Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that blends tradition, research strength, and Tokyo convenience? Ochanomizu University—one of Japan’s historic national women’s universities—offers small-group teaching, distinctive programs in science and human life sciences, and strong support for international students. Below you’ll find quick facts, mission and history, flagship strengths, student-life services, exchange partners, climate and lifestyle tips, international student statistics, and career outcomes—plus official sources you can open in new tabs for deeper reading.
Quick Facts
Snapshot of Ochanomizu University for prospective international students. Data points link to official pages where available.
| Type | National (National University Corporation) |
| Total Students | 2,876 (as of May 1, 2024) Institutional Data |
| Campuses | Main campus: Otsuka (Bunkyo-ku), Tokyo Access & Map |
| Faculties/Schools | Letters & Education; Science; Human Life & Environmental Sciences; Transdisciplinary Engineering; Graduate School of Humanities & Sciences. Academics Overview |
| Studiengebühren | Admission fee ¥282,000; Tuition ¥535,800/year (typical national rate). Q&A: Tuition / 2026 Doctoral Guide (PDF) |
| Gender Ratio | Women’s university (admits women; transgender women welcomed). Master’s Admissions / Asahi (news) |
| Intl‑Student % | ≈4.4% (126 of 2,876; May 1, 2024) NIAD‑QE JPCUP profile |
| Students per Staff | 14.91 per full‑time faculty (198 FT faculty; May 1, 2024) Official ratio (PDF) |
Campus Maps
Otsuka Campus (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Address: 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Founded in 1875 as the Tokyo Women’s Normal School, Ochanomizu University is one of Japan’s pioneering institutions for women’s higher education. After the Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed its facilities in 1923, the university relocated to its current leafy campus in Otsuka, Bunkyo City, central Tokyo. Across nearly 150 years, Ochanomizu has emphasized leadership, intellectual curiosity, and social contribution, evolving from normal school to comprehensive national university while maintaining its identity as a women’s institution. History
Its mission underscores dignity, rights, and the development of each learner’s unique abilities—preparing women to be opinion leaders in politics, economics, academia, and culture on the international stage. Education is delivered in small classes with strong faculty involvement, supported by the university’s Faculty of Core Research and graduate school. Mission / Educational Characteristics
Today, Ochanomizu teaches roughly 2,060 undergraduates and 816 graduate students (as of May 1, 2024), with programs spanning the humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, human life and environmental sciences, and a newer Faculty of Transdisciplinary Engineering. The campus’s compact scale fosters community, mentorship, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration. Institutional Data / Academics
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Women’s Leadership & Small-Group Teaching
Ochanomizu’s mission centers on cultivating women who lead in society. The university is intentionally sized for small-group education and close faculty interaction. A recent official metric shows 14.91 students per full‑time faculty member (198 full‑time faculty) as of May 1, 2024—supportive of seminar‑style learning and close supervision. Students per Faculty (PDF) / Mission
Flagship Faculties & Programs
Human Life & Environmental Sciences (HLES)
HLES integrates nutrition, clothing & textiles, human health, and environmental design—connecting lab research with real-world wellbeing. English program pages present undergraduate areas and labs welcoming global perspectives. HLES (English)
Science
The Faculty of Science covers physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and information science, with many labs engaged in cutting-edge projects and student research training. Program listings and degree requirements are found in the official Academics portal. Academics
Letters & Education
Humanities, languages, pedagogy, psychology, and culture studies drive this faculty’s interdisciplinary approach, with a strong liberal‑arts foundation and teacher‑training heritage. Faculty of Letters & Education (English)
Global Programs, COIL & Exchange
Ochanomizu maintains a wide network of partner universities and offers Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), enabling virtual joint classes and projects with overseas institutions. See the COIL portal and guidelines for examples, and browse the partner list before talking with your home university. COIL (English outline) / Guide to COIL (PDF) / Partner Universities
Central Tokyo Location & On‑Campus Housing
The Bunkyo campus offers quick access to academic, cultural, and tech hubs across Tokyo. International students can apply for university housing—including the Otowakan (opened 2022) on campus—plus other dormitory options. Residence Halls / Transport & Directions
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles
Student “circles” are diverse—from culture and arts to sports. This English handout provides typical circle categories and joining tips. Circle Activities (PDF)
Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)
International Affairs coordinates visa and arrival guidance, housing info, campus life resources, and health care support. Start with the International Exchange hub and “Study at Ochanomizu University.” International Exchange / Study at Ochanomizu (portal)
Language Exchange & Buddy Programs
Look out for language‑exchange initiatives and international mixers coordinated by student groups and the Global Education/Collaboration centers. TEA Exchange (example) / Support Structures & Events
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
If your home university has a partnership with Ochanomizu, you may qualify for tuition‑waived exchange or short‑term programs. Review the partner list and the latest application guidelines for exchange students. Partner Universities / Exchange Guidelines 2025 (PDF)
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Weather at a Glance (Tokyo)
Tokyo has four seasons: cool/dry winters, mild springs with cherry blossoms, humid summers with peaks in July–August, and a comfortable autumn. Monthly climate tables (temperature, precipitation, sunshine) are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency. JMA Climate Normals / Tokyo station data
Cost of Living & Everyday Convenience
The university estimates average monthly living costs in Tokyo at around ¥158,000, varying by housing and lifestyle. Lebenshaltungskosten in Japan. Being in Bunkyo means quick access to libraries, museums, startups, and quiet study spots—plus multiple train and Metro lines. Access
International Student Statistics
Ochanomizu publishes a country/region breakdown of incoming international students annually. As of May 1, 2025, totals by category include undergraduates, graduates, research students, and exchange categories, with notable representation from China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and various European partners. Review the latest table for exact counts and MEXT scholarship notes. International Students by Country/Region (2025)
Career & Graduate Prospects
Career education begins early, with workshops, advising, and employer connections coordinated by the Student & Career Support Office. International students can also find English resources on job‑hunting practices, internships, and visa/work rules. Explore official guides and pages below. Career Education & Employment Support (PDF) / Finding Employment in Japan
Admissions & Contact
For degree admissions, review the up‑to‑date English guidelines; fees for national universities are standardized (admission fee ¥282,000; tuition ¥535,800/year). Prospective applicants should consult faculty supervisors (graduate level) and contact the Admissions Division if needed. Undergraduate (International) Admissions / Master’s Admissions / Doctoral Admissions / Contact