Education Three Japanese universities raise cap on overseas students to attract global talent

Japan's education ministry will allow three universities to admit international students above their enrolment caps under a new exemption scheme aimed at attracting overseas talent as global competition intensifies. Beginning in April 2026, 11 faculties at Tohoku University, the University of Tsukuba, and Hiroshima University will be permitted to increase their intake of international students. The ministry announced the decision on Tuesday. It is the first time exemptions have been granted since the system was introduced last year.

The faculties are the Faculty of Science at Tohoku University, seven schools including humanities and culture at the University of Tsukuba, and three science-related faculties at Hiroshima University. The measure is aimed at nurturing global talent to enhance Japan's competitiveness, as the race to attract outstanding overseas students intensifies. Universities face penalties for exceeding their enrollment caps, posing challenges to the active acceptance of international students. Faculties certified for the special exemption can raise their maximum enrollments by 5 percent above their caps.

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Requirements for certification include maintaining an enrollment rate of at least 90% and stable financial conditions. Three of the eight universities that applied last fall were granted the special exemption after expert screening.