Shimonoseki City University Guide for International Students: Programs, Admissions, Tuition & Life

Thinking about studying in Japan but want a tight-knit campus, practical programs, and friendly coastal living? Shimonoseki City University (SCU) might be your match. This municipal public university sits at the western tip of Honshu where the Kanmon Straits meet—an area known for maritime history, great seafood, and easy access to Kyushu. Below is a plain‑English guide to SCU’s strengths, academics, student life, climate, and outcomes—written for international applicants who want solid facts and links to primary sources.

Quick Facts

These figures come from the university’s official English/Japanese pages and PDFs. Sources are linked in the table cells so you can verify details quickly.

Type (National/Public/Private)	Public (Municipal). Official site (EN)
Total Students	2,099 (as of May 1, 2025). Student statistics (JP)
Campuses	Main: Daigaku‑cho Campus (Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi). Campus map (EN) / Access (EN)
Faculties/Schools	Economics (Departments: Economics, International Commerce, Public Management); Data Science (launched 2024); Nursing (launched 2025); Graduate School of Economics (Master’s). Faculties & Graduate School (EN)
Tasas de matrícula	Tuition: ¥535,800 per year (¥267,900/semester). Admission fee: ¥282,000 (¥141,000 for Shimonoseki residents). 2025 fee notice (JP, PDF); Tuition Regulations (JP, PDF)
Gender Ratio	≈58% male : 42% female (874 female / 2,099 total, May 1, 2025). Official stats (JP)
Intl‑Student %	≈2–3% (≥48 students listed by country, May 1, 2025). Foreign students by country (JP)
Students per Staff	≈18:1 (2,099 students / 115 teaching staff, Spring 2025). Staff counts: Faculty numbers (JP); Students: Student stats (JP)

* Figures are from official publications; where an English page wasn’t available, a Japanese (JP) primary source is linked.

Campus Maps

Main Campus (Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi)

Address: 2-1-1 Daigaku-cho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 751-8510, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Shimonoseki City University (SCU) is a public university founded by the City of Shimonoseki. Its mission blends three ideas you’ll see repeated across official materials: (1) integrating education and research to generate new knowledge; (2) cultivating a broad, world‑oriented perspective centered on East Asia; and (3) serving as the community’s intellectual hub. These principles explain why programs are practical, why many classes connect to local industries and government, and why the campus culture is welcoming and hands‑on. University Guide (EN, PDF)

SCU’s roots reach back to 1956, when the city established Shimonoseki Commercial Junior College to open doors for working youth. In 1962 the institution reorganized as Shimonoseki City University and added more departments over time—International Commerce in 1983 and Public Management in 2011—within the Faculty of Economics. A Graduate School of Economics (Master’s) began in 2000 to deepen research and strengthen ties with regional employers and public bodies. Timeline (EN, PDF)

In 2024, SCU launched the Faculty of Data Science in response to growing demand for analytics and evidence‑based policy—followed by the Faculty of Nursing in 2025 to address regional health and aging‑society needs. Both additions reflect SCU’s strategy: stay small and student‑centered while expanding into fields where graduates can contribute immediately to society. Official program approval & filings (JP) / Data Science approval news (JP)

Today SCU serves just over two thousand students on a single, walkable campus in Daigaku‑cho, minutes by bus from Shimonoseki’s station areas and shopping streets. For international students, the scale matters: you’ll know your professors, your advisor will actually learn your name, and help is easy to find—from course selection and career advice to visa and everyday life support. Access (EN) / Academic support contact (EN)

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Economics & Public Policy — SCU’s Flagship Strength

Economics / International Commerce / Public Management

SCU is best known for applied economics and policy. You can dive into fields such as macro/microeconomics, trade and logistics, management, public administration, and regional policy—with small classes and seminar‑style “zemi” from early years. Many projects connect to local government and regional industry, so you’ll graduate with practical experience as well as theory. Economics (EN) / International Commerce (EN) / Public Management (EN)

Data Science Faculty (launched 2024)

The Data Science program teaches analytics, programming, statistics, and problem‑solving for public/private sectors—think transportation, tourism, finance, and city planning. It grew out of SCU’s evidence‑based approach to regional challenges and offers opportunities to collaborate with city agencies and companies. Data Science (EN) / Program filings (JP)

Career Outcomes & Local–Global Partnerships

Graduate employment is consistently strong thanks to structured career education, a proactive Career Center, and deep employer ties. For the 2024 cohort, SCU reports a 98.6% employment rate with finance as the largest sector and a rising number of public‑service placements. Career results (JP) / Career support (EN)

Compact Classes, Advising, and Supportive Culture

With roughly 2,100 students and ~115 teaching staff across faculties (≈18:1 students per staff), SCU offers approachable faculty and personalized advising. Small seminars encourage active discussion, and the International Exchange Center helps with administrative questions, housing, and campus life. Faculty numbers (JP) / International Exchange Center (EN)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

From sports and culture to volunteer groups, circles are a great way to meet local students. SCU posts circle information and seasonal orientation updates online. Circles overview (EN) / News & Topics (EN)

Dedicated Support (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

The International Exchange Center provides advising on admissions paperwork, residence status, scholarships, daily life, and more. The office also coordinates orientation and information sessions for new international students. Center overview (EN) / Events (EN)

Buddy & Language-Exchange Programs

SCU operates a “tutor” system that pairs international students with student supporters to help with academics and life on campus. You can also read “voices” from past participants to get a feel for community expectations. Tutor program (EN) / Student voices (EN)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

Go Abroad from SCU

SCU has exchange and training links across Asia, North America, and Europe. Representative partners include the Contra Costa Community College District (U.S.), Bordeaux Montaigne University (France), and Hanshin University (Korea). Opportunities range from semester exchange to short‑term language and field programs. Partner list (EN) / Outbound study‑abroad listings (EN) / Foreign training info (EN)

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather at a Glance

Month	Typical High	Typical Low	Source
January (coldest)	~47°F (8°C)	~38°F (3°C)	WeatherSpark
August (hottest)	~85°F (29°C)	~76°F (24°C)	WeatherSpark

For recent station data, consult the Japan Meteorological Agency’s monthly tables (Shimonoseki station, No. 47762). JMA climate stats (EN)

Lifestyle, Safety & Cost

Shimonoseki is a mid‑size, coastal city with a relaxed pace. SCU’s own survey suggests an average monthly living cost around ¥100,000 for students (housing ~¥37,000; food ~¥20,000). Commuting by bus/bike is common, and day trips to Fukuoka (Kyushu) are easy via the Kanmon Tunnel and rail. Living costs & fees (EN)

International Student Statistics

SCU publishes foreign‑student counts by country each May. The latest table (May 1, 2025) includes the following examples; the official page shows the full list by year and category (undergraduate/graduate/special students).

Country/Region	Total Students	Note
China	≈27	Includes undergraduate and graduate categories.
Korea	≈15	Multiple year levels represented.
Vietnam	≈3	Primarily undergraduate listings.
Myanmar	≈2	Small cohort.
Germany	≈1	Exchange/special student presence varies year to year.

Source: Official “Foreign Students by Country” table (JP). Totals fluctuate annually; always confirm the latest update before you apply.

Career & Graduate Prospects

SCU’s Career Center runs guidance sessions, on‑campus corporate briefings, application checks, and personalized counseling. Recent results show a 98.6% employment rate for 2024 graduates, with many placed in finance, local government/public agencies, logistics, and services—plus a steadily globalizing mix in the private sector. Employment results (JP) / Career Center (EN)

If you aim for graduate study, SCU’s master’s program in Economics offers a research‑oriented path with evening classes, supporting both fresh graduates and working professionals. Graduate School (EN)