W
ith the emergence of knowledge-based societies in a globalizing world, the role of
universities is becoming increasingly important. Higher education in Japan is highly
rated internationally built on a quality assurance framework with the establishment-approval
and the quality assurance / accreditation systems. Outstanding and diverse education and
research activities are carried out and reforms are constantly promoted in response to recent
trends.
T
he Constitution of Japan guarantees academic freedom and states that "all people shall
have the right to receive an equal education correspondent to their ability, as provided
by law." Furthermore, in accordance with the Basic Act on Education, each university's
autonomy, independence, and other characteristics regarding education and research must
be respected. The self-governance of universities has also been recognized as common law
based on a judgment of the Supreme Court of Japan.
T
o harness Japan's advanced educational and research capabilities at higher education
institutions as the basis for fostering both Japanese and international students who
can play an active role in the global community, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT) has launched the Project for Establishing Core Universities
for Internationalization ("Global 30"). Global 30 selects core universities to accept students
from overseas and serve as bases for the internationalization of all Japanese universities,
providing subsidies predominantly for these institutions. In 2009, 13 universities have
been selected and will receive 200 to 400 million yen a year in priority
fi
nancial assistance
over the next five years. These universities aim to dramatically increase their number of
students from overseas as well as the number of Japanese students sent abroad by providing
degree courses in English, offering support by specialist staff on and off campus, awarding
internships and other practical programs in cooperation with corporations, and giving
opportunities to study Japanese language and culture according to students' interest and
needs. Eight advisory of
fi
ces will be set up in seven countries to provide information on all
Japanese universities, hold guidance seminars on admission, and perform services such as
application screening.
G
lobal 30 aims to provide full support for safe and comfortable study and living
environment, augmented by the Japanese spirit of hospitality and a rich culture ranging
from traditional arts such as tea ceremony and calligraphy to modern pop culture such as
animation.
December, 2009
Of
fi
ce for International Planning
Higher Education Policy Planning Division
Higher Education Bureau
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Introduction
INDEX
Introduction
About the Global 30
Tohoku University
University of Tsukuba
The University of Tokyo
Nagoya University
Kyoto University
Osaka University
Kyushu University
Keio University
Sophia University
Meiji University
Waseda University
Doshisha University
Ritsumeikan University
Course information
Guide for study in Japan
Course list
Contact information
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
105
109
112
~ Outline of the Core Universities ~
How to use this guidebook
This guidebook, which will be annually updated, has been published for readers who are interested in courses available in English offered by 13 selected leading universities in Japan. Under the Global 30 Project initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), these universities are proudly providing new educational opportunities for students who would like to obtain their degrees from Japan in English. This booklet is arraged as follows: Page 5 to Page 30, deal with a brief introduction of the 13 universities, including historical background, their student and faculty make-up and their general characteristics. From Page 31 to Page 104, an overview of the courses that each university offers in English is provided. From Page 105 to Page 108, useful information regarding study in Japan is presented by JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization). Between Page 109 and 111, there is a full index of all courses offered in English including course titles, degree type, and the maximum number of students accepted for the courses, etc. Lastly, Page 112 contains contact information for the 13 universities with web addresses. We hope this booklet will be helpful for you as you consider and move towards study in Japan.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has launched the “Global 30” Project for Establishing CoreUniversities for Internationalization, for the purpose of selecting universities that will function as core schools for receiving andeducating international students. In 2009, thirteen universities were selected. These core universities will play a major role in dramatically boosting the number of international students educated in Japan as well as Japanese students studying abroad.
1. What is the Global 30 Project for Establishing Core Universities for Internationalization?
Japan formulated the 300,000 International Students Plan in July of 2008, with the aim of receiving 300,000 international students by 2020. The “Global 30” Project for Establishing Core Universities for Internationalization is being implemented to realize this goal by selecting measures for the internationalization of universities including the recruitment of international students, along with forming Japan’s centers of internationalization. Selected universities will receive prioritized fi nancial assistance of 200 to 400 million yen per annum over the next 5 years. Endowed with this aid, each university will strive to recruit 3000 to 8000 international students.
2. Thirteen Universities to Lead Japan’s Internationalization
In 2009, the following 13 universities were selected as global centers:Tohoku University, University of Tsukuba, The University of Tokyo, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Kyushu University, Keio University, Sophia University, Meiji University, Waseda University, Doshisha University, and Ritsumeikan University
3. Action Plans for the Core Universities
Core universities will take the following steps to create an attractive educational and research environment for international students. 1) Expansion of course programs in which degrees can be earned through English only classes
→ Establish courses at the universities selected through which English-only degrees can be obtained: 33 undergraduate courses and 124 graduate courses over the next 5 years
2) Enhancement of systems for receiving/hosting international stude Enhancement of systems for receiving/hosting international students nts → Enhance systems for receiving/hosting international students, such as specialist support in studying and academics, as well as for completing various procedures and formalities both in and out of the university, and providing internship programs at Japanese corporations, etc.
3) Provide international students with opportunities to learn about Provide international students with opportunities to learn about Japanese language and culture Japanese language and culture
→ A plan to provide high-quality instruction in Japanese language and culture
4) Promotion of strategic international cooperation Promotion of strategic international cooperation
→ Establish two separate overseas offi ces per core university, to enable local recruitment through admissions tests, etc., and boost the number of Japanese students studying abroad through exchange study programs, etc.
4. Establish “Overseas Of
fi
ces for Shared Utilization by Universities” as the liaison for Study in Japan
Establish "Overseas Offi ces for Shared Utilization by Universities" as the liaison for Study in Japan; in the following 8 cities in 7 countries. Upon completion, these offi ces will provide comprehensive information on Japanese universities overall, including enrollment seminars, and entrance examinations.
Tunis, Tunisia (University of Tsukuba), Cairo, Egypt (Kyushu University), Bonn, Germany (Waseda University), Moscow and Novosibirsk, Russia (Tohoku University), New Delhi, India (Ritsumeikan University), Hyderabad, India (The University of Tokyo), Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Nagoya University), Hanoi, Vietnam (Kyoto University)
*The name in ( ) indicates the operating university. For information on the details of offi ce preparation, please contact the corresponding university.
Prioritized Financial Assistance for the Internationalization of Universities
Launching the Project for Establishing Core Universities for Internationalization
Overseas Offi ces
for Shared Utilization
by Universities
Tohoku University
University of Tsukuba
The University of Tokyo
Keio University
Sophia University
Meiji University
Waseda University
Ritsumeikan University
Nagoya University
Kyushu University
Doshisha University
Kyoto University
Osaka University
Bonn, Germany:
Waseda University
Moscow and Novosibirsk, Russia:
Tohoku University
Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
Nagoya University
Hyderabad, India:
The University of Tokyo
Hanoi, Vietnam:
Kyoto University
New Delhi, India:
Ritsumeikan University
Cairo, Egypt:
Kyushu University
Tunis, Tunisia:
University of Tsukuba
The Core Universities
in Japan
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
Profile
Tohoku University is a Japanese national university located in Sendai City. It has 10 faculties, 16 graduate schools, 3 professional graduate schools and 5 research institutes, approximately 5,400 faculty and staff and 17,800 students. Since it was established as the third Imperial University in 1907, the university’s principle has been to put "Research First", while maintaining an “Open-Door” policy. Tohoku University, which celebrated the 100th Anniversary of its foundation in June 2007, continues to offer students a world-class education, and to conduct pioneering research. The university is determined to take the strongest, most proactive approach possible to prepare for its next 100 years and continue to build on its success.
Tohoku University has 10 undergraduate schools, 16 graduate schools, and three professional graduate schools (see “Educational Organization” below for details). As of May 2009 there were around 11,000 undergraduates and 6,900 postgraduates enrolled at the university with approximately 2,850 teaching staff. We maintain an excellent student-teacher ratio of 6.5:1.
The university has a long history of pioneering research, and current constituents draw inspiration from the contributions to society the university has made in the past. We are proud of this record of achievement, and continue to make significant contributions to intellectual life, the sciences and technology not only in Japan but worldwide. These ongoing contributions have earned wide recognition. For example we rank 3rd in Materials Science and 9th and 17th in Physics and Chemistry respectively in the Thomson Scientifi c ESI list of most cited papers worldwide. We also have the best citation profi le of any Japanese university in the Humanities and Social Sciences. There are five research institutes attached to the university committed to sharing the fruits of their high-level studies with our undergraduate and graduate education and research programs: the Institute for Materials Research [National Collaborative Research Institute], Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Institute of Fluid Science, Research Institute of Electrical Communication [National Collaborative Research Institute], and Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials. Furthermore, our graduate schools and research institutes are well funded. The average research budget commanded per teaching staff member is the highest of any national university (fi nancial year 2006). The university’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of university education has resulted in its selection by high school teachers as the best university in Japan for fi ve consecutive years from 2006 to 2010 (Japanese University Ranking by the Asahi Shimbun).
Some famous discoveries and technological advances made at Tohoku University include the Yagi-Uda antenna (Hidetsugu Yagi and Shintaro Uda 1925), the pin diode (Jun-ichi Nishizawa 1952), the principles of perpendicular magnetic recording, (Shun-ichi Iwasaki 1977), Magnetic resistant KS steel and new KS steel, (Kotaro Honda 1917 and 1933) and “A method that enabled mass spectrometry analysis of biological macromolecules” for which Koichi Tanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2002. We are very involved in international and interdisciplinary research, and benefi t from membership in several major academic networks including the APRU (Association of Pacifi c Rim Universities, which includes 42 universities across 16 countries) TIME (Top Industrial Managers for Europe) and AEARU (The Association of East Asian Research Universities). Furthermore, we have cooperative agreements for academic collaboration and exchange, involving both students and research staff, with 134 institutions in 26 countries at the university level and a further 307 institutions across 41 countries at the departmental level. As of April 2009, we have about 1,350 overseas students and 1,590 overseas researchers. Tohoku University has 15 liaison offi ces situated in various partner institutions around the world. They support the development of academic networks and work to encourage and invigorate international exchange.
The Future Global Leadership (FGL) program renews Tohoku University’s commitment to providing high quality learning and research opportunities in an ideal campus environment for students who aspire to one day take on key international leadership roles. The program has received funding under the Japanese government’s Global 30 Project, which aims to develop the internationalization of Japan’s higher education and promote centers of excellence in teaching and research. This important support has allowed the university to extend its curriculum and research activities and increase the number of courses offered in English. We value the contributions international students make to the university and we have been pleased to welcome them in ever larger numbers in recent years. We anticipate a further increase in our intake of international students, many of whom will wish to take advantage of our comprehensive graduate and undergraduate programs taught in English. Supporting these students is a complete package which meets all international students’ needs, including high quality Japanese language training within each curriculum, on-site admission services and pre-enrollment support, and career support in the fields of domestic and international business and academia. FGL undergraduate and graduate students also have the opportunity to apply for Presidential Fellowships and university housing.
In early modern Japan, Sendai was one of the largest cities in the whole country. Today, the Kawauchi Campus of Tohoku University is located near the old castle’s ruins, with old stone walls and monuments telling the story of Sendai’s rich history. Sendai is well known as the “Mori no Miyako” (city of trees), as most of the major streets and avenues in the city are lined with zelkova trees. Sendai has all
Data (As of 2009)
Tohoku University Established : 1907 A National Institution
Number of Students / Undergraduate : 10,967 Graduate : 6,881 Others : 101
Number of Incoming Students / Undergraduate : 127 Graduate : 823 Number of Faculty Members / Professors : 833 Associate Professors : 685 Lecturers : 148 Research Associates : 1,067 Research Assistants : 113
Education Organization
Undergraduate / Faculty of Arts and Letters / Faculty of Education / School of Law /
Faculty of Economics / Faculty of Science / School of Medicine / School of Dentistry / Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences / School of Engineering / Faculty of Agriculture
Graduate / Graduate School of Arts and Letters / Graduate School of Education /
Graduate School of Law / Graduate School of Economics and Management / Graduate School of Science / Graduate School of Medicine / Graduate School of Dentistry / Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science / Graduate School of Engineering / Graduate School of Agricultural Science / Graduate School of International Cultural Studies / Graduate School of Information Sciences / Graduate School of Life Sciences / Graduate School of Environmental Studies / Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering / Graduate School of Educational Informatics Education Division / Law School / School of Public Policy / School of Accountancy (Accounting School)
the beauty of the four seasons, with beaches and ski resorts as well as many onsen (hot springs) nearby. Since the founding of Tohoku University in 1907 and the establishment of a great number of other universities, Sendai has come to be known as an ‘academic city’ (gakuto), with the city’s residents offering its students a warm welcome. It has a unique student atmosphere with fashion and art being a vital part of the city life. Our campus has been renovated recently, and offers an environment where both contemporary and traditional Japanese culture richly blend with the natural beauty of Sendai, a city noted for its greenery, parks, history and vibrant culture.
The Center for International Exchange of Tohoku University offers international students the opportunity to receive individual counseling on life in Sendai, health, or questions related to the daily life of international students or study and research at Tohoku University. Moreover, various student groups like TUFSA (Tohoku University Foreign Students Association) and TUMCA (Tohoku University Muslim Cultural Association) organize events like the Tohoku University International Festival, the International Hour, and cooking classes.
For further information please consult the FGL homepage, at http://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/cms/index-e.cgi?num=90713141836.
If you have any questions, please contact us via [email protected] or by telephone on +81-(0)22-795-7776
UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA
Pro
fi
le
The University of Tsukuba, founded in October 1973, is one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities. We are proud that three Nobel Prize laureates have served as president or faculty.
Location
a) Tsukuba Campus and the City of Tsukuba Located at the center of Tsukuba Science City, the university grew simultaneously with
the development of the city. This science city is well-known internationally for its large concentration of major research institutes such as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK). The name "Tsukuba" has attained high international esteem for its multitude of research accomplishments. The main Tsukuba campus covers an area of 258 hectares (636 acres), making it the largest single campus in Japan. Moreover, both the campus and the city are surrounded by beautiful nature. It is, however, not far from the metropolitan district. The Tsukuba Express, the new train system that began its service in the summer of 2005, now connects downtown Tsukuba and Akihabara, Tokyo in 45 minutes. Tsukuba is about 60 km (36 miles) northeast of Tokyo.
b) Satellite and Off-campus Facilities Outside the Tsukuba campus, there are many facilities, including marine and mountain research
centers, training centers, forests, and a boat house. There are also 11 laboratory schools, administered by the Education Bureau of the Laboratory Schools. Moreover, at the Tokyo campus, the Graduate School of Business Sciences offers evening courses in International Business, and at Akihabara Daibiru Building, which is also located in Tokyo, evening courses in Law are offered.
History
The University of Tsukuba is a relatively new university, yet in fact, it has a long and distinguished history in the Japanese university system. Its origin dates back more than 130 years to the Meiji Era when Japan started its modernization. What is now the University of Tsukuba was founded in 1872 as the Normal School (which later became the Tokyo Higher Normal School), the fi rst teachers' college in Japan. Its successor, the Tokyo University of Education, founded in 1947, moved to this Tsukuba area in 1973. In October, 2002, the University of Library and Information Science was merged with the University of Tsukuba.
Our Strengths
Traditionally, education has been strong as the University of Tsukuba's predecessor institution, the Tokyo University of Education, was originally established to train teachers. We are also well known for research and advancement in a number of fi elds, particularly the sciences, robotics, medicine, the social sciences, and sports. In the areas of physics and chemistry, three Nobel Prize laureates have served as either president or faculty (two in physics and one in chemistry). The former President of the University of Tsukuba is well known for developing massively parallel computers for computational physics, which, at the time of their development in 1996, were the fastest supercomputers in the world. In 2005, a team of researchers developed the robot suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb), which can expand and improve the physical capabilities of humans. This invention has attracted much attention around the world, and was awarded the 2005 World Technology Award. Our School of Medical Sciences is famous for producing well-trained doctors, nurses, and medical experts. In fact, the quality of service offered at the University Hospital satisfi es the world's highest standards as set forth by the ISO9001 quality management system. In the social sciences, a large-scale survey of civil society organizations has been conducted in more than 10 countries. The University of Tsukuba also has a distinguished history in the fi eld of sports, and the School of Health and Physical Education is proud of its accomplishments in the Olympic Games. We have well over 50 athletes, currently enrolled, graduated, or teaching, who have competed in the Olympics. Jigoro Kano, the fi rst principal of the Tokyo Higher Normal School (predecessor of the University of Tsukuba), became well known in the early 20th century as the "Father of Judo," and was the leader of Japan's fi rst Olympic team sent to Stockholm in 1912.
Strategic Plans to Advance Internationalization
We are convinced that international exchange gives enormous positive impacts on our research and educational activities. Grounded in this basic philosophy, we have been encouraging many students from abroad to study at our campus. As of May 2009, we have 1,522 international students, including full-time degree-seeking students as well as short-term exchange students, from 101 countries. By the year 2020, we plan to accept 4,500 international students and increase the number of foreign faculty members to 160. This means that one in four students and one in ten professors will be from overseas. To realize this goal, the University of Tsukuba plans to focus on the following key pillars:
a) Establishment of a Variety of Degree Programs offered in English Currently, 148 undergraduate and 272 graduate courses are taught
in English, and 11 degree programs are offered at the graduate level. Starting in academic year 2010, three new undergraduate programs and at least six graduate programs will be launched. Those programs include fi elds of international importance and urgency, such as the life and environmental sciences, medical care, and international relations.
b) Improvement of Campus Environment for International Students To improve the campus environment for international students studying
at the University of Tsukuba, we plan to achieve the following: improve dormitory rooms and facilities; expand the student counseling system; promote multilingual documents within the campus; strengthen support for administrative assistance, etc. In particular, concerning the student dormitories, of the presently 3,927 rooms available, international students are given priority, and nearly all international students requesting rooms in the dorms have moved in. As the number of international students is expected to rise, we will prepare to accommodate more students. Furthermore, fi nancial aid programs, Japanese language and culture learning opportunities, and career support systems will be expanded.
Data (As of 2009)
University of Tsukuba Established : 1973 A National Institution
Number of Students / Undergraduate : 10,190 Graduate : 6,556
Number of Incoming Students / Undergraduate : 158 Graduate : 1,019 Others : 345 Number of Faculty Members / Professors : 622 Associate Professors : 520 Lecturers : 403 Research Associates : 128 Research Assistants : 1
Education Organization
Under graduate / School of Humanities and Culture / School of Social and
International Studies / School of Human Sciences / School of Life and Environmental Sciences / School of Science and Engineering / School of Informatics / School of Medicine and Medical Sciences / School of Health and Physical Education / School of Art and Design
Graduate / Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences / Graduate School of
Business Sciences / Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences / Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering / Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences / Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences / Graduate School of Library, Information and Media Studies / Master's Program in Education
Overseas Offi ce for Shared Utilization by Universities
Currently, we have overseas offi ces in Tunis (Tunisia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Beijing (China) and Bonn (Germany). Among them, the Tunis office, North African and Mediterranean Centre for Research and Education (CANMRE) was assigned as an "Overseas Offi ce for Shared Utilization by Universities." Since 2006, CANMRE has been acting as a gateway for academic cooperation with North African and Mediterranean countries. Based on our experiences and our academic network in North Africa, we will carry out the following activities as an Overseas Offi ce for Shared Utilization by Universities: -Distribution of information on study in Japan and academic information of the countries concerned through seminars, publications and the Internet,
-Coordination of student exchange and academic cooperation, and
-Facilitation of on-site entrance examination and enrollment to Japanese universities.
Overseas Offi ce for Shared Utilization by Universities in Tunisia Bureau de Universite de TSUKUBA a Tunis pour les Universites Japonaises Centre de l'Afrique du Nord et de la Mediterranee pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement (CANMRE)
Address:
Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie
43, Avenue Charles Nicole, 1082 Cit El Mahrajene-Tunis, TUNISIE Mailing address:
BP 277, Cit El Mahrajene, 1082 Tunis TUNISIE Tel/FAX: +216-71-289-569
THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
Profile
World's Leading Hub of Knowledge
Founded in 1877, The University of Tokyo (known as Todai) is Japan's most prestigious university. Todai is conducting a wide range of research in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, while making constant efforts to create an interdisciplinary and cutting-edge academic curriculum. Todai is renowned for its Nobel Prize-winning research and Nobel Prizes have been awarded to Todai graduates for Physics, Literature and Peace. Todai is ranked as the top university in Asia in the Times Higher-QS World University Ranking 2009.
University Structure
Todai consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, 9 Faculties, 15 Graduate Schools and 11 Institutes. There are also 17 university-wide centers open to scholars of all departments and faculties of the University; several of these centers are also open to scholars from all universities in Japan. The university-wide centers were created with the aim of facilitating inter-faculty collaboration and interdisciplinary research. A large number of research facilities are also connected to the various faculties of the University. All our institutes and research facilities work closely with their related faculties and graduate schools, and many of the faculty members associated with these institutes are engaged in graduate school instruction and supervise graduate students working towards advanced degrees.
Excellence in Research and Education
Todai has a long history of producing successful leaders, including prime ministers, high-ranking government officials, lawyers, global corporate executives, bankers, entrepreneurs, as well as many eminent scholars, scientists and researchers. One of the crucial objectives of Todai is to cultivate future leaders who will play a key role in a variety of fi elds in and out of the country. Such leaders must be psychologically tough people equipped with the expertise, technical skills, and high competency to solve problems. Focusing on liberal arts as the core of its curriculum, Todai offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in various academic fi elds and the excellence in research and education found at Todai has been attracting students from all over the world. Currently, we have about 29,000 students enrolled at Todai, more than 2,500 of whom are international students from 97 countries and areas.
Furthering Internationalization
Under the Global 30 Project, Todai is geared towards furthering internationalization. Presently, we offer a number of graduate courses in a wide variety of fi elds completely organized in English, and we expect other international courses to be prepared in English within a few years. At the undergraduate level, the College of Arts and Sciences will launch two interdisciplinary international courses in 2011 in the fi elds of Japan Studies in Asia, and environment and energy issues.
Exchanging Scholars and Students
Having more than 300 academic agreements with such world-renowned universities as Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, Oxford, Peking, and National University of Singapore, Todai places a strong emphasis on exchanging scholars and students. In addition, Todai is an active member of consortiums including IARU (International Alliance for Research Universities), APRU (Association of Pacifi c Rim Universities), and AEARU (Association of East Asian Research Universities). Many scholars and students from abroad attend Todai through academic agreements and consortiums, contributing to creating an international atmosphere.
Student Support
As a national university, we offer the advantage of reasonably-priced tuition and further encourage domestic and international students to attend through tuition waiver programs and scholarships, provided by national and local governments, public organizations and private companies. A large proportion of our international students are funded through such programs. Todai also recognizes the achievements of outstanding students with the twice-yearly President's Award, and up to two students may be chosen each year for the President's Grant Award, recognizing particularly outstanding achievement in any year. The International Center is responsible for support services for international students at Todai, including education in the Japanese language, adaptation to Japanese culture and customs, counseling and other assistance. We also have a tutorial system for one-on-one language guidance. A cultural exchange program is also provided which matches Japanese volunteers with international students.
Campus and Facilities
Todai is based on the cornerstone of its three core campuses of Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa in the metropolitan area, and strong links with its own facilities in other parts of Tokyo and Japan. The Tokyo campuses have a total area of 163 hectares, and the University possesses over 32,000 hectares of land throughout Japan. At the undergraduate level, Todai adopts a fl exible system integrating diverse and specialized education on a broad foundation of liberal arts, divided into the junior and senior divisions. All junior division students attend the Komaba Campus for their fi rst two years, where they acquire a solid grounding in their fi eld of study, coupled with a general liberal arts education. For the following two years, many join the senior division at the Hongo Campus, where they continue with further specialization in their fi eld, while students of the College of Arts and Sciences remain at the Komaba Campus to continue their studies. The Kashiwa Campus, the newest campus of the three, houses the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, and the Institute for Solid State Physics. The University library system, centered on the General Library, is composed as a network linking the 37 libraries affi liated with the various faculties, institutes, and graduate schools. It holds approximately 8.7 million books and periodicals, including many rare publications. In response to recent technological innovations, the library system has been actively digitizing scholarly information. The University Museum is actually a system of specialized museums covering a wide range of fi elds from paleontology to Andean anthropology, and its collection holds nearly half of the University's 6.4 million items related to research.
International Lodges
International Lodges were established to provide accommodation for visiting researchers and international students at Todai and to help promote cultural awareness and international exchange. There are 521 rooms for overseas researchers and students in international lodges in Shirokanedai, Komaba, Kashiwa and the International Halls of Residence in Mitaka and Toshima. Mitaka and Toshima International Halls of Residence also have rooms for Japanese students.
Close Relation with Society
Todai actively promotes links with society through existing corporate relations networks and university-industry partnership, and also strives to develop new channels for the dissemination of research data and knowledge to the local and global communities. Recent efforts to expand and exercise the University's alumni network are part of this program, enabling the transfer of skills and information, fostering communication and expanding students' perspectives. On the global scale, as part of the Open Courseware Consortium, Todai makes lectures and other materials available for free on the Internet. Closer to home, individual University entities take part in their local communities, in some cases opening classrooms or other facilities to local schools, providing local community members with access to lectures and classes and cooperating with local government on development programs. The Kashiwa International Campus is a prime example of the benefi ts of this process. This campus has been developed with the cooperation of the local government, industry and the University, and this relationship is providing know-how and knowledge for local companies while invigorating the new campus.
International Cooperation
At Todai, we place strong emphasis on cooperation and links at all levels of research and education - interfaculty, interdisciplinary, and with other universities in Japan and overseas-and are working hard to establish strong local and global research and education networks to deepen and strengthen ties with Asia and the world. As of May 2008 students and academics from the University have taken part in 295 official exchange programs in 49 countries, nearly half of which are included in research collaboration agreements, and each year many visitors come to Todai as part of these exchanges. In 2005, Todai opened its fi rst university-wide overseas liaison office in Beijing, signaling the start of a new phase in our efforts to deepen and strengthen ties with Asia and the world. The establishment of the Todai-Yale Initiative in 2007 aimed to strengthen Japanese studies in the USA and deepen ties between scholars in Yale and Todai.
Data
(As of 2009)The University of Tokyo Established : 1877 A National Institution
Number of Students / Undergraduate : 14,197 Graduate : 14,327 Others : 31
Number of Incoming International Students / Undergraduate : 277 Graduate : 2,278 Number of Faculty Members / Professors : 1,279 Associate Professors : 907 Lecturers : 250 Research Associates : 1,337 Research Assistants : 75
Education Organization
Undergraduate / Faculty of Law / Faculty of Medicine / Faculty of Engineering /
Faculty of Letters / Faculty of Science / Faculty of Agriculture / Faculty of Economics / College of Arts and Sciences / Faculty of Education / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduate / Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology / Graduate School of
Education / Graduate School of Law and Politics / Graduate School of Economics / Graduate School of Arts and Sciences / Graduate School of Science / Graduate School of Engineering / Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences / Graduate School of Medicine / Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences / Graduate School of Frontier Sciences / Graduate School of Information Science and Technology / Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies / Graduate School of Public Policy
NAGOYA UNIVERSITY
Profile
History of Academic Freedom
Nagoya University was founded in 1871 as a temporary hospital and medical school. In 1939, it became the last of the seven "imperial universities" established in Japan. Its relatively late establishment had the effect of drawing a large number of outstanding young scientists, particularly in physics and chemistry. Because these professors were not regarded with the deference given to older, established professors, an academic culture fl ourished where students were encouraged to challenge existing bodies of knowledge, to forge their own thoughts and ideas. This gave rise to an open and vibrant atmosphere where professors and students were able to interact without the formal and rigid seniority system that had been the norm at most Japanese universities. In 2004, Nagoya University established itself as a National University Corporation in its move towards autonomy. Today, it has 13 graduate schools, 9 undergraduate schools, 3 research institutes and 18 research centers. With a student population of 16,395 (9,946 undergraduate and 6,449 graduate students), the University's campuses have a strong international fl avor with research and education conducted at the global level. The fl agship departments are in the basic Natural and Physical Sciences, Agricultural Science, Engineering, and Medicine. The University also boasts strong Social Science faculties, notably in Law, Economics, Humanities and International Development.
Research Intensive University
Academic freedom and education that emphasizes self-initiative and creativity form the basic combination whereby Nagoya University produces some of the world's leading scientific achievements. Its internationally-recognized research capabilities set it apart. In University Ranking 2010, compiled by the Asahi Shimbun, Nagoya University ranked 2nd and 3rd among Japanese universities in terms of number of patents registered in the United States and in Japan between 1999 and 2008. Further, Nagoya University continues to be among those selected, through a competitive process, to receive signifi cant government grants, most recently through the 21st-Century Center of Excellence (COE) and Global COE Programs. Nagoya University is a research-intensive university whose achievements are recognized worldwide. Indeed, four of the seven Japanese Nobel Prize winners since the beginning of the 21st century are graduates or professors of Nagoya University. Dr. Ryoji Noyori in 2001 and Dr. Osamu Shimomura in 2008 each won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry, while Dr. Toshihide Maskawa and Dr. Makoto Kobayashi shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008.
Stimulating Intellectual Environment
The environment at Nagoya University encourages students to fully pursue their deep thirst for knowledge. This is attested by the high percentage of undergraduates who chose to continue with postgraduate studies-about 50% of the entire graduating class of 2007, with the highest proportions from the Schools of Science and Agricultural Science (70%) and the School of Engineering (90%).
In 1993, Nagoya University integrated the undergraduate curriculum combining the multi-disciplinary general education required of all students, together with advanced specialization in a major fi eld of study. Students have the option to take specialized lectures and seminars relating to their majors in as early as their fi rst year. In addition, the cross-over format requires humanities students to take basic courses in natural sciences, and natural science students to take basic humanities courses. This inter-disciplinary arrangement helps students develop comprehensive and multifaceted perspectives. Ultimately, Nagoya University's fundamental objective is to cultivate what it terms "courageous intellectuals", that is, individuals who are able to harness their courage, curiosity, and creativity to fully, yet responsibly, exploit their freedom with their research and educational pursuits. Its multi-disciplinary curriculum is designed to cultivate ethical leaders who are able to develop innovative solutions, through inquiry and analysis, with strong communication skills to be productive members of the global environment.
Global Presence
Nagoya University offers an environment for students to develop their ability to interact internationally. It has academic exchange agreements with 270 universities and research institutes in 45 countries and regions around the world. Many students take full advantage of these international exchange programs, as they return from a semester or year abroad with enhanced cultural sensitivities and language capabilities they can integrate into their education and research. Conversely, Nagoya University receives exchange students through its Program for Academic Exchange (NUPACE). Exchange students receive intensive Japanese language education and participate in both academic and cultural activities. Many go on to pursue degrees at Nagoya University. Nagoya University's reputation as an outstanding research university has attracted students from around the world. Currently, of the 16,395 total enrollment, 1,344 or approximately 9% are international students. The Admissions Offi ce has a comprehensive application review process that takes into account high school or secondary school grades, essays, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities as well as their plan of study. The initial selection is followed by an interview, which can be conducted in Japan or abroad. In short, Nagoya University seeks self-motivated students who are able to challenge their own courage to fi nd their way...a new way!
Nagoya-A Vibrant Metropolis
Nagoya is Japan's fourth largest city with all the conveniences of a large metropolis, including an international airport with direct
fl ights to the world's major destinations. A lively cultural scene, shops, restaurants and leisure activities for all tastes make it an exciting place to live. The Chubu region, located in the heart of Japan, between Tokyo (1 1/2 hours away by bullet train) and Kyoto (1 hour), has played a central role in the nation's history. Though it has long been known as a fl ourishing center for commerce and industry, it was
also the home of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, three military leaders who unifi ed Japan over 400 years ago. Nagoya Castle, originally built by Tokugawa and famous for the golden dolphins found on its donjon, serves as the symbol of the region. Today, Nagoya constitutes the nerve center of the Chubu Industrial Zone, an amalgamation of both traditional and modern industries. In 2009, the GDP of the Greater Nagoya area ranked 18th worldwide right behind Turkey and the Netherlands. With Toyota Motor Corporation headquartered in neighboring Toyota City, and Honda and Brother Industries having a strong presence in the area, the Chubu zone accounts for approximately 60% of Japan's trade.
Convenient and Affordable
Many students either walk or bike to campus as there are myriad housing options close to the main campus. Monthly rent can be as low as 30,000 Yen (approximately US$300) and dormitory space can be guaranteed for all international students the first 6 months after their arrival. As a national university, Nagoya University's tuition fees are relatively low- currently, approximately US$5,700 per academic year (2 semesters)-making it 3 to 4 times cheaper than comparable institutions in the US, the UK and Australia.
Large Campus Bustling with Activity
The main campus of Nagoya University is huge, unlike many Japanese universities, and blooming with trees and lush with greenery. Several outdoor athletic fi elds and indoor facilities host the games and activities of the American football team, the University baseball team, the Karate and Kendo teams, and approximately fifty other athletic teams and student associations. Cultural activities, both modern and traditional, are also a dynamic part of student life. They include a manga club, a tea ceremony circle, a traditional dance group and numerous musical groups such as choirs, a-cappella groups and the Nagoya University Symphony Orchestra. There are other more eclectic student groups such as a Human-Powered Airplane-Making Team and the Railway Fan Club.
Bright Future
Over 90% of Nagoya University's undergraduate students have job offers prior to their graduation. Internship programs allow students to defi ne their career goals and form relationships with regional and multinational corporations. Toyota, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Denso, Panasonic, Hitachi, and Canon are among the multinational companies that regularly hire our graduates.
Data
(As of 2009)Nagoya University Established : 1939 A National Institution
Number of Students / Undergraduate : 9,946 Graduate : 6,449 Number of Incoming Students / Undergraduate : 319 Graduate : 1,025 Number of Faculty Members / Professors : 667 Associate Professors : 543
Lecturers : 165 Research Associates : 552 Research Assistants : 8 Researchers : 161
Education Organization
Undergraduate / School of Letters / School of Education / School of Law / School of
Economics / School of Informatics and Sciences / School of Science / School of Medicine / School of Engineering / School of Agricultural Sciences
Graduate / Graduate School of Letters / Graduate School of Education and Human
Development / Graduate School of Law / Graduate School of Economics / Graduate School of Science / Graduate School of Medicine / Graduate School of Engineering / Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences / Graduate School of International Development / Graduate School of Mathematics / Graduate School of Languages and Cultures / Graduate School of Environmental Studies / Graduate School of Information Science
KYOTO UNIVERSITY
Profile
K.U. PROFILE : Kyoto University Programs for Future International Leaders
K.U. PROFILE (Kyoto University Project for Future International Leaders), Kyoto University's educational initiative under the Japanese government's Global 30 (G30) Project, aims to provide talented students from around the globe with the instruction, research experience and global perspective they need to become world-class leaders in their fields. The program comprises eleven master's and doctoral degrees and one undergraduate course available entirely in English. Admission procedures for the courses are conducted in English, and full support by English-speaking staff will be provided to all students for the duration of their studies.
The programs included in K.U. PROFILE take full advantage of Kyoto University's distinctive strengths and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to provide the education and practical experience that will enable students to become leading players on the international stage.
Comprehensive Support for International Students
As a truly international institution, Kyoto University is engaged in a large number of international academic exchange programs, and has concluded agreements of cooperation with many institutions around the world. The university has all of the facilities required to provide comprehensive support for its international students, and to ensure that their time in Kyoto is spent enjoyably and productively. Each K.U. PROFILE student will receive support and guidance from personal tutors. Tutors are generally graduate students enrolled in the relevant graduate school, and will be assigned based on a recommendation from the student's supervisor. Other forms of support available for international students include comprehensive handbooks for international students and researchers, and the student lounge KI-ZU-NA, which provides a reading room and audio visual room, and organizes regular cultural and exchange events such as hiking excursions and calligraphy classes.
Several accommodation options are available for international students including accommodation in the university's international houses and student dormitories. Financial support in the form of full or partial tuition exemption is available for select students who experience
fi nancial diffi culties, and a limited number of scholarships are also available. The number of scholarships is relatively small, however, so it is generally necessary for students to have suffi cient fi nancial resources prior to enrollment.
Kyoto City: An Ideal Place to Study
Kyoto is a city where the ancient and modern intermingle, and a unique balance is achieved between tradition and innovation. Considered by many to be the "heart of Japan," Kyoto is a city of striking natural beauty, numerous historical sites, and one in which many aspects of traditional culture continue to fl ourish. Far from being a mere stagnant stronghold of tradition, however, Kyoto has an open and forward-looking spirit, which has been embraced by the many successful international businesses that are based there. The combined infl uences of the city's contemplative traditional culture and stimulating progressive attitude provide an ideal environment in which students of all disciplines can thrive.
Kyoto University's Style of Education and Research
Kyoto is a city where the ancient and modern intermingle, and a unique balance is achieved between tradition and innovation. Considered by many to be the "heart of Japan," Kyoto is a city of striking natural beauty, numerous historical sites, and one in which many aspects of traditional culture continue to fl ourish. Far from being a mere stagnant stronghold of tradition, however, Kyoto has an open and forward-looking spirit, which has been embraced by the many successful international businesses that are based there. The combined infl uences of the city's contemplative traditional culture and stimulating progressive attitude provide an ideal environment in which students of all disciplines can thrive.
Kyoto University's academic style is characterized by free-thinking, self-reliance and dialogue. Many students take the initiative to pursue study and research based on their own personal interests and concerns, and researchers are challenging uncharted frontiers and achieving innovative results. Among its alumni, the university counts seven Nobel Prize laureates in fundamental natural science fi elds. In addition to their major fi elds of study, international students at Kyoto University are provided with excellent opportunities to study Japanese language and culture, and deepen their understanding of the East Asian region as a whole.
Kyoto University's Style of Education and Research
Kyoto University was founded in 1897. First, the College of Science and Engineering was established, and then other colleges followed, such as the colleges of Law, Medicine and Letters. In time the university developed into an increasingly comprehensive institution with a characteristic emphasis on research. In recent years the university has been making efforts to integrate the academic fi elds which are most vital for the future of the human race. At present, Kyoto University has 17 graduate schools, 10 faculties, 13 research institutes and 29 education and research centers and facilities. Currently, there are approximately 9,300 graduate and 13,400 undergraduate students, 2,900 faculty members and 2,500 administrative staff members.
Kyoto University's academic style is characterized by free-thinking, self-reliance and dialogue. Many students take the initiative to pursue study and research based on their own personal interests and concerns, and researchers are challenging uncharted frontiers and achieving innovative results. Among its alumni, the university counts seven Nobel Prize laureates in fundamental natural science fi elds. In addition to their major fi elds of study, international students at Kyoto University are provided with excellent opportunities to study Japanese language and culture, and deepen their understanding of the East Asian region as a whole
Kyoto University's Mission
who will contribute responsibly to the world's human and ecological community." In accordance with the mission statement, Kyoto University continues to emphasize and encourage fundamental and applied research. Many distinguished research groups are taking unconventional and thought-provoking approaches, resulting in cutting-edge world-class achievements. The broad scope of research in science and technology at Kyoto University encompasses subjects as diverse as physics, chemistry, biology, medical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, energy sciences, informatics, agricultural sciences and environmental studies. Currently, chemistry and regenerative medicine, such as stem cell research and cell-material sciences, are particularly highlighted fields at Kyoto University. Maintaining a close relationship with industry, the university is involved in collaborative research with many diverse companies and research organizations.
In the humanities and social sciences, Kyoto University has established unique international research centers that reflect the philosophic traditions of Kyoto. Our approaches in these fields are distinguished by language-and history-consciousness, and challenge a variety of disciplines to flourish and interact, ranging from archeology and classical studies to analyses of modern life. The thriving culture of creative dialogue on our campuses is rooted in the university's rich history of pioneering fieldwork, enduring examples of which are our area studies centering on Southeast Asia and Africa. In recent years, the university has successfully conducted an increasing number of joint research activities across the boundaries which conventionally divide the natural sciences and the humanities.
National and International Recognition
In addition to the Global 30 (G30) Project, Kyoto University has been selected by the Japanese government for several other initiatives which aim to support outstanding research universities. Our efforts under these programs have produced highly signifi cant results. For example, The Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) was launched under one such program in 2007, and soon afterwards the institute was internationally lauded for its breakthrough research into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Such accomplishments are possible due to the distinctive education, state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for practical hands-on experience that Kyoto University provides its students and researchers. Through the K.U. PROFILE programs, we aim to offer those opportunities to an ever wider spectrum of international talent.
Data (As of 2009)
Kyoto University Established : 1897 A National Institution
Number of Students / Undergraduate : 13,417 Graduate : 9,319
Number of Incoming Students / Undergraduate : 195 Graduate : 1,185 Others : 50 Number of Faculty Members / Professors : 1,015 Associate Professors : 758 Lecturers : 154 Research Associates : 928 Research Assistants : 10
Education Organization
Undergraduate / Faculty of Integrated Human Studies / Faculty of Letters / Faculty
of Education / Faculty of Law / Faculty of Economics / Faculty of Science / Faculty of Medicine / Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Faculty of Engineering / Faculty of Agriculture
Graduate / Graduate School and Faculty of Letters / Graduate School and Faculty of
Education / Graduate School and Faculty of Law / Graduate School and Faculty of Economics / Graduate School and Faculty of Science / Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine / Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Graduate School of Engineering / Graduate School of Agriculture / Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies / Graduate School of Energy Science / Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies / Graduate School of Informatics / Graduate School of Biostudies / Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies / School of Government / Graduate School of Management
OSAKA UNIVERSITY
Profile
Osaka University is recognized as one of the leading research universities in the world and at the forefront of technological innovation in Japan. Its strong orientation toward innovation, partnership with the local community and industry, and pioneering efforts in interdisciplinary research and education, all refl ect the university's unique history and characteristics.
Osaka University traces its beginnings to the Edo Period, to the foundation of Tekijuku in Osaka in 1838. Reaching further back, scientifi c and educational development in Osaka was enhanced by the establishment of Kaitokudo in 1724 by fi ve local merchants. Osaka University takes pride and inspiration from these two educational institutions, not founded by Japanese feudal lords but by local citizens. Both Tekijuku and Kaitokudo pursued scientifi c truth and knowledge while cultivating virtue and socio-cultural awareness in students. In 1931, the University was established as Osaka Imperial University and it has grown rapidly, not only in size but also in terms of its contributions to the scholarly community. Osaka University merged with Osaka University of Foreign Studies in October 2007 and created the synergy to enhance international cooperation, research on global issues and education in foreign languages. It is now a comprehensive research university with 16 graduate schools, 11 undergraduate schools / faculties, 5 research institutes, 24 joint-use facilities, 2 hospitals, and 4 libraries on 3 campuses of Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh. As of May 1, 2009, 1455 international students were studying at Osaka University out of a total of about 25,000 students. Osaka University takes pride in being a first-class university in both domestic and international settings and is committed to make contributions to society, based on the University's motto "Live Locally, Grow Globally."
Education
Osaka University strengthens liberal arts education for junior-and senior-year undergraduate students and promotes minor programs for graduate students that integrate graduate courses and specialty fields. The university has focused on cultivating the ability to comprehensively deal with problems and their solutions through the development of Comprehensive Understanding (the ability to make
sound social judgments with broad perspectives), Synthetic Imagination (the free play of imagination and the ability to create a network
linking people from different fi elds and social standings), and Transcultural Communicability (the ability to communicate with and understand people from various backgrounds and cultures), and through the incorporation of on-site fi eld work in curricula.
Research
Osaka University is striving to open a new scientific era through groundbreaking research, while respecting fundamental studies, and placing great importance on ideas that are "basic", "exciting" and "responsible". The university also believes that it should fulfi ll
its responsibilities by confronting the diffi culties that modern day society faces. Since its foundation, Osaka University has aimed to demonstrate the highest level of vitality in research and raise its international presence as a world-class institution through active cooperation with domestic and overseas scientifi c institutions, industries and governments.
At Osaka University, the "WPI (World Premier Initiative) Program" and the "Global COE (Center of Excellence) Program" are some examples of the many large-scale programs awarded by the government that showcase its top-level research. The WPI Program, established by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), provides intensive support for projects aimed at forming world-class research centers, staffed at their core with world-leading researchers. Research on immunology is one of the fi elds in which Japan has taken the lead. Osaka University is particularly well known in this fi eld thanks to two very successful pioneers and former presidents, Dr. Yuichi Yamamura and Dr. Tadamitsu Kishimoto. The Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) was selected as a project under the WPI Program on October 1st, 2007 and is directed by Prof. Shizuo Akira. Prof. Akira was chosen as the world's "hottest researcher" by Thomson Scientifi c Research, meaning that he is the author of the highest number of cited papers in all research fi elds in 2006 and 2007. IFReC conducts immunology research through employing imaging technologies developed by one of the leading experts in the fi eld of biosciences, Prof. Toshio Yanagida. The dynamic immune system in vivo, its rapid development in the diagnosis, and treatment of immune diseases (infection, autoimmune disease and allergies) and cancer are being studied at this center.
The "Global COE Program" was launched in 2007 by MEXT to further strengthen and enrich Japanese universities' education and research functions and to raise creative professionals capable of playing an active international role in the world's highest level of research. Between 2007 and 2009, a total of 12 centers were selected in the fi elds of Future Engineering based on Understanding of Cognitive Brain, Frontier Biomedical Sciences Underlying Organelle Network Biology, Core Research and Engineering of Advanced Materials Science, Atomically Controlled Fabrication Technology, Human Behavior and Socioeconomic Dynamics, System Dynamics of Biological Function, Bio-Environmental Chemistry, Advanced Structural and Functional Materials Design, Ambient Information Society Infrastructure, Electronic Devices Innovation, Conflict Studies in the Humanities, and In Silico Medicine-Oriented Worldwide Open Platform. From cutting-edge to multi-disciplinary research, Osaka University has implemented these programs in a systematic and
coherent way. It is expected that their outcomes will greatly contribute to solving the problems humanity faces today.
Support System
The Support Offi ce for international students and scholars is designed to assist international students and visiting scholars with visa applications and housing, and to provide them with information and services from before their arrival in Japan to their departure from Japan.
With the cooperation of counselors and special academic advisors, the International Student Center provides international students with various types of advisory services related to living and studying in Japan. Some of the schools / graduate schools also have independent advising rooms for international students. In addition, international students can attend a variety of Japanese Language and Culture Programs and participate in a number of exchange activities to broaden friendship and communication with both international and Japanese students, as well as with faculty, staff and local residents. Tutor Programs for new students are also arranged. The tutors are mainly graduate students majoring in a discipline related to the major of the respective international student and help improve his or her Japanese skills and assist with matters outside classes.
"Osaka University Style"
Osaka University Style is characterized by: (1) Cutting-edge research, (2) the creation of, in the University's tradition, new research fi elds by amalgamating previously unknown fi elds, (3) an atmosphere that reveres study and research, (4) respect for a liberal arts education at our graduate schools, and (5) active contributions to society encouraged through university-industry cooperation. We are a research university that is also called a "university of education". We welcome international students of all nationalities with aspiration and commitment to excel.
Data (As of 2009)
Osaka University Established : 1931 A National Institution
Number of Students / Undergraduate : 15,937 Graduate : 7,856 Others : 1,455
Number of Incoming Students / Undergraduate : 245 Graduate : 814 Others : 396 Number of Faculty Members / Professors : 886 Associate Professors : 826 Lecturers : 184 Research Associates : 1,040 Research Assistants : 14
Education Organization
Undergraduate / School of Letters / School of Human Sciences / School of Foreign Studies / School of Law / School of Economics / School of Science / School of Medicine / School of Dentistry / School of Pharmaceutical Sciences / School of Engineering / School of Engineering Science
Graduate / Graduate School of Letters / Graduate School of Human Sciences / Graduate School of Law and Politics / Graduate School of Economics / Graduate School of Science / Graduate School of Medicine / Graduate School of Dentistry / Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Graduate School of Engineering / Graduate School of Engineering Science / Graduate School of Language and Culture / Osaka School of International Public Policy / Graduate School of Information Science and Technology / Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences / Osaka University Law School / United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University and Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
KYUSHU UNIVERSITY
Profile
Founded in 1911 as one of Japan's seven Imperial Universities, Kyushu University has established itself as a leader in education and research not just in Japan, but throughout Asia. Currently, it has a total student population of 18,588, of which about 6% are international students, and its faculty boasts roughly 2,300 full-time members. Comprehensive in its academic reach, the university has over 11 undergraduate departments and 18 graduate schools, as well as their affi liated research centers. Kyushu University's main strengths lie in its particularly active and innovative science programs, as is evidenced by the fact that it runs one of the most highly regarded and advanced medical schools in Asia.
In 2011, Kyushu University will celebrate its fi rst centennial, marking its founding as a National Imperial University. As our motto is to "open the door to a new century of knowledge," Kyushu University will take advantage of use long-standing tradition as a launching pad for our transformative leap into the future. In line with this objective, we are currently in the process of relocating to the new state-of-the-art Ito Campus, which will, upon completion, provide the university with advanced research facilities that are unrivaled in Asia. With the assistance and cooperation received from various friends of the university, we are committed to making every possible effort to promptly complete this relocation.
We consider ourselves as one of the core universities that represent Japan as a whole. As such, we have been working closely with both local and national government bodies, universities and research institutes, as well as with a variety of industries, contributing to the prosperity and development of this island nation. As a global Center of Excellence, we take our responsibility of raising worldwide standards in education and research very seriously. Currently, the university is engaged in a number of joint research projects with global ramifi cations, including the East Asian Environmental Problems Project and the Energy Development Project. The former aims to signifi cantly contribute to the solution of the issue of environmental pollution, with particular reference to East Asia. Towards that end, it has brought together a team of renowned researchers from various sectors of Japan, and from major universities and research institutes in China, Korea, and other countries in East Asia. The latter project, the Energy Development Project, seeks solutions to energy problems from a long-term perspective, and against mounting concerns that the world's energy resources are being rapidly depleted. The present project deals comprehensively with the cleaner use of conventional energy sources such as coal, as well as with potential sources such as hydrogen and nuclear fusion.
With the aim of educating new generations of leaders worldwide, we currently offer several graduate programs in English that allow those enrolled to obtain a Master's degree without any knowledge of Japanese. To build on our global education concept, we will continue to expand our range of degree programs to be offered only in English. From the Fall Term of 2010 and beyond, the university will launch English-language undergraduate programs in Agriculture and Engineering, and English-language graduate programs in the Humanities, Social and Cultural Studies, Human-Environment Studies, Law, Economics, Science, Mathematics, Systems Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Dental Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Design, Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, and Integrated Frontier Sciences.
We fully appreciate the fact that, while offering superior education to future generations of world leaders is a start, more is needed to make the most of their studies and research activities. We already have a system in place that provides a variety of services to students and researchers from overseas, and seek to do more. To begin with, each international student will be assigned both a tutor and an academic supervisor. The tutor will greet the overseas student at the airport upon arrival in Kyushu, help the student adjust to life in Japan by providing advice regarding Japanese customs, teach survival Japanese, take the student shopping, take him / her on a campus tour, and introduce the student to a community of friends, among many other things. Beyond this, Kyushu University's International Student Center offers services that include Japanese language lessons and cross-cultural counseling to interested students. The Support Center for Students and Researchers from Overseas, whose branch offi ces can be found on all fi ve of the university's campuses, will also assist the university's international population when they need help with translation, with documents for the immigration offi ce and / or city halls, and more. If international students wish to fi nd jobs in Kyushu, our career services section can also offer them assistance.
