Thinking of studying in Japan? Hosei University is a friendly, urban private university in central Tokyo with three campuses (Ichigaya, Koganei, and Tama), a long law-school heritage, and a growing portfolio of English-based degree programs. This guide gives you quick facts, strengths, campus vibe, exchange options, scholarships, and career outcomes—so you can decide if Hosei fits your goals and budget (¥). Each claim is backed by official pages or reliable sources, and links open in a new tab.
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Quick-Facts Table
Type | Private (Tokyo, Japan) Times Higher Education profile |
Total Students | ≈ 28,423 (Key stats) Source |
Campuses | Ichigaya (main), Koganei, Tama Overview |
Faculties/Schools | Law; Letters; Economics; Social Sciences; Business Administration; Intercultural Communication; Sustainability Studies; Social Policy & Administration; Computer & Information Sciences; Lifelong Learning & Career Studies; Engineering & Design; Science & Engineering; Bioscience & Applied Chemistry; Sports & Health; GIS (Global & Interdisciplinary Studies). Faculty list (EN) |
Frais de scolarité | Varies by program; see “Cost & Financial Support” and “Accommodation”. Cost & Aid (EN) / Accommodation (EN) |
Gender Ratio | F 39% : M 61% (THE key stats) Source |
Intl-Student % | ~5% (THE key stats) Source |
Students per Staff | ≈ 37.2 (THE key stats) Source |
Campus Maps
Ichigaya Campus (Main, Tokyo)
Address: 2-17-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8160, Japan
Koganei Campus (Tokyo)
Address: 3-7-2 Kajino-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-8584, Japan
Tama Campus (Tokyo)
Address: 4342 Aihara-machi, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194-0298, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Hosei began in 1880 as a law school founded to advance “Liberty and Progress,” values that still shape its mission today. As the university expanded across the 20th century into fifteen faculties and multiple graduate schools, it kept a strong civic and legal identity: cultivating practical-minded graduates who serve society. The three-campus model supports that mission—Ichigaya (central Tokyo) anchors law, business, and liberal arts; Koganei focuses on science and engineering; Tama offers a green, student-centered environment. Founding overview (EN) / Snapshot
Today Hosei is particularly visible to international students through English-based degrees—liberal arts (GIS), business (GBP), sustainability (SCOPE), and economics (IGESS)—plus exchange programs (ESOP) supported by the Global Education Center. Global Education Center (EN)
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Flagship: Faculty of Law & Legal Heritage
Hosei’s oldest identity is still a strength. The Faculty of Law’s long tradition and breadth (Law, Political Science, Global Politics) provide excellent preparation for public service, legal professions, and policy roles. Faculty of Law (EN)
English-based Degrees (GIS / GBP / SCOPE / IGESS)
Hosei offers four English-taught undergraduate tracks that attract globally minded applicants—GIS (liberal arts), GBP (business), SCOPE (sustainability), IGESS (economics). Admissions, fees, and scholarship information are centralized here: English-based Degrees 2025 (PDF) et Cost & Support (EN).
Cutting-Edge Robotics & Engineering Ecosystem
Koganei campus concentrates science and engineering, featuring labs and project-based learning (PBL). Examples include Assistive Robotics research and intelligent robotics projects. Assistive Robotics Lab / Intelligent Robotics (Ito Lab) / Integrated Science & Technology (IIST) / Science & Engineering overview (EN)
Global Business Program & Career-minded Curriculum
GBP builds a foundation in strategy, marketing, finance, and analytics to prepare for multinational careers; it’s supported by industry-focused events and internships. GBP Features (EN)
Study-Abroad Network & Facts & Figures
The Global Education Center publishes “Facts & Figures,” including partner institutions and exchange data, and keeps an updated list of partner universities. Facts & Figures (EN) / List of Partner University (30 June 2025, PDF)
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles
With 200+ circles and sports teams, joining a club is one of the fastest ways to make friends across majors. Many groups welcome international students. Clubs & Circles (EN)
Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)
The Global Education Center provides visa guidance and everyday-life support via international student advisors and desks on campus. Support Desk (EN). Counseling (confidential, free) is available to all students, with some English slots. Student Counseling (EN) / Counseling Center poster (PDF)
Language-Exchange & Buddy Programs
HUBs (Hosei University Buddy system) and Global Lounge events connect international and Japanese students through language exchange, cultural activities, and leadership projects. Buddy System (EN) / Global Lounge (GEC)
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
Hosei partners with 250+ institutions worldwide, offering exchange and short-term options. For semester/year-long exchange, see ESOP: overview, eligibility, and application timeline. ESOP (EN) / ESOP Application (EN) / Facts & Figures / Partner Universities list (PDF)
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Tokyo has four distinct seasons: mild springs, hot-humid summers (peaking in August), comfortable autumns, and cool winters with little snow. Plan for a rainy season in early summer and occasional typhoons in late summer–autumn. See climate normals for Tokyo (1991–2020) via the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). JMA climate portal (EN) / Tokyo normals (JP)
Living costs vary by lifestyle. Hosei’s pages outline fees, typical living expenses, and accommodation options. Cost & Financial Support / Accommodation
International Student Statistics
Hosei’s international-student share is around 5% in THE’s key stats, with detailed figures and partner counts published by the GEC. THE key stats / GEC Facts & Figures / Partner Universities list (PDF)
Career & Graduate Prospects
Hosei’s Career Center offers one-on-one advising, internship guidance, prep courses (civil service, accounting), and employer events at each campus. Career Center (EN)
Notable alumni include former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who graduated in law before entering politics. Britannica bio / JapanGov feature
Useful Official Links (English)
- Ranking & stats: Hosei @ THE
- Global Education Center: GEC (EN)
- English-based Degrees (brochure/guides): EBD 2025 PDF
- Partner Universities & Figures: Facts & Figures / Partner list (PDF)
- Costs & scholarship: Cost & Financial Support
- Clubs & Buddy: Clubs & Circles / Buddy System
- Climate data: JMA climate portal (EN)