Nagoya Gakuin University (NGU) for International Students: Admissions, Tuition, Campus Life & Exchange

Considering Japan for your next study-abroad chapter? Nagoya Gakuin University (NGU) in central Japan offers a friendly, practical gateway to Japanese language, culture, and career-focused degrees. This guide walks you through NGU’s mission and history, standout programs like the Institute for Japanese Studies (IJS), everyday student life, partnerships for global mobility, climate and lifestyle tips, plus fees and admissions pointers. Throughout, we link to official sources so you can double-check details in a new tab. Whether you plan a one‑year language sprint or a full degree, use this page to map your path with confidence.

Quick Facts (Nagoya Gakuin University)

Type	Private University Official Site
Total Students	6,175 (Undergraduate total; as of Sept 1, 2020) Basic Data
Campuses	Nagoya (Shiratori Campus – Main); Seto Nagoya Campus / Seto Campus
Faculties/Schools	Economics (link) Contemporary Social Studies (link) Commerce (link) Law (link) Foreign Studies (link) Intercultural Studies (link) Health & Sports (link) Rehabilitation Sciences (link) Graduate Schools: Economics & Business Administration; Foreign Languages (overview)
Tasse scolastiche	IJS: ¥640,000 / year (two semesters) IJS Tuition; Undergraduate tuition varies by faculty (Japanese pages list details) Fees Overview (JP) / Example (Commerce, JP)
Gender Ratio	Female 29% (1,787) / Male 71% (based on total 6,175; 2020) Basic Data
Intl‑Student %	Not officially published. Reference: IJS inbound totals—2022: 27; 2023: 35; 2024: 37 IJS Application
Students per Staff	≈36:1 (6,175 students / 171 academic staff; 2020) Basic Data

Campus Maps

Nagoya Shirotori Campus (Main / Headquarters)

Address: 1-25 Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya 456-8612, Japan

Open in Google Maps (reviews & photos)

Seto Campus (Aichi)

Address: 1350 Kamishinano-cho, Seto, Aichi 480-1298, Japan

Open in Google Maps (reviews & photos)

Mission, History & Founding Story

Nagoya Gakuin University traces its roots to 1887, when an English-language school was established in Aichi by Christian educators. The modern university was formally established in 1964 and has grown into a comprehensive, private institution offering eight undergraduate faculties and two graduate schools. NGU’s English pages outline key milestones, from its early origins to the relocation and consolidation of facilities in Nagoya and Seto, reflecting a steady expansion of programs and student services over time. History (EN)

The university’s educational approach blends classroom learning with practical, career-connected experiences. As NGU developed new faculties—Commerce, Foreign Studies, Intercultural Studies, Health & Sports, Rehabilitation Sciences, and more—it also invested in support structures: a dedicated International Lounge for language practice and global events, staff and student assistants who help connect Japanese and international students, and a one‑year Institute for Japanese Studies (IJS) that prepares learners for academic progression or culturally rich gap‑year experiences. International Lounge / IJS (EN)

Today, NGU serves more than six thousand undergraduates (as of 2020) and operates multiple sites: the main Shiratori campus in Nagoya plus Seto for specialized facilities. The campus pages give a practical snapshot of buildings, labs, and student services; “Facts & Figures” summarizes outreach initiatives and international links. The Japanese and English pages together show a university oriented to both local community engagement and global exchange. Campus Overview (Nagoya) / Facts & Figures

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Institute for Japanese Studies (IJS): One‑Year Intensive with Clear Costs

IJS is NGU’s flagship pathway for international students who want structured Japanese learning with cultural coursework and the option to sit entrance exams for degree programs later. Tuition is transparent—¥640,000 for the academic year (two payments of ¥320,000, with the entrance fee included in the first semester). Recent inbound numbers show steady demand (2022: 27; 2023: 35; 2024: 37). Application procedures, scholarship notes, and forms are published in English. IJS Tuition / IJS Application & Intake Data

International Lounge: Daily Language Practice & Peer‑Led Events

NGU’s International Lounge (“i‑Lounge”) anchors everyday global interaction on campus. Staff, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Student Assistants (SAs), Learning Advisors (LAs), and EL interns run conversation tables, cultural festivals, and tutoring. The i‑Lounge pages outline how internationals meet Japanese students over lunch, join language tables, and take part in photo‑documented events. It’s a low‑barrier way to make friends while improving Japanese or English. International Lounge / i‑Lounge Staff

Career‑Oriented Study with Clear Pathways

NGU publishes graduate outcomes and pathways, and the campus builds in practical support (Career Center, licensing/qualification guidance, etc.). Degree pages are written in straightforward English, letting you compare what you’ll study across faculties—Economics and Policy Studies, Commerce, Law, Foreign/Intercultural Studies, Health & Sports, and Rehabilitation Sciences. Graduates’ Career Paths / Academics Overview

Flagship Faculties (Examples)

Rehabilitation Sciences

NGU’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences emphasizes an integrated curriculum (basic medicine, rehabilitation sciences, physical therapy practice), aligning study with hands‑on training at specialized Seto facilities. For students aiming at health professions or human performance fields, this faculty offers a structured track with lab‑rich coursework. Faculty Page / Seto Facilities

Economics & Commerce

If you prefer business, policy, and markets, NGU’s Economics (including Policy Studies) and Commerce tracks blend theory with applied skills—think data literacy, presentations, and business communication. The degree pages detail course families and graduate roles, helping you see how each program connects to future work. Economics / Commerce

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles Welcoming Overseas Students

From language tables to seasonal festivals (e.g., Japanese Language Day), NGU’s i‑Lounge events make it easy to join campus life—no advanced Japanese required. Photo galleries and event pages show how internationals and Japanese students mix through culture, sports, and food. International Lounge

Dedicated Support (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

The International Center supports documentation and daily life; IJS pages outline tuition, scholarships, Q&A on academic progression, and accommodation options. Dorm pricing and terms are published in English, with Resident Assistants (RAs) living on-site to help new arrivals. IJS Q&A / Accommodation & RA

Language‑Exchange & Buddy Programs

Tutoring and “Kaiwa Salon” (conversation sessions) pair international and Japanese students. Learning Advisors, TAs, and SAs coordinate activities that keep practice consistent—and fun. How i‑Lounge is staffed

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

NGU’s international footprint gives students multiple outbound choices. For example, U.S. partners publicly reference NGU in program pages or academic materials: Bowling Green State University describes a month‑long summer study operated with NGU; Middle Tennessee State University lists NGU in its program catalog; the University of Memphis promotes study in Japan (with NGU named among exchange partners in its brochure); Coe College highlights a long‑running NGU exchange. Program availability can change year to year—always confirm with NGU’s International Center before applying. BGSU – Japan Programs / MTSU – NGU Program / Univ. of Memphis – Study Abroad in Japan / Coe College – Off‑Campus (Japan)

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Nagoya has four distinct seasons. Expect hot, humid summers and cool winters with occasional cold snaps. For recent five‑year patterns and month‑by‑month means (including max/min temperatures), see Japan Meteorological Agency’s table for the Nagoya station and WeatherSpark’s 2024 history based on Centrair Airport data. As a large city, Nagoya combines efficient transit with a slower daily rhythm than Tokyo or Osaka, and living near campus keeps commute costs and time reasonable. JMA – Monthly Climate (Nagoya) / WeatherSpark – 2024 Nagoya

International Student Statistics

NGU publishes inbound IJS totals in English. Recent intakes: 2022 (27), 2023 (35), 2024 (37). A fuller breakdown by country/region isn’t posted on the English site; inquire with the International Center if you need a regional mix for a given year. IJS Application & Intake Data

Career & Graduate Prospects

NGU’s “Graduates’ Career Paths” page outlines employment support and examples by faculty. Combine that with program pages to see which courses map to your target roles—business and policy tracks for corporate or public‑sector paths, language‑centric faculties for aviation/tourism or NGO/NPO work, and health‑aligned faculties for sports, wellness, and rehabilitation. Graduates’ Career Paths / Academics Overview

Admissions & Costs (Where to Start)

For the one‑year IJS, begin with the English application and fee pages (tuition ¥640,000). For degree programs, fees differ by faculty and are listed on NGU’s Japanese pages; confirm the latest amounts before applying. IJS Application / IJS Tuition / Undergraduate Fees (JP) / Example: Commerce (JP)