Saitama University (Tokyo Area) Guide for International Students: Programs, Tuition, Scholarships, Support, Exchanges, Careers

Thinking about studying in Japan but want big-city access without big-city stress? Saitama University (SU) sits just north of Tokyo, giving you a quieter, budget-friendlier home base with fast train links to the capital. As a national university with strong engineering, science, and liberal arts programs, SU blends hands-on research, supportive advising for internationals, and a dense network of overseas partners. Below you’ll find quick facts, an easy overview of history and mission, what makes SU stand out, and practical details on student life, exchanges, climate, and careers—so you can judge if it’s the right fit.

Quick Facts

Numbers are current to the latest publicly available English sources from Saitama University and major ranking agencies. See the Fast Facts และ Times Higher Education profile for details.

Type	National
Total Students	8,899 (Undergrad 7,210; Graduate 1,515; Others 174) — as of May 2025 Fast Facts
Campuses	Main: Shimo-Okubo Campus (Sakura Ward, Saitama City)  Maps/Access
Faculties / Schools	Liberal Arts; Education; Economics; Science; Engineering Undergraduate Programs
ค่าธรรมเนียมการศึกษา	Standard national fees: Application ¥30,000; Admission ¥282,000; Tuition ¥535,800/year (reference: SU’s International Graduate Program page) Cost of Study
Gender Ratio	32% female : 68% male (THE “Key Student Statistics”, 2025) THE
Intl‑Student %	≈ 6% (THE 2025). Fast Facts list 503 international students out of 8,899 (≈5.7%). THE / Fast Facts
Students per Staff	15.3 (THE 2025) THE

Campus Maps

Shimo-Okubo Campus (Main, Sakura Ward)

Address: 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura Ward, Saitama 338-8570, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Saitama University is a national university that serves the Greater Tokyo area while staying grounded in Saitama Prefecture’s communities. SU’s identity as a “National University Corporation” underscores its public mission: widening access to high‑quality education and research, and contributing knowledge and talent to Japan and the world. The university articulates this public role throughout official materials, including policy pages that explicitly describe its responsibilities around transparency and personal information protection. Privacy Policy

Historically, SU was created during Japan’s post‑war reorganization of higher education. The university traces its roots to three institutions—Saitama Normal School (1873), Urawa Higher School (1921), and Saitama Youth Normal School (1922)—which were merged in 1949 to form Saitama University. This multi‑origin background still shapes the campus today: a blend of teacher education, liberal arts, and science & engineering traditions that now anchor SU’s current five‑faculty structure (Liberal Arts, Education, Economics, Science, Engineering). Undergraduate Programs

Geographically, SU sits in Saitama City, just north of central Tokyo. The campus location is practical: Omiya Station is a major transport hub, with rapid links to Shinjuku in about 30 minutes and to Akabane in roughly 15 minutes. The university’s official “About Saitama” page also points to the region’s cultural assets, from J‑League football to Saitama Super Arena, and its longstanding ties with international communities. For students, that means metropolitan convenience with calmer neighborhoods. About Saitama / Maps/Access

Today, SU enrolls approximately 8,900 students (as of May 2025), including 500+ international students across undergraduate, graduate, and research categories. The campus retains a public‑spirited, research‑active profile, with a student‑to‑staff ratio around 15:1 (THE 2025). In practice, this translates to labs where undergraduates can get involved early, graduate programs that emphasize mentoring, and a campus culture that values both local engagement and global exchange. Fast Facts / THE

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Faculties & Programs

SU’s five faculties cover the major academic areas you’d expect at a comprehensive national university. For overseas candidates, a few stand out for their English‑friendliness, research depth, and industry linkages.

• Civil & Environmental Engineering (Graduate, English‑taught)

The International Graduate Program on Civil & Environmental Engineering (IGPCEE) offers Master’s and Doctoral training entirely in English, with supervision and theses in English as well. Competitive scholarships (MEXT, ADB‑JSP, JJ/WBGSP) are available to top applicants; SU’s page lists coverage details (tuition waiver, monthly stipend, travel). If you self‑fund, the program outlines standard national fees (Application ¥30,000; Admission ¥282,000; Tuition ¥535,800/year). IGPCEE FAQ / Financial Aid / Department Overview

• Information & Computer Sciences (Undergrad & Graduate)

Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) spans algorithms, systems, and applied informatics across the Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. Department pages (English/Japanese mix) introduce curricula, research areas, and alumni pathways. ICS department / Undergraduate Programs

• Liberal Arts (Global Governance; Area Studies; Sociology, etc.)

SU’s Faculty of Liberal Arts emphasizes comparative perspectives and fieldwork, with majors such as Global Governance Studies and European/American or Japanese/Asian Studies. Note that undergraduate instruction is conducted in Japanese; international students typically enter after achieving adequate Japanese proficiency. Program list

Cutting‑Edge Mechano‑Robotics within Mechanical Engineering

Within the Faculty of Engineering, SU’s Mechanical Engineering offers a distinct “Course in Mechano‑Robotics” that pulls together labs in control engineering, human‑interface, measurement, design, and mechanical systems/dynamics—an integrated setup that suits students eyeing robotics, automation, or human‑machine interaction. Lab websites (in English/Japanese) showcase projects and contact points, giving you a head start on finding a supervisor. Mechanical Engineering (EN)

Exchange‑Friendly: STEPS + Classes in English

SU’s Short‑Term Exchange Program of Saitama University (STEPS) welcomes students from partner institutions, offers classes conducted in English (alongside regular Japanese‑taught courses), and provides Japanese language classes. Exchange students from partners are exempt from SU tuition under the agreement. Incoming Exchange / Tuition (waiver) / Pre‑arrival (index)

Location Advantage & Cost Conscious

Saitama City is a commuter hub with easy access to central Tokyo—Omiya Station connects you to major lines, and campus is in a residential district with local buses. SU estimates living expenses at roughly ¥80,000/month for exchange students, while a departmental guide for graduate study suggests ¥110,000–¥140,000/month depending on lifestyle. Either way, budgeting is more forgiving than many Tokyo wards. About Saitama / Exchange estimate / Graduate estimate

Supportive Environment for International Students

The Office of Advising Services for International Students (OASIS) provides confidential, bilingual advising on visas, housing/guarantors, campus life, and more. SU also runs a tutor/buddy system for STEPS students, including airport‑to‑campus logistics and Omiya Station pick‑ups on set days. OASIS (Advising) / Pre‑arrival (example: 2025 Fall)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that Welcome Overseas Students

SU hosts 100+ student organizations across sports, culture, music, and volunteer work. The university periodically promotes English flyers like “Let’s Meet Circles!” inviting international students to join club trial sessions—a low‑pressure way to make Japanese friends and practice language. Example flyer (EN)

Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counselling)

OASIS is your first stop for any personal or administrative questions; when housing paperwork requires guarantors, the Office of International Affairs collaborates with OASIS to assist. OASIS page. For accommodation, SU’s International House (I‑House) provides rooms for new arrivals in exchange programs.

Language‑Exchange & Buddy/Tutor Programs

STEPS assigns student tutors (“buddies”) who help you settle in, navigate city services, and meet peers. SU’s student voice pages describe this as a meaningful bridge into campus life and culture. Tutor system (STEPS) / Student Voice

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

As of May 1, 2025, SU lists 81 agreements in Asia, 50 in Europe, 19 in North America, 5 in Latin America & the Caribbean, 4 in Oceania, 3 in Africa, and 1 in the Middle East. Notable partners include the University of Manchester (UK), University of California Riverside (USA), IIT Hyderabad (India), Yonsei University (Korea), and Monash University (Australia). Double‑degree options exist with select institutions. Partner list by region

Exchange costs: students from partner universities are exempt from SU tuition; plan for monthly living expenses and insurance. Tuition (waiver) / Costs of Living

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Climate: Saitama has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters. Average highs range from ~9 °C (48 °F) in January to ~31 °C (87 °F) in August; the wettest months are typically June and September. Expect a short snowy period in mid‑winter. WeatherSpark (Saitama)

Lifestyle & transport: Omiya Station is a high‑capacity rail hub, with frequent connections into Tokyo. City landmarks include Saitama Super Arena, Saitama Stadium, and pro sports clubs (Urawa Reds, etc.). SU’s official city page highlights the area’s blend of urban amenities and green spaces, plus multicultural friendliness. About Saitama

Costs of living: plan for about ¥80,000/month as a baseline for exchange students (room/board + incidentals), and ¥110,000–¥140,000/month for a typical self‑funded graduate student (lifestyle dependent). Exchange estimate / Graduate estimate / Saitama Prefecture guide (EN, PDF)

International Student Statistics

หมวดหมู่	Headcount	Notes
International Students (Total)	503	As of May 2025 (Fast Facts)
ระดับปริญญาตรี	98	-
Graduate	311	Largest share
Research/Other	94	Non‑degree categories
Intl‑Student %	≈ 5.7–6%	Fast Facts ratio ≈5.7%; THE lists 6%. THE

Breakdown by country/region is not consistently published in English, but SU’s partner‑network footprint (Asia, Europe, North America, etc.) signals where exchange flows are strongest. Partner regions

Career & Graduate Prospects

Saitama University operates a Career Center that supports both Japanese and international students with job‑search planning, seminars, and one‑to‑one consultations. In parallel, the Saitama Center for Go Global Students (GGS)—a collaboration involving local government and Saitama‑based companies—organizes homestays, networking, and employer‑student meetups to build professional ties in the region. Career Center / GGS

English pages regularly announce GGS‑run programs (e.g., weekend homestays and community workshops) and library/career events for new students. These create frequent touchpoints with local society and companies—a practical advantage when your campus is ~30 minutes by rail from central Tokyo. News & Events

If you plan to stay in Japan after graduation, OASIS can advise on resident status changes and timing; the office explicitly notes that “Student” status ends upon graduation and may require a change to job‑seeker or work categories. Start that conversation early. OASIS advising

Admissions Snapshot: Undergraduate vs. Graduate

Undergraduate (Japanese‑taught)

SU’s undergraduate programs are taught in Japanese; there is no English‑medium degree track at the bachelor level. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient Japanese proficiency before entry. Undergraduate Programs (EN)

Graduate (English‑taught options available)

Several graduate programs (notably in Civil & Environmental Engineering) accept applications, instruction, and theses/dissertations in English, with multiple scholarship pathways (MEXT, ADB‑JSP, JJ/WBGSP). Department pages explain eligibility, deadlines, and how to contact potential supervisors. IGPCEE FAQ / Financial Aid

How SU Helps You Settle In

Pre‑Arrival & Visa Support

SU provides checklists and timelines in English for visa (Certificate of Eligibility, embassy application), insurance, and airport‑to‑campus routes. Read the current “Pre‑Arrival” page for your intake and reply to forms by the specified deadlines to secure tutor pick‑ups and housing. Pre‑arrival (example: 2025 Fall) / Pre‑arrival (index)

On‑Campus Advising & Wellness

OASIS keeps regular walk‑in hours and bilingual staff. For English support in coursework (especially for Japanese students), SU hosts an English Resource Center; exchange students also have access to Japanese language classes. OASIS / English Resource Center

Useful Official Links

Fast Facts (May 2025) / Partner Universities / STEPS (Exchange) / Maps & Access / News & Events