University of the Ryukyus— Complete Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Scholarships & Life

Thinking about studying in Japan but want somewhere warm, ocean-facing, and a little off the beaten path? The University of the Ryukyus (Ryūdai) in subtropical Okinawa blends national-university rigor with a relaxed island vibe. This guide walks you through the essentials—from quick facts and stand‑out programs to student life, climate, and career outcomes—so you can decide if Ryūdai fits your goals. Wherever possible we’ve linked to official sources and recent data, and kept the language simple so you can skim or dig deep as you need.

Quick‑Facts Table

Item	Detail
Type	National (Public) University Official Charter
Total Students	7,876 (as of May 1, 2024) University Data
Campus	Main: Senbaru (Nishihara). Access & campus map here
Faculties/Schools	Humanities & Social Sciences, Education, Science, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Global & Regional Studies Official List
Biaya Pendidikan	Application ¥17,000; Admission ¥282,000; Tuition ¥535,800/year (standard national rates). Scholarship info included. Guidebook p.16–18
Gender Ratio	39% F : 61% M (THE 2025) THE Profile
Intl‑Student %	3% (THE 2025) THE Profile
Students per Staff	9.4 (THE 2025) THE Profile

Campus Maps

Maps will be added here later. For now, see the official Access & Campus Map.

Senbaru (Main) Campus — University of the Ryukyus

Address: 1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

The University of the Ryukyus is Japan’s westernmost national university, founded in 1950 under the U.S. Civil Administration on the historic grounds of Shuri Castle in Naha. After Okinawa’s reversion to Japan, the university became a national university in 1972 and later transitioned to a National University Corporation. Today, the main campus sits in Senbaru, Nishihara, with views toward the Pacific and quick access to both Onna’s research coast and Naha City. The university’s charter emphasizes respect for human rights, non‑discrimination, and the free exchange of knowledge, while promoting community engagement across the Ryukyu Islands and beyond. University Charter | About the University

Ryūdai’s academic structure spans six faculties—Humanities & Social Sciences, Education, Science, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture—and the Faculty of Global & Regional Studies, plus several graduate schools. The university maintains a strong island‑region mission: protecting subtropical environments, supporting public health in remote islands, and building Okinawa’s innovation capacity. Faculties & Schools

Recent snapshots: total enrollment is 7,876 (as of May 1, 2024), and employment rates after graduation remain high for undergraduate and graduate cohorts (95%+ depending on level). These figures reflect Ryūdai’s balance of research and practical education in a regional context. University Data (JP)

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Tropical Marine Science—World‑class Field Stations

Ryūdai’s Tropical Biosphere Research Center (TBRC) anchors marine and island science with three stations: Sesoko (coral reefs), Iriomote (mangroves & rainforest), and Nishihara (main campus). Facilities include running‑seawater systems, boats, and dive‑friendly labs, attracting global collaborators. Start at the TBRC English portal and Sesoko Station English page. TBRC (EN) | Sesoko Station (EN) | Iriomote Station (EN)

For a readable research overview, see ASLO’s “Institute Profile: Marine Biology at the University of the Ryukyus.” It highlights Sesoko’s seawater aquaria and field access, and why Okinawa’s reefs are a living laboratory. ASLO profile

Subtropical Field Science (Agriculture & Forestry)

The Faculty of Agriculture operates the Subtropical Field Science Center with the Senbaru and Yona field sites for crop science, protected horticulture, livestock, and forestry. The Yona Forest is also a JaLTER (Japan Long‑Term Ecological Research) site, giving students a long‑horizon view of subtropical ecosystems. Field Science Center (overview) | JaLTER—Yona Field

Conservation Partnerships—Kew & Seed Banking

Ryūdai collaborates with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on seed conservation and biodiversity, including training held at Yona Field Station. This speaks to Okinawa’s high endemism and the university’s conservation role. Kew partnership

Medicine & Health Sciences (Flagship area)

As Okinawa’s main medical hub, Ryūdai’s Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Health Sciences train clinicians and researchers who serve island communities. Proximity to remote islands shapes research topics—public health, tropical medicine, and disaster response—while the university hospital underpins clinical education. Faculty of Medicine

Engineering & Innovation for Island Regions

From coastal infrastructure and renewable energy to materials for harsh marine climates, Engineering at Ryūdai leans into “island problem‑solving.” Students benefit from small class sizes (students‑per‑staff ≈9.4 per THE 2025) and labs attuned to Okinawa’s needs. Faculty of Engineering

Global Liberal‑Arts Core: RISE Exchange

If you’re coming on exchange, the Ryukyus International Student Exchange (RISE) offers four tracks—Japan‑Okinawa Studies, Glocal Leadership, Japanese Language Teacher Training, and Major Studies—with flexible Japanese/English use depending on course. Exchange Program (Overview) | RISE Handbook (Courses)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Student‑run “circles” (lightweight clubs) are a staple of Japanese campus culture and are generally welcoming to exchange students—sports, music, culture, you name it. If you’re new to the idea of a “circle,” the University of Tokyo explains the concept well. What is a circle?

Dedicated Support (visa, housing, counseling)

Ryūdai’s Global Education Center provides structured support—advising, tutors, counseling, library guidance, and more—summarized in the International Student Guidebook (English). You’ll find sections on healthcare, insurance, and day‑to‑day tips. Support overview | Insurance & safety

Language Exchange & Buddy‑Style Help

A student tutor/volunteer system helps with both academics and campus life, especially in your first semesters. Counseling in English is available via the International Student Unit. Mental Health Counseling

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound focus)

If you enroll at Ryūdai and want to go abroad for a semester, start with the Global Education Center (International Student Unit) pages; the unit supports local students planning to study overseas and posts advising info. About the Unit (EN)

For structured exchanges, Ryūdai participates in UMAP and ISEP. UMAP lists the RISE program in its catalog, and ISEP provides a Ryukyus profile with track details. UMAP—RISE | ISEP—Study in Japan @ Ryūdai

Exchange students typically receive tuition waivers at the host under inter‑university agreements—confirm details with your coordinator and the latest RISE handbook. RISE Handbook

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Okinawa)

Okinawa is subtropical: short, mild winters and long, humid summers. For a simple year‑round climate view, see WeatherSpark’s Naha page. For recent observations (last five years), check the Naha/Okinawa annual history pages. Naha (climate overview) | Okinawa 2024 history

Expect average summer highs around the upper 20s °C (mid‑to‑high 80s °F) and winter lows around the mid‑teens °C (~60s °F). Typhoons do pass nearby in late summer/early fall—always follow local advisories (Japan Meteorological Agency). JMA—Climate data

Lifestyle‑wise, students love the beaches, cafes, and slower pace. Study‑in‑Japan’s Okinawa page (English) gives a quick overview of vibe and access. Study in Japan—Okinawa

International Student Statistics

According to the International Student Guidebook (English), around 300 international students from ~50 countries/regions were studying at Ryūdai as of May 1, 2023. University‑wide international student share is ~3% per THE’s 2025 profile. Guidebook—Snapshot | THE—Key stats

Career & Graduate Prospects

University data show robust placement rates (e.g., undergrad ~96%, master’s ~97%, doctoral ~95% at recent checkpoints; rates vary by year and definition). The International Student Unit also runs career counseling tailored for non‑Japanese job seekers (résumés, interviews, internships). Employment data (JP) | Career Counseling (EN)

Costs, Scholarships & Practicalities

National‑university fees are standardized (application ¥17,000; admission ¥282,000; tuition ¥535,800/year). The Guidebook lists campus budgeting tips, meal costs (co‑op cafeteria), and scholarship options—from the Ryūdai QUEST fund to JASSO‑administered awards. Uang sekolah & biaya | Scholarships (overview)

Explore Next

• Browse faculties and syllabi to see course fit. Faculties | • RISE Handbook for exchange specifics. RISE Guidebook | • Outbound study (if you’re a Ryūdai degree student) via the International Student Unit. Unit—About