Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences (KPUHS): A Practical Guide for International Applicants

If you’re exploring health-focused universities in Japan with strong outcomes and a tight-knit learning environment, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences (KPUHS) is worth a closer look. Located in Takamatsu City on the Seto Inland Sea, KPUHS specializes in nursing, clinical laboratory science, and midwifery education with an emphasis on community healthcare and interprofessional teamwork. Small cohorts, hands‑on training, and excellent national licensing results stand out. This guide walks you through quick facts, mission and history, academic strengths, campus life, exchange options, climate and lifestyle in Kagawa, international student data, and career prospects—so you can judge if KPUHS fits your goals.

Quick Facts

A snapshot of Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences (KPUHS) for prospective international applicants.

Campus Maps

Main Campus (Takamatsu / University Headquarters)

Address: 281-1 Hara, Mure-cho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0123, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences (KPUHS) is a public (prefectural) university dedicated to training advanced healthcare professionals who can serve local communities and contribute to public health across Japan. The university’s English overview describes a learning environment anchored in a “state‑of‑the‑art training facility,” small‑group seminars, and joint classes that bring nursing and clinical examination students together—so graduates understand each other’s roles and learn to work in interprofessional teams from day one. The ethos combines scientific literacy and problem‑solving with a strong sense of humanity and service. English Overview

KPUHS traces its roots to a regional mission: ensuring that Kagawa’s growing and aging population has access to high‑quality, team‑based care. The institution’s own history notes the opening of Kagawa University of Health Sciences in 2004, the graduate school in 2009, and the Department of Midwifery in 2012. Over time, the university has refined programs to meet workforce needs in nursing and clinical laboratory science while strengthening advanced practice training. School History

An external 2024 institutional accreditation report provides a concise snapshot: one faculty and one graduate school; 355 undergraduates and 48 graduate students; and 52 full‑time faculty supported by 10 staff as of May 1, 2024. The same report affirms compliance with relevant quality standards and highlights strengths such as student portfolio advising for learning and career development, as well as sustained community outreach activities (e.g., maternal‑child health and mental health initiatives). In short, KPUHS positions itself as a compact professional school with strong ties to the region and a focus on practical, compassionate care. Accreditation Report 2024

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship: Nursing & Midwifery (with Clinical Laboratory Science)

Nursing is KPUHS’s flagship track (70 seats/year). The curriculum blends general education, foundational biomedical courses (e.g., anatomy & physiology, clinical psychology), and progressive clinical practica. Small seminars and substantial clinical placements help students build bedside skills and leadership, with explicit training for disaster nursing and policy literacy—topics of growing importance in Japan. Nursing Program (English)

The Department of Midwifery (10 seats) builds on nursing foundations to prepare professionals who can provide safe, high‑quality maternal and child care. The program emphasizes ethics, clinical competence, and community contribution—consistent with the university’s mission to enhance regional health. Department of Midwifery

Clinical Laboratory Science (Clinical Examination)

KPUHS’s Clinical Examination Department (20 seats/year) trains future clinical laboratory technologists in advanced diagnostics, including genetic testing and assisted reproductive technologies. The curriculum integrates campus‑based skills training with hospital practicums and broad exposure to public health, food hygiene, and environmental testing—preparing graduates for roles across healthcare and industry. Clinical Examination (English)

Interprofessional Learning & Low Student–Faculty Ratio

From the first year, nursing and clinical examination students study together in select modules and practice joint problem‑solving—mirroring real clinical teams. With roughly ≈7.8 students per faculty member (403 students / 52 faculty as of May 1, 2024), students benefit from personalized supervision and timely feedback. Accreditation 2024 | Program Outline

Facilities & Skills Training that Reflect Current Practice

The university highlights a “state‑of‑the‑art training facility,” with laboratory and simulation environments used progressively across the degree. Clinical Examination students learn instrumentation and quality control on campus before hospital rotations, while Nursing students build competencies from basic techniques through advanced practice modules. This sequencing supports readiness for licensure exams and clinical employment. English Overview

Regional Healthcare Network & Collaborative Events

KPUHS engages in a regional consortium with Kagawa University (School of Medicine) and Tokushima Bunri University to promote team‑based medical education and shared initiatives—an example of how a small professional school amplifies impact through partnerships. Kagawa University news | Consortium page

Licensure Outcomes & Practical Placements

The university publicly tracks national examination results and showcases strong performance in both Nursing and Clinical Laboratory Technology. (See “National Examination Results” under Campus Life.) Excellent pass rates reflect the emphasis on hands‑on training and sequential practica. National Exam Results

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

• Sports circles: Dance, Tennis, Basketball, Badminton, Volleyball, Futsal, Table Tennis.
• Cultural/academic circles: Brass Band, Light Music, Photography, Library “Biblia,” Peer Counseling, Health Support, COZY/EIES, and more.

These are open to students across departments and are a great way to meet Japanese peers. Clubs & Circles (JP)

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

• Student Affairs & Counseling: KPUHS provides a counseling room staffed by clinical psychologists for academic life and mental‑health support. Counseling (JP)
• Housing: KPUHS does not operate a student dormitory; most students rent apartments near campus (e.g., around JR Shido). The university’s Q&A clarifies housing is private. Q&A (JP)
• Scholarships & Tuition Reductions: Information is available under Campus Life; Kagawa Prefecture also advertises nursing scholarships. Scholarships/Reductions (JP) / Prefectural Nursing Scholarship (JP, PDF)

Language‑Exchange & International Activities

Recent international events include online exchanges and a “World Café” series that connects KPUHS students with peers abroad. These offer a friendly way to practice English/Japanese and share healthcare perspectives, even if the university’s degree programs currently enroll very few international students. International Exchange News (JP)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound Focus)

KPUHS has engaged in international exchange and short‑term cooperation since the mid‑2010s. Published materials describe ties with institutions such as College of the Rockies (Canada), Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada), University of Bedfordshire (UK), and Binh Thuan Medical College (Vietnam), alongside student exchange activities and outbound support by the International Exchange Committee. While the mix of partners can evolve, the emphasis is on modest‑scale, practice‑oriented exchange that complements the university’s regional mission. International Exchange (2018 report, JP) | Recent Events (JP)

Regionally, KPUHS participates in a medical education consortium with nearby universities to advance interprofessional learning and joint outreach—useful for students planning short domestic study visits or collaborative projects before going abroad. Consortium news / Consortium page

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Takamatsu & Setouchi)

Climate: Takamatsu has relatively mild winters and hot, humid summers. Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) data for the most recent years shows, for example, in January 2024 the average daily high was about 11.0 °C and the average daily low about 2.9 °C; in August 2024 the average daily high was about 35.6 °C and the average daily low about 23.8 °C. January 2023 values were similar (avg. daily high 10.8 °C; low 2.5 °C). These recent figures give a realistic sense of the year’s temperature range. JMA 2024 monthly (JP) | JMA 2023 monthly (JP)

Recent Climate Snapshot (JMA)	Avg. Daily High	Avg. Daily Low	Source
January 2024 (Takamatsu)	≈ 11.0 °C	≈ 2.9 °C	JMA 2024
August 2024 (Takamatsu)	≈ 35.6 °C	≈ 23.8 °C	JMA 2024
January 2023 (Takamatsu)	≈ 10.8 °C	≈ 2.5 °C	JMA 2023

Lifestyle & Attractions: Kagawa is known for calm Setouchi scenery and the Setouchi Triennale, a major international art festival held across nearby islands (Naoshima, Teshima, Shōdoshima). It’s an inspiring weekend destination for art and architecture lovers. Setouchi Triennale (official)

Safety & Cost of Living: Local information for international students emphasizes a comparatively low cost of living versus Tokyo and a generally comfortable climate. Apartment listings near Takamatsu/Sanuki often start in the ¥30,000–¥50,000 range depending on size and location (market examples only; individual prices vary). Kagawa Study Abroad (EN) | GaijinPot Rentals (Kagawa/Takamatsu) | YOLO HOME (Kagawa)

International Student Statistics

KPUHS currently enrolls very few international students. The national University Portrait database (NIAD‑QE) reports 0.0% international students at the undergraduate level (as of May 1, 2024). A country/region breakdown is not published. Prospective applicants should contact the university to confirm the most recent intake and support services. NIAD‑QE University Portrait

Career & Graduate Prospects

Graduates typically enter hospitals (university, prefectural, municipal, Red Cross), clinics, public health facilities, and testing laboratories across Kagawa and the wider Shikoku/Chūgoku regions. The university tracks destinations and highlights consistently high national exam pass rates in Nursing and Clinical Laboratory Technology—key signals of job readiness and credentialing success in Japan’s regulated healthcare professions. National Exam Results | Annual Report / Pamphlet (JP)

Tuition & Funding at a Glance

• Tuition: ¥535,800 per year (public‑university standard). Official Fees
• Entrance fee: ¥197,400 (Kagawa residents) or ¥366,600 (non‑residents). Official Fees
• Scholarships/tuition reduction information: see campus life pages and prefectural schemes for healthcare students. Scholarships (JP) | Prefectural Nursing Scholarship (JP, PDF)

How to Evaluate “Fit” if You’re Applying from Overseas

Who Thrives at KPUHS?

• Students who favor small cohorts, individualized feedback, and tight links to real clinical environments.
• Applicants committed to nursing, midwifery, or clinical lab science in a Japanese healthcare setting.
• Those who prefer a calmer city with good access to nature and art islands—yet with enough transport connectivity for placements and weekend travel.

Practical Notes

• Language: Most instruction and clinical placements will require strong Japanese. Confirm language requirements with the program.
• Housing: No university dorms—budget time to hunt for apartments near Mure/Shido; check student forums and local agencies. Q&A (JP)
• Costs: Use local rental portals to benchmark realistic monthly rent. GaijinPot (Kagawa) | YOLO HOME
• Environment: Explore Setouchi art islands and plan for hot summers. Setouchi Triennale | JMA Climate (2024)

Sources & Official Pages (Selected)

• KPUHS (English) overview & programs: English University Pages
• Campus access (address): Access (JP)
• Fees (tuition & entrance): Admission Fees (JP)
• Accreditation snapshot (students, staff): Institutional Evaluation 2024 (JP, PDF)
• University Portrait (gender/intl %): NIAD‑QE (EN)
• National exam results: Results page (JP)
• Clubs/circles: Clubs (JP)
• International exchange news: International Exchange (JP)
• Climate (recent monthly data): JMA 2024 (JP) / JMA 2023 (JP)
• Setouchi Triennale: Official site (EN)