Tokushima Bunri University (TBU) Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Campus Life, Exchanges & Careers

Thinking about Japan for your degree? Tokushima Bunri University (TBU) is a student-friendly private institution in western Japan with two city campuses, strong professional faculties—from Pharmacy and Health & Welfare to Science & Engineering and Music—and a reputation for practical, career-ready education. This guide gives overseas applicants a clear, up-to-date overview: key facts, programs, scholarships and fees, campus life, exchange options, climate and living costs, international student data, and graduate outcomes—everything you need to judge whether TBU belongs on your shortlist.

Quick Facts (Tokushima Bunri University)

Item	Data (Source)
Type	Private (Independent)
Total Students	3,870 (as of Mar 2024) — Facts & Figures (JP)
Campuses	Tokushima Campus (Main) — Tokushima Campus (EN) Takamatsueki Campus (Kagawa) — Takamatsueki Campus (EN)
Faculties/Schools	8 Faculties (EN): Pharmaceutical Science; Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kagawa; Human Life Sciences; Health & Welfare; Policy Studies; Science & Engineering; Music; Literature
Tuition Fees	First-year totals (typical): ¥1,250,000–¥2,270,000 depending on faculty (e.g., Pharmacy/ Kagawa Pharmacy: ¥2,270,000; Music: ¥2,080,000; Policy Studies: ¥1,300,000; Human Life: ¥1,250,000–¥1,270,000; Health & Welfare: ¥1,270,000–¥1,700,000). Official breakdown — Tuition & Fees (JP)
Gender Ratio	N/A (not officially published in EN)
Intl‑Student %	≈ 2% (≈75 international students / 3,870 total; latest figures on JP site) — International Programs (JP); Facts & Figures (JP)
Students per Staff	— (not officially published as a ratio)

Campus Maps

Tokushima Campus (Headquarters, Tokushima)

Address: 180 Nishihama-Hoji, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan

Takamatsueki Campus (Takamatsu, Kagawa)

Address: 8-53 Hamanocho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-8542, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Tokushima Bunri University traces its roots to 1895, when its predecessor school was founded with a practical, socially engaged approach to learning. Over more than a century, the institution has expanded and diversified—today bringing together eight undergraduate faculties, a junior college, and graduate schools across two urban campuses in Tokushima and Takamatsu (Kagawa). The word “Bunri” signals a humanistic commitment to both culture and science, and TBU’s programs aim to link classroom knowledge to regional needs and careers.

TBU emphasizes “learning through doing.” Teacher-training support, health and welfare training, engineering labs, language learning, and community partnerships are woven into the curriculum. The university has formal centers to support those goals—Learning Support, Language Center, and Community Relations—helping students progress academically, develop communication skills, and connect with local industry and government. See the official overview of centers here: Centers (EN).

Across 130 years of history, TBU has evolved to serve regional communities through professional education and cultural engagement. The official English “University History” page outlines major milestones and the growth of faculties and facilities: University History (EN).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Professional Education

Pharmacy (Tokushima & Kagawa)

Pharmacy is a signature strength at TBU, offered both at Tokushima and at the newer Kagawa site. Programs combine foundational sciences with medical chemistry and clinical pharmaceutics, preparing students as highly skilled professionals. Explore both pages for course outlines and facilities: Pharmaceutical Science (EN) and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kagawa (EN). Tuition benchmarks are on the official fee page (Pharmacy first-year total: ¥2,270,000) — Tuition & Fees (JP).

Health & Welfare Pipeline

The Health & Welfare faculty spans Oral Health Sciences, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Human Welfare, Radiological Technology, and Clinical Engineering—reflecting regional demand for healthcare professionals and interprofessional training. Program descriptions are available in English: Health & Welfare (EN). First-year totals range from ¥1,270,000–¥1,700,000 depending on the department (official fee table) — Tuition & Fees (JP).

Science & Engineering with Hands‑On Practice

Mechanical, Electronic Information, and related fields emphasize applied projects and device design, supported by modern labs and collaborations. Program snapshots in English: Science & Engineering (EN). (For official fee references by faculty, see the university fee table.)

Human Life Sciences & Policy Studies (Community Focus)

From nutrition and childhood education to media/architecture design and social policy, these faculties reflect TBU’s emphasis on practical problem‑solving in daily life and local governance. See faculty pages: Human Life Sciences (EN) / Policy Studies (EN). First‑year fees typically range ¥1,250,000–¥1,300,000 — Tuition & Fees (JP).

Music & the Arts (Murasaki Hall, Ensembles)

The Music faculty blends historical/cultural study with performance. Students learn one or more instruments and join ensembles; there are frequent concerts on campus and in the community. See: Music (EN). A one‑year post‑graduate performance certificate is also available: Post Grad Certificata (EN).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

TBU hosts many student‑run clubs (sports, culture, music). International students can join and meet local peers easily. Browse the official club directory (JP): Clubs & Circles (JP).

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counselling)

The university’s centers provide academic advising, Japanese/English language support, and links to housing/counselling resources. See the overview of official centers: Centers (EN). For daily life contents in Japanese (scholarships, living guides, etc.): Campus Life (JP).

Language‑Exchange & Study‑Abroad

TBU runs international exchange/study‑abroad programs and campus events that connect international and domestic students. Program gateway (JP): International Exchange & Study Abroad (JP).

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

TBU reports ≈100 outbound study‑abroad students per year, and partnerships with 41 institutions in 12 countries (latest published data). Source: Facts & Figures (JP). For student voice pages and interview features (JP): Graduate/Student Interviews (JP).

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Tokushima & Takamatsu Areas)

Weather (recent patterns)

Tokushima has warm, humid summers and mild winters. Typical extremes: August average highs around low‑30s °C and warm nights; January average lows around ~2 °C. See detailed climate charts (multi‑year averages) on WeatherSpark: Tokushima and Tokushima Airport.

Cost of Living & Getting Around

Compared with Tokyo, the Tokushima/Takamatsu area is notably more affordable for housing and daily meals. For up‑to‑date community‑reported costs (rent, groceries, dining, etc.), see: Numbeo: Tokushima Cost of Living. For local taxi benchmarks: Numbeo: Taxi Fares. General living guidance in English: Living in Tokushima (EN Guide). Emergency contacts and safety tips for visitors are maintained by Japan’s national tourism site: Japan Travel – Emergencies (EN).

International Student Statistics

Headcount & Share. The university’s admissions site reports that roughly about 75 international students are enrolled (context provided on the International Programs page). With a total student body of 3,870 (Mar 2024), that equates to approximately ~2%. Sources: International Programs (JP) and Facts & Figures (JP).

Outbound Mobility. About 100 students per year go abroad through exchanges and short‑term programs. TBU lists 41 partner schools in 12 countries. See: Facts & Figures (JP) and the exchange gateway: Exchange & Study Abroad (JP).

Career & Graduate Prospects

Placement. TBU reports a 99.0% job placement rate (as of Mar 2024), reflecting the university’s practical curriculum, licensure pathways, and strong regional employer ties. Source: Facts & Figures (JP).

Typical Destinations. Healthcare systems (hospitals/clinics, public health), social welfare agencies, schools and local governments (teaching, policy), manufacturers and IT firms (engineering roles), cultural institutions (music, cultural property), and private sector roles in commerce and services. See ongoing interview series (JP): Graduate/Student Interviews (JP).

Where to Find Official Information. For admissions procedures and downloadable guides, start here: Admission Information (JP) and the dedicated portal: Admissions Portal (JP).