#Japan #Tokyo #International Education #globalization #Foreign Universities

Rising Interest in International Education

As the application season for universities in the U.S. and U.K. draws near, there is a noticeable increase in the number of Japanese high school students aspiring to study abroad. This trend reflects a broader globalization of higher education and a growing recognition of the value of international academic experiences.

Recent data from the educational information website "Inter-Ed" indicates that the total number of students from top high schools in Japan admitted to foreign universities surged from 523 in 2023 to a staggering 1,287 by 2025. Among these, Hiroo Gakuen High School in Tokyo's Minato ward stands out, producing 375 successful applicants as of July 25, 2025. Over the last 13 years, this school has sent approximately 1,450 students abroad, highlighting its significant role in promoting international study.

QS World University Ranking Overview

The 2026 version of the QS World University Rankings again showcases the dominance of U.S. and U.K. institutions. Notably, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of Oxford are among the top 10, with eight positions occupied by U.S. and U.K. universities. In contrast, Japan's highest-ranking institution, the University of Tokyo, comes in at 36th place, with only four universities making it into the top 100.

These rankings are based on various criteria, including academic reputation, citations per faculty, and faculty-to-student ratios. The presence of prestigious alumni from these institutions, such as Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, underscores the potential opportunities that come with studying at these universities. Furthermore, historical figures such as Adam Smith, known as the father of modern economics and author of "The Wealth of Nations," also studied at the University of Oxford, solidifying its reputation in academic excellence.

Opportunities with EF’s University Preparation Program

In Japan, the increasing interest in studying abroad has led to a rise in inquiries at education consulting organizations like EF Education First (EF). As one of the world's largest private educational entities, EF has partnerships with over 250 universities globally. Their "University Preparation Program" boasts a nearly 100% success rate for students progressing to higher education.

With over 60 years of experience, EF operates directly in seven countries and ten regions, including the prestigious cities of Oxford in the U.K., New York in the U.S., and Paris in France. The program is aimed at individuals aged 16 and older and spans 6 to 11 months, offering guidance on language proficiency and essay writing essential for university admissions.

Estimated costs for studying abroad through EF range from 3 million to 4.7 million yen in the U.K. and 3.2 million to 6.5 million yen in the U.S., with opportunities for scholarships and educational loans to ease financial burdens. According to Nana Ito-Groning, the CEO of EF Japan, her own study abroad experience was a transformative journey, stating, "Studying abroad enhances language skills, professional capabilities, and international perspectives, greatly expanding future possibilities."

About EF Education First

Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF Education First is dedicated to its motto, "Education First." With approximately 50,000 employees, half of whom are teachers, EF continues to be the largest private educational institution globally. Their mission is to connect people across borders through language learning, study abroad programs, degree courses, and cultural exchanges.

With operations in over 100 countries and 50 directly operated language schools in 20 countries (offering 10 languages), EF provides various educational services, including language study programs, high school exchange programs, and university and MBA education. In Japan, their offices are located in major cities such as Sapporo, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Fukuoka.

However, EF is not just a study abroad agent; it emphasizes its role as an educational institution operating language schools worldwide. Utilizing educational innovation and technology, EF offers unique programs, develops the "EF SET" language assessment test, and provides the “EF EPI English Proficiency Index,” which tracks and benchmarks English proficiency globally. Furthermore, for over 50 years, EF has provided language training support to various educational institutions, governments, municipalities, and businesses both domestically and internationally.