# Japan international student recruitment and education > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-international-student-recruitment-and-education > Updated: 2026-08-26T01:21:10.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Japan is expanding its role as a global hub for higher education. Data from the Japan Student Services Organization indicates the country hosted 336,708 international students as of May 1, 2024. The educational environment for these students includes various English-taught degrees, predictable public university costs, and specific part-time work regulations. To further bolster international recruitment, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has implemented a policy to accredit ‘International Competitiveness Driving Departments.’ These designated departments are permitted to exceed standard enrollment capacities to attract high-achieving international students. Recent accreditation efforts have included ten new departments across Tohoku University, the University of Tsukuba, and Hiroshima University. This follows an initial accreditation phase in 2025, bringing the total number of recognized departments across these three institutions to 21. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Japan accredits new university departments to boost international recruitment Japan's Ministry of Education has accredited ten new departments at Tohoku, Tsukuba, and Hiroshima Universities to exceed enrollment limits to better attract high-achieving international students. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-accredits-new-university-departments-to-boost-international-recruitment ### 2026-08-22: Japan hosts over 336,000 international students Japan hosted over 336,000 international students as of May 2024, offering growing opportunities through English-taught degrees and predictable public university tuition fees. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-hosts-over-336000-international-students --- Cite as: Japan international student recruitment and education. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-international-student-recruitment-and-education