History
The origin of Sophia University can be traced back to more than 450 years ago when the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier came to Japan in 1549 to spread Christianity in Japan. The actual foundation of the university began In 1908.
Education
Sophia University is a community devoted to human development, pursuing truth and values rooted in a Christian worldview. Each member of the community is called on to participate in building up the University, fulfilling their respective roles with a sense of joint responsibility and humility, while recognizing the dignity and fundamental human rights of others.Students, while conducting studies in their chosen field, must nurture a keen awareness of issues in contemporary society and develop their power of discernment. In this way they will be able to build their own character and gain the ability to contribute constructively to society .
Research
The Project Research Division provides support for research groups conducting research activity with funds provided by such external organizations and individuals. Units established as project research units may eventually become the basis for new units in the Research Institutes Division.
Career
The Sophia Career Center will help you to make your job-seeking efficient and will teach you the right tips to find Japanese companies which are perfect for you. All you need is to come to our office or access our web site,and you can get sufficient information.
Sophia University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #951 Ranking
- 3 Masters
- 49 Scholarships
- 1,165 Academic Staff
- 13,517 Students
- 1,622 Students (int'l)
- 7,975 Students (female)
- Private Institution Type
Sophia University Overview
Sophia University Scholarships
Sophia University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Sophia University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
22 Jun 2026
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
The Devadoss Law Firm Civil Rights Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Education for Sustainable Energy Development (ESED) scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
NextLevel Student Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Sophia University Student Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 8 reviews
- 5 Star 3 Reviews
- 4 Star 4 Reviews
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
SU review by a FEBA student
It has an efficient enrollment process and high criteria for their student candidates and it has the best specialists in my field as lecturers.
I'm glad I could take the classes of FLUP
I was taking the class at FLUP, was taking basically related to linguistics. None of them had substitute evaluation and I thought it was a lot hard since I was not fluent portuguese speaker, but it was a good chance to improve my skills.
Outdated
Overall I would say good, although the base is very old and you cannot really rely on the computers provided. Many things you have to provide for yourself.
Studied here? Share your experience
Sophia University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 19.7% Japan
Top 23.9% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
951
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 901 | 951 | 951 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
1501
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1501 | - | 1501 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
The Counseling Center is a place where students can talk to or seek advice from professional counselors about their concerns or the problems that trouble them during their daily life. The center is designed in such a way as to ensure confidentiality. In addition to personal consultation, group counseling sessions are also held. English counseling available.
Housing services
Sophia University has several off-campus dormitories and offers affiliated housing options. For inquiries and application, contact the dormitory/organization directly. Since the Sophia campus is located in the heart of Tokyo, the cost of living near campus is very high. As reasonable housing is located in the suburbs, students should expect a 30-90 min. commuting time to campus.
Library services
The Sophia University Central Library, which opened in 1984, holds approximately 1,100,000 books and 11,000 titles of periodicals on the two basement floors and the eight upper floors. The library has adopted an open stack system so that users can have direct access to the materials. It's floor space is 18,000 square meters and it has approximately 1,900 seats.
Medical services
Located in Hoffmann Hall, the Health Center offers physical and mental health consultation, health and nutrition guidance, and emergency treatment for injuries and sudden illnesses. Moreover, the center periodically conducts medical examinations on all students and sports group participants, and, when necessary, makes referrals to specialist medical organizations.
Student clubs
Clubs Organization1. ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES ALLIANCE2. MUSIC ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE3. THEATRICAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE4. CULTURAL/ACADEMIC ALLIANCE5. HOBBY CLUB ALLIANCE6. UNORGANIZED7. OTHERS
Accreditation
Sofia University has been accredited by the nation's premier regional accreditation body for higher education, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC), since 1998.
Sophia University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Japan Country
Tokyo City