Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU): Programs, Tuition, Student Life & Careers for International Students

Thinking about studying in Japan, but want a city that blends academic rigor with real-world opportunity? Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) is a public university born in 2022 from the merger of Osaka City University and Osaka Prefecture University. With around 16,000 students across specialized campuses and deep ties to industry, OMU offers English-friendly support, diverse programs, and an unbeatable location in the Kansai region. This guide distills key facts—from faculties and tuition to research strengths, student life, climate, and career outcomes—so you can decide if OMU fits your goals.

Osaka Metropolitan University — Symbolic Photos (Free to Use)

The Academic Information Center at the Sugimoto Campus, a central hub for study spaces, collections, and student services.

A classic red-brick ensemble that reflects the historic character of the former Osaka City University campus, now part of OMU.

An emblematic statue on campus that symbolizes civic-minded learning and the university’s roots in Osaka.

In spring, the Sakura-dori walkway becomes a picturesque tunnel of blossoms, a favorite spot for students.

The expansive Nakamozu Campus in Sakai features broad walkways and a park-like learning environment.

A serene spring scene on the former Osaka Prefecture University grounds, now part of OMU.

A coastal campus site offering access to research and industry in southern Osaka.

The welcoming entrance to OMU’s Habikino Campus, home to health-related faculties and facilities.

A calm study space within the Abeno medical area, supporting clinical education and research.

A look at OMU’s future development in Jōtō-ku, Osaka—an evolving campus site expanding the university’s urban footprint.

Quick Facts (Osaka Metropolitan University)

Type (National/Public/Private)	Public (Metropolitan—founded through the merger of Osaka City University & Osaka Prefecture University). History
Total Students	≈ 16,000 (OMU in Numbers). Source
Campuses	Main: Sugimoto. Others: Nakamozu, Abeno (Medicine), Habikino (Veterinary/Health Sci.), Rinku (Nursing). Morinomiya (new campus; sports & health sciences hub planned for 2025). Access & Campus Info
Faculties/Schools	Humanities; Law; Economics; Business; Science; Engineering; Agriculture; Veterinary Science; Medicine; Nursing; Human Life & Ecology; Literature; Sustainable System Sciences; Knowledge & Information Systems; Urban Management (and more via graduate programs). Full List
수업료	Standard annual undergraduate tuition: ¥535,800 (plus admission & other fees). Tuition & Fees
Gender Ratio	Varies by school; no single university‑wide ratio published as one figure.
Intl-Student %	International students: 421 (May 1, 2025) ≈ 2.6% of total. Official Stats (JP)
Students per Staff	≈ 11.4 (≈16,000 students / ≈1,400 full-time faculty). OMU in Numbers

Campus Maps

Mission, History & Founding Story

Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) was established in April 2022 through the merger of two respected public institutions—Osaka City University and Osaka Prefecture University—creating one of Japan’s largest public universities. The merger combines complementary strengths: urban policy and business from the former city university, and engineering, agriculture, and life sciences from the former prefectural university. History

OMU’s mission emphasizes the “Convergence of Knowledge”—encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration that addresses real-world challenges in health, sustainability, data, and urban innovation. The university’s multi‑campus model supports this mission: humanities, social sciences, and core sciences gather at Sugimoto, engineering at Nakamozu, healthcare programs across Abeno, Habikino, and Rinku, and (from 2025) the new Morinomiya campus to anchor sports, health, and community engagement. Mission & Vision Access

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Engineering & Space Systems: Hands-on, Team-Based Learning

OMU’s School of Engineering combines classic disciplines—mechanical, electrical & electronic, civil, materials—with applied tracks such as information systems and robotics. Students benefit from modern labs on the Nakamozu campus and project-based classes closely connected to Kansai’s manufacturing ecosystem. Program Overview | Nakamozu Campus

Small Spacecraft Systems Research Center (SSSRC)

SSSRC gives students rare exposure to the full lifecycle of CubeSats and small spacecraft—mission design, integration, and operations. Recent initiatives include the HIROGARI project and outreach with international partners, providing undergrads and grads with practical, resume-ready experience. SSSRC | HIROGARI Project

AI, Robotics & Smart Energy: Living-Lab Demonstrations

OMU hosts live demonstrations that blend AI, robotics, and energy systems—for example, showcasing autonomous robots in smart buildings. These activities connect students with faculty and industry on real problems, not just textbook exercises. Example: Smart Energy & Robots | Researcher Database

Life Sciences & Early Diagnostics

Across Medicine, Nursing, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, and Human Life & Ecology, OMU researchers aim for rapid, practical impact—like optical-force–assisted immunoassays for ultra-sensitive medical diagnostics—and operate shared research cores such as the Center for Research and Development of Bioresources. Research Highlight | Bioresources Center

Signature Areas (Examples)

Engineering & Informatics

Project-heavy majors with broad employer interest in robotics, power systems, materials, and data science. Programs

Health & Biomedical Fields

From Abeno and Rinku to Habikino, OMU’s medical, nursing, and veterinary ecosystem emphasizes translational work and public health impact. Campus Overview

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs, Circles & Events

Expect a friendly, hands-on vibe. Recent exchange cohorts joined the OMU Festival, tried Judo with the OMU club, and did calligraphy with OMU Global Members (OGM). It’s a simple way to meet Japanese peers and practice language. Example (2025 ERAU Program)

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

OMU provides English pages for status of residence, housing, health & safety, and career support. Dedicated tutors and supporters help international students one-on-one with study, research, life admin, and Japanese improvement. Status of Residence | Housing (EN) | Health & Safety | Career Support (EN) | Tutors & Supporters | (JP) OGM student group in action

Language Exchange & Buddy Programs

Buddy-style activities are common during short programs and exchanges; many involve clubs or research centers like SSSRC. You can expect peer-led cultural exchanges and English/Japanese practice through events and circles. Example (2024 ERAU Program)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

OMU maintains a wide network of academic partners across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, enabling short programs, semester exchanges, and research collaborations. The partner list is updated periodically. Worldwide Academic Partners. Recent collaboration highlights include multi-year training and exchange programs with Cambodia’s RUPP under a World Bank initiative. RUPP Collaboration (2023)

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather Patterns (Recent Years)

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Based on Japan Meteorological Agency data for Osaka City (Station 47772), recent years show summer highs regularly over 30°C and winter lows around 3–5°C, with a rainy season in early summer. See monthly summaries: JMA Monthly (EN) | 2024 Detail | 2023 Detail

Safety & Practical Cost of Living

Japan remains a safe study destination (always check current advisories). U.S. Travel Advisory. For budgeting, OMU’s English guide estimates about ¥105,000/month living expenses, excluding tuition. University-managed dorms (JP) can lower rent. OMU Living Guide (EN) | Dorms (JP) | Housing (EN)

International Student Statistics

As of May 1, 2025, OMU reports 421 international students (undergraduate + graduate). That’s approximately 2.6% of the total student body (~16,000). Breakdown by level is published on the (Japanese) education data page. Official Stats (JP) | OMU in Numbers (EN)

Career & Graduate Prospects

OMU’s Career Support Office provides advising, employer sessions, and job‑hunting resources in Japanese, with some English guidance. Annual outcome data (JP) show strong placements across manufacturing, IT, finance, public sector, and healthcare. Career Support (EN) | Placement Data (JP)

Typical employers (department examples) include Mitsubishi Electric, Sony, Daikin, Panasonic, Fujitsu, Kansai Electric, Toyota, and public agencies—reflecting the Kansai region’s deep industrial base and OMU’s technical strengths. Sample Employers (Engineering) | Economics Career (JP) | Business Career (JP)