Thinking about a hands-on, industry-connected engineering education in Tokyo? Kogakuin University (often styled as Kogakuin University of Technology & Engineering) blends 130+ years of maker culture with two distinctive campuses—an urban high-rise hub in Shinjuku and a green, lab-rich base in Hachioji. With strengths across mechanical, electrical, informatics, chemistry, and architecture, Kogakuin is built for students who want to design, prototype, and ship ideas that matter. This guide walks you through quick facts, standout programs, student life for internationals, exchange options, climate & lifestyle, and career outcomes—so you can decide whether Kogakuin fits your path.

Kogakuin University Shinjuku Campus main tower from street level
Shinjuku Campus main tower in Nishi-Shinjuku.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Suginami) • License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Twin towers of Kogakuin University and S-tec Information Building in Nishi-Shinjuku
Kogakuin University and the adjacent S-tec Information Building, Nishi-Shinjuku.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Rs1421) • License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Aerial view with Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower and Kogakuin University towers
Skyline view of Nishi-Shinjuku: Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower (left) and Kogakuin University towers (foreground).
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Prota/Pixabay) • License: CC0 (Public Domain)
Kogakuin University nameplate at Shinjuku campus entrance
Campus nameplate at the Shinjuku entrance, listing major schools and the graduate program.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: 鋸香具師) • License: CC0 (Public Domain)
Entrance gate of Kogakuin University Hachioji Campus (Inume area)
Entrance to the Hachioji Campus (Inume area), the university’s spacious suburban site.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Lince Aerian) • License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Nishi Tokyo Bus operating Kogakuin University shuttle between campuses
Campus shuttle bus operated by Nishi Tokyo Bus, linking Shinjuku and Hachioji campuses.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Comyu) • License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Historic image of Koshu Gakko, a predecessor associated with Kogakuin University
Historic image of Koshu Gakko (1912), associated with the university’s origins.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (NDL Digital Collections) • License: Public Domain (Japan)

Quick Facts (Snapshot)

Type Private university (founded 1887; Japan’s first private engineering school) — Times Higher Education profile
Total Students ≈ 6,555 (World University Rankings 2025 data) — Source
Campuses Shinjuku Campus (main, central Tokyo); Hachioji Campus (western Tokyo) — Official campus overview
Faculties / Schools School of Advanced Engineering; School of Engineering; School of Architecture; School of Informatics — Official list
Tuition Fees (Annual) Undergraduate Day Program: ¥1,681,160 (School of Advanced Engineering: ¥1,701,160). Graduate Master: ¥1,330,430; Doctoral: ¥1,239,620 — Official fees (EN)
Gender Ratio 20% female : 80% male — Source
International Students ≈ 2% — Source
Students per Staff 18.3 — Source

Campus Maps

Maps will be inserted here later (Shinjuku & Hachioji).

Shinjuku Campus (Main, Central Tokyo)

Address: 1-24-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8677, Japan

Hachioji Campus (Western Tokyo)

Address: 2665-1 Nakano-machi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0015, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Kogakuin’s roots reach back to 1887, when it opened in Tokyo’s Tsukiji district as Koshu Gakko, the first private engineering school in Japan. That origin matters: the university was conceived not just to teach theory but to apply it to the needs of society and industry. The motto—often expressed as “The Mind of Engineering,” connecting the leading edge of research and education with real-world impact—continues to shape how students learn today. You can trace that mindset in official policy statements that emphasize fundamentals, application, ethics, and the R‑PDCA cycle of research, plan, do, check, and act. Educational policy & goals (EN)

The timeline hits several key milestones: relocation to Shinjuku (1928), certification as a university under Japan’s postwar school system with the Faculty of Engineering (1949), opening of the Hachioji Campus (1963), establishment of master’s and doctoral programs in engineering (1964–66), creation of the Faculty of Informatics (2006), and launches of the School of Architecture (2011) and School of Advanced Engineering (2015). This steady expansion reflects Kogakuin’s habit of adding capabilities where industry is moving. Historical timeline (EN)

Mission-wise, Kogakuin aims to nurture people who keep learning and adapting as technologies evolve—engineers who move comfortably between fundamentals and application, and who understand the social contexts of their work. That philosophy appears in faculty policies and in the way the curriculum blends classroom theory, lab training, design studios, and project-based work. Policy & outcomes (EN)

Today’s undergraduate structure spans four schools—Advanced Engineering, Engineering, Architecture, and Informatics—each with distinct departments but shared access to facilities, student support, and an international partner network. The dual-campus layout supports an effective rhythm: foundational science and lab training in Hachioji, and advanced studios, interviews, and networking in central Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. Schools & departments | Campus overview

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Hands‑On Project Culture (Solar, Robotics, “Birdman”)

Kogakuin’s student projects are a signature strength. The Kogakuin Solar Team competes at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia and other events, giving undergraduates experience in aerodynamics, composites, power electronics, telemetry, and team operations at real scale. Official sources highlight repeat participation and top‑ten finishes, powered by a 300‑plus member student organization. Team profile (BWSC) | Altair case story

Beyond solar, the Robot ProjectBirdman Project (human‑powered aircraft) are longstanding, student‑led communities where the “Mind of Engineering” comes alive—students design, build, test, compete, reflect, and iterate. These ecosystems foster cross‑disciplinary collaboration (mechanical, electrical, informatics, design) while building portfolios that matter in job interviews. Student Activities (EN)

High‑Access City Campus + Lab‑Rich Green Campus

Few engineering schools put you this close to Tokyo’s business core. The Shinjuku Campus sits inside the West Shinjuku skyscraper district, with rail access to R&D labs, design studios, and tech HQs. Hachioji, by contrast, offers the space and calm needed for early‑stage lab work, workshop courses, and team builds—many students value the duality: city‑center networking when you need it and a focused environment when you’re building. Campus overview

Architecture & Urban Design as a Flagship Strength

Kogakuin is unusual among technology‑centric universities for having a full School of Architecture alongside engineering and informatics. If you’re into sustainable urbanism, historical conservation, or human‑centered spatial design, you’ll find dedicated departments and studio culture here.

Flagship Departments (Examples)

  • School of Architecture: Departments of Urban Design & Planning, Architecture, and Architectural Design.
  • School of Informatics: Departments of Information & Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Information Design, and Information Science.
  • School of Advanced Engineering / School of Engineering: Mechanical, electrical/electronic, chemistry/life/environmental chemistry, applied physics, and more.

Full list of programs (undergraduate and graduate) is here: Schools & Departments (EN)

English‑Taught Coursework & Global Exposure

Kogakuin lists graduate‑level classes in English across mechanical engineering, applied chemistry, electrical/electronics, informatics, architecture, and systems design—helpful if you plan to ladder into research or balance bilingual internships. Combined with exchange options (see below), it’s realistic to build an English‑forward study plan while strengthening Japanese through labs, circles, and daily life. Classes in English (EN)

Industry‑Aligned Career Support

Both campuses host dedicated Job Stations and a Career Design Course that ramp up through internships and interview training. This structure reflects Japan’s recruiting cycles and helps international students understand the timeline. See the university’s English site for a quick overview. Student Support Facilities (EN) | External coverage on outcomes: University Journal feature (career & job offers)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles That Welcome Overseas Students

Join student projects like the Solar Team, Robot Project, and Birdman Project, or sports clubs such as ice hockey, archery, and soccer. These are excellent places to practice Japanese and apply classroom knowledge. Student Activities (EN)

Dedicated Support Offices (visa, housing, counseling)

  • Counseling & Health: Health Counseling and Student Counseling Centers operate on both campuses. Support facilities (EN)
  • Career & Internships: Job Stations plus a structured Career Design Course guide you from year 2 onward. Details
  • Visa Process (General): In Japan, schools typically prepare documents for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you use to apply for a Student visa at the consulate. See official guidance: Study in Japan (JASSO)MOFA Student Visa.
  • Housing: Kogakuin’s English pages don’t list a large university‑run dorm; many students use private apartments or managed residences in Tokyo. One independent option (verify fit and commute yourself): Uninest Japan (Tokyo properties).

Language Exchange & Peer Support

While a formal “buddy system” isn’t clearly listed on Kogakuin’s English site, internationals usually find language partners through circles and project teams. If you want structured English‑medium coursework, combine the “Classes in English” list with Japanese study and club participation. Classes in English

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outgoing)

Kogakuin maintains engineering‑friendly partnerships across Asia, North America, Europe, Africa, and Central Asia. Sample destinations include:

Region Example Partner Institutions
North America Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona (Claremont Colleges); University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee; UMBC; UNLV; Seattle Colleges/Green River College — International Partners (EN)
Europe ESIEE (France); University of Oulu (Finland); Politecnico di Milano & IUAV (Italy); University of Kent (UK) — Source
Asia Zhejiang University; Soochow University; Danang University & HUST (Vietnam); Thai‑Nichi Institute of Technology; Walailak University — Source
Africa & Central Asia University of Namibia; University of Rwanda; Vaal University of Technology; Samarkand State University — Source

Short‑term exchange students in Japan often apply for the JASSO Student Exchange Support Program stipend via their home and host universities; Kogakuin’s partnerships make these pathways more feasible. Always confirm eligibility and timelines with your home university and Kogakuin’s office. JASSO exchange scholarship

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Tokyo & Hachioji)

Weather Patterns (Recent Years)

Tokyo’s climate features hot, humid summers and cool, mostly clear winters. Based on official monthly statistics for the Tokyo station and recent annual histories, you can expect summer daytime highs around 31–34 °C and nighttime lows around 23–27 °C (Jul–Aug), while winter highs hover near 9–12 °C with lows around 1–4 °C (Dec–Feb). Recent years have brought stronger heat waves than the long‑term averages, including early‑August record events reported by major media. JMA monthly climate (Tokyo) | WeatherSpark 2024 (Tokyo) | Reuters heat record

“Attractive Environment”: Access, Safety & Costs

  • Access: Shinjuku Campus is in central Tokyo’s transport hub; Hachioji offers calmer, greener surroundings with direct rail links into the city. Campus overview
  • Safety & Quality of Life: Global rankings often place Tokyo among safe, high‑quality cities for residents and expats (check current methodologies). Mercer Quality of Living (overview)
  • Cost of Living (Indicative): As of Aug 2025, crowd‑sourced data suggest a 1‑bedroom averages about ¥156,000 in city center and ≈ ¥89,000 outside center; Hachioji‑area rents trend lower than central Shinjuku. Always verify neighborhoods and commute. Numbeo Tokyo (Aug 2025)

International Student Statistics

Public data compiled for the World University Rankings 2025 indicate that international students make up about 2% of the student body at Kogakuin (≈6,555 students total; ≈18.3 students per staff). For the latest breakdowns by country/region, contact the admissions or international office. THE profile (Key stats)

Career & Graduate Prospects

Kogakuin’s employability story leans on three pillars: (1) early, structured guidance via the Career Design Course and Job Stations; (2) a culture of large, competitive student projects that produce real portfolios; and (3) the location advantage in central Tokyo for interviews, events, and industry networking. The English site emphasizes comprehensive career support, and third‑party coverage reports high job‑offer rates in recent graduating classes. Career support (EN) | Career outcomes article

Typical employer sectors for Kogakuin graduates include automotive and mobility, electronics and semiconductor, industrial machinery and robotics, construction and urban development, IT/telecom, and materials/chemistry. If you aim for R&D roles, consider the university’s English‑taught graduate modules and lab pathways in mechanical, electrical/electronics, informatics, and architecture. Classes in English

Practical Links (Apply, Visa, Funding)

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