Hiroshima Jogakuin University (HJU): International Student Guide to Programs, Costs, Scholarships, and Life in Hiroshima

Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that blends small classes, supportive faculty, and a strong commitment to peace? Hiroshima Jogakuin University (HJU) is a private women’s university in Hiroshima City with more than a century of history and a clear mission to educate women as leaders and global citizens. This long-form guide walks you through HJU’s mission and founding story, strengths such as the Global Studies in English (GSE) program, scholarships, international student life, climate and lifestyle in Hiroshima, exchange opportunities, and career outcomes—so you can decide if HJU fits your academic and personal goals.

Quick Facts

Below is a concise snapshot of Hiroshima Jogakuin University. Figures are the most recent available from official sources and are noted beneath the table.

Type (National/Public/Private)	Private women’s university (Mission)
Total Students	645 total (Undergraduate 639; Graduate 6) — as of May 1, 2025 (Official Enrollment)
Campuses	Ushita Higashi (Main), Hiroshima City (Campus Map & Facilities)
Faculties/Schools	2 Faculties / 5 Departments: International English; Japanese Language & Culture; Life Design; Nutrition & Health; Childhood Education. Graduate Schools (Master’s): Language & Culture (Japanese / English); Human Life Studies (Life & Culture / Life Science). (Faculties & Departments)
Studiengebühren	Standard undergraduate: ¥1,310,000 first year; ¥1,060,000 subsequent years. GSE with International Students’ Scholarship: ¥670,000 per year. Graduate (1st year): ¥810,000. (Tuition & Scholarships)
Gender Ratio	Women’s university (undergraduate programs) (Mission)
Intl‑Student %	17 international students in 2024 (latest country-level snapshot; share varies yearly). (International Students by Country)
Students per Staff	≈13:1 (rough estimate using 2025 student totals and current faculty headcounts). See faculty numbers. (Faculty Numbers)

Sources: Enrollment & capacity (May 1, 2025) from HJU’s official disclosure; country‑by‑country international student counts (2019–2024) from HJU’s disclosure; fees and scholarships from the official English Tuition page (links above). Figures may change annually; always confirm on the official pages.

Campus Maps

Hiroshima Jogakuin University (Ushita / Main Campus)

Address: 4-13-1 Ushita Higashi, Higashi Ward, Hiroshima 732-0063, Japan

Open in Google Maps (reviews & details)

Mission, History & Founding Story

Hiroshima Jogakuin University (HJU) is guided by a mission rooted in Christian values—educating women to live compassionately, act with integrity, and seek peace. The university’s ethos emphasizes dignity, service, and global citizenship, shaping both its academic programs and its student support culture. You’ll see these values reflected across coursework, chapel activities, and co‑curricular programs that encourage community building and leadership development (Mission).

HJU’s history stretches back to the late 19th century, growing through the turbulent eras of the 20th century into a modern higher-education institution. The university has evolved through reorganizations to meet contemporary needs while preserving its founding ideals. Notably, the current structure includes the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Human Life Studies, plus two graduate schools. The 2018 academic reorganization sharpened the focus on international English education, Japanese language and culture, design and life sciences, nutrition and health, and teacher preparation—fields aligned with HJU’s strengths and its commitment to nurturing women who can contribute to society (History).

Located in Hiroshima City, HJU also carries a special responsibility: to contribute to peace. The city’s identity as a place of remembrance and dialogue reinforces the university’s focus on intercultural understanding and ethical leadership. In practice, that means small, discussion‑based classes, diverse service opportunities, and frequent interactions with local and international communities. HJU’s partner networks and overseas programs (ranging from short field experiences to semester‑ or year‑long exchanges) extend this mission beyond Japan’s borders (Partner Institutions).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Global Studies in English (GSE): Earn Your Degree in English

If you want to study social, cultural, and political issues in English, HJU’s Global Studies in English (GSE) is a flagship option. Students take almost all classes in English, building critical thinking, research, and communication skills for bilingual environments. The curriculum integrates courses in international relations, culture, media, economics, and peace studies, alongside skills‑based subjects like Research & Debate and Interpreting. For program outlines and examples of courses, see the official pages (GSE Course, GSE Curriculum).

GSE also encourages short overseas study—typically from one to four weeks—through “Global Village” field experiences across Asia. Past destinations have included Vietnam, Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand, which give students practical exposure to development, culture, and community projects (Overseas Activities).

Peace‑Oriented Liberal Arts with Christian Traditions

HJU is known for nurturing “whole‑person” growth—intellectual, moral, and spiritual. Courses and campus activities emphasize intercultural dialogue, ethics, and service. The university’s mission frames education as preparation for peacebuilding and community engagement—an outlook reinforced by the city of Hiroshima’s global role. To learn more, browse the official Mission und History pages.

Flagship Programs in Practice‑Based Fields

Department of Nutrition & Health. This department trains future nationally licensed dietitians in science‑based nutrition, food safety, and public health. Graduates pursue roles in hospitals, schools, government, and industry. See the official overview here: Nutrition & Health. For context on professional roles in Japan, consult the Japan Dietetic Association’s English information: Registered Dietitians in Japan.

Department of International English. Beyond GSE, students can choose tracks such as English education, communication, or culture and literature—building bilingual expertise for careers in education, media, tourism, NGOs, and business (International English).

Teacher Preparation & Child Development. The Department of Childhood Education prepares future teachers for early childhood and elementary education, combining pedagogy with hands‑on practicum experiences (Faculties & Departments).

Small, Supportive Learning Environment

With 645 students (as of May 1, 2025) and a compact campus, HJU emphasizes personal attention and mentorship. The university’s own facts and figures show modest class sizes and accessible faculty, creating an environment where international students can receive close academic and pastoral support. For student and faculty numbers, consult HJU’s disclosures (Enrollment; Faculty Numbers).

Scholarships That Lower the Cost

International students have access to substantial support. For example, GSE students with the International Students’ Scholarship pay ¥670,000 per year in tuition and fees, and many exchange students receive waivers based on partner agreements. Details and additional aid options are listed on the official page (Tuition & Scholarships).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Joining clubs (called “circles”) is the easiest way to meet friends and experience Japanese campus culture. HJU features music ensembles, tea ceremony clubs, language and culture groups, and sports such as kyūdō (archery), tennis, badminton, and dance. See the official list here: Club Activities.

Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

HJU’s International Programs Center provides advice on residence status, scholarships, housing, and more. Exchange students may receive university-arranged housing near campus, and the city offers additional resources for international residents (Support for International Students; Life in Hiroshima (English)).

Language‑Exchange & Buddy Programs

International students can receive support from student tutors—often acting as conversation partners and guides for class registration and daily life. These peer supports help new arrivals build confidence in Japanese and integrate quickly (Student Tutors at HJU).

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

HJU belongs to a network of partner institutions across nine countries, enabling fieldwork, joint seminars, and semester‑ or year‑long exchanges. Prospective outbound students can explore the latest list and program formats on the official English page (Partner Institutions) and the Exchange hub (Exchange Programs). GSE students also have dedicated short‑term opportunities via Global Village (Overseas Activities).

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Hiroshima’s climate is generally mild, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid; winters are cool but not severe. A city‑run study‑abroad portal describes the region as enjoying a calm climate sheltered by the Chūgoku Mountains to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south (Hiroshima Study Abroad Portal – Climate).

Typical ranges give you an idea of what to expect: August average highs hover around ~31°C (88°F), and January average lows are around ~2°C (36°F) in Hiroshima City, based on multi‑year weather summaries (Weather Averages). For practical living information (healthcare, disaster prep, municipal services, and more), the city provides an English guidebook (Life in Hiroshima: A Guide for International Residents (PDF)).

Safety and costs are favorable compared with Japan’s largest metros. While perceptions vary, third‑party indices consistently place Hiroshima on the low‑crime side within Japan and show moderate living costs relative to Tokyo (Crime Index – Hiroshima; Cost of Living – Hiroshima).

International Student Statistics

HJU publishes country‑level counts of international students. The latest snapshot (for academic year 2024) shows a total of 17 international students across multiple countries including the U.S., Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, and China. Numbers vary each year with exchange cycles and admissions (International Students by Country (PDF)). Overall student totals as of May 1, 2025 are 639 undergraduates and 6 graduate students (Official Enrollment).

Career & Graduate Prospects

Graduates pursue careers aligned with their majors. International English alumni commonly work in airlines, hospitality, tourism, education, NGOs, and international business. Nutrition & Health graduates become registered dietitians/nutrition managers in healthcare and public sectors. Life Design graduates enter design, architecture‑related roles, and education; Childhood Education majors move into nursery, kindergarten, ECEC, or elementary teaching. Browse typical pathways and data visualizations on HJU’s career pages (Career Paths).

Quick Tips & Next Steps

Explore the official pages to double‑check requirements and the latest information: Faculties & Departments · Tuition & Scholarships · GSE (English‑taught option) · Partner Institutions · Clubs & Circles · Support for International Students · City Guide (English, PDF).