Thinking about Japan for your degree? Osaka University of Economics and Law (OUEL) sits in the heart of Greater Osaka, blending career‑focused programs in Economics, Business Administration, Law, and International Studies with an unusually supportive setup for international students. This guide pulls together quick facts, campus context, strengths, student life, partners, weather and lifestyle insights, up‑to‑date international student stats, and post‑graduation outcomes—all with links to official pages so you can verify details as you plan your move.
A wide view of the Hanaoka Campus in Yao, with terraced greenery, modern white academic buildings, and the surrounding hillside cityscape.Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by T-sanada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
The central green space where students pass between lecture halls and commons; a signature open area that defines daily campus life.Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by T-sanada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
The OVAL building beside Yao Station, housing classrooms and student facilities in a vertical, downtown-style campus footprint.Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0.
An earlier panoramic of the academic core, showing the long-standing campus footprint overlooking the city of Yao.Source: Wikimedia Commons — Author: 大阪経済法科大学 (Japanese Wikipedia, original uploader). Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 / GFDL 1.2+.
A JR 201-series train featuring Osaka University of Economics and Law advertising — a distinctive sight for commuters around Osaka.Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by MASA, CC BY-SA 3.0. (Contains trademarked elements as depicted.)
Quick‑Facts Table
| Type | Private University (About (EN)) |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 3,992 (as of May 1, 2025) Enrollment Report (JP, PDF) |
| Campuses | Hanaoka Campus (Main) / Yao Campus (“The Oval”) Campus (EN) |
| Faculties / Schools | Faculty of Economics; Faculty of Business Administration; Faculty of Law; Faculty of International Studies; Graduate School of Economics Academics (EN) |
| Tuition Fees | Undergrad (2nd–4th yr) ¥1,016,000 → ¥1,056,000 / year; Graduate (1st yr) ¥550,000 total (¥200,000 admission + ¥350,000 tuition), thereafter ¥350,000 / semester Tuition (JP) |
| Gender Ratio | New entrants 2025: 684 male / 312 female (≈ 69% : 31%) Enrollment Report (JP, PDF) |
| Intl‑Student % | ≈ 30% (1,194 international students out of 3,992 total; May 1, 2025) International Students by Country (JP, PDF) |
| Students per Staff | ≈ 39 : 1 (3,992 students / 102 full‑time faculty) Full‑time Faculty (JP, PDF) |
Campus Maps
Yao Campus (Yao Ekimae, Osaka)
Address: 2-10-45 Kitahonmachi, Yao-shi, Osaka 581-8522, Japan
Hanaoka Campus (Yao, Osaka)
Address: 6-10 Gakuonji, Yao-shi, Osaka 581-8511, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
OUEL was founded in 1971 by Dr. Naoyoshi Kanazawa with a clear idea: economics and law are twin pillars of a modern society. The university’s early identity—small‑class learning, practical training, and international awareness—has expanded into a four‑faculty structure (Economics, Business Administration, Law, International Studies) plus a Graduate School of Economics. A second, transit‑friendly campus in Yao (“The Oval,” completed in 2012) complements the greener Hanaoka campus, creating two distinct environments for study and campus life. About (EN) / History (EN)
From the beginning, OUEL pursued academic and student exchange agreements that reach across Asia, Europe, and North America. Today, students see that legacy in 70+ partner institutions across 27 countries/regions, in-house research centers, and semester/short‑term programs tailored to different budgets and language levels. The university’s English pages outline faculty aims and curricula, while Japanese pages add transparency on enrollment and staffing—useful for applicants who want hard numbers when comparing options. Academics (EN) / Enrollment Report (JP, PDF) / Full‑time Faculty (JP, PDF)
Key Strengths & Unique Features
A Practical, Career‑Ready Social‑Sciences Lineup
OUEL’s four faculties cover the most job‑relevant social‑science disciplines in Japan: Economics, Business Administration, Law, and International Studies—plus a Graduate School of Economics. Curricula emphasize seminars, applied projects, and progressively organized study from foundational subjects to advanced seminars. International Studies offers clearly structured pathways (e.g., International Communication; Global Career), and Business Administration layers in HR, accounting, marketing, and management courses to match 21st‑century skill needs. Academics (EN) / For International Students (EN)
Global Network: 27 Countries / 75 Institutions
OUEL frames study‑abroad and inbound exchange around a sizable set of partners and formats—short intensive language, semester‑long exchange, and internships. North American names include University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Emporia State University, Roosevelt University, Merced College, the University of Pittsburgh and more; there are multiple partners in Europe and across East/Southeast Asia. International Exchange (EN) / Exchange Fact Sheet 2025 (JP, PDF)
Internationalization with Numbers
OUEL hosts students from 18+ countries/regions on campus and maintains 75+ partner institutions across 27 countries/regions. As of May 1, 2025, international students total 1,194—about 30% of all students—led by cohorts from China, Vietnam, Nepal, Myanmar, and Korea. Internationalization (JP) / International Students by Country (JP, PDF)
Flagship Strength: Law & Public Service Pipeline
Public‑Sector & Legal Careers (Results‑Driven)
OUEL’s Law programs are tightly connected to police/fire/public‑sector recruitment and legal professions. Recent materials highlight strong outcomes in national public‑service exams, with a long run of successes and a wide breadth of ministries and agencies. Preparatory “S‑course” tracks backstop exam‑type skills and career readiness. S‑course Pamphlet (JP, PDF)
Two‑Campus Convenience
Hanaoka provides a quiet, green setting for focused study; Yao (“The Oval”) is a modern hub five minutes on foot from Kintetsu Yao Station—easy access to central Osaka on weekends for part‑time work, culture, or networking. Campus (EN)
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles
Student clubs and circles span sports, culture, and academic interests (e.g., GDL Law Circle). Many are welcoming to non‑native speakers who want immersion. Clubs (JP) / Circles (JP) / Example Circle (JP)
Dedicated Support (Visa, Housing, Counseling)
The Center for International Education & Exchange (CIEE) handles visas, exchange programs, events, and practical help. OUEL also publishes an English “Student Information Booklet” for inbound exchange with step‑by‑step guidance. CIEE (JP) / Student Information Booklet (JP, PDF)
Language‑Exchange & Community
OUEL’s internationalization initiatives emphasize cross‑cultural learning and campus engagement through mixed courses, events, and exchange cohorts—ideal conditions for informal language exchange and buddy‑style support. Internationalization (JP)
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
Outbound options range from short language intensives to semester exchange at partner schools across North America, Europe, and Asia. See the English partner list and the latest inbound fact sheet for requirements, credits, and Japanese‑language support. International Exchange (EN) / Exchange Fact Sheet 2025 (JP, PDF)
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Weather Snapshot (Recent Years)
Osaka’s summers are hot and humid; winters are cool with occasional cold snaps. Typical annual temperature range is ~1 °C to 33 °C, rarely below −2 °C or above 36 °C. To sense recent patterns, scan 2024’s monthly charts and daily highs/lows. WeatherSpark: Average Year‑Round / WeatherSpark: 2024 History / Meteostat Station 47772
Safety & Everyday Living
Japan remains a very safe destination; still, consult official advisories and JNTO’s safety pages for earthquakes, weather alerts, and traveler hotlines. U.S. State Dept. – Japan / JNTO: Japan Safe Travel / JNTO Visitor Hotline
Cost of Living (Osaka)
Osaka is typically cheaper than Tokyo but still a big‑city market. Community‑sourced indices can help you budget quickly: groceries, transport, rents, and comparisons with your current city. Always sanity‑check against your lifestyle and scholarship status. Numbeo: Osaka / Tokyo vs. Osaka
International Student Statistics
As of May 1, 2025, OUEL enrolls 1,194 international students (about 30% of all students). Leading cohorts: China (903), Vietnam (172), Myanmar (25), Nepal (28), Korea (20), Indonesia (10), Bangladesh (10). These figures include exchange where noted. International Students by Country (JP, PDF)
Career & Graduate Prospects
OUEL’s career services and “S‑course” support underpin strong outcomes—especially in public‑sector roles and legal pathways. Career bulletins and alumni magazines show wide placement across ministries, agencies, and private firms, with structured workshops and job‑hunting guidance for international students. S‑course Pamphlet (JP, PDF) / Career Vision (JP, PDF) / Disclosure: Careers & Surveys (JP)
Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships (Pointers)
Check OUEL’s listing on the Study in Japan portal and the university’s tuition/scholarship pages. OUEL runs fee‑reduction schemes (including dedicated options for self‑funded international students) and multiple competitive scholarships tied to entrance exam performance or qualifications. Study in Japan: OUEL / Tuition (JP) / Scholarships (JP) / CIEE (JP)
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