Oita University Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Exchange, Student Life, Careers

Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that blends serious academics with an easygoing lifestyle, hot springs, and real‑world industry links? Oita University (Ōita Daigaku) in Kyushu ticks those boxes. As a national university in a mid‑sized, student‑friendly city, it offers reputable programs in Medicine, Science & Technology, Economics, Education, and Welfare & Health Science, plus a practical exchange ecosystem through GAIA (Global Education and Intercultural Advancement Center). Below is a clear, evidence‑based overview—costs, strengths, climate, student life, and career angles—so you can judge whether Oita University fits your goals.

Quick‑Facts Table

Figures are the latest available from official profiles. “Students per Staff” is a simple ratio (students ÷ academic staff) to give a rough sense of class access.

Type	National (Public) Profile
Total Students	5,469 (as of May 1, 2024) Data
Campuses	Dannoharu (Main), Hasama Map refs
Faculties/Schools	Education; Economics; Medicine; Science & Technology; Welfare & Health Science; Graduate Schools (Education, Economics, Medicine, Engineering, Welfare & Health Sciences) ภาพรวม
ค่าธรรมเนียมการศึกษา	Admission fee ¥282,000; Annual tuition ¥535,800 (typical national‑university rates) Tuition
Gender Ratio	38% female / 62% male (THE profile) Source
Intl‑Student %	~1.2% (64 of 5,469) Data
Students per Staff	≈11.5 (5,469 ÷ 474 staff) Data

Campus Maps

Dannoharu Campus (Oita City) — Main Campus / Headquarters

Address: 700 Dannoharu, Oita City, Oita 870-1192, Japan

Hasama Campus (Yufu City) — Faculty of Medicine & University Hospital

Address: 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama-machi, Yufu City, Oita 879-5593, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Oita University (OU) was established in 1949 and expanded significantly in 2003 when it absorbed Oita Medical University. Today it operates two primary campuses: Dannoharu (the main campus for Education, Economics, Science & Technology, and Welfare & Health Science) and Hasama (home to the Faculty/Graduate School of Medicine). As a national university, OU’s core mission is to cultivate creative, socially responsible graduates grounded in both the humanities and the sciences—an ethos stated across its English site and “Outline of Oita University.” Message/Outline | English Top

The university’s development mirrors Kyushu’s broader growth story: an outward‑facing region with strengths in energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. OU positions itself as a hub where practical research ties into local industry needs, and where an “international × regional” mindset is essential—particularly visible in its medical and infectious‑disease research initiatives and its GAIA center that coordinates inbound and outbound mobility. About GAIA | Basic Principles

A defining recent chapter is the establishment of the Research Center for Global and Local Infectious Diseases (RCGLID) in 2021—Oita University’s first nationally designated joint‑use research facility. The center runs joint projects and seminars with partners across Japan and abroad, underscoring OU’s ambition to serve its community while contributing to global health. RCGLID (English) | Joint Research Calls

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Health & Medical Training + Hospital Network

OU’s Faculty/Graduate School of Medicine anchors the Hasama campus, combining the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Advanced Medical Sciences. The Faculty’s English page outlines integrated liberal‑arts-to‑clinical training, community-based clinical experiences, and a strong research emphasis. For prospective international students interested in health fields or collaboration with a university hospital, this ecosystem is a major draw. Faculty of Medicine (EN)

JABEE‑Accredited Engineering & Hands‑on Science

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Graduate School of Engineering) emphasizes practical, industry‑aware learning across programs (mechanical/energy systems, architecture, electrical/electronic, intelligent systems, etc.). Several undergraduate divisions hold JABEE accreditation—a strong signal of outcomes‑focused engineering education recognized under the Washington Accord framework. Evidence of program‑level accreditation is listed on the official JPCUP profile. Faculty/Grad Engineering (EN) | JABEE accreditations (JPCUP)

IGLOBE & SPIS: Flexible Exchange Study Tracks

OU welcomes exchange students via two main tracks under its Student Exchange Promotion Scheme. IGLOBE blends Japanese language with elective content (education, economics, applied engineering & science, sustainability, pop culture), while SPIS is a supervisor‑led study plan for specific research interests. OU waives tuition for exchange students from partner institutions; credits are intended to transfer back to your home university. Exchange overview | IGLOBE details

Industry Links in a Growing Kyushu Economy

Oita Prefecture is known for manufacturing (steel/chemicals to semiconductors/components) and renewables, and Kyushu more broadly is seeing active domestic/foreign investment. This context boosts internships, applied research, and graduate opportunities. See the region’s official investment overview for snapshots of sector momentum and business climate. OU’s liaison pages outline public‑facing collaboration. Kyushu investment environment (METI) | OU Liaison/Collaboration

Flagship Faculties (Highlights)

Medicine

Integrated training, a university hospital setting, and research paths in infectious diseases and clinical sciences make OU’s medical ecosystem one of its clearest “signature” strengths. Faculty of Medicine (EN)

Science & Technology

Makers‑culture learning, program restructuring, and program‑level accreditation support practical skill growth. The faculty maintains an English portal with admissions notes for graduate programs. Faculty/Grad Eng (EN site) | Grad admissions

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles Welcoming Overseas Students

Oita University lists dozens of culture and sports clubs at both campuses—tea ceremony to manga studies, soccer to sailing. International students are encouraged to join, and campus‑wide events are frequent. Clubs (EN) | Campus life (GAIA)

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

GAIA offers consultation on academics and daily life; OU provides information on housing and enrollment/life procedures. The national university co‑op system also supports apartment search and setup in English. Consultation (GAIA) | Housing (GAIA) | Univ. Co‑op Housing (EN)

Language‑Exchange or Buddy Programs

IGLOBE combines Japanese study with social/cultural coursework, and GAIA hosts activities that mix local and international students. Expect conversation partners, events, and classes delivered in English or mixed‑language formats depending on proficiency. IGLOBE

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound Focus)

OU maintains global agreements and actively supports both incoming and outgoing exchange through GAIA. For short‑term exchange, see OU’s official Exchange overview and partner list. Selected partner schools also publish their Oita University info for their students.

• OU Exchange Overview & Programs: The Student Exchange Promotion Scheme | Partner listings: Exchange Agreements
• Universitas Airlangga (Indonesia) notice: Exchange announcement
• University of Pavia (Italy) partner sheet (AY 2025/26): Available Destinations (xlsx)
• Ca’ Foscari University of Venice info sheet (reference): Oita University (PDF)

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather: Oita has warm, humid summers and mild winters. Typical ranges (rounded) are mid‑30s°F to mid‑80s°F (≈2–29°C) across the year. For campus‑planning, it helps to check both city‑center and airport normals. Oita city climate | Oita Airport climate

Typical January	High ~9–10°C / Low ~2–3°C Ref
Typical June (rainy season)	High ~26°C / Low ~17–22°C Ref
Typical August (peak summer)	High ~29°C / Low ~24–26°C Ref

Lifestyle: Oita City is safe and relaxed, with lower living costs than Tokyo/Osaka (housing especially). For travel and weekend life, Kyushu’s onsen towns (Beppu, Yufuin), coastal hikes, and food scenes are nearby. Cost of Living (Numbeo) | Oita Prefecture Highlights | Safety Overview

International Student Statistics

According to the official JPCUP profile (as of May 1, 2024), OU had 5,469 students in total and 64 international students (~1.2%). A country/region breakdown is not published on the English page. Nationally, Japan hosted 279,274 international students in 2023 (as of May 1), with a strong majority from Asian countries. Oita Univ. data (JPCUP) | JASSO 2023 survey (PDF)

Career & Graduate Prospects

Exact, up‑to‑date placement statistics are not listed in English; however, OU’s official profile notes campus employment support and industry collaboration. In Kyushu broadly, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and tourism provide steady hiring. OU’s Innovative Organization and Liaison pages point to community courses and public engagement, while the regional investment outlook gives context to sector demand. Employment (JPCUP) | OU Liaison | Kyushu investment (METI)

Practical links: Admissions/exam info (selected faculties) are outlined in English; general access/location details are also available. Admissions (EN) | Access/Location