creative Economy
Research Centers
High
Research Output
MEXT, JUAA, AACSB (Business School), ABEST21
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate27%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL85
Min GPA3
GRERequired for specific graduate programs
GMATRequired for Global MBA
SATRequired for Undergraduate English programs
ACTRequired for Undergraduate English programs
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight extracurricular activities and social contribution in the personal statement; Japanese proficiency is essential for Japanese-taught tracks.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥1,280,000/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,850,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥1,150,000/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$105
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥3,145,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship, Doshisha University Merit Scholarship, JASSO, Kyoto Prefectural Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$4,000
Financial AidTuition reduction (20%, 50%, or 100%) available based on financial need and academic performance
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Degrees, Non-degree Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Global Liberal Arts | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Global MBA | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Theology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$41,000
Average Salary After Graduation
97%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong internship programs with Kyoto-based multinationals like Nintendo, Kyocera, and Omron
Industry Connections
Extensive partnerships with the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Japan Business Federation (Keidanren)
Notable Alumni
Joseph Hardy Neesima, Gunpei Yokoi, Abe Isoo, Takako Doi
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Kyotanabe Sports Complex, multiple gymnasiums, baseball field, martial arts dojos
Student Clubs
Over 400 official clubs including Tea Ceremony, Kyudo, Baseball, and Orchestra
Library Resources
Over 2.6 million volumes, including extensive historical archives and digital databases
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 178 institutions in 44 countries
Summer Programs
Summer Session in Japanese Language and Culture