Tohoku University has been named the best university in Japan for the fourth year in a row in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, beating out prestigious universities such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.
The rankings evaluate universities based on a wide range of criteria, including entrance exam scores, job placements, research grants, educational outcomes, and internationalization efforts, as well as qualitative factors such as surveys of stakeholders.
The rankings are becoming increasingly important for universities as a tool to attract students and improve their competitiveness, with regional universities such as Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and University of Aizu also making strides.
Tohoku University in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Introduction
According to the latest rankings by the Times Higher Education (THE), Tohoku University has been named the best university in Japan for the fourth year in a row. The ranking evaluates universities based on a wide range of criteria, including entrance exam scores, job placements, and research grants, as well as qualitative factors such as surveys of stakeholders. The rankings are an important tool for universities to improve their competitiveness and attract students.
Overview of Rankings
The Times Higher Education is a globally renowned education magazine that conducts rankings of universities worldwide. Its rankings are considered one of the most prestigious university rankings, alongside those by QS and ShanghaiRanking. The rankings assess universities based on various factors such as entrance exam scores, job placements, research grants, educational outcomes, and internationalization efforts. It is unique because it also considers qualitative factors such as surveys of stakeholders in addition to quantitative metrics.
Criteria for Ranking
The rankings consider a wide range of criteria to evaluate universities, including the quality of education and research, the international diversity of students and faculty, and the universities’ contributions to the economy and society. The rankings are conducted through surveys of stakeholders and analysis of quantitative data, such as entrance exam scores and research funding.
Japan University Rankings 2023 (Times Higher Education)
Rank
Name
Country/Region
No. of FTE Students
No. of students per staff
International Students
Finance per 1000 students
1
Tohoku University
Miyagi
17,254
12.3
12.3
¥6,375
2
The University of Tokyo
Tokyo
26,673
10.4
16.4
¥8,510
3
Osaka University
Osaka
22,274
10.4
10.3
¥5,028
4
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo
9,908
9.6
16.3
¥5,091
5
Kyoto University
Kyoto
21,707
9.0
10.7
¥5,805
6
Kyushu University
Fukuoka
18,067
7.9
12.0
¥4,510
7
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido
17,404
8.1
9.8
¥4,177
8
Nagoya University
Aichi
16,185
9.7
13.1
¥4,777
9
University of Tsukuba
Ibaraki
15,365
28.6
15.8
¥4,516
10
International Christian University
Tokyo
2,824
12.0
13.1
¥3,682
11
Hiroshima University
Hiroshima
14,590
11.2
10.4
¥3,242
12
Keio University
Tokyo
32,952
10.0
8.3
¥3,247
13
Kobe University
Hyogo
15,364
47.0
7.1
¥2,859
14
Waseda University
Tokyo
45,998
14.1
11.5
¥2,196
15
Akita International University
Akita
818
8.6
3.8
¥2,558
16
Hitotsubashi University
Tokyo
6,042
39.3
13.6
¥2,016
17
Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)
Tokyo
2,965
4.4
11.1
¥8,791
18
Kanazawa University
Ishikawa
9,737
8.0
5.5
¥2,956
19
Chiba University
Chiba
13,380
25.7
6.0
¥2,909
20
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Tokyo
5,763
15.7
6.2
¥3,133
Top 20 Universities in Japan according to THE Ranking 2023, https://www.timeshighereducation.com/rankings/japan-university/2023
Tohoku University’s Success
Tohoku University scored highest in the “educational outcomes” category and the “internationalization” category, beating out prestigious universities such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University. The educational outcomes category evaluates universities based on their research output, student achievements, and the number of PhD graduates. The internationalization category evaluates universities based on their international outlook, student and faculty diversity, and international collaborations.
Tohoku University’s efforts in international collaboration through its international graduate school and joint classes for domestic and international students were cited as factors contributing to its success. The university has also been dedicated to internationalization for over a decade, with initiatives such as the Tohoku University Global Initiative and the Global Learning Center.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pcific University in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Regional Universities on the Rise
The ranking also highlighted regional universities such as Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and University of Aizu, which are known for their strong educational programs and internationalization efforts. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, for example, was ranked highest for “internationalization.” The ranking is becoming increasingly important for universities as a tool to attract students and improve their competitiveness.
Conclusion
University rankings are becoming an important tool for universities to improve their competitiveness and attract students. Tohoku University’s continued success in the rankings demonstrates its commitment to education and internationalization. With regional universities also making strides, the rankings are becoming a more important benchmark for universities in Japan.
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