Overview of Japan's February 2026 University Popularity Rankings

Japan's university landscape continues to evolve, with high school students' preferences shaping the higher education market. JS Corporation, a leading education data provider, released its latest University Popularity Ranking on February 28, 2026, based on surveys from 152,494 high school students collected between April 2023 and February 2026. This monthly ranking gauges student interest in universities across national (kokuritsu), public (kōritsu), and private (shiritsu) categories, both nationally and by prefecture.

The survey asks respondents to list universities they are interested in, reflecting real-time trends influenced by open campuses, entrance exam results, social media buzz, and career prospects. While top spots remain stable, subtle shifts in the lower top 30 reveal emerging favorites among mid-tier national universities.

National University Category: Stable Top Tier with Mid-Rank Shuffle

In the national university rankings, the University of Tokyo (Tōdai) holds firm at No. 1, followed by the University of Tsukuba at No. 2, Kyoto University at No. 3, Osaka University at No. 4, and Nagoya University at No. 5. Rounding out the top 10 are Kyushu University, Kobe University, Tohoku University, Hitotsubashi University, and Hokkaido University.

• 1. University of Tokyo
• 2. University of Tsukuba
• 3. Kyoto University
• 4. Osaka University
• 5. Nagoya University
• 6. Kyushu University
• 7. Kobe University
• 8. Tohoku University
• 9. Hitotsubashi University
• 10. Hokkaido University

Public universities see Osaka Metropolitan University leading, with Tokyo Metropolitan University second. Private universities are topped by Aoyama Gakuin University, ahead of Keio University and Kindai University.

Iwate University Climbs to 26th, Overtaking Saitama University

The headline change in the national university top 30 is Iwate University's ascent to 26th place, nudging Saitama University to 27th. This reversal, first noted in the December 2025 edition, persists with a razor-thin margin, signaling a tight race. Both are mid-sized national universities with strong regional ties, but Iwate's recent momentum stands out.

In Iwate Prefecture's local rankings, Iwate University claimed the top spot among national and public universities, underscoring its dominance at home. Saitama University, meanwhile, sits second in Saitama Prefecture behind Tsukuba University, a consistent powerhouse.

Spotlight on Iwate University: A Rising Regional Powerhouse

Established in 1949 in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Iwate University (Iwate Daigaku) is a national institution emphasizing practical, region-focused education. It comprises five undergraduate faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Science and Engineering, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine. With around 5,400 undergraduates, it fosters interdisciplinary research tied to Tohoku's challenges like agriculture, disaster recovery from the 2011 earthquake, and rural revitalization.

Recent developments boost its appeal. In April 2025, the Veterinary Medicine faculty was elevated to full status, drawing aspiring vets with hands-on training from year one. The 2026 general selection saw 2,575 applicants for 758 spots, a 3.4倍倍率, up notably from prior years. Innovations like the prefecture's first campus car-sharing service (launched February 2026) and international spintronics workshops attract progressive students.

Employment rates hover at 96-98%, typical for national universities, with strong public sector placements (41% public servants/teachers) and Iwate Prefecture retention at 35%. Research in EV adoption, child motor development, and biodegradable materials enhances its reputation.Iwate University Official Site

Saitama University Holds Steady Amid Competition

Founded in 1949 in Sakura Ward, Saitama City, Saitama University features a compact single-campus setup promoting humanities-science fusion. Faculties include Liberal Arts, Economics, Education, Science, and Engineering, serving about 8,000 undergraduates.

Strengths lie in education and engineering programs, with recent initiatives like diversity certification programs and Sakura Science exchanges with Vietnam. However, the Education Faculty reduced intake by 60 for 2026 (from 380 to 320), potentially impacting appeal. General selection倍率 hit 5.2倍, reflecting solid demand but no surge.

Career center reports 96%+ employment, with 45,000+ job offers from 412 firms. Key employers include Tokyo Electric Power, Honda, and local governments. Museum College events on life/death themes add cultural depth.Saitama University Official Site

Photo by LSE Library on Unsplash

Regional Rankings: Local Loyalty Drives Preferences

Prefectural rankings tailor insights to geographic realities. Iwate University's prefectural No. 1 spot highlights its role as the go-to for local students seeking quality national education without relocating far. Saitama's duo of Tsukuba (prestigious research hub) and Saitama University caters to Tokyo commuters.

These localized views prevent national giants from dominating everywhere, emphasizing accessible options amid Japan's university decline (projected 50% enrollment drop by 2040).

Key Factors Shaping University Popularity in 2026

What propels shifts like Iwate's rise? High schoolers weigh multiple elements:

• Entrance Exam Trends (Hensachi): Iwate's 2026 applications surged; Saitama stable but education cuts noted.
• Specialized Programs: Iwate's vet med boom vs. Saitama's fusion education.
• Employment Prospects: Both ~97%, but regional networks matter.
• Campus Life & Innovation: Car-sharing, intl events at Iwate; diversity at Saitama.
• Social Media & Open Campuses: Viral research, student testimonials amplify buzz.
• Location & Cost: Tohoku affordability vs. Kanto proximity to jobs.

Analyses show employment reputation (THE rankings) and student satisfaction drive 40-50% of choices.

Employment Outcomes: Neck-and-Neck Performance

National unis boast 97-98% rates for 2025 grads. Iwate: 96.2% overall (2024 data), strong in ag/vet. Saitama: 96%+, diverse sectors. Prefecture retention: Iwate 35%, Saitama favors Tokyo firms. Explore higher ed jobs in Japan for career insights.

2026 Admissions Insights and Predictions

Iwate's 3.4倍倍率 signals growing competition; Saitama's 5.2倍 steady. Common Test (Kyotsu Test) scores, individual exams determine fates. Applicants eye deviation values: Iwate ~50-60, Saitama ~55-63.

Step-by-step application: 1) Register for Common Test; 2) Choose universities; 3) Submit docs; 4) Exams; 5) Results. Regional unis benefit from lower pressure vs. Tokyo elites.

Broader Implications for Japanese Higher Education

This overtake reflects decentralization: Tohoku unis gaining as Kanto saturates. With 800+ unis facing mergers amid depopulation, popularity metrics guide reforms. Students prioritize employability, innovation over prestige alone.

Photo by Ari Dinar on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Advice for Aspiring Students

Expect volatility; March rankings post-exams. For Iwate/Saitama fans: Attend open campuses, review Rate My Professor for insights. Balance hensachi with fit—vet dreams suit Iwate, urban econ Saitama.

Full rankings: JS Corporation Rankings. ReseMom Article.

In summary, Iwate University's edge over Saitama underscores dynamic student choices. Explore opportunities at higher-ed-jobs, university-jobs, higher-ed-career-advice, rate-my-professor, and post-a-job to advance your academic career.