Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that blends strong academics, real industry ties, and an easygoing lifestyle? Meet the University of Shizuoka (Shizuoka Prefectural University). Set between the sea and Mt. Fuji, this public university pairs respected programs—especially in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food & Nutritional Sciences, International Relations, Management & Informatics, and Nursing—with a friendly, mid‑sized community. Below you’ll find quick facts, what makes the university stand out, how international students are supported, exchange options, climate and local living, plus outcomes after graduation. All links point to official pages so you can check details directly.
Wide green lawn facing the red-brick academic complex at the University of Shizuoka.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Akahito Yamabe). License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Close-up of the Food & Nutritional Sciences building, a signature red-brick wing on the main lawn.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Akahito Yamabe). License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Pharmaceutical Sciences wing with distinctive central tower and terraces facing the green field.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Akahito Yamabe). License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
An overhead view of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Medicinal Plant Garden adjacent to the campus.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Image by GSI Japan). License: CC BY 4.0 (via Government of Japan Standard Terms of Use v2.0).
Skyline toward the East Shizuoka subcenter with Granship and Konohana Arena, photographed from Kusanagi Campus.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Akahito Yamabe). License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Another angle over the city from the campus ridge, showing sports complex and urban core.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Akahito Yamabe). License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
A historic view of the lawn and main buildings captured in late autumn colors.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: k-matsu, via Flickr). License: CC BY 2.0.
A nostalgic rainy-day scene near the campus entrance with signage and brick façades.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Photo: Uryah). License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
Quick‑Facts Table
The essentials at a glance (sources: official English pages where available; otherwise the university’s Japanese “Students & Staff Numbers” page).
| Type | Public (Prefectural). See “About the University.” Official profile |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 3,255 total = 2,938 undergraduate + 317 graduate (as of May 1, 2025). Students & Staff Numbers (JP) |
| Campuses | Kusanagi (main), Oshika. Campus Map |
| Faculties/Schools | Pharmaceutical Sciences; Food & Nutritional Sciences; International Relations; Management & Informatics; Nursing. Undergraduate & Graduate Schools |
| Frais de scolarité | Annual tuition (UG/Grad): ¥535,800; Entrance fee: ¥141,000 (Shizuoka residents) / ¥366,600 (non‑residents). Tuition (Official) |
| Gender Ratio | — (University‑wide student gender ratio not published on official English pages; varies by school year and faculty.) |
| Intl‑Student % | ≈1.7% (56 international students: 30 UG, 23 Grad, 3 Research; total students 3,255). Official breakdown (JP) |
| Students per Staff | ~11.6 students per academic staff (3,255 students / 282 teaching staff). Staff counts: Facts & Figures (EN) + Student counts: Numbers (JP) |
Campus Maps
Kusanagi Campus (Suruga, Shizuoka)
Address: 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
Oshika Campus (Suruga, Shizuoka)
Address: 2-2-1 Oshika, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8021, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
The University of Shizuoka was established in 1987 when three prefectural colleges were merged to create a comprehensive, research‑active public institution serving Shizuoka Prefecture and beyond. From its founding, the university has aimed to be “a valuable university in which local citizens take pride,” advancing education and research while partnering closely with industry and communities. Its charter and objectives emphasize excellence in teaching, high‑quality academic life, and open collaboration with the region. History · Mission & Objectives
Over time, the university formed a distinctive profile across five undergraduate schools—Pharmaceutical Sciences; Food & Nutritional Sciences; International Relations; Management & Informatics; and Nursing—plus corresponding graduate programs. The scope reflects Shizuoka’s strengths: world‑class food and health industries, a globally connected port economy, and a population that values wellness and safety. Interdisciplinary centers and externally funded initiatives further anchor the university in regional problem‑solving and innovation. Schools & Programs · COC Program
For international students, the campus scale strikes a balance: big enough to host specialized laboratories and fieldwork, small enough for supportive advising and easy cross‑faculty collaboration. Administrative support is streamlined through dedicated pages for visa, housing, counseling, and career guidance (details below). The result is a learner‑friendly environment where you can focus on your major while trying language exchange, intercultural clubs, and internships in a city known for safety and quality of life. Support Services · About the University
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Flagship Strengths in Health & Life Sciences
If you’re drawn to human health, Shizuoka is a standout. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences combines rigorous foundational science with applied training in drug development, safety, and community health. Adjacent expertise in Food & Nutritional Sciences addresses food biotechnology, nutrition science, and environmental life sciences—well‑matched with the prefecture’s food industry cluster. Many student projects tap local partners for data and product trials, while graduate pathways build on the same research infrastructure. Pharmaceutical Sciences · Food & Nutritional Sciences
Global & Intercultural Perspectives
The School of International Relations offers deep region‑specific and thematic study—from East Asia and Europe to development, security, culture, and languages—supported by a lively calendar of guest talks and exchange visitors. Students aiming for government, NGOs, trade, or journalism appreciate the blend of area studies with practical communication skills. Outbound exchange destinations are available under inter‑university and inter‑departmental agreements (see the Exchange section). International Relations · International Exchange
Data, Policy & Innovation (Management & Informatics)
Shizuoka’s School of Management & Informatics equips students to analyze data, design policy, and manage organizations in fast‑changing sectors. It’s a practical bridge between social science and computing, with projects aligned to local government and business needs. This makes it attractive if you want hands‑on analytics experience—and a resume with real clients—before graduation. Management & Informatics
Nursing & Community Health
The School of Nursing and the Graduate School of Nursing emphasize research‑informed practice and disaster preparedness, reflecting regional priorities in safety and aging society care. Clinical placements benefit from the Oshika Campus’s proximity to major hospitals and health services. Nursing
Location Advantage: Study Beside Mt. Fuji
Shizuoka City offers fast access to Tokyo and Nagoya while staying affordable and relaxed. The climate is temperate, the food scene is rich (green tea, seafood, wasabi), and outdoor options range from coastline cycling to mountain trails. It’s an environment where you can actually focus—without giving up weekend trips to Japan’s biggest hubs. About Shizuoka
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles
From athletics (soccer, kyudo, volleyball) to cultural groups (orchestra, tea ceremony, language circles), there’s an official list you can browse. Many clubs welcome beginners and exchange students. University clubs
Dedicated Support Offices
You’ll find centralized pages for counseling, health care, Japanese‑language learning support, career support, and more. These are maintained in English with practical info and contacts. Support services · Career support
Language‑Exchange & Buddy‑Style Activities
International exchange clubs regularly organize meetups, trips, and cultural events. The “University clubs” page lists several student groups focused on international friendship and language practice—easy ways to build community in your first weeks. Student clubs directory
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
Shizuoka maintains inter‑university and inter‑departmental agreements across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. If you plan to study abroad from Shizuoka, start with the official listings, then check your faculty office for nomination windows and language requirements. International exchange (overview) · Inter‑University agreements · Inter‑Departmental agreements
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Climate. Shizuoka has a mild, maritime climate with four seasons. Typical monthly high temperatures range from the low‑ to mid‑50s °F (≈10–13 °C) in winter to mid‑80s °F (≈29–31 °C) in peak summer; lows run from upper‑30s/low‑40s °F (≈3–6 °C) in winter nights to mid‑70s °F (≈24 °C) in August nights. See the Japan Meteorological Agency’s station page for Shizuoka (WMO 47656) for long‑term monthly means, and Timeanddate for easy month‑by‑month summaries. JMA monthly tables (EN) · Shizuoka climate averages
Everyday living. The university maintains English pages on housing, part‑time work rules (28 hours/week cap during term), safety confirmation, and daily logistics (e.g., national holidays, municipal procedures). Shizuoka is generally considered safe, with reasonable rents compared to Tokyo and quick Shinkansen access for weekend travel. Living in Japan (University pages) · About Shizuoka
International Student Statistics
As of May 1, 2025, the university reports 56 international students (30 undergraduate, 23 graduate, 3 research). Country/region breakdown: China 31; Myanmar 7; Korea 5; Vietnam 5; Indonesia 1; Nepal 1; Malaysia 1; India 1; Brazil 1; Cambodia 1; Algeria 1; Libya 1. Source: official “Students & Staff Numbers” page (Japanese). Official data (JP)
Career & Graduate Prospects
Career support is coordinated through the university’s Career Support Office, which provides guidance sessions, job‑information listings, application reviews, and interview prep. Typical pathways include pharmaceuticals and healthcare (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nursing), food and biotech firms (Food & Nutritional Sciences), local government/NGOs/media/trade (International Relations), and analytics, policy, and IT‑enabled roles (Management & Informatics). For current procedures and contact points, see the official page and contact list. Career support (EN) · Contact list
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