Global Initiative for Humanistic Education
Soka's Global Initiatives through Diversity
We must implement creative approaches based on the coexistence philosophy of not building one's happiness over other's misfortune to solve the societal challenges emerging as part of globalization.
In order to solve these challenges,It is important to acknowledge that the place we are at is formed by people with different cultural backgrounds.Having"diversity"as the key factor"creative Global Citizens",with strong mind and ability who can lead to make sustainable progress for the society through mutual understandings by communicating with others.
Soka’s Global Initiatives through Diversity
Soka University has been focusing on humanistic education and international exchange since its opening. The achievements of education and international exchange were highly appreciated and the university was selected to be one of the 37 universities in the “Top Global University Project” of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2014.
Currently, about 550 international students (equivalent to about 7% of the total of students) from 50 countries and territories are learning in this rich diverse campus. Soka University focuses on creating an educational environment that international students can easily learn. Courses in English are also available in undergraduate programs and graduate school. In addition, from April this year, new dormitories for international students will be opened. This campus will continue to improve with its plentiful learning environment where many international students from various backgrounds study together and multiple languages interact.
I hope each one of the international students from all over the world will be able to experience a lifelong treasure here at Soka University. I am looking forward to seeing you at the campus with full of hope.
Soka University President
Masashi Suzuki
TOP Global University Project Goals and objectives
Soka University was selected for Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, Sports and Technology (MEXT)'s 2014 TOP Global University initiative.
The MEXT initiative aims to enhance the international competitiveness of Japanese universities and facilitate system reforms by offering intensive support for 10 years for selected institutes. These include those schools that are engaged in world-class research and educational programs, and those that are proactively adopting initiatives to advance the internationalization of both the school and its students. Another criterion is that these universities are also networking with academic institutes overseas.
Soka University’s initiative to establish a global center for humanistic education through its global programs and education in an effort to advance peace and sustainable prosperity has been selected under the Leading-Global Type B category of the MEXT project, or universities committed to leading internationalization in Japan.
Diversity：The Key to Enhance the Strength of Character and Global Skills.
The common denominator among the four initiative that constitute the project's core is diversity. The term,diversity,is the essential to recognize and understand language,cultural,and ethnic differences,The key to foster global citizens is to provide practical and relevant education,an education that strengthens“character”.By advancing diversity,Soka University will develop individuals with global skills.
Supporting study abroad and accepting students from abroad will advance the globalization of the campus.
Undergraduate and Graduate programs that meet global standards to foster “Creative Global Citizens”.
Aim for globalization in management and decision-making process of the university.
Taking global initiatives for humanistic education such as establishing Global Core Center and the Graduate School of International Peace Studies.
Progress Report
Legend : Performance Goal
International students studying at Soka University※
- 2013年
- 313students
- 2016年
- 834students
- 2019年
- 878students
- 2023年
- 1,119students
Japanese students studying abroad※
- 2013年
- 557students
- 2016年
- 905students
- 2019年
- 773students
- 2023年
- 1,196students
Students Achieving Foreign Language Proficiency Standards※ (Such as TOEFL-iBT 80)
- 2013年
- 296students
- 2016年
- 1,035students
- 2019年
- 1,246students
- 2023年
- 1,378students
Courses Syllabi Written in English
- 2013年
- 533courses
- 2016年
- 1,752courses
- 2019年
- 2,272courses
- 2023年
- 2,000courses
Classes held in foreign language (excluding language subjects)
- 2013年
- 3.3%
- 2016年
- 8.8%
- 2019年
- 16.2%
- 2023年
- 10.0%
Programs where Students can Complete the Curriculum only in English
- 2013年
- 1program
- 2014年
- 6program
- 2019年
- 11program
- 2023年
- 10program
Ratio of female faculty, etc.
- 2013年
- 27.3%
- 2016年
- 28.7%
- 2019年
- 33.2%
- 2023年
- 32.9%
Ratio of female administrative staff, etc.
- 2013年
- 33.2%
- 2016年
- 27.5%
- 2019年
- 34.1%
- 2023年
- 40.4%
Ratio of international faculty, etc.
- 2013年
- 43.3%
- 2016年
- 49.2%
- 2019年
- 55.7%
- 2023年
- 68.0%
Ratio of international administrative staff, etc.
- 2013年
- 2.4%
- 2016年
- 9.9%
- 2019年
- 12.5%
- 2023年
- 14.4%
Soka University’s Global Initiative
Top Global University Project Initiatives
Read more about Soka University’s Top Global University Project initiatives and the voices of students, faculty, and staff.
* All contents are in both Japanese and English.
Challenges and Outlook for a Top Global University
Read about Soka University's initiatives, its achievements, and the future outlook and also interviews with the Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and an international student studying at the University.
2023 ASAIHL Conference - The Role of Universities in Realizing Inclusiveness and Resilience in a Global Society -
A special website for the 2023 ASAIHL (The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning) Annual Conference held at Soka University.