Obihiro University of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine (OUAVM) for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Research, and Student Life

Thinking about studying agriculture, dairy science, or veterinary medicine in Japan? Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (OUAVM) in Hokkaido is a small, specialized national university known for practical training, close-knit labs, and globally connected research. This guide gives you a quick snapshot—facts, strengths, international student life, exchange options, climate, and outcomes—so you can decide whether OUAVM fits your goals.

Quick-Facts Table

Type	National (National University Corporation)
Total Students	1,400 (as of May 1, 2025) — Facts
Campuses	Main Campus: Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido — Access map
Faculties/Schools	School of Agriculture and Animal Science (Departments: Veterinary Medicine; Life and Food Sciences; Agro-environmental Science; Human Sciences) — School overview Graduate School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Agriculture — Graduate School
Studiengebühren	Research student example (official): Tuition ¥356,400 / year (¥178,200 per semester), Enrollment fee ¥84,600; Examination fee ¥9,800 — Tuition, exemption & insurance
Gender Ratio	Recent undergraduate intake (FY2023, approx.): Female ≈ 62% / Male ≈ 38% — Admission results (JP, PDF)
Intl-Student %	≈ 4.6% (64 of 1,400; as of May 1, 2025) — Facts
Students per Staff	≈ 6.7 (1,400 students / 210 faculty & staff) — Facts

Campus Maps

Main Campus (Obihiro, Hokkaido)

Address: Nishi 2-11, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

OUAVM’s mission is concise: advance knowledge, expand practical learning, and develop talent that contributes to society—especially in sustainable agriculture and food protection. The university frames these aims into four principles: internationally benchmarked curricula, global research exchange, hands-on training aligned with safety and hygiene standards, and collaboration with industry and communities. Mission

Founded in 1941 as a veterinary college during Hokkaido’s agricultural expansion, the institution evolved into a national university in 1949 and has since refined its programs to match regional needs and global standards. Key milestones include the establishment of the Graduate School, the National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases (NRCPD), and the Research Center for Global Agromedicine (GAMRC). Curriculum reforms consolidated departments and strengthened links to dairy science, animal health, and food safety. History

Today, OUAVM remains intentionally small—about 1,400 students—so lab work, field practicums, and farm rotations stay personal. Internationally, partnerships stretch across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America, giving motivated students clear routes to exchange or co-advised research. Facts / Academic exchange agreement

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Specialized National University, Tight Student–Faculty Ratio

OUAVM focuses on agriculture and veterinary medicine. With roughly 1,400 students and 210 faculty & staff, seminars and lab groups are smaller than at many comprehensive universities—useful if you value direct feedback and advisor time. Check program outlines here: School of Agriculture and Animal Science und Graduate School.

National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases (NRCPD)

NRCPD is nationally designated and internationally recognized, with WOAH (former OIE) reference roles for several protozoan diseases. It offers advanced diagnostics, training, and collaborative projects—especially relevant to One Health, tropical veterinary medicine, and zoonoses. NRCPD

Research Center for Global Agromedicine (GAMRC)

GAMRC links agriculture with human and animal health (food hygiene, antimicrobial resistance, occupational/ environmental health). Its collaborations include Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Wisconsin’s College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, creating pipelines for joint research and exchange. GAMRC / Exchange agreements

Field Center of Animal and Agriculture (Hands-on Dairy Training)

Students get real fieldwork in dairy production and farm operations, including sustainability experiments (e.g., biodiesel from rapeseed, forage-based feeding). If you’re aiming for practical expertise—not only theory—this is a major plus. Field Center

Early Completion Option (Graduate Level)

Highly focused graduate students may apply for early completion if they meet defined requirements—useful for sponsored students on tight timelines. Consult your future supervisor early. Early completion

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Campus circles range from sports to culture. Smaller cohorts make it easier to join, try something new, and get to know local students.

Support Offices (visa, housing, counseling)

OUAVM provides guidance on enrollment, immigration, health, counseling, scholarships, and more. The International House I offers up to 1 year of temporary housing for incoming students; tutors often help new arrivals settle in. See student-life pages and dorm details here: Student Support / Dormitory

Language Exchange & Buddy Culture

Although formal “buddy” programs change over time, small class sizes and lab groups create natural language exchange—Japanese practice for you, English support for local peers. Many research labs include students from multiple countries, which helps with day-to-day integration.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

OUAVM maintains academic exchange agreements with universities worldwide, including Cornell (USA), University of Wisconsin–Madison (USA), LMU Munich (Germany), University of Bern (Switzerland), Chulalongkorn (Thailand), and more. Check the current list and department-level agreements here: Academic exchange agreement

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Obihiro sits in the Tokachi Plain—big skies, open fields, and four clear seasons. Winters are cold and dry; summers are warm with occasional heat spikes. Recent Japan Meteorological Agency data for Obihiro indicate summer daily highs can top 30–35 °C, while mid-winter lows can drop near −15 to −20 °C. Check long-term monthly tables (English) and detailed monthly breakdowns (Japanese): JMA Monthly (EN) / JMA Detailed (JP)

Lifestyle-wise, Obihiro is safe, spacious, and relatively affordable compared to major metros. The campus has large green areas (~1.9 million m²) and easy bus/taxi access from Obihiro Station and Tokachi Obihiro Airport. Access & campus map

International Student Statistics

OUAVM reports 64 international students out of 1,400 total (≈4.6%), with representation across Asia, Africa, and the Americas; the USA typically has a small number of students on campus. See the current, detailed breakdown on the official facts page. Facts

Career & Graduate Prospects

OUAVM’s strengths (dairy production, veterinary medicine, food hygiene, agro-environmental science) align with industry needs in Hokkaido and beyond. Historically, Japanese national-university data show strong placement outcomes for OUAVM graduates, and the university highlights robust employment performance among national peers. (For reference, see national university fact materials.) JANU Fact Materials (EN, PDF)

If you are aiming for scholarships, OUAVM provides guidance on MEXT (embassy or university recommendation) and university-linked options. Government-sponsored students may be exempt from tuition and enrollment fees. Start here: Scholarship and official tuition/fee information: Tuition & exemption