University of Shiga Prefecture (USP) Guide for International Students: Admissions, Programs, Tuition & Campus Life

Thinking about studying in Japan but want somewhere quieter than Tokyo and closer to real nature? The University of Shiga Prefecture (USP) in Hikone might be your perfect fit. Set by Lake Biwa (Japan’s largest lake), USP blends environmental science, engineering, human cultures, and nursing with hands-on learning and a strong community vibe. This guide gives you an English-friendly overview of academics, costs, campus life, weather, exchange options, and career outcomes so you can decide if USP belongs on your shortlist. All figures are linked to official sources, and prices are shown in yen (¥). Explore the USP English portal for more.

Quick‑Facts Table

Type (National/Public/Private)	Public (Prefectural)
Total Students	2,866 (Undergrad 2,585; Master’s 250; Doctoral 31) — as of May 1, 2025 Source (JP)
Campuses	Hikone (Main Campus) — Campus Map (EN)
Faculties/Schools	School of Environmental Science; School of Engineering; School of Human Cultures; School of Human Nursing; Graduate Schools (Environmental Science, Engineering, Human Cultures, Human Nursing) — Programs (EN)
Studiengebühren	Standard local public (prefectural) university tuition; see official guidance and exemptions — Tuition / Tuition Exemption (EN)
Gender Ratio	Male 49.4% (1,416) / Female 50.6% (1,450) — as of May 1, 2025 Source (JP)
Intl‑Student %	≈ 2.0% (57) — as of Nov 1, 2024 International Exchange Data (EN)
Students per Staff	≈ 10.1:1 (2,866 / 285 total staff) — staff as of May 1, 2025 Staff Data (JP)

Explore more: Programs (English) | International Exchange Data (English)

Campus Maps

Hikone Campus – University of Shiga Prefecture

Address: 2500 Hassaka-cho, Hikone City, Shiga 522-8533, Japan

Read reviews on Google Maps

Mission, History & Founding Story

USP opened in 1995 with a distinctive mission that still guides it today: “Rooted in the region, studying the region, contributing to the region.” The idea is simple: use Shiga’s living laboratory—especially Lake Biwa—to drive research and learning that benefits both local communities and the wider world. With four undergraduate schools and four graduate schools, the university encourages fieldwork, design thinking, and collaboration across disciplines.

Hikone’s compact scale shapes USP’s identity. You can bike to class, then be on the lakeshore in minutes for environmental sampling or a club paddling session. This “one‑campus” feel helps students make friends fast and join circles (clubs) with ease. The Campus Map (EN) shows how close academic buildings, labs, and student services are—useful when you’re juggling labs, seminars, and part‑time work.

Since its founding, USP has invested in community‑connected education: regional studies projects, sustainability initiatives around Lake Biwa, and joint programs with government and industry. That practical orientation carries into student careers, where partnerships translate into internships, lab placements, and first jobs across Kansai and beyond.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Hands‑On Lake Biwa Environmental Science (Signature Area)

USP is uniquely placed for environmental research and fieldwork. Lake Biwa’s ecosystem, watersheds, and surrounding communities create a living lab that undergraduates can access from year one. Courses across the School of Environmental Science emphasize ecosystem studies, environmental policy and planning, biological resources management, and environmental design/architecture. You’ll often see mixed teams—policy students working with engineers and ecologists—to solve real issues around conservation, water quality, and regional planning. Program outlines are detailed here: Undergraduate / Graduate School (EN).

Industry‑Embedded Engineering with Kansai Employers

The School of Engineering is tightly linked to manufacturing and technology companies across Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe) and neighboring Aichi. Students major in Materials Chemistry, Mechanical Systems Engineering, or Electronic Systems Engineering, and many labs collaborate directly with firms on applied projects.

Evidence & outcomes: USP publishes annual placement data. See the latest industry breakdown by faculty (JP, PDF) and overall placement rates (JP, PDF): Industry breakdown 2024  |  Placement rates 2024.

Global Liberal‑Arts Core across Human Cultures

USP’s School of Human Cultures blends regional studies, intercultural communication, human relations, lifestyle design, and nutrition science. It’s a good fit if you want a social‑sciences or humanities degree with experience‑based coursework and community projects. Learn more from the English‑language overview of schools and curricula: Programs (EN).

Nursing with Community Health Focus

The School of Human Nursing emphasizes public health, preventive care, and hands‑on clinical experience. The small‑campus setting means close guidance from instructors and early exposure to local clinics and hospitals. Graduates typically move into hospital roles in Shiga and the wider Kansai region or continue to graduate study.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

USP has a friendly, low‑hierarchy club culture—great for newcomers. Browse examples of sports and culture groups here: Clubs & Circles (EN).

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

Start with the Student Services Center for everyday questions and paperwork. For private concerns or accessibility support, the counseling offices can advise in a discreet setting. See: Student Services Center (EN) und Academic & Daily‑Life Consultation (EN).

Language Exchange & Buddy Programs

International and Japanese students mix through exchange activities hosted by the university and local groups. See USP’s international pages: Life at USP (EN). Off campus, the Shiga International Language Club also welcomes newcomers: ShILC (EN).

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

USP maintains active exchange agreements in Asia, North America, and Europe. A long‑standing example is the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Hikone, plus links with Michigan State University, University of Leeds Language Centre, and others. For the current list and numbers, see: International Exchange Data (EN).

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather snapshot (Hikone station): Expect warm, humid summers and cool winters with some snow. For recent data (past five years), consult Japan Meteorological Agency tables—monthly mean maxima/minima for a given year (e.g., 2024) and long‑term monthly means for context: JMA monthly (Hikone) und JMA long‑term averages.

Cost of living: The national average monthly housing cost for students is far below Tokyo’s, and Shiga is typically more affordable than major metros. See JASSO’s official guidance on living costs and sample budgets: Living Costs (Study in Japan). For accommodation options near USP, the university co‑op provides listings and support: Co‑op Housing Guide (JP) und Co‑op managed properties (JP). Also download the city’s English guidebook: Hikone City Guide 2024 (PDF).

International Student Statistics

As of Nov 1, 2024, USP hosted 57 international students (undergraduate, graduate, research/credited auditors, and exchange). The distribution includes China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Indonesia, several European countries (e.g., Germany, France, Spain, Poland, U.K.), Australia, and Ethiopia. See the full table and partner list: International Exchange Data (EN).

Career & Graduate Prospects

USP graduates commonly enter manufacturing, engineering services, local government, healthcare, and education across the Kansai region, with some moving to Tokyo, Nagoya, or overseas firms. Annual reports show consistently high placement rates, with detailed breakdowns by industry sector and school. Review the latest PDFs here: Placement rates 2024 und Industry breakdown 2024.

Where to Learn More & Next Steps

Start with the USP English portal. For fees and possible exemptions, see Tuition & Exemptions (English). For exchange and international student data, visit International Exchange (English). If you’re comparing budgets nationwide, check JASSO’s official pages on living costs and academic fees: Living Costs / Academic Fees.