Shikoku University Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Campus Life, Exchanges, and Careers

Thinking about studying in Japan—but want a place that blends strong academics, a friendly campus culture, and a genuinely livable city? Shikoku University in Tokushima sits on the island that gave it its name and offers a compact, community-oriented environment with real international links. From a distinctive Department of Calligraphic Culture to nursing and health programs tied to regional hospitals, the university mixes “hands-on” learning with small-group classes and faculty who know their students. This guide gathers key facts (fees, faculties, student ratio), what makes Shikoku University stand out, and what life looks like on and around campus—so you can decide whether it’s the right fit.

Shikoku University — Symbolic Photos (Free Use)

Quick Facts

Type	Private university (School Juridical Person: Shikoku University). Official Outline (EN)
Total Students	2,435 (University: undergraduate + graduate); 2,764 including Junior College (as of May 1, 2024). Number of Students/Teaching Staff (EN)
Campuses	Main campus: Ojin‑cho (Tokushima City). Access (EN) / Campus Map (EN)
Faculties/Schools	Faculty of Literature (Japanese Literature; Calligraphic Culture; Intercultural Studies), Faculty of Management & Information Science (Management & Information Science; Media & Information Systems), Faculty of Human Life Science (Human Life Science; Administrative Dietitians Training; Child Studies), Faculty of Nursing; plus Graduate Schools and a Junior College. Literature (EN) / Management & Information Science (EN) / Human Life Science (EN) / Nursing (EN)
Studiengebühren	Approx. ¥992,000–¥1,352,000 per year (by faculty), plus ¥34,000 other fees; one‑time admission fee ¥280,000 (year 1). See breakdown by department. Tuition & Fees (EN)
Gender Ratio	University (UG+Grad): Male 36.8% / Female 63.2% (2024). Source: student breakdown in official stats (Japanese). Student Numbers 2024 (JA)
Intl‑Student %	≈5.5% of total enrollment when including special auditors (FY2024); roughly 3–4% for degree‑seeking only. International Exchange (JA)
Students per Staff	≈15.9 : 1 (2,764 students / 174 full‑time teaching staff, 2024). Official Stats (EN)

Campus Maps

Furukawa Campus (Main, Tokushima)

Address: 123-1 Ebisuno, Furukawa, Ojin-cho, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima 771-1192, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Shikoku University articulates its educational philosophy as “Holistic Independence”—educating students in knowledge and practical skills while also nurturing character, initiative, and the ability to contribute to society. This principle shows up in small‑group teaching, approachable faculty, and an emphasis on employability and regional engagement. If you’re looking for a campus where professors know your name and give concrete feedback, this approach is a notable plus. Outline (EN)

The school’s roots go back to 1925, when its first chair, Katsu Satō, founded the Tokushima Dressmaking School with a pioneering aim: advancing women’s independence through professional education. The institution expanded to a junior college in 1961, opened a four‑year women’s university in 1966, moved to the present Ojin campus in 1970, and—marking a major milestone—became co‑educational and took the name “Shikoku University” in 1992. In the decades since, the university added new faculties (including Nursing in 2009), grew graduate schools, and strengthened community and international ties. History (JA)

Today, Shikoku University comprises four faculties (Literature; Management & Information Science; Human Life Science; Nursing), graduate schools, and a junior college. Its oldest sister‑university tie dates to 1981 with Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. The school presents itself as a university of advanced regional contribution—balancing global outlook with local impact in Tokushima. For official data points (student counts, staff, employability highlights, and international partnerships), the annual business report gives a comprehensive summary. FY2023 Business Report (JA, PDF)

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Calligraphic Culture: A signature program rooted in Japanese arts

Within the Faculty of Literature, the Department of Calligraphic Culture offers a rare, specialized path that connects traditional brushwork with contemporary design, exhibition, and education. Internationally minded students will find coursework that blends technique, art history, and modern applications—useful if you want to bridge cultural heritage and creative careers (museums, galleries, education). This is a hallmark of Shikoku’s identity. Explore the faculty overview for more. Faculty of Literature (EN)

Nursing & Health: Professional training linked to community needs

Shikoku’s Faculty of Nursing emphasizes clinical readiness and collaboration with local medical institutions. In the Faculty of Human Life Science, the Administrative Dietitians program and Child Studies align with national licensure tracks and regional workforce demand. These departments offer a clear line of sight from coursework to careers in healthcare and education. Nursing (EN) / Human Life Science (EN)

Digital Media & Information Systems: Practice‑first labs

In the Faculty of Management & Information Science, the Media & Information Systems track blends coding, UI/UX, and content production in studio‑style learning. If you want a regional university where you can ship real projects in small groups, this is the sweet spot. Management & Information Science (EN)

Outbound mobility: Exchange, short programs & Double Degree

Shikoku University partners across 13 countries (21 institutions, admissions site figure) and continues to expand. Popular destinations include the U.S. (Saginaw Valley State University; Merced College), Taiwan (Ming Chuan University), Australia (Southern Cross University; University of the Sunshine Coast; University of Southern Queensland), New Zealand (Lincoln; Massey), Korea (Osan University), the Philippines (University of the East), and more. Partner Universities (JA)  |  Outbound Records (FY2023–FY2025, JA)

World Plaza & English Lunch: Everyday language practice on campus

For informal speaking practice and test prep (TOEIC/TOEFL), the World Plaza is a campus hub where students join “English Lunch” and use multimedia learning tools. It’s open to all faculties and gives international students a quick way to meet local peers. World Plaza (JA)

Flagship areas at a glance

Calligraphic Culture (arts & heritage), Nursing (clinical links), Dietitian training (licensure track), Media/Information Systems (applied labs), and Intercultural Studies (study‑abroad pipelines).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Expect a wide range of student circles—from board‑game and cultural groups to community engagement and sports clubs. Most organizations welcome international participants; joining one is a fast way to build friendships and practice Japanese. Browse examples on the admissions site. Clubs/Cultural Circles (JA) / Sports Circles (JA)

Dedicated support: visa, housing, counseling

International Office (国際課) provides guidance on status‑of‑residence paperwork, part‑time work permission, and regular meetups for foreign students (e.g., “OASIS Meeting”). For International Students (JA). The Student Support Center assists with dorms/apartments, scholarships, counseling, and daily life. Student Life hub (JA)

On‑campus “International Dormitory” + Women’s Dorm

The International Dormitory (男女可) sits on the main campus and is designed for mixed living between international and Japanese students; a women’s dorm complex is also available. Typical fees and room types are shown on official pages; meal plans are available in the cafeteria by reservation. International Dormitory (JA) / Women’s Dorm (JA)

Language‑exchange on campus

World Plaza’s “English Lunch” and open lounge make it easy to meet conversation partners and prepare for TOEIC/TOEFL alongside Japanese classmates. World Plaza (JA)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound‑focused)

Where do Shikoku students go?

Recent outbound cohorts joined short‑term or semester programs in Taiwan (Ming Chuan University), Australia (University of Southern Queensland), New Zealand (Lincoln University), and more—often earning elective credit for language/culture study. Outbound Records (FY2023–FY2025, JA)

Double Degree (Southern Cross University, Australia)

Intercultural Studies majors can pursue a Double Degree with Southern Cross University—typically one to two years abroad within a four‑year plan, with credit transfer governed by departmental rules. Partner Universities (JA)

How Shikoku prepares you

Departments run pre‑departure classes and short intensives (e.g., two‑week language/culture modules abroad), so first‑ and second‑year students can test the waters before committing to a semester or a Double Degree. Intercultural Studies—sample curriculum (JA) / Outbound Records (JA)

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Tokushima)

What the weather feels like

Based on Japan Meteorological Agency monthly data from 2019–2024 for Tokushima city, summers are warm to hot; winters are cool but rarely severe. August is typically the hottest month and January the coldest. JMA past monthly data (JA) / Weatherspark—Tokushima Overview

Month (Typical)	Avg. High	Avg. Low
January	~9 °C	~3 °C
August	~30 °C	~24 °C

Lifestyle & safety

Tokushima is a mid‑size regional city with calmer commutes than major metros, easy biking around the Ojin campus area, and access to rivers and mountains within minutes. Daily costs are generally lower than Tokyo/Osaka; apartments near campus tend to be student‑oriented. The university supports dorm and rental searches via the Student Support Center. Student Support Center (JA)

International Student Statistics

How many, and from where?

Official information‑disclosure figures indicate that international students account for roughly 3–4% of degree‑seeking enrollment (higher—about 5–6%—when including short‑term/special auditors). Major source regions include China, Taiwan, Korea, and the U.S., with recent outbound/liaison activity in Australia and New Zealand as well. See the International Exchange pages and partner listings for up‑to‑date snapshots. International Exchange (JA) / Partner Universities (JA)

Career & Graduate Prospects

Employment trends & sectors

Shikoku University consistently reports ~97% job placement (versus ~92% national) in recent cohorts across university and junior college combined. Typical destinations include education (teachers), public sector, healthcare (nursing, dietetics), IT/services, and regional industries—with structured career education, employer events, and one‑to‑one advising. Career Center Bulletin (JA, PDF) / Career Center Overview (JA, PDF)

International graduates: targeted support

The university highlights strong outcomes for international graduates, supported by individualized counseling and tailored services (job‑search coaching, interview practice, visa paperwork). For institutional detail linking teaching, student support, and outcomes, see the business report’s sections on career/placement and internationalization. FY2023 Business Report (JA, PDF)

Alumni & community connections

With 50,000+ alumni over a century, Shikoku University emphasizes regional contribution—students regularly connect with local schools, public agencies, clinics/hospitals, and companies through practica and faculty networks. History (JA)

Understanding Tuition & Scholarships (¥)

What you’ll actually pay

Annual tuition typically ranges ¥992,000–¥1,352,000 depending on faculty (Nursing is at the upper end). Add approx. ¥34,000 in “other fees” per year and a one‑time ¥280,000 admission fee for first‑year entrants. Department‑level variations exist, especially in lab‑intensive or arts programs. Official Tuition & Fees (EN)

For Parents & Educators: What Makes Shikoku Different?

A balanced regional choice with global ties

Shikoku University’s value proposition is student‑centered education in a manageable city, tied to concrete professional tracks (education, healthcare, IT), arts/culture depth (calligraphy), and real mobility via exchange and a Double Degree. The numbers—student/staff ratio, steady placement, and structured support for internationals—show an institution small enough to mentor, yet connected enough to open doors abroad. Key Numbers (EN) / Mission & Philosophy (EN)

References & Source Links

About Shikoku University—Outline (EN)
Number of Students/Teaching Staff (EN)
Tuition & Fees (EN)
Access (EN) / Campus Map (EN)
Faculty of Literature (EN) / Management & Information Science (EN) / Human Life Science (EN) / Nursing (EN)
History (JA) / FY2023 Business Report (JA, PDF)
International Exchange (JA) / Partner Universities (JA) / Outbound Records (JA)
World Plaza (JA) / International Dormitory (JA) / Women’s Dorm—Admissions (JA) / Student Life hub (JA)
For International Students—International Office (JA)
Career Center Bulletin (JA, PDF) / Career Center Overview (JA, PDF) / Assessment Policy (JA, PDF)
JMA Monthly Data 2019–2024 (JA) / Weatherspark—Tokushima Overview
Video: “Talk with International Students” / Clubs/Circles (JA)