Overview

Nagoya University (名古屋大学, Nagoya daigaku), abbreviated to Meidai (名大) or NU, is a Japanese national research university located in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya. It was established in 1939 as the last of the nine Imperial Universities in the then Empire of Japan, and is now a Designated National University. The university is the birthplace of the Sakata School of physics and the Hirata School of chemistry. As of 2021, seven Nobel Prize winners have been associated with Nagoya University, the third most in Japan and Asia behind Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo. 

Nagoya Imperial University was established as the last of the Imperial Universities in 1939 and was later renamed Nagoya University in 1947. Although relatively new as a university, it can trace its roots back to a Temporary Medical School/Public Hospital opened in 1871. Renowned for its contributions in physics and chemistry, the university has been the birthplace of notable scientific advancements such as the Sakata model and the discovery of the CKM matrix — which forms the basis of our understanding of how particles decay. 

Nagoya University has developed into one of the nation's leading universities. Having established its basic philosophy for teaching and research it has created a unique system of education and research allowing the university to achieve high standards in research, while cultivating Japan's foremost leaders — evidenced by its accounting for almost one third of Japan's Nobel laureates in Science. This success is attributed to the liberal and vibrant character of Nagoya University which encourages education and research that is free from traditional and rigid thinking. From an international perspective, Nagoya University boasts one of the highest ratios of international students in Japan, having close to 200 international academic exchange agreements with overseas institutions. 

Nagoya University's researchers address global challenges and have been awarded six Nobel prizes since 2001 — an extraordinary concentration of Nobel Prize-winning research in just over two decades. The university is located in Japan's fourth largest city, home to some of its most well-known companies — all without the Tokyo prices and Kyoto crowds. In March 2018, Nagoya University was selected as one of the top five National Designated Universities in Japan, and in April 2020 became part of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System through integration with Gifu University. 

Nagoya University maintains affiliations with seven Nobel Prize laureates as of 2025, including four who served as faculty members, two alumni, and one visiting professor. Masaki Kashiwara — a former faculty member — was awarded the 2025 Abel Prize for his groundbreaking work in microlocal analysis and representation theory, becoming the first Japanese mathematician to receive the Abel Prize. As of 2024, graduate enrollment totals approximately 6,435 students, with over 15% comprising international participants driven by English-taught programs and global recruitment efforts. 

Dr. Hiroshi Amano, Professor of Engineering, remains an active faculty member at Nagoya University, teaching and directing research in his laboratory. He was awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing the energy-efficient blue light-emitting diode (LED) together with Professor Isamu Akasaki — an invention that changed the world. Students at Nagoya University study together with top scholars in their fields, such as Dr. Amano, giving them unparalleled access to Nobel Prize-level research. 

Notable Nobel Prize laureates associated with Nagoya University include Ryōji Noyori (Chemistry 2001 — asymmetric hydrogenation), Makoto Kobayashi and Toshihide Maskawa (Physics 2008 — CKM matrix), Osamu Shimomura (Chemistry 2008 — GFP discovery), Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano (Physics 2014 — blue LED invention), and Fields Medal winner Shigefumi Mori (1990). The Toyoda Auditorium — the iconic symbol of Nagoya University — was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki.

Intakes

Nagoya University follows the Japanese academic calendar with English-medium international programs offering additional entry points:

• April Intake (Spring) — Primary intake for Japanese-taught undergraduate and graduate programs
• October Intake (Fall) — Primary intake for English-medium G30 and international graduate programs; strongly preferred for international students

Application Deadlines (Indicative):

Note: Application fee: JPY 5,000 (G30 undergraduate); JPY 30,000 (most graduate programs); waived for MEXT scholarship recipients. International students need a Japanese Student Visa (College Student). Contact your prospective supervisor before applying for research programs. Verify all deadlines at admissions.g30.nagoya-u.ac.jp or en.nagoya-u.ac.jp.

Top Courses

Nagoya University has nine faculties: Letters, Education, Law, Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Science, Engineering, and Agriculture, as well as more than a dozen graduate schools and several institutes. The university's G30 International Programs offer the following English-taught undergraduate courses: Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering, and Asian Studies in Global Context.

Key faculties and flagship programs include:

Graduate School of Engineering (World-Class Research):

• MSc / MEng in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• MSc in Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering
• MSc in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
• MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
• MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• MSc in Automotive Engineering (closely tied to Toyota and major Aichi manufacturers)
• MSc in Applied Physics

Graduate School of Science (Nobel Prize-winning tradition):

• BSc / MSc / PhD in Physics (Sakata School of Physics — CKM matrix, quantum field theory)
• BSc / MSc / PhD in Chemistry (Hirata School of Chemistry — Nobel in Chemistry 2001, 2008)
• MSc in Mathematics (including contributions by Abel Prize winner Masaki Kashiwara)
• MSc / PhD in Biological Sciences and Molecular Biology
• MSc in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Graduate School of Medicine:

• MD in Medicine (6-year Japanese-taught program — highly competitive)
• MSc / PhD in Medical Sciences and Biomedical Research
• MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
• MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Graduate School of Information:

• BSc in Computer Science (G30 English track available)
• MSc in Intelligence and Complex Systems
• MSc in Computer Science and Mathematical Informatics
• MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Graduate School of Economics / Business:

• MSc in Economics and Management (Japanese-taught)
• MSc in Social and Economic Systems

Graduate School of International Development (GSID):

• MSc in International Development Studies (English-taught — popular with international students)
• MSc in International Cooperation Studies
• PhD in International Development

Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM — WPI Centre):

• World Premier International Research Center Initiative (MEXT-funded)
• Interdisciplinary research combining synthetic chemistry and plant/chemical biology
• Joint graduate programs with ITbM affiliation

Cost of Studying at Nagoya University

As a national university, Nagoya University is heavily funded by the government. Tuition fee, regardless of the nationality of students, is JPY 535,800 per academic year — 3 to 4 times less expensive than at comparable institutions in many other countries, and this is the same as for local Japanese students. Although some areas of Japan have been noted for their high cost of living, Nagoya benefits from the rich natural resources of the neighbouring area and remains a comfortable and affordable place to live. 

For degree-seeking students, the registration fee is JPY 282,000 (one-time on enrollment), and tuition is JPY 535,800 per year for both undergraduate and graduate students. For research students (non-degree), tuition is JPY 29,700 per month. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship students are exempted from paying tuition. 

Note: Nagoya is significantly more affordable than Tokyo and Osaka. Tuition fees are identical for all students regardless of nationality — a major financial advantage. MEXT scholarship holders pay zero tuition and receive a monthly stipend. Verify at sed.adm.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/campus/tuition.html before applying.

Scholarships

Nagoya University's G30 Undergraduate Scholarship covers full tuition for four years and provides an annual stipend of JPY 500,000. The MEXT Scholarship covers full tuition, registration fee, application fee, plane tickets, and provides a monthly stipend. The MEXT Scholarship has two tracks: University Recommendation and Embassy Recommendation. For G30 undergraduate applicants, selecting "Yes" to the MEXT Scholarship intention question in the application system automatically triggers consideration for nomination. 

Key scholarships for international students:

Admissions

Nagoya University welcomes applicants from any nationality for its G30 English-taught programs. For English-taught G30 degree programs, an English proficiency test is required for most applicants (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo are commonly accepted), though exemptions may apply if the applicant studied in English for multiple years. For Japanese-taught degree programs, Japanese proficiency (often around JLPT N1) is typically required. 

For G30 Undergraduate Programs (English-taught — BSc):

• Completion of 12 years of secondary education (CBSE/ISC Class 12 or equivalent)
• Strong academic performance in relevant science subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 72–79 / Duolingo 95+ (varies by G30 program)
• Application fee: JPY 5,000 (waived for MEXT scholarship recipients)
• Statement of purpose and academic references required

For Japanese-taught Undergraduate Programs:

• Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) — mandatory
• JLPT N2 minimum (N1 strongly recommended) for Japanese-taught courses
• Faculty-specific entrance examination
• Application fee: JPY 17,000

For Graduate Programs (MSc / MEng — English programs):

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong academic record
• IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79–90+ (varies by graduate school)
• Prior contact with a potential supervisor strongly recommended
• Research proposal aligned with supervisor's interests
• Application fee: JPY 30,000

For PhD Programs:

• Master's degree (or exceptional bachelor's for direct-entry PhD in some programs)
• Prior contact and agreement with a faculty supervisor is essential before applying
• IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79+
• Research proposal
• Application fee: JPY 30,000

Placements

Of undergraduate students at Nagoya University receive job offers prior to graduation — reflecting the university's exceptional career placement record and strong industry connections. The career cell at Nagoya University is focused on students landing jobs quickly after graduation, organising workshops, symposiums, conferences, and training to help students in their job search and develop appropriate professional skills.

Based on graduate profiles, Nagoya University graduates make an average base salary of USD 101,000 (approximately ₹78,73,000) across careers — reflecting the high-value sectors that Nagoya graduates enter, particularly in automotive engineering, semiconductor technology, pharmaceuticals, and fundamental research. Nagoya University places ample importance on internships, providing both on-campus and off-campus international internship opportunities. 

Nagoya — Japan's fourth-largest city and the capital of Aichi Prefecture — sits at the heart of Japan's most powerful industrial region. The city is home to the global headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation, Denso, Aisin, JTEKT, and the broader Toyota Group — the world's largest automotive manufacturer. The Tokai/Chubu region also hosts Mitsubishi Aircraft, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and major electronics manufacturers. Nagoya University's close industry-academia collaboration with these companies gives graduates extraordinary access to Japan's most innovative employers.

Key career sectors for Nagoya graduates:

• Automotive & Aerospace — Toyota Motor Corporation (global HQ, Nagoya), Denso, Aisin, JTEKT, Toyota Industries, Mitsubishi Aircraft, JAXA
• Electronics & Semiconductors — Renesas Electronics, TDK, Murata Manufacturing, Hitachi, Toshiba
• Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences — Astellas Pharma, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Nagoya University Hospital
• Chemistry & Materials — Toray Industries, NGK Insulators, AGC Inc., Nitto Denko
• IT & AI — NTT, Fujitsu, NEC, Toyota AI Ventures, Preferred Networks
• Research & Academia — RIKEN, JST, NIMS, Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), leading global universities

Jobs After Graduating from Nagoya University

Note: Salary figures are indicative annual gross values in JPY. The high reported average reflects the premium careers Nagoya graduates enter, particularly in automotive and global research. Japan offers the J-Find Visa (job-seeking) and Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) for international graduates. Nagoya's cost of living is significantly lower than Tokyo, giving graduates excellent purchasing power. Actual salaries vary by employer, industry, and experience.

For personalised guidance on Nagoya University admissions, scholarships, and the Japanese student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.