Fuji Women’s University, Sapporo — Guide for International Students: Admissions, Tuition, Programs, Student Life & Exchanges

Thinking about studying in Japan, but want a safe, welcoming city with four true seasons, reasonable living costs, and a strong support system for women? Fuji Women’s University (FWU) in Sapporo might be the right fit. With small classes, student-first advising, and new “Well‑being Studies” programs launched in 2025, FWU blends the humanities with practical, community-oriented learning. This guide gives you quick facts, campus context, strengths, student life, study‑abroad options, climate & lifestyle, and career outcomes—all with official sources linked for easy verification.

Fuji Women's University — Symbolic Photo Gallery (Free Materials)

Below are freely usable images (CC/PD) of Fuji Women’s University. Captions are in English; sources and licenses are noted.

Quick‑Facts Table

Type (National/Public/Private)	Private (Women’s University)
Total Students	≈ 2,500 (FY2024, undergrad + grad). Annual breakdown is disclosed in Japanese public information: Latest “Enrollment & Capacity” (JP)
Campuses	Kita‑16‑jo (main, Sapporo); Hanakawa (Ishikari). See Campus Location & Access (EN)
Faculties/Schools	Undergraduate: Faculty of Humanities (English Language & Culture; Japanese Language & Literature; Arts & Sciences) / Faculty of Well‑being Studies (Regional Well‑being; Food Environment; Educational Well‑being for Children). Graduate: Graduate School of Well‑being Studies (Well‑being; Food Environment). Details: Faculties & Departments (EN)
Studiengebühren	Undergraduate (1st‑year) approx. ¥1,240,000 (Humanities) to ~¥1,440,000 (program‑dependent). Source: 2025 Tuition (JP). Graduate (1st‑year) approx. ¥1,119,500–¥1,169,500 depending on division. Source: Graduate Tuition (JP).
Gender Ratio	Undergraduate: 100% women (women’s university). Graduate: predominantly women.
Intl‑Student %	— (not publicly broken out as a %). FWU accepts exchange students mainly from Korea & Taiwan: Inbound Exchange Overview (JP)
Students per Staff	≈ 9.1 : 1 (latest published). Source (JP): Student‑to‑Faculty Ratio

Campus Maps

Fuji Women’s University — Multi‑Campus Maps

Kita 16‑jo Campus (Headquarters, Sapporo)

Address: Kita 16 Nishi 2, Kita‑ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001‑0016, Japan

Hanakawa Campus (Ishikari)

Address: Minami 4‑5, Hanakawa, Ishikari, Hokkaido 061‑3204, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

FWU’s founding spirit is rooted in Catholic values—education as service to people and community. The official statement summarizes this ethos and the educational objectives guiding each department’s curriculum. Start here: Founding Philosophy & Educational Objectives (EN).

FWU’s Historical Background traces its origins to 1920, when three Sisters from Germany came to Sapporo to advance women’s education. Over time, FWU evolved from a junior college to a four‑year college and then to the present university. In 2025, the Faculty of Human Life Sciences was reorganized and renamed the Faculty of Well‑being Studies; graduate programs were also updated under the Graduate School of Well‑being Studies. See the official timeline in English: Historical Background (EN).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Faculties: Humanities & Well‑being Studies

At the undergraduate level, FWU offers two main faculties. The Faculty of Humanities houses three departments—English Language & Culture; Japanese Language & Literature; and Arts & Sciences—emphasizing language, culture, writing, and interdisciplinary liberal arts. The Faculty of Well‑being Studies includes Regional Well‑being, Food Environment, and Educational Well‑being for Children. Program outlines in English: Faculties & Departments.

Small‑Class Teaching & Mentorship

FWU emphasizes close interaction with faculty and advising support. The latest public figures indicate a student‑to‑faculty ratio around 9.1 : 1, signaling accessible instructors and seminar‑style learning. Source (JP): Student‑per‑Staff.

Clubs & Societies that Welcome International Students

FWU’s club culture is active and varied, including a student‑led international exchange circle and language‑friendly groups. Explore the English summary here: Clubs & Societies (EN). A longer Japanese list appears in the Student Life section of the handbook: Student Handbook 2025 (JP, PDF).

Location Advantage: Sapporo Access & Lifestyle

The main campus is in central Sapporo (subway access), and the Hanakawa campus is in nearby Ishikari. See transit details and campus overview: Access (EN). Sapporo balances big‑city amenities with a friendly student atmosphere, natural parks, winter sports, and food culture.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Clubs range from cultural and sports to volunteer activities. International students often join groups that practice language exchange or global culture. Quick overview: Clubs & Societies (EN).

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counselling)

International applicants should start at the English admissions page for eligibility, required documents, visa steps, and contact: Entrance Exam for International Students (EN). Practical matters (academic calendar, on‑campus support, student life rules) are documented in the handbook: Student Handbook 2025 (JP, PDF).

Buddy / Volunteer / Host‑Family Programs

FWU involves local students in welcoming exchange students through volunteer tutor activities and events; some students also experience short home‑stays with host families. Overviews (JP): Student Volunteers & Tutors / Host‑Family Registration.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound Focus)

FWU’s Global Education Center supports both short‑term programs and 1‑year exchanges. See the English overview and partner list: Global Education Center (EN) / Partner Universities (EN). For JP details on timelines and process: Application Flow (JP).

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Sapporo has warm summers and snowy winters. Based on recent Japan Meteorological Agency data (last 1–2 years), summer highs can reach the mid‑ to upper‑20s°C, while winter lows commonly drop below freezing. For month‑by‑month temperature tables, see the JMA station pages (JP): 2024 Monthly (Sapporo) / 2023 Monthly and the annual summaries: 2024 Annual / 2023 Annual. For a city‑level English starter page: Study in Sapporo (City Site, EN).

International Student Statistics

FWU publishes English admissions guidance for international applicants including eligibility, application periods, and testing: International Admissions (EN) and annual English PDF guides (e.g., FY2025): Admission Guide 2025 (EN, PDF). While FWU does not publish an international‑student percentage, the public info page shows inbound exchange numbers (mainly Korea & Taiwan) by year (JP).

Career & Graduate Prospects

FWU’s Career Center supports internships, job search, and mentoring through the undergraduate years. Helpful rules and student‑life procedures are compiled in the handbook: Student Handbook 2025 (JP, PDF). The university also highlights partner institutions abroad (EN) and, in Japanese, showcases employment results and events through its career pages. For context on FWU’s recent strategic focus—including the 2025 reorganization—see the official English history timeline: Historical Background (EN).