Shiga University for International Applicants: Data Science, Economics, Education, Admissions & Student Life

Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that mixes small-city comfort with real research punch? Shiga University might be your sweet spot. Split between historic Hikone and lakeside Ōtsu, this national university is home to Japan’s first Faculty of Data Science, a long‑standing School of Economics with deep industry ties, and a teacher‑training tradition dating back to 1874. The vibe is practical, student‑centered, and very Kansai—warm, direct, and connected to the community. Below you’ll find quick facts, strengths, student‑life essentials, climate and cost‑of‑living insights, outbound exchange options, and career outcomes to help you decide whether Shiga belongs on your shortlist.

Otsu Campus — Main Gate

The principal entrance to Shiga University’s Otsu Campus (Faculty of Education), framed by mature greenery.

Otsu Campus — Library (Education Branch)

The Education Branch Library serving teacher-training students and researchers.

Otsu Campus — Creative Learning Center (ALC)

A flexible, student-centered space designed for active and creative learning.

Otsu Campus — Large & Middle Lecture Room Building

Lecture halls used for core courses in education and teacher training.

Otsu Campus — Student Union (“Yushinkan”)

The student union building for clubs, events, and daily campus life.

Otsu Campus — Integrated Environment Research Center

A research hub focusing on environmental science and regional sustainability.

Hikone Campus — Overview

A view of Shiga University’s Hikone Campus, home to the Faculty of Economics and the School of Data Science.

Hikone Campus — Ryosui Kaikan (Alumni Hall)

Completed in 1938 and designed by William Merrell Vories; a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Hikone Campus — Assembly Hall (1924)

The historic assembly hall of the Faculty of Economics (originally the auditorium of Hikone Commercial College); a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Quick Facts

Source data compiled primarily from the official Japanese College and University Portraits (JPCUP) profile for Shiga University (as of May 1, 2024) and faculty‑level pages. See evidence links embedded in the table where relevant.

Type	National (Public) — JPCUP Profile
Total Students	≈ 3,746 total (UG 3,502 / GR 244; Internationals ≈ 98) — Source
Campuses	Main: Hikone (Economics, Data Science); Ōtsu (Education) — Source
Faculties / Schools	• Faculty of Education — Details • Faculty of Economics — Details • Faculty of Data Science — Details
Studiengebühren	Standard national‑uni tuition; dorm option “International House” from ¥5,900/month — Housing (JPCUP)
Gender Ratio	Varies by faculty; Data Science faculty staff breakdown shown on JPCUP — See “Faculty”
Intl‑Student %	≈ 2–3% overall (as of 2024) — Source
Students per Staff	~17:1 (3,746 students / 213 staff) — Source

Campus Maps

Hikone Campus (Main: Economics & Data Science)

Address: 1-1-1 Bamba, Hikone, Shiga 522-8522, Japan

Otsu Campus (Faculty of Education)

Address: 2-5-1 Hiratsu, Otsu, Shiga 520-0862, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Shiga University (national, public) traces its roots to 1874, when Shiga Normal School began training teachers in Ōtsu. In 1949, multiple predecessor schools were reorganized into today’s Shiga University, later expanding to two campuses: Ōtsu (Education) and Hikone (Economics). In 2017, the university launched Japan’s first Faculty of Data Science to meet the country’s need for data‑literate talent across government and industry. The JPCUP overview summarizes this evolution and current structure, including faculties, graduate schools, and support for international students.

Evidence: JPCUP: Shiga University profile; Faculty pages — Economics, Data Science.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Japan’s First Faculty of Data Science

The Faculty of Data Science (2017) and Graduate School of Data Science (2019/2020) make Shiga a true pioneer. The curriculum blends statistics, computing, and real‑world projects, with internships encouraged early. An open‑access article highlights that the first graduating cohort (Mar 2021) saw strong placement across telecom, manufacturing, consulting, finance, and transport even during COVID‑19 disruptions — a good sign for market demand in Japan’s data economy. See: Shiga University’s data science initiative (open‑access) and the JPCUP faculty page for current enrollment and staffing snapshots: Faculty of Data Science (JPCUP).

Economics with a Risk‑Research Edge

Hikone’s Faculty of Economics houses the Center for Risk Research (CRR), which runs seminars and publications on finance, policy, and uncertainty — a distinctive niche for students eyeing analytical roles. See CRR (English) history page: CRR English – History.

Teacher Education with Deep Community Roots

The Faculty of Education in Ōtsu works closely with affiliated schools and regional partners for practical training. See “Institutes & Centers” and affiliated schools: Faculty of Education – Institutes & Centers.

Recognized Nationally, Kansai‑Located

Shiga appears in the Times Higher Education Japan listings, with a compact, student‑friendly scale and access to Kyoto/Osaka/Nagoya. Ranking overview: Shiga University – THE profile. Hikone’s castle town life adds history and charm: Hikone city (Wikipedia).

Flagship: Faculty of Data Science

If you want data‑driven careers in Japan, this is the headline program. It partners with industry, uses authentic datasets, and offers graduate pathways. Browse the researcher directory to see who you could work with: Researcher Search (EN) (redirects to the English search UI).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Expect dozens of student circles ranging from sports to culture to community service—especially active in Hikone. University‑affiliated spaces and gyms are listed under facilities on JPCUP: Facilities (JPCUP).

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counselling)

International Affairs provides guidance on visas, enrollment, and housing. JPCUP confirms availability of “International House” (from ¥5,900/month), health checks, and counselling in JP/EN: Student Support (JPCUP).

Language‑Exchange & Buddy Culture

Peer support and Japanese‑language strengthening programs are listed on JPCUP; you’ll also find informal conversation groups via circles and seminar communities: See “Academic Support” (JPCUP).

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

Shiga actively supports outbound study. The Exchange Program page outlines semester timings (April / October) and course taking in JP/EN: Exchange Program (EN). Application flow (for partner‑university coordinators) is summarized here: Exchange Application (EN).

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Hikone & Ōtsu)

Weather Patterns (Recent Norms)

Hikone: summers are warm and humid; winters are cold with occasional snow. Typical annual range is roughly 31°F–87°F (‑0.5°C–30.5°C). Data: WeatherSpark – Hikone. Ōtsu: similar lake climate, slightly warmer in summer. Data: WeatherSpark – Ōtsu.

Attractive Environment, Safety & Cost of Living

Hikone is a castle town on Lake Biwa; it’s calm but well connected. Ōtsu is the prefectural capital with easy access to Kyoto. For everyday prices (dining, transport, rent), check crowd‑sourced benchmarks: Numbeo – Ōtsu. (Your actual spending depends on housing choice; university dorms can be very affordable.)

International Student Statistics

JPCUP lists ≈98 international students across undergraduate and graduate levels (as of May 1, 2024), with exchange frameworks and academic support described in English. For the latest intake breakdowns, check each faculty’s “Students” section: University profile (JPCUP), Economics (JPCUP), Data Science (JPCUP).

Career & Graduate Prospects

Career counseling and job‑hunting support are baked in, and the data‑science track has notable industry collaboration. Example: JX Advanced Metals provided real operations data for a Shiga University seminar and deepened collaboration through personnel exchange—evidence of real‑world integration: JX Advanced Metals × Shiga University (News Release). The Times Higher Education profile also notes partnerships enabling exchanges for education and research: THE – Shiga University.