The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI

Founded in 1988, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies is a pioneering academic institute in Japan. The institution specialises in post-graduate study, with a particular focus on the sciences. It was the first national university in Japan that started exclusively offering post-graduate programmes.

The university encourages both students and staff to join up with partner institutions to conduct research. This aims to support the best researchers and the finest research facilities in the nation. As a result, the core value within the institution is to instill a passion and drive for students to thrive within the research sector. The university has published articles on engineering, physics and neuroscience to name a few.

International students have the chance to get involved with Japanese learning programmes to learn the language and the culture as long as the programmes do not disrupt their specialised studies. Similarly, some of the students are hired as research assistants by their supervisors in order to gain experience in conducting research.

For accommodation, the university does not have its own dormitories. However, it works closely with parent institutions or public rental properties to ensure all students are settled into accommodation. For student well-being there are a range of extracurricular activities, as well as the opportunity for students to set up their own clubs.

Senior software engineer at Netflix, Christian Hoareau studied computer science at The Graduate University for Advanced Studies and graduated in 2009. Throughout the years Christian has worked within the industry and established a firm career.