Hiroshima Shudo University (HSU) Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Campus Life, and Exchanges

Thinking about studying in Japan but unsure where to start? Hiroshima Shudo University (HSU) offers a friendly, career‑focused experience in one of Japan’s most livable cities. As a private university with roots dating back to 1725, HSU blends tradition with practical learning, strong community ties, and global opportunities. This guide gives overseas applicants a clear look at academics, support, campus life, and climate—plus quick facts (fees, student numbers, and staff ratios) sourced from official pages—so you can decide if HSU matches your goals.

Panoramic View of Hiroshima Shudo University

This wide shot captures the main academic cluster set against wooded hills, highlighting the suburban setting and open athletic areas around the campus.

Main Approach Road and Entrance Sign

A quiet gateway scene that conveys the campus atmosphere—broad sidewalks, greenery on both sides, and signage guiding visitors into the university grounds.

Quick‑Facts Table

Type	Private University (About HSU)
Total Students	Undergraduate 6,405 + Graduate 61 = 6,466 (as of May 1, 2025) (Official data)
Campuses	Main: Numata (Ozuka‑higashi), Asaminami‑ku, Hiroshima (Campus Map)
Faculties / Schools	Commercial Sciences; Humanities & Human Sciences; Law; Economic Sciences; Human Environmental Studies; Health Sciences; Global & Community Studies; Graduate & Professional Programs (English site)
Studiengebühren	Undergraduate (most faculties): ¥780,000/year tuition (¥390,000 per semester). Entrance fee: ¥220,000. Graduate (Master’s): typically ¥520,000/year. Details vary by faculty—see official fee tables (Fees for 2024 entrants & later; Academic Regulations (EN)).
Gender Ratio	Approx. Male 65% / Female 35% (based on 2025 counts) (Official data)
Intl‑Student %	~1.0% (65 international students in 2023; total students 6,466 in 2025) (International & Exchange Student Numbers; Totals)
Students per Staff	32.0 students per full‑time faculty member (2025) (Official metric)

Campus Maps

Numata (Main) Campus — Hiroshima Shudo University

Address: 1-1-1 Ozuka-higashi, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima 731-3195, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Hiroshima Shudo University (HSU) traces its origins to the han (domain) school of the Hiroshima Domain established in 1725. That legacy matters: the original mission—educating capable citizens with character and practical skills—still shapes the university’s ethos today. In modern times, HSU became a junior college in 1952, a four‑year college in 1960, and adopted the present name in 1973. The university relocated to its current Numata campus in 1974, building a comprehensive institution that integrates liberal arts with career‑ready professional learning (Brief History).

HSU’s educational philosophy emphasizes both intellectual breadth and social responsibility. The university highlights values such as independent thinking, collaboration across disciplines, and meaningful engagement with the local community of Hiroshima—a global symbol of peace and resilience. These principles are laid out in the university’s official statements and guide curriculum design across faculties (University Philosophy).

A visible example of HSU’s mission in action is the Center for Co‑Creation (CCC), opened in 2015. The CCC brings together the International Affairs Center, the Center for the Co‑creation of Hiroshima’s Future, and the Learning Support Center—forming a hub for cross‑cultural exchange, academic advising, and project‑based learning. The space encourages students, faculty, and staff to work together on real‑world issues, aligning classroom learning with civic contribution (Center for Co‑Creation; International Affairs Center).

For international applicants, the takeaway is simple: HSU blends a long academic tradition with a pragmatic, student‑centered approach. The university’s admissions pages clarify pathways for overseas candidates, and support structures are in place from the moment you apply through graduation (International Student Admissions Flowchart; Undergraduate Admissions; Graduate Admissions).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Faculties with Clear Professional Pathways

Commerce & Management

HSU’s Faculty of Commercial Sciences offers strong preparation in business, marketing, and management, linking coursework with internships and industry collaboration in the Chugoku region. It’s a good fit for students who want practical skills plus a network in Western Japan’s business community (Commercial Sciences (EN)).

Law & Public Service

The Faculty of Law builds legal literacy and civic awareness, with many students pursuing careers in government, compliance, or legal services. Faculty‑supported exam prep and public‑sector seminars are regular features, and outcomes are consistently strong (see Career Support) (Career Support (EN)).

Global Liberal‑Arts Core with Study‑Abroad Support

Regardless of major, you’ll take general education courses in liberal arts, languages, and health/physical education. English placement and tiered classes support growth in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. HSU also runs a Global Education Courses framework with three strands—(1) education for international students, (2) international co‑learning, and (3) study‑abroad support—designed to build practical intercultural skills (General Education; Global Education Courses).

Center for Co‑Creation (CCC) & Integrated Student Services

The CCC houses the International Affairs Center, Learning Support Center, and community‑engagement initiatives—so you can get visa, course, or study‑abroad advice in one place while joining collaborative projects. The physical spaces are purpose‑built for mentoring, peer study, and events that bring domestic and international students together (CCC overview; International Affairs Center).

Clubs, Sports & Community—Easy On‑Ramps for Internationals

From martial arts and archery to lacrosse, tennis, and American football, HSU’s clubs and circles give you instant community and language‑exchange opportunities. International students often start with campus‑organized activities and student‑led events hosted by the International Affairs Center (Student Life Zone; Student Activities).

Career‑Ready Outcomes in the Chugoku Region

HSU blends coursework with placement support, employer visits, and skills workshops. The Career Center maintains “ShuNavi” tools, internship links, and annual reports of results by faculty. Expect a wide range of destinations—local government, banks, manufacturing, retail, IT/telecom, education, logistics, and NGOs—particularly across Hiroshima and neighboring prefectures (Career Support (EN); Career Results (JP)).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

HSU lists dozens of sports and cultural clubs; many welcome beginners and overseas students. They’re a great way to make friends and practice Japanese in low‑pressure settings (Student Life Zone).

Dedicated Support Offices

The International Affairs Center supports admission, arrival, visa queries, scholarships, and cultural events. It also coordinates exchange and partner‑university programs that bring international and domestic students together (International Affairs Center; Scholarships / Awards).

Housing & i‑House

The International House (i‑House) offers a safe, supportive community for exchange students, with resident assistants (RAs) and move‑in information in English. HSU also provides general living guidance for newcomers (International House (EN); Living in Hiroshima (EN)).

Language‑Exchange & Buddy‑Style Programs

Events coordinated through the International Affairs Center and student groups (e.g., iCafe and international co‑learning activities) make it easy to find conversation partners or join short projects with local students (Student Activities; Global Education Courses).

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

HSU partners with universities across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America, offering exchange and short‑term programs. Students can apply for semester‑ or year‑long study abroad, or shorter intensive seminars. Scholarships are available through HSU and national programs, and the International Affairs Center provides step‑by‑step guidance (Affiliated Universities (EN); International (JP)).

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather at a Glance

Hiroshima has mild winters and hot, humid summers. Based on recent 5‑year monthly data for Hiroshima city, the monthly mean daily maximum typically ranges from around 10 °C in January to about 33 °C in August, while the monthly mean daily minimum ranges from around 2 °C (January) to about 25 °C (August). Expect a rainy season in early summer and many sunny days in autumn (Japan Meteorological Agency – Hiroshima station).

Safety & Cost of Living

Hiroshima is known for a relaxed pace, reliable transit, and student‑friendly neighborhoods. HSU provides practical guidance (housing, health insurance, daily expenses) plus tips on banks, mobile services, and emergency contacts (Living in Hiroshima (EN)).

International Student Statistics

HSU’s English summary shows totals by faculty and country; in 2023, the largest groups were from China (36), Korea (6), and the United States (4), with others from France (3), Taiwan (3), Vietnam (3), and several European countries, totaling 65 international students (International & Exchange Student Numbers).

Country/Region (2023)	Count
China	36
Korea	6
USA	4
France	3
Taiwan	3
Vietnam	3
Czech Republic	2
Slovakia	2
United Kingdom	2
Japan (exchange inbound)	—
Others (Mongolia, Russia, Germany, New Zealand, etc.)	4
Total	65

Career & Graduate Prospects

The Career Center’s services include counseling, skills workshops, employer sessions, and alumni networking. Faculty‑level outcomes are published each year; for example, the Faculty of Law reported a 97.1% job‑placement rate for 2023 (as of May 1, 2024). Typical employers range from local governments and banks to manufacturers, retail groups, tech firms, education, and non‑profits (Career Support (EN); Career Results (JP); Law outcome example: University Portraits (JP)).