Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that blends warm community, global programs, and strong job outcomes? Momoyama Gakuin University (St. Andrew’s University) in Osaka checks those boxes. Just 30–40 minutes from central Osaka and Kansai Airport, “Momo” offers English‑taught options alongside intensive Japanese, a friendly buddy system, exchange pathways, and a standout Business Design faculty based at the urban Abeno Campus. Below you’ll find quick facts, what makes the university distinctive, how international students live and study here, climate and cost-of-living context, and what graduates go on to do. Links point to official sources so you can verify details fast.



Quick Facts (Momoyama Gakuin University)
Numbers current as of May 1, 2025 unless noted. Sources are linked in the table or directly below it.
Type | Private University Official Site |
Total Students | 8,194 (8,116 undergraduate + 78 graduate) Student Numbers (PDF) |
Campuses | Izumi (Main), Abeno (Osaka City) Access / Abeno Campus |
Faculties/Schools (Undergraduate) |
International Studies (English & Intercultural Studies) Sociology (Sociology; Social Design) Law (Law) Economics (Economics) Business Administration (Business Administration) Business Design (Business Design; Abeno Campus) Human Education (Human Education; established 2025) Faculty List |
Graduate Schools | Literature; Sociology; Economics; Business Administration Programs |
Tuition Fees (Degree-Seeking) | ¥1,029,000 per year (¥514,500 × 2); Admission fee (one-time): ¥230,000. Degree-Seeking (EN) |
Gender Ratio | Male 68% : Female 32% (undergraduate totals) Source |
Intl-Student % | ≈ 4.1% (337 intl. students: 280 UG + 57 GR) Inbound & Outbound (PDF) |
Students per Staff | 39.8 students per full-time faculty (university-wide) Faculty Roster (PDF) |
Additional confirmation for new/expanded faculties and capacity changes appears in the university’s official disclosure pages. Information Disclosure (JP) | Establishment & Approvals (JP)
Campus Maps
Izumi Campus (Main, Osaka)
Address: 1-1 Manabino, Izumi, Osaka 594-1198, Japan
Osaka Abeno Campus (Osaka)
Address: 3-1-57 Showa-cho, Abeno Ward, Osaka 545-0011, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Momoyama Gakuin University (St. Andrew’s University) traces its roots to the late 19th century, when educators associated with the Church Missionary Society established schools in Osaka to broaden access to modern learning. In 1884, Trinity Boys’ School opened in the Osaka Foreign Settlement; by 1890, the group had founded Koto Eigakko (Higher English School), which was renamed “Momoyama Gakuin” in 1895. Over the following decades, new schools were added (including a middle school in 1902), and the foundation matured into a comprehensive educational body. Today’s university inherits that tradition and expresses its mission succinctly: to cultivate “Citizens of the World”—people who respect the dignity of others, think independently, and contribute beyond borders. History (EN) | Educational Philosophy (EN)
Physically, the university centers on the suburban Izumi Campus in Osaka Prefecture, with an urban Abeno Campus in Osaka City that houses the innovative Business Design faculty. This two‑campus footprint supports a dual experience: a quieter base for concentrated study and a city hub for industry collaboration and hands‑on projects. Over time, Momoyama has added and reorganized faculties to reflect social needs—most recently the Human Education faculty (2025), integrating teacher preparation into the broader learning ecosystem. The disclosure pages (in Japanese) document these changes and intake capacities year by year. Campus Access | Approvals (JP)
The global orientation shows up in practical ways. Degree‑seeking students can begin with English‑medium coursework while they build Japanese proficiency, aiming for JLPT N1 by graduation. Exchange students access a curated slate of English‑taught classes—Japanese economy, business, culture, media—and can join regular courses in Japanese if qualified. There’s a strong emphasis on community, too: chapel life and volunteer activities are part of the campus rhythm; and a buddy/RA system helps new international students settle into dormitory life, navigate city systems, and make friends. Degree-Seeking (EN) | Exchange (EN)
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Business Design: A Flagship Faculty at Abeno Campus
If you’re drawn to innovation and real‑world projects, the Business Design faculty stands out. Taught on the Abeno Campus—an urban, collaboration‑oriented space designed for group work and presentations—Business Design students engage with 70+ companies and public bodies each year through PBL courses. The faculty’s first graduating class achieved a 100% placement/next‑step decision rate (May 2023 news), and the university’s career pages highlight sustained strength in outcomes. The location (near Tennoji) and floor layouts support frequent industry interactions, events, and pitching. Abeno Campus | 100% Placement (News) | Career Site
Global Liberal-Arts Core with English Pathways + Intensive Japanese
Degree‑seeking students can start with English‑medium courses while taking structured Japanese from Year 1 through advanced levels, with the program design targeting JLPT N1 competency by graduation. Exchange students choose from a regularly updated English course list (e.g., Japanese Economy, Global Issues, Marketing, Anime & Media, debate/communication), plus JLPT‑focused language classes. This hybrid approach helps overseas students participate meaningfully in classes from arrival—and then fold into Japanese‑taught seminars as their language improves. Degree-Seeking (EN) | Exchange (EN)
Individualized Career Support, Measurable Results
Career support at Momoyama is “one‑to‑one”—students work closely with advisors for job exploration, internships, and applications. For the class of March 2025, the university reports a 99.0% job‑decision rate across graduates. International students receive targeted guidance on the Japanese job‑hunt process and access to joint company sessions for international hires. Career Overview | Employment Data
Well-Documented Academics & Transparency
Momoyama publishes detailed disclosures on student numbers, intake capacity, faculty composition, and academic policies. As of May 2025: 8,116 undergraduates; 78 graduate students; and a university‑wide 39.8 students per full‑time faculty member. This level of transparency makes it easier for overseas families to compare universities on concrete facts. Student Numbers (PDF) | Faculty Roster (PDF) | Information Disclosure
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles
From sports and music to volunteer activities and media, student clubs (“circles”) offer easy ways to meet Japanese classmates. Campus guides also point to spaces like the chapel and learning centers that create community beyond classes. Campus Guide (JP, Izumi)
Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counselling)
The International Center (Izumi Campus) is your first stop for visa paperwork, residence procedures, and general life support. Exchange students are required to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance and a university “Momoyama Inbound Insurance.” Housing support includes a dormitory option within walking distance of campus. Exchange Students (EN) | International Centre (Contact)
Language-Exchange & Buddy Programs
The university matches incoming students with Japanese “buddies,” and Resident Assistants (RAs) help with daily life. These peer supports make a real difference in the first months, from setting up transit cards to joining circles. Buddy & RA Details (EN)
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
Momoyama’s network spans the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, enabling overseas study from one semester to a full year. Students can join English‑language programs in North America, business or design‑focused exchanges in Europe, or language/culture programs across Asia. The English site lists examples (e.g., University of Buckingham, University of Vienna, York University, Masaryk University, Ewha Womans University). Affiliated Institutions (EN)
Local Climate & Lifestyle (Osaka Area)
Weather at a Glance
Osaka has humid summers and mild winters. Based on Japan Meteorological Agency data for the Osaka station (WMO 47772), typical monthly means are around: January highs ~9 °C/lows ~2 °C; August highs ~33–34 °C/lows ~25–26 °C. Expect a rainy season in early summer and typhoon‑related rain events in late summer/early autumn. Pack for heat and humidity from late June through September, and a light coat for December–February. JMA Climate Tables (Osaka)
Quality of Life & Affordability
Osaka regularly places in the global top ten for liveability (EIU), reflecting strong infrastructure, healthcare, and safety. Cost‑wise, Osaka tends to be more affordable than Tokyo, especially for rent: recent Numbeo comparisons indicate you’d need roughly ¥733k in Tokyo to match the standard of living that costs about ¥530k in Osaka (i.e., Osaka ~28% more affordable, assumptions noted on Numbeo). Japan Times on EIU 2024 | Tokyo vs Osaka (Numbeo)
International Student Statistics
As of May 1, 2025, Momoyama reports 337 international students (UG 280, GR 57). Undergraduates come primarily from China (225), with smaller cohorts from Korea (7), Vietnam (12), Hong Kong (5), Taiwan (3), Indonesia (3), Malaysia (3), Myanmar (12), Nepal (2), Thailand (2), and others (Russia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Peru, Bangladesh, Iran). Graduate students are mainly from China (55), with Korea (1) and Myanmar (1). See the official annual update for the detailed table and exchange outbound figures. Inbound/Outbound (PDF, 2025)
Career & Graduate Prospects
Momoyama emphasizes personalized support (“one‑to‑one”) and structured programming from first year: career planning sessions, alumni talks, public‑sector prep, and industry‑linked PBL courses—especially in Business Design. The university reports a 99.0% job‑decision rate for students graduating in March 2025, with roles spanning private companies, finance, manufacturing, IT/services, and public service (police, local government). Career Overview | Employment Data | Career Center News