Aoyama Gakuin University Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Admissions, Exchange, Careers

Thinking about studying in Japan but still deciding where to land? Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) gives you a rare mix of central Tokyo energy and hands‑on academics. With one campus in fashionable Shibuya and another in tech‑friendly Sagamihara, AGU blends liberal arts breadth, serious engineering, and real‑world career support. This guide covers quick facts, campuses, programs taught in English, research strengths, student life, costs, climate, partner schools, and career outcomes—so you can judge whether “Aoyama” should be on your shortlist.

Quick Facts

Below is a simple snapshot to help you compare AGU against other universities in Japan. Where possible, the key stats reference internationally comparable sources (e.g., Times Higher Education) and official AGU pages for verification.

Type	Private University
Total Students	20,276 (THE Key Stats, 2025) — see THE profile
Campuses	Aoyama (Shibuya, Tokyo) — Campus page ／ Sagamihara (Kanagawa) — Campus page
Faculties/Schools	College of Literature; College of Education, Psychology & Human Studies; College of Economics; Faculty of Law; School of Business; SIPEC (School of International Politics, Economics & Communication); School of Cultural & Creative Studies; College of Science & Engineering; School of Social Informatics; School of Global Studies & Collaboration (GSC); College of Community Studies. See Academic Programs overview.
Tuition Fees	Undergraduate fee schedule (reference): 2023 official PDF ／ General info: Tuition & Fees page.
Gender Ratio	49% F : 51% M (THE Key Stats) — Source
Intl‑Student %	2% (THE Key Stats) — Source
Students per Staff	12.3 (THE Key Stats) — Source

For official headcounts by level, see the latest AGU Facts & Data PDFs: Undergraduate Students (2024) and Graduate Students (2024).

Campus Maps

Aoyama Campus (Shibuya, Tokyo)

Address: 4-4-25 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8366, Japan

Sagamihara Campus (Kanagawa)

Address: 5-10-1 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa 252-5258, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Aoyama Gakuin University traces its roots to 1874, when Methodist Episcopal Church missionaries established a school in Tokyo that would eventually become the Aoyama Gakuin educational system. AGU’s historical DNA is unmistakably Christian—its motto, “The Salt of the Earth, The Light of the World,” highlights a tradition of educating students to serve and lead with character. Today, AGU is a comprehensive private university that blends this heritage with contemporary scholarship across the humanities, social sciences, business, law, science, engineering, and creative fields. For background, see Missions & Values and the institution’s history timeline.

AGU grew alongside modern Tokyo. The Aoyama Campus sits in Shibuya—one of the city’s most vibrant districts—placing students minutes from companies in media, tech, fashion, finance, and the start‑up scene. The Aoyama Campus hosts programs in the humanities, law, business, SIPEC, and creative studies. Meanwhile, the Sagamihara Campus specializes in the sciences, engineering, social informatics, and global studies—an environment with larger labs, maker spaces, and easy access to Kanagawa’s growing industrial corridor.

Over 150 years, AGU has emphasized an education that is intellectually rigorous and practically relevant, with faculty who bridge research and industry. That combination shows up in the university’s research centers and in its partnerships worldwide. AGU’s community (≈20k students) is big enough to support diverse programs and networks but small enough for meaningful faculty access—reflected in its students‑per‑staff ratio noted by THE Key Stats.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Undergraduate: SIPEC & the Global Studies Program (GSP)

AGU’s SIPEC (School of International Politics, Economics and Communication) is a signature school for students aiming at international careers. Its English‑forward Global Studies Program (GSP) lets students tackle international political economy, area studies, development, security, and cross‑cultural communication—often in small, discussion‑driven classes. For program details and English‑taught course information, see SIPEC’s official site: https://www.sipec.aoyama.ac.jp.

English‑Medium Graduate Options: SMIPRP & International Master’s in Science & Engineering

AGU runs two notable English‑taught graduate pathways. First, the Graduate School of Business offers the 12‑month Strategic Management and Intellectual Property Rights Program (SMIPRP)—a management program run in cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO). See details at the official site: https://www.aoyamasmiprp.jp/. Second, the Graduate School of Science & Engineering offers an International Master’s Program where all classes and assignments are in English; the school’s English info hub is here: Graduate School of Science & Engineering (faculty site: AGNES).

Research Facilities & Labs with Industry‑Grade Instrumentation

AGU supports research through an integrated network of labs and university‑wide initiatives, including the Center for Instrumental Analysis (managing TEM, FE‑SEM, XPS, AFM, XRD and more) and the Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) with clean rooms and nano‑fabrication equipment. For overviews, see the official Research Facilities page.

Creative Hub in Shibuya: “A Studio”

In the heart of Tokyo’s creative industry, AGU’s A Studio doubles as a learning space and a professional‑grade production venue, used by media partners and the School of Cultural & Creative Studies. Explore the hub at aogaku-astudio.com and via AGU’s research facilities overview.

Location Advantage: Central Tokyo Meets Practical Career Access

Being based in Shibuya (Aoyama Campus) and a science‑focused suburb of Kanagawa (Sagamihara Campus) means you can strike a balance: liberal arts and global studies with urban networking; STEM with space to build and test. AGU’s Career Support office leverages this geography for employer engagement, internships, and job hunting seminars.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

AGU’s club culture is active and welcoming—sports teams, music and a cappella, creative media, volunteer groups, and more. Browse the official Extracurricular Activities page and reach out directly once you’ve got your student email.

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counselling)

Your first stop is the International Center. AGU provides information and documentation for Visa/Status of Residence, scholarships, and practical guidance. Housing differs for degree students and exchange students: see Full‑Time International Students and Exchange Program (with housing information for exchange cohorts). Some schools (e.g., GSC) share specific dorm recommendations on their pages.

Language Exchange & Community Spaces

For informal language practice and community, AGU runs a Chat Room where students meet and speak in different languages. It’s a low‑pressure way to make friends across faculties.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

AGU maintains a broad partner network—over 180 universities in 40+ countries/regions—supporting semester/year exchanges and short‑term programs. See the official Partnerships page and the dynamic list of Partner Universities. Program‑level details (eligibility, application windows, course catalogs) are posted on the Exchange Program hub, with school‑specific PDFs from, for example, GSC’s exchange track.

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Tokyo & Greater Kanagawa)

Japan’s official climate normals are calculated over 30‑year periods. The Japan Meteorological Agency’s current baseline (1991–2020) gives you a reliable picture of temperatures and rainfall across seasons. Review JMA’s Climatological Normals (1991–2020). Expect warm, humid summers (June–September), a crisp and pleasant autumn, cool (often dry) winters with occasional snow in Tokyo, and a mild, flower‑filled spring.

Cost of living varies by neighborhood and housing type. The government‑endorsed Study in Japan site provides current estimates and practical breakdowns; start with Living Costs & Expenses. Tokyo’s rents are above the national average, but careful planning (shared housing, student dorms in Kanagawa, shorter commutes) can keep monthly costs manageable.

On urban safety, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2021 placed Tokyo in the global top tier overall. While rankings change by methodology and year, this provides helpful context for newcomers comparing large world cities.

International Student Statistics

AGU is historically a domestic-majority campus with a modest but growing international community. According to THE Key Stats, international students account for about 2% of the student body. For breakdowns by degree level (undergraduate vs. graduate), consult AGU’s official Facts & Data PDFs here: Undergraduate Students (EN PDF) and Graduate Students (EN PDF). See also THE’s profile: THE: Key Stats.

Career & Graduate Prospects

AGU’s Career and Employment Support Office offers workshops, advising, and employer outreach tailored to the Japanese job market (entry‑level “shūkatsu”) and to bilingual pathways. Start here: Career Support. For factual outcomes, AGU’s Facts & Data section compiles employment rates for undergraduates and postgraduates, plus the share progressing to further study. Outcomes vary by faculty: SIPEC and Business grads often head into consulting, trading & logistics, ICT, and media; Science & Engineering grads pursue manufacturing, electronics, mobility, and R&D roles; creative fields feed into the cultural and content industries centered around Tokyo.

If your goal is a career in Japan, maximize Japanese proficiency alongside your major—AGU provides campus language resources, international exchange events, and a supportive alumni network. The university location and extensive clubs/circles system are ideal for building social capital that pays off in internships and interviews.