Sapporo Medical University Logo

Sapporo Medical University

Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo Medical University (SMU) consistently ranks amongst top institutions in Asia, focusing on medicine and nursing through strong research. The university’s output of 39% acceptance rate demonstrates its commitment to providing a quality education based on a partnership between public and private entities, yielding significant citations among its student population.

Est. 1950 Non-profit Public-private partnership 39% Acceptance
1388
World Ranking
Global University Rank
Language Japanese

Basic Information

University Type
Non-profit
Funding
Public-private partnership
Highest Degree
Doctorate
Founded
1950
Acceptance Rate
39%
Languages
Japanese
Last Updated
Updated on June 21, 2026
Accreditation
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Address
South 1 West 17 Chuo-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8556 Japan

Academic Metrics

19829
Publications
453431
Citations

Programs Offered

Education

Master's

Physical Education

Doctorate

Physical Education

Healthcare

Master's

Nursing Occupational Therapy

Doctorate

Nursing Occupational Therapy

Medicine

Bachelor's

Medicine

Master's

Medicine Oncology

Doctorate

Medicine Oncology

About Sapporo Medical University

The Sapporo Medical University (Sapmed) stands as Japan’s second-largest privately supported university, nestled in the heart of Sapporu and dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation and research. Established in 1950 – it boasts a rich history rooted in a collaborative partnership between government, industry, and academia, serving a diverse range of students from across Japan and international communities. Sapmed’s location within Sapporo grants access to the city's vibrant cultural landscape while maintaining an independent educational mission. The university focuses particularly on medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, oncology, physical education, and veterinary medicine, cultivating highly skilled professionals vital for the country’s healthcare system.

Sapmed has a notable strength in its research output, yielding 19,829 publications and 453,431 citations annually – placing it among Japan’s leading universities. The university actively invests in cutting-edge technologies within its core disciplines, leveraging advanced treatments and diagnostics to provide patients with improved care. The institution has also cultivated a strong emphasis on experiential learning, fostering hands-on training through clinical placements and research opportunities which support their students. Sapmed is committed to creating an inclusive environment that caters to the needs of diverse learners by offering multilingual education options, and actively embraces international collaborations.

As an undergraduate institution, Sapred offers its students a robust curriculum emphasizing practical application while nurturing critical thinking capabilities. The university presents a degree in Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Oncology, Physical Education and Doctoral programs for various disciplines within medicine. Currently, the university has 1,959,000 population of students within Sapporo city, making it one of the largest universities in Japan’s Hokkaido region and contributing significantly to the local economy through its educational offerings.

Beyond its academic commitments, Sapmed is acutely aware of its role as a catalyst for societal progress and actively participates in community outreach initiatives. The university promotes a holistic approach to education integrating research with practical engagement promoting global health awareness and workforce development, further solidifying its position within the region's healthcare landscape. Sapred maintains close ties to national and international partners focused on advancing medical expertise through collaborations, fostering innovation and supporting the evolution of healthcare in Japan and beyond.

The university’s commitment extends beyond research; education plays a central role, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership positions across varying sectors of healthcare. The institution maintains strong relationships with hospitals, clinics, and government agencies to ensure practical application of research findings through continuous collaboration.

Similar Universities

Explore other top institutions in Japan

View All
#21 World

University of Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

View Details
#40 World

Tsinghua University

Beijing, China

View Details
#56 World

Peking University

Beijing, China

View Details
#57 World

Kyoto University

Kyoto, Japan

View Details
#81 World

National University of Singap…

Singapore City, Singapore

View Details