Thinking about studying in Japan but not sure which campus matches your goals and budget? Nagoya University—one of Japan’s former Imperial universities—offers a powerful blend of world‑class research, human‑scale campuses, and affordable national‑university tuition. This guide walks you through fast facts, strengths, support for international students, climate and lifestyle in Nagoya, exchange options, and graduate outcomes. Wherever you’re starting from—STEM, social sciences, or liberal arts—use this page to decide whether “Meidai” is a fit for your path and wallet (tuition is typically ¥535,800/year for degree students). We’ve added official sources and tools so you can go deeper anytime.





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Quick Facts (Nagoya University)
Use this snapshot to compare Nagoya University against your short list. Sources include the official English site, the G30 International Programs, NUPACE (exchange), and league‑table profiles.
Type | National University (member of the Tokai National Higher Education & Research System). Official News |
Total Students | ≈15,440 (Key stats profile). THE Profile |
Campuses (Main) | Higashiyama (Main), Tsurumai (Medicine), Daiko (Health Sciences). Short Introduction (A4, EN) |
Faculties / Schools | Humanities / Education / Law / Economics / Informatics / Science / Medicine / Engineering / Agricultural Sciences. Schools & Contacts |
Tuition Fees | Undergrad/Grad: ¥267,900 / semester (¥535,800 / year); Registration fee: ¥282,000 (one‑time). Official Tuition ・ G30 Tuition & Aid |
Gender Ratio | ~30% F : 70% M. THE Key Stats |
Intl‑Student % | ~12%. THE Key Stats |
Students per Staff | ~13.5. THE Key Stats |
Campus Maps
Maps placeholder (to be embedded later by the editor). For quick orientation, see the two‑page English campus flyer. A4 English Intro
Higashiyama Campus (Nagoya)
Address: Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
Tsurumai Campus (Nagoya)
Address: 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
Daiko Campus (Nagoya)
Address: 1-1-20 Daiko-Minami, Higashi-ku, Nagoya 461-8673, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Nagoya University traces its origin to the Temporary Medical School and Public Hospital established in 1871. It became Nagoya Imperial University in 1939 and adopted its present name after WWII. Today, the university is nationally funded and internationally recognized for research in physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science, and life sciences. The university’s academic culture is deliberately “free and open,” encouraging faculty and students to question assumptions and pursue ideas across disciplines. That spirit helped produce multiple Nobel‑winning breakthroughs, including the blue LED (Akasaki & Amano, 2014) and fundamental work on CP violation (Kobayashi & Maskawa, 2008). For a concise overview, the official English “Short Introduction” outlines schools, institutes, and research centers, while the G30 initiative adds fully English‑taught degree options. Short Introduction (EN) ・ About G30
As a National University Corporation, Nagoya University belongs to the Tokai National Higher Education & Research System, deepening links across Aichi and the Tokai region’s industries (automotive, aerospace, robotics). On campus, you’ll hear its nickname “Meidai.” Explore the historical arc and fast facts here: History (EN) ・ Nobel Laureates.
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Flagship: Nobel‑LED & GaN (CIRFE / IMaSS)
Nagoya University is synonymous with gallium nitride (GaN) and blue LED innovation. Distinguished Prof. Hiroshi Amano (2014 Physics Nobel) leads GaN research and directs CIRFE at the Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability (IMaSS). Modern facilities support deep‑UV lasers and next‑gen wide‑bandgap devices—excellent news if you’re targeting semiconductors or sustainable electronics. See the Takuetsu Professors announcement highlighting Amano’s role and CIRFE’s cleanroom. News release ・ Amano profile
Flagship: Physics & Fundamental Science
From quark physics (Kobayashi–Maskawa) to space‑earth environmental research, Nagoya has serious range. The Kobayashi‑Maskawa Institute (KMI) is a focus for particle physics, while allied institutes expand into cosmic‑ray and heliospheric science. If you’re considering research studentships or exchange, browsing the university’s Introducing Nagoya University section and Nobel pages is a great start. Nobel Laureates ・ News & Announcements
Global Liberal‑Arts & English‑Taught Programs (G30)
The Global 30 (G30) International Programs offer full English‑taught degree paths in sciences, engineering (including Automotive Engineering tracks), economics, law, and Japan‑in‑Asia Cultural Studies. You’ll study alongside Japanese classmates who join G30 courses to sharpen English and global competencies—useful for lab culture and internships. Admissions pages outline entry criteria, statistics, and scholarship routes. About G30 ・ Undergraduate Admissions ・ Tuition & Financial Aid
Medicine & Health Sciences Footprint
Clinical training anchors the Tsurumai (School of Medicine) and Daiko (Health Sciences) campuses. Exchange students in health fields typically come via inter‑school agreements and NUPACE, with access tailored by division. For program‑specific queries, use the admissions contact list by school. Schools & contacts
Affordable National‑University Pricing
As a national university, tuition is set at ¥535,800/year for degree students (same for Japanese and international students), with a one‑time registration fee of ¥282,000. The G30 site also lists typical monthly living costs for apartments, utilities, food, and more, so you can budget realistically. Official Tuition (Campus Life) ・ G30 Tuition & Aid
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs, Circles & Campus Culture
Student circles are welcoming, ranging from sports and music to go, robotics, and language exchange. Many groups host newcomers in English during the spring/fall intake windows. Watch the official news feed for campus festival dates and research open houses. News
Dedicated Support (Visa, Housing, Counseling)
For accommodation, NUPACE maintains English guidance on university housing, local apartments, arrival support, and access from the airport or Nagoya Station. For counseling and general student support, use the university’s Student Support & Career Guidance hub (English). NUPACE: Housing ・ Student Support & Counseling
Language‑Exchange & Buddy Programs
Most G30 cohorts include Japanese students in English‑medium classes, making buddy‑style language exchange organic in labs and seminars. Exchange students (NUPACE) also join organized cultural activities and dorm communities led by Resident Assistants (RAs). About G30 ・ NUPACE Housing
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
NUPACE (Nagoya University Program for Academic Exchange) maintains current partner lists and application instructions for one‑semester or full‑year study, plus short programs. University‑wide and inter‑school agreements are also summarized on the main site’s figures page. NUPACE Partners ・ Inter‑University Agreements
Local Climate & Lifestyle (Nagoya)
Weather: Nagoya has four seasons—warm, humid summers and cool winters. The Japan Meteorological Agency’s normals (1991–2020) show annual mean temperature ≈16.2°C, with July–August hottest and a rainy season early summer. JMA Climate Normals
Safety & Practicalities: Safety guidance is available from the U.S. State Department (Japan currently Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions) and the Aichi Prefectural Police English page (local emergency tips). Japan National Tourism also provides emergency info. Japan Travel Advisory (US) ・ Aichi Police (EN) ・ Japan Travel: Emergencies
Cost of Living & Housing (Typical)
Item | Monthly Estimate |
Off‑campus apartment | ¥30,000–50,000 |
Utilities | ¥10,000 |
Food | ¥30,000 |
Telecom | ¥5,000 |
Insurance | ¥1,500 |
Other | ¥10,000 |
Reference values from G30 (actuals vary). G30: Tuition & Living Costs ・ For exchange dorms and access: NUPACE Housing
International Student Statistics
A published breakdown by region/country (as of AY2017) is available on the English site under “The University in Figures.” Use this as context while checking the most recent totals on admissions pages. International Students by Country/Region
Career & Graduate Prospects
G30 publishes outcomes and alumni profiles. Roughly a third of graduates pursue graduate study in Japan and another quarter abroad, while many others join industry across the Chubu manufacturing cluster (automotive, ICT, robotics) and beyond. Check the “Future and Career” hub and program‑level pages (e.g., Automotive Engineering, Economics, Bio‑related tracks) for discipline‑specific outcomes. Future and Career (G30)