Niigata University of International and Information Studies (NUIS): Complete Guide for International Students

Thinking about Japan for your degree? Niigata University of International and Information Studies (NUIS) is a small, career-focused private university in coastal Niigata City. Students pick from two faculties—International Studies and Business & Informatics—while enjoying a compact, tech-forward campus (Mizukino) and a downtown satellite (Chuo). With strong language training, JABEE-recognized information systems curriculum, and steady placement into regional industry and public service, NUIS is a practical choice for students who want a global perspective plus employable skills. This guide walks you through fast facts, academics, campus life, exchanges, climate, student numbers, and career outcomes with links to official sources for easy verification.

Niigata University of International and Information Studies — Symbolic Photo Gallery

Quick-Facts Table

Item	Details (latest available)
Type	Private University
Total Students	≈ 1,300 (as of May 1, 2020, English profile)
Campuses	Mizukino (main); Chuo (downtown Niigata)
Faculties/Schools	Faculty of International Studies (Department of International Studies) Faculty of Business & Informatics Department of Business Administration Department of Information Systems (JABEE-recognized program)
Tuition Fees (Undergraduate)	Year 1: ¥1,300,000 (tuition ¥700,000 + facility ¥300,000 + materials ¥100,000; + enrollment fee ¥200,000 paid at admission) Years 2–4: ¥1,100,000 per year (tuition ¥700,000 + facility ¥300,000 + materials ¥100,000). (2026 schedule; scholarships available.)
Gender Ratio	Female ≈ 36.9% (480/1,301; May 1, 2020)
Intl-Student %	Small cohort (< 2% historically; inbound exchanges ongoing)
Students per Staff	~30:1 (derived from student total and faculty counts published in English profile)
Sources	NUIS Introduction (EN) ・ Facilities / Campuses (EN) ・ Tuition & Scholarships (JP) ・ Business & Informatics (EN)

Campus Maps

Mizukino Campus (Main, Niigata)

Address: 3-1-1 Mizukino, Nishi Ward, Niigata 950-2292, Japan

Chuo Campus (Downtown Niigata)

Address: 7 Bancho-1169 Kamiokawamaedori, Chuo Ward, Niigata 951-8068, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Niigata University of International and Information Studies (NUIS) opened in 1994 with a clear purpose: nurture people who can bridge cultures and thrive in an information-rich society. From the start, the university combined language education with data, computing, and business literacy so that graduates understand both international contexts and the tools that move organizations forward. These founding ideas are spelled out on the official English pages and continue to shape the curriculum and campus planning today. Introduction (EN)

Structurally, NUIS is a private institution under the Niigata Heisei Gakuen school corporation. In the mid-2010s and 2020s, the university streamlined programs and invested in a compact, student-centric physical plant: the Mizukino main campus concentrates core learning facilities (Computer Center, Library, International Center, MELF student hall, and sports amenities), while the Chuo Campus in downtown Niigata hosts outreach and public-facing activities. This dual‑site approach supports a quiet study environment and easy access to the city’s internships, retail, and transport. Facilities (EN)

Quality assurance is documented in official disclosures and third-party assessments. The university underwent institutional evaluation by the Japan Institution for Higher Education Evaluation (JIHEE) and was recognized as meeting all standards. In recent governance documentation, NUIS underscores transparency and continuous improvement, including career surveys and outreach with employers. These materials (in Japanese) are part of the school’s regular information disclosure. JIHEE Evaluation Report (JP/PDF) ・ University Overview & Information Disclosure (JP) ・ Governance Code (JP/PDF)

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship: Business & Informatics + JABEE-Recognized Information Systems

NUIS’s Faculty of Business & Informatics is the university’s applied engine. Students choose between Business Administration (management, accounting, marketing) and Information Systems (programming, data structures, networks, security). The Information Systems track includes a JABEE-recognized program, signaling that its outcomes meet rigorous engineering education standards and can confer advantages for Japan’s national Professional Engineer pathway (first exam exemption for program completers). Faculty of Business & Informatics (EN) ・ JABEE Program (JP) ・ Information Systems Department (JP)

Global Liberal-Arts Core in International Studies

In the Faculty of International Studies, students deepen language skills (English plus regional languages) and study culture, society, and global business communication. The curriculum leans on small classes and presentation practice, frequently linking to community projects and international exchange opportunities. Faculty of International Studies (EN) ・ Study Abroad / International Exchange (JP)

Compact, Connected Campus: Computer Center, Library & MELF

The Mizukino main campus concentrates services in walking distance: the Computer Center offers multilingual OS terminals; the Library provides 130,000+ titles and access to global databases; and the MELF student hall anchors club rooms and open lounges. Sports facilities (field, courts, gym) support a balanced lifestyle. Chuo Campus downtown hosts community courses and outreach. Facilities (EN)

Career Outcomes & Employer Links

Career support begins in Year 1 and includes industry seminars, mock interviews, and on‑campus employer fairs. Recent outcomes are steady: for 2024 graduates, overall employment was 97.1% with faculty-level figures in the mid‑90s, and typical destinations span finance, IT, manufacturing, retail, public sector, and education. Alumni interviews on the official site illustrate roles from regional banks and JR East to IT solution providers. Career Support (JP) ・ Employment Results 2024 (JP) ・ Employment Data Overview (JP) ・ Alumni Interviews (JP)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles That Welcome Overseas Students

Clubs (“circles”) range from sports (athletics, badminton, cycling) to culture and media (tea ceremony, music, photo, design) and social-good projects (fair trade, eco). These are open to international students and are a great way to build friendships and practice languages. Clubs & Circles (JP)

Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

The Student Support pages compile counseling resources, health office, accessibility, and harassment prevention policies. The International Center on the Mizukino campus provides a welcoming lounge and spaces for cross‑cultural events. For residence options, many students live in nearby apartments; the university links local listings during admissions seasons. Student Support (JP) ・ International Center (EN)

Language-Exchange & Buddy-Style Activities

While there is no single “buddy program” page in English, language practice is embedded in classwork, circles, and international center events. Exchange students especially find ready partners in seminar groups and circles focused on travel, culture sharing, and conversation. See the exchange landing pages for current schedules. Study Abroad / International (JP)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

NUIS runs both dispatch (outbound) and exchange programs. Outbound options have included universities in the U.S., China, Korea, and Europe. The Japanese pages list partners such as the University of Central Missouri (U.S.), East China Normal University (China), and Kwangwoon University (Korea). Always confirm details (length, language, scholarship) before applying—program menus can change year to year. International Programs (JP) ・ University of Central Missouri ・ East China Normal University ・ Kwangwoon University

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather Patterns (Recent Years)

Niigata has warm, humid summers and cold winters with notable snowfall (Sea of Japan side). As a reference point, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) data for Niigata station (WMO 47604) shows peak summer monthly means in August and the lowest winter values in January–February. You can review monthly mean, daily-max, and daily-min temperature tables for the latest years directly on JMA’s site (English/Japanese interfaces available). JMA Niigata 2024 monthly (temp details) ・ JMA Niigata monthly (means) ・ JMA English climate tables

City Vibe, Safety & Affordability

Niigata City offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with good transport, winter sports access, and a strong food culture (rice, seafood). Compared with Tokyo and Osaka, housing is generally more affordable. The university helps share local rental information during the admissions cycle. For a feel of the main campus surroundings and downtown access, explore the Facilities overview. Facilities (EN)

International Student Statistics

NUIS hosts a small number of full‑time international students each year and regularly welcomes exchange students through partner programs. While the university emphasizes outbound study for its own students, inbound capacity is growing but remains modest due to factors like class language distribution and the absence of on‑campus dorms (disclosed in recent annual/strategic reports). Expect the international-student share to be a small single digit. For official context, see the information disclosure hub and recent annual reports. Information Disclosure (JP) ・ FY2024 Annual Report (JP/PDF)

Career & Graduate Prospects

Placement Rates & Typical Employers

For the 2024 graduating cohort (2024–25 AY completions), NUIS reports an overall employment rate of 97.1% with faculty-level job-placement rates in the mid‑90s. Employers span banks, IT/tech integrators, manufacturers, local governments, and JR East, among others. Explore the annual dashboards and cohort-by-cohort breakdowns below for details. Employment Results 2024 (JP) ・ Employment Results 2023 (JP) ・ Employment Results 2022 (JP) ・ Employment Data Overview (JP)

Career Support & Follow-up Surveys

The Career Support Center publishes employer feedback and alumni career surveys to improve services and track outcomes after graduation. See the dedicated pages and latest PDFs. Career Support (JP) ・ Alumni Career Surveys (JP) ・ 2024 Alumni Career Survey (JP/PDF)

English Landing Page

For quick navigation in English, start here: NUIS English Home