Fukuyama University Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Scholarships & Campus Life

Thinking about studying in Japan from overseas? Fukuyama University in Hiroshima Prefecture is a mid-sized, student‑friendly private university near the Seto Inland Sea, known for practical learning in Pharmacy, Engineering, Life Sciences, and the social sciences. This guide gives prospective international students a clear, evidence‑based overview—quick facts, strengths, student support, climate, exchange options, and outcomes—so you can decide whether “Fukudai” fits your goals.

Quick Facts — Fukuyama University

Type	Private (Comprehensive University) — University Overview
Total Students	3,381 (as of May 1, 2025) — Enrollment PDF
Campuses	Main Campus (Sanzō, Fukuyama); Marine Bioresources Research Institute & Marine Bio Center Aquarium (Innoshima, Onomichi) — Access & Campus Map
Faculties / Schools	Economics (Economics / International Economics / Tax & Accounting); Human Cultures (Human Cultures / Psychology / Media & Visual Arts); Engineering (Electrical & Electronic / Architecture / Information / Mechanical Systems); Life Science & Biotechnology (Biological Sciences / Health & Nutrition Sciences / Marine Biological Sciences); Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Sciences) — University Overview
Tuition Fees (Annual)	Economics & Human Cultures: ¥840,000; Engineering: ¥1,100,000; Life Science & Biotechnology: ¥1,150,000; Pharmacy: ¥1,860,000 — Official Tuition Page
Gender Ratio	Approx. 64.5% male / 35.5% female (2025) — Enrollment PDF
Intl‑Student %	~2.2% (degree‑seeking only); ~2.5% including exchange/research (2025) — International Students (2025) + Enrollment Total
Students per Staff	17:1 (University‑wide, 2025) — Students per Faculty

Campus Maps

Fukuyama University - Multi-Campus Maps

Main Campus (Fukuyama, Hiroshima)

Address: Gakuen-cho 1 Sanzo, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 729-0292, Japan

Innoshima Campus (Onomichi, Hiroshima) — Marine Bio Center

Address: 452-10 Innoshima Ohamacho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2101, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Fukuyama University was founded in 1975 with a down‑to‑earth mission: to evaluate a university not only by entrance difficulty, but by the quality of education and the human growth it fosters. From the beginning, the university emphasized “learning by doing,” building a supportive campus culture where students can acquire both specialized expertise and broad, civic‑minded skills. You will notice this in advising, labs, and project‑based coursework all across faculties. A concise Japanese history page traces major milestones—from the early establishment of Economics and Engineering, to the launch of Pharmacy in 1982 and later expansions in Human Cultures and Life Science & Biotechnology—revealing how Fukuyama grew into a comprehensive institution in the Chugoku/Shikoku region.

A distinctive chapter is the development of clinical, community‑oriented pharmacy education. The Faculty of Pharmacy pioneered hands‑on learning using a “model pharmacy,” hospital practicums, and integrated clinical education decades before such approaches were standard nationwide. Its official historical outline (updated) documents how “Fukuyama‑style” pharmaceutical education took shape and how those practices were carried forward when Japan’s six‑year pharmacy program began. For international students who value immersive, practice‑ready training, that heritage still matters today. See the History and the Faculty of Pharmacy’s chronology (JP, updated) here.

Institutionally, Fukuyama University positions itself as a comprehensive private university serving its region while linking outward to global partners. The English “Guide Book” (PDF) offers a snapshot in English—faculties, facilities, and the city context—useful for first‑look reading. For deeper Japanese reference, start with the University Overview pages here.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship: Faculty of Pharmacy

Clinical, Community‑Oriented Training Roots

Fukuyama’s Faculty of Pharmacy has long emphasized real‑world learning—model pharmacy training, hospital rotations, and integrated clinical instruction. This approach is documented in its official history (JP, updated). For students seeking a degree that blends science with patient‑centered practice, this legacy remains a differentiator. Evidence: Faculty chronology (JP) PDF.

Modern Facilities & Cost Transparency

Pharmacy is the university’s most intensive program academically and financially. Current annual tuition for Pharmacy is ¥1,860,000, while other faculties range from ¥840,000–¥1,150,000. This clarity helps families plan long‑term. Evidence: Tuition page.

“Blue Science”: Marine & Coastal Biology

With the Seto Inland Sea nearby, Fukuyama connects classroom learning to coastal ecosystems via the Marine Bioresources Research Institute and the Marine Bio Center Aquarium on Innoshima (Onomichi). If you care about marine life, aquaculture, or coastal sustainability, the university’s satellite facilities provide a living laboratory. Evidence: Access & Campus Map (shows the Innoshima facility).

Human‑Centered Engineering & Community Resilience

In Engineering, degree programs—Electrical & Electronic, Architecture, Information, and Mechanical Systems—tie technology to everyday life, disaster resilience, and smarter communities. This human‑centered lens shows up in labs and institute projects that serve the broader region. Overview: University Overview.

Global Lounge, Advising & Practical Guides

International students receive practical support from the International Center (immigration, housing guidance, consultation) and benefit from student‑led groups like the Global Communication Circle (G.C.C.) for language exchange and cultural activities. For concrete policies and procedures, consult the 2025 JP handbook and the 2023 English handbook. Evidence: International Center / International Exchange Office / G.C.C. blog / International Student Handbook (JP, 2025) / International Student Handbook (EN, 2023).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that Welcome Overseas Students

From soccer to kendo and dance to marine biology research, clubs and circles are a great way to make friends across faculties. Many groups are beginner‑friendly and emphasize community. Browse current clubs here: Clubs & Circles. Also check G.C.C. activity updates: G.C.C. overview and a feature of the International Center’s role: FUKUDAI Mag article.

Dedicated Support (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

The International Center provides intake advising and guidance on immigration documents, residence status, part‑time work rules, and day‑to‑day life. Depending on demand, housing advice and local referrals are also available. Start here: International Center. For broader international pages including outbound/inbound exchange: International Exchange Office.

Language‑Exchange & Buddy‑Style Communities

Student‑run groups like the Global Communication Circle host language exchanges, cultural days, and friendly meet‑ups, which can be especially helpful if you’re still building Japanese proficiency. Watch for events via the university’s news/blog channels: G.C.C. blog.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound Focus)

Fukuyama University maintains exchange agreements across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Examples include partner universities in China (Capital Normal University, Shanghai Normal University, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, etc.), Southeast Asia (Prince of Songkla University in Thailand; Trade University in Vietnam; Mahasaraswati University in Indonesia), South Asia (Vellore Institute of Technology in India), East Africa (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya), and Europe (Sofia University and Veliko Tarnovo University in Bulgaria), among others. See the International Exchange pages for current options, timelines, visas, and tuition waivers: Study Abroad (Office). For inbound exchange details (what Fukuyama offers to incoming students), check: International Students (career & info hub).

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Fukuyama has a humid‑subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters. Recent multi‑year station data indicate typical August highs around 32 °C and lows near 25 °C, while January averages are roughly 9 °C (high) and 2 °C (low). See: Meteostat: Fukuyama Station and an accessible monthly summary (English) WeatherSpark. The city also publishes monthly climate tables via its open‑data portal (Excel), e.g., 2018/2020 datasets: 2018 climate XLS, 2020 climate XLS.

Season	Typical High / Low	Notes
Summer (Jun–Aug)	~30–32 °C / ~23–25 °C	Humid; typhoon‑season precautions apply.
Winter (Dec–Feb)	~8–10 °C / ~1–3 °C	Cool, often dry; occasional cold snaps.

Lifestyle‑wise, Fukuyama City offers a relatively low cost of living for a mid‑sized Japanese city, good public safety, and quick links by rail to Hiroshima and Okayama. The main campus sits in a quiet area with shuttle buses from JR Matsunaga Station. Practical access info: Access & Campus Map. University handbooks also summarize safety and daily‑life rules for international students (EN/JP): English 2023, Japanese 2025.

International Student Statistics

As of May 1, 2025, Fukuyama University hosted 71 international undergraduates and 5 international graduate students (degree‑seeking), plus 9 exchange students and 1 research student—total 86 when including non‑degree categories. Against a total enrollment of 3,381, that’s roughly 2.2% (degree‑seeking) or 2.5% including exchange/research. Sources: International Students 2025; Enrollment (R7/2025).

Career & Graduate Prospects

Career support is coordinated by the Career Center and faculty offices, with targeted resources for international students (job‑hunting timelines, visa/work rules, and employer connections). The International Center curates guidance for overseas students seeking jobs in Japan, and the university’s career pages/blog share on‑campus guidance and tools (e.g., the “Career Guide Book”). See: International students (career info hub) and a campus career‑support article Career Guidance Feature. For general international support desks: International Center.