Nanzan University Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Scholarships, Student Life

Considering Japan for your degree or language year abroad? Nanzan University in Nagoya blends a friendly Catholic heritage with modern programs, strong Japanese-language teaching, and hands‑on support for international students. This guide pulls together quick facts, admissions tips, real program examples (like the Center for Japanese Studies and the Global Liberal Studies faculty), and snapshots of student life—from clubs to career services. If you’re shortlisting schools in central Japan (Aichi/Tokai region), Nanzan offers a compact campus community, serious academics, and straightforward support with visas, housing, and scholarships—all explained below with official sources linked.

Quick-Facts Table

Snapshot data are sourced from Nanzan’s official English site (latest figures as of May 1, 2024 where shown). Links are included for verification.

Type	Private (Catholic)
Total Students	9,883 (Undergraduate 9,661 + Graduate 222) — Number of Students (official)
Campuses	Nagoya (Yagoto) — Main campus
Faculties/Schools	Humanities; Foreign Studies; Economics; Business Administration; Law; Policy Studies; Science & Technology; Global Liberal Studies — Undergraduate Programs (official)
Tuition Fees	Undergrad (intl., self‑financed): Enrollment ¥250,000; Annual Tuition ¥375,000; Education Enhancement ¥120,000–¥170,000 — Details Graduate (intl., self‑financed): Enrollment ¥300,000; Annual Tuition ¥287,000–¥500,000; Facilities ¥52,500–¥100,000 — Details
Gender Ratio	Male 45.6% / Female 54.4% (all students) — Official table
Intl‑Student %	~450 international students total (UG, Grad, CJS) — International Students (official)
Students per Staff	By faculty, ~24.7–47.3 students per full‑time instructor — Student–Teacher Ratio (official)

Campus Maps

Nagoya Campus (Main, Showa-ku)

Address: 18 Yamazato-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8673, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Founded in 1946 and rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), Nanzan University’s motto is Hominis Dignitati—“For human dignity.” The university grew from a language college into a comprehensive institution with eight faculties, six graduate schools, and a long‑standing Center for Japanese Studies. The SVD background still informs campus life today: small‑community feel, attention to ethics and human development, and a culture that welcomes overseas students. For an official overview of the founding mission and how it translates to current goals, see the university’s History, Mission & Vision page and the “Why Nanzan University?” introduction (official page). The campus has steadily expanded academic offerings while keeping a focus on language and cross‑cultural study—hallmarks that draw many international applicants. Undergraduate teaching is mainly in Japanese (with dozens of English‑medium courses available university‑wide), while exchange and CJS programs offer clear English‑language paths. A mid‑sized student body and supportive offices (admissions, Center for International Affairs, career services) make the adjustment to life in Japan manageable even for first‑time visitors.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Center for Japanese Studies (CJS): Intensive Language + Culture

Nanzan’s Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) is one of Japan’s longest‑running programs (since 1974) for international students who want serious Japanese plus area‑studies electives in English. The semester‑length Intensive Japanese Program (IJP) and Modern Japan Program (MJP) combine language classes, culture courses, and field activities. Admissions use an online system—see the CJS Application Guidelines—and published course/academic policies are updated each term. Tuition and typical living costs for CJS are itemized on the university site, including dorm/homestay options (e.g., Janssen International Residence, Foyer Nanzan). For current fee breakdowns, see CJS Tuition & Fees.

Flagship Faculty: Global Liberal Studies (GLS)

The Department of Global Liberal Studies blends social sciences, sustainability, communication, and global citizenship with bilingual coursework. Early study emphasizes academic skills and English, followed by a short study‑abroad at Arizona State University. Students then deepen a second language and take advanced seminars in areas like politics, culture, environment, and energy ethics—preparation for globally oriented careers or graduate study.

Career Services with High Placement

Nanzan’s career office runs workshops, industry briefings, and one‑on‑one advising for internships and full‑time roles. The university reports a 97% employment rate for graduating students (2023 cohort). Start with Career Support & Career Path and the employment data on the official facts page.

Study‑Abroad & Partner Network

Nanzan lists 100+ partner institutions across 30+ countries and regions, facilitating two‑way mobility. Exchange students can enroll in undergraduate/graduate courses in English or Japanese depending on language level. See the official Partner Institutions list and the Exchange Programs (UG/Grad) page for options and timelines.

Anime Study Tour & Culture‑Based Short Programs

Beyond degree and CJS tracks, Nanzan runs short, themed programs like the three‑week Anime Study Tour (classes in English plus field trips in central Japan). See the 2024 program review for a feel of activities and outcomes: Anime Study Tour 2024.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

With ~200 clubs and student organizations, it’s easy to join music, sports, cultural, and volunteer circles that welcome overseas students. Start at Extracurricular Activities.

International Support Offices

The Center for International Affairs (CIA) handles exchange agreements, short programs, and many services for incoming students. For accommodation, check the official housing menu (Janssen International Residence, UR Chiyogaoka, Foyer Nanzan, Nagoya/Yamazato Koryu Kaikan, and homestay): Accommodation. Visa steps are summarized here: Visa Information, and general applicant FAQs here: Admissions FAQ.

Language‑Exchange & Buddy Programs

Nanzan pairs international and local students for weekly language exchange (the “Language Buddy” system), making it easy to practice both Japanese and English while building friendships. Read about how it works in this campus news piece: Language Buddy deepens cross‑cultural understanding.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

Nanzan lists 100+ partners worldwide, with structured inbound and outbound exchanges. If you’re degree‑seeking at Nanzan, you can still go abroad via university partners; if you’re joining from a partner institution overseas, check the exchange‑only catalog. See Partner Institutions and Undergraduate/Graduate Exchange (official) for schedules and eligibility.

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Nagoya)

Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture) has hot, humid summers and cool winters. Based on recent Japan Meteorological Agency data (choose station: “NAGOYA”), typical daily highs in August reach the upper 20s to low 30s °C, while January mornings can be close to freezing. Use the JMA’s monthly tables for current 5‑year patterns and long‑term normals: JMA Monthly Climate Statistics. For safety/travel status, the U.S. State Department currently lists Japan at Level 1 (exercise normal precautions): Japan Travel Advisory. Cost of living in Nagoya is generally lower than Tokyo, with good transport links and a dense student community around Yagoto/Irinaka.

International Student Statistics

As of May 1, 2024, Nanzan reports ~450 international students across degree and CJS programs. A country/region breakdown (men/women) is published on the official site: International Students. Highlights include the United States, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, France, and others across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Career & Graduate Prospects

Nanzan’s graduate outcomes are strong, with 97% of graduating students securing employment (2023). Students use on‑campus counseling, job fairs, and alumni networks to target firms in manufacturing, IT, logistics, finance, consulting, education, and NGOs in the Tokai region and nationwide. Explore services and data here: Career Support and the official Employment Situation.