Quick Summary
Since 1971, Soka University has been one of Japan's prominent privates, based in Hachioji, Tokyo. Ranked #1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 7500 students including 10.5% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Peace Studies, International Liberal Arts, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 38%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Commitment to value-creating education, high international diversity for Japan, and a focus on peace and global citizenship.
Subject Strengths
Peace StudiesInternational Liberal ArtsEducationSocial Sciences
Founded1971
TypePrivate
Total Students7500
Intl Students10.5%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusSuburban
Campus Size198 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1201-1400
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Non-degree programs
Programs
Letters, Economics, Law, Business Administration, Engineering, International Peace Studies
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
International Peace Research Institute (Soka-IPP), Institute for the Study of Peace
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate38%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATOptional but recommended
ACTOptional but recommended
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Emphasize global citizenship and alignment with the university's humanistic values in the statement of purpose.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥1,150,000/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,600,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥900,000/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$200
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥2,780,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMakiguchi Foundation Scholarship, Soka University International Student Scholarship, MEXT Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable for international students with merit and need
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Non-degree programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Peace Studies | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$42,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement rate in multinational corporations and NGOs
Industry Connections
Strong ties with UN agenciesJapanese tech firmsand global educational institutions
Notable Alumni
Daisaku Ikeda (Founder), various Japanese diplomats and business leaders
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, on-campus international dormitories
Sports Facilities
Comprehensive athletic park, gymnasium, swimming pool, martial arts hall
Student Clubs
Over 100 clubs including Tea Ceremony, Kendo, Dance, and Peace Studies
Library Resources
Central Library with over 1.2 million volumes and extensive digital databases
Exchange Programs
Agreements with over 220 universities in 61 countries
Summer Programs
Japanese Language and Culture Program (JLCP)