Senshu University Guide for International Students: Admissions, Costs & Campus Life

Thinking about studying in Japan but not sure where to start? Senshu University (専修大学) is a Tokyo-area private university with more than a century of history and a practical, career-minded approach. With two complementary campuses—an urban hub in central Tokyo (Kanda/Jimbocho) and a green, commuter-friendly main campus in Ikuta (Kawasaki)—Senshu blends access to Japan’s biggest job market with a close-knit academic community. Below you’ll find quick facts, campus context, flagship programs, student-life support, study-abroad options, climate and lifestyle tips, international-student statistics, and career outcomes to help you decide whether Senshu is a fit.

Quick Facts (Senshu University)

Figures are the latest publicly available English data at the time of writing. Sources are linked in blue.

Campus Maps

Ikuta Campus (Main, Kawasaki, Kanagawa)

Address: 2-1-1 Higashimita, Tama-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 214-8580, Japan

Kanda Campus (Jimbocho, Central Tokyo)

Address: 3-8 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8425, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Senshu University traces its origins to 1880, when four Meiji‑era pioneers—Nagatane Soma, Inajiro Tajiri, Tanetaro Megata, and Shigetada Komai—returned to Japan after studies in the United States (at institutions such as Columbia, Yale, Harvard, and Rutgers). Their shared ambition was to teach modern social sciences in Japanese so that students who could not study abroad could still access cutting‑edge ideas. They founded Senshu Gakko (the predecessor to the current university) with early focus on law and economics taught in Japanese—an innovation for the time. For a narrative history and institutional mission, see the university’s English pages: History · Message from the President · Three University‑wide Policies.

Over time, Senshu transitioned from its early days as Senshu College to full university status in 1913. It weathered major challenges—including the destruction of facilities in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake—thanks to the resolve of students and faculty who rebuilt together. Today, Senshu is a comprehensive private university with eight undergraduate schools and multiple graduate programs, still guided by three university‑wide policies (Admission, Curriculum, Diploma) centered on “Socio‑Intelligence.”

The founders’ outward‑looking spirit continues through Senshu’s international programs. Exchange relationships and short‑term study options—e.g., the Business, Culture & Language “BCL” program and the Japanese Language & Culture “JLC” program—bring overseas students to Ikuta while sending Senshu students abroad each year. See the program overview and current BCL leaflet for specifics: JLC overview · 2025 BCL Program Leaflet (PDF) · About the BCL Program. Campus locations: Ikuta · Kanda.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Faculties Built for the Real World

School of Economics (historic strength)

Senshu is historically known for economics and law—among the first in Japan to teach the social sciences in Japanese. The School of Economics today spans areas from international and environmental economics to policy and data‑driven analysis, preparing graduates for business, public service, and non‑profit roles. School of Economics · History

Schools of Commerce & Business Administration (industry‑linked)

Two robust business schools emphasize accounting, marketing, business design, and management. Senshu reports recent successes in professional qualifications (including CPA passers) and structured career support via the Career Design Center and Job Placement Office. Recent certifications (Data & Info) · Career Design Center · Job Placement Office

School of Law (legal training & pathways)

Law remains a core discipline, with students progressing into graduate legal studies and professional practice. Senshu reports National Bar Examination successes, and the Kanda campus hosts the Professional School of Law. Data & Information (bar exam) · Kanda (Law facilities)

Dual‑Campus Advantage: Tokyo Access + Green Learning

Ikuta (Main): Set on a hill amid parks and museums, Ikuta is ~25 minutes by train to Shinjuku—Japan’s busiest rail hub—so you can enjoy a quieter study base without losing urban convenience. Ikuta Campus

Kanda (Central Tokyo): In Jimbocho’s “book town,” the Kanda campus places you near Kitanomaru Park, the Nippon Budokan, and the publishing scene—ideal for law, commerce, and communication majors who want immersion in the capital’s cultural and professional life. Kanda Campus

Global Programs with Clear On‑ramps

Senshu’s English‑supported programs give newcomers structure and support: the BCL (Business, Culture & Language) fall program blends business/culture seminars with Japanese language; the JLC (Japanese Language & Culture) is language‑intensive with cultural components. The International Exchange framework includes semester/year exchange into regular classes (Japanese‑medium) for advanced learners. Explore: International Exchange · BCL (English outline) · JLC (English outline)

Learning Resources, Ratios & Research Touchpoints

With about 18,258 students and 1,061 teaching staff, Senshu’s student‑to‑staff ratio is roughly 17:1, supporting accessible faculty contact. Library holdings exceed two million volumes (as of March 31, 2025). Research collaborations include industry links in the Tokyo‑Kawasaki corridor—for example, regional projects at the Social Intelligence Development Research Center—bridging coursework with local ecosystems. Data & Information · Research collaboration example

Student Life for International Students

Clubs & Circles

Senshu lists 183 official clubs/circles (as of April 1, 2025)—from sports to culture to volunteer groups. Many are used to welcoming exchange students through campus events, language practice, and hobby‑based interaction. Clubs/Circles count

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

The International Center is your first stop for paperwork and everyday help, with guidance on visas, National Health Insurance, and practical matters. Exchange and short‑term students can apply for university housing at Senshu International House (Ikuta), which also places Japanese residence assistants in the dorm—a built‑in support and “buddy” resource. International Center · Visa & Health/Welfare · Senshu International House (Dormitory)

Language Exchange & Short‑Term Programs

Short‑term BCL/JLC cohorts typically interact with volunteer Campus Assistants, join cultural excursions, and connect with clubs. The International Students page notes that nearly 400 overseas students participate in short‑ and long‑term programs annually, with many full‑time degree seekers from neighboring Asian countries. International Students (overview)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound Focus)

Senshu’s international network combines year/semester exchange (credit‑bearing) and short‑term programs. The university reports relationships with partner institutions across multiple countries, and each year ~200 Senshu students study abroad via these routes, while inbound students join BCL/JLC or regular classes. Example destinations include Canada and the U.S. (see partner pages for details). International Exchange (Senshu) · University of Calgary (exchange page)

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Tokyo–Kawasaki Area)

Weather Pattern (Recent Years)

Tokyo/Kawasaki has a humid‑subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: mild winters, a warm spring cherry‑blossom season, hot and humid summers, and comfortable autumns. Summer heatwaves have trended stronger in recent years across Japan. Plan for heat‑safety in July–September (hydration, sun protection). For month‑by‑month statistics and normals, consult the Japan Meteorological Agency’s tables. JMA climate stats (Tokyo) · Recent heat news (Reuters)

Safety & Daily Convenience

Greater Tokyo is renowned for reliable public transit, low violent‑crime rates, and extensive student amenities. Senshu’s Ikuta location offers quick rail access to Shinjuku; the Kanda campus is walkable to multiple subway/JR lines in central Tokyo. For official crime statistics and safety context, see national sources; for the university’s community support (parent association, job search events, etc.), see the Ikuyukai and career pages. National Police Agency stats · Ikuyukai Association · Job Placement Office

Cost of Living (Student Reference)

Japan’s official Study in Japan site estimates typical student living costs nationwide, noting that monthly housing averages about ¥41,000 nationwide and around ¥57,000 in Tokyo (excluding utilities/food/transport). University housing, cafeterias, and student discounts help manage budgets. Always check your program’s latest guidance. Living Costs (official)

International Student Statistics

Counts: 265 international students (as of May 1, 2025), which is about 1.45% of the total student body. Recent intakes include many students from Asia (especially China and South Korea), plus short‑term cohorts in BCL/JLC. Data & Information · International Students (overview)

Career & Graduate Prospects

Placement Snapshot & Pathways

For undergraduates (Class of 2023), university data show 3,289 employed out of 3,879 graduates (day division totals), or about 84.8% employed; employment or further study combined was ~87.8%. Outcomes vary by school and include private‑sector roles, public service, teaching, and progression to graduate study. Senshu’s Career Design Center and Job Placement Office offer counseling, internship guidance, and employer outreach. Post‑graduation Plans (PDF) · Career Design Center · Job Placement Office

Professional Qualifications & Alumni Network

Recent professional achievements include Certified Public Accountant passers and National Bar Examination successes, plus appointments to career‑track national civil‑service roles. Senshu’s alumni base exceeds 300,000, with graduates active across business, government, media, culture, and sport. Profiles and rankings snapshots can be found on independent university ranking sites. Data & Information · THE profile

Admissions & Estimated Costs (Quick Notes)

Tuition: Undergraduate tuition varies by school. Senshu’s English “Information” page lists a Tuition section with per‑year tuition portions around ¥750,000–¥926,000, with first‑year totals (including entrance and facilities fees) typically in the ¥1.22M–¥1.48M range. Tuition (English)

Scholarships: Senshu reports substantial university‑funded scholarship recipients annually. External options (JASSO, MEXT) may also apply; check the university’s scholarship guidance and Japan’s official study portal. Scholarships (Senshu) · Study in Japan: Living Costs

Final Tips for Prospective International Students

If your goal is a career in Japan—or a Japan‑related career abroad—Senshu’s balance of practical majors (economics, commerce, business administration, law), central‑Tokyo access, and structured language pathways (BCL/JLC) offers a realistic on‑ramp. Use the International Center for visa/housing support, budget with official cost‑of‑living references, and leverage clubs/circles to build local networks early. International Center · BCL outline · International Exchange