Thinking about studying in Japan but don’t want to get lost in the big-city shuffle? Yamaguchi University (YU) blends 200+ years of academic tradition with a laid‑back lifestyle in the Chugoku region of western Honshu. With nine faculties, three campuses, and a growing set of English‑friendly options, YU is a practical choice for students who want strong research, approachable professors, and a safe, affordable place to live. This guide covers key facts, standout programs, student support, climate and cost of living, exchange opportunities, and career outcomes—so you can quickly decide if Yamaguchi University belongs on your shortlist.
Yoshida Campus — Main Gate Monument

Kogushi Campus — Medical Department Research Building & Gate

Tokiwa Campus — Yamaguchi University Innovation Center (YUIC)

Tokiwa Park — Hakuchō Ōhashi & Faculty of Engineering (in background)

Historical — Shimonoseki Memorial (Predecessor School)

Historical — Veterinary College Memorial (Predecessor School)

Yoshida — Affiliated Elementary School (Faculty of Education)
Yoshida — Attached Junior High School (Faculty of Education)

Quick Facts: Yamaguchi University (for International Applicants)
Snapshot figures are compiled from YU’s official English pages and trusted sources (see “Source Links”).
Type | National (Public) |
Total Students | ≈ 10,000 (incl. ≈400 international students; “YU by Numbers”). YU by Numbers |
Campuses | Yoshida (Main), Kogushi (Medicine), Tokiwa (Engineering). Access |
Faculties/Schools | Humanities, Education, Economics, Science, Agriculture, Global & Science Studies (FGSS), Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (JFVM), Medicine & Health Sciences, Engineering. Undergraduate Programs |
ค่าธรรมเนียมการศึกษา | Standard National University rate: ¥535,800/year (typical). See official “Tuition Fee & Scholarships” for current details. Tuition Fee & Scholarships |
Gender Ratio | Varies by faculty; overall balanced in national benchmarks. |
Intl‑Student % | ~4% (indicative; varies year to year). YU by Numbers |
Students per Staff | Comparable to national peers; see rankings for context. THE Profile |
Campus Maps
Yoshida Campus (Main, Yamaguchi City)
Address: 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan
Kogushi Campus (School of Medicine, Ube City)
Address: 1-1 Minami-Kogushi 1-chome, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
Tokiwa Campus (Faculty of Engineering, Ube City)
Address: 2-16-1 Tokiwadai, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8611, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Yamaguchi University traces its roots back to the Yamaguchi Koudou (lecture hall) established in 1815, evolving across the Meiji and postwar eras into today’s comprehensive national university. YU’s modern charter emphasizes contribution to local and global society, cultivating resilient, ethical graduates who can tackle multidisciplinary problems in science, industry, and the humanities. For the institutional timeline and governance, see the official history, charter, and president’s message. History | University Charter | President’s Message | Vision 2030
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Flagship Programs: Veterinary Medicine & Medicine
Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (JFVM)
YU’s JFVM is known for field‑based training and research spanning zoonoses, food safety, and animal health—supported by long‑standing regional and international collaborations. See the faculty’s English portal and historical overview for specifics. JFVM (English) | Historical Overview
School of Medicine & University Hospital
The School of Medicine and the University Hospital in Ube support translational research and advanced care across gastroenterology, oncology, and more—regularly publishing clinical news in English. University Hospital | English News
Industry‑Collaborative Engineering & MOT
YU’s engineering programs (Tokiwa Campus) and its Management of Technology graduate school emphasize hands‑on, industry‑linked training. Doctoral students can join Japan’s job‑based research internship framework with paid, credit‑bearing placements. Research Internship (CPD)
Global Liberal‑Arts Core (FGSS)
The Faculty of Global and Science Studies offers flexible, interdisciplinary coursework in English and Japanese—popular with exchange students and those building cross‑cultural skill sets. Explore the FGSS offerings and study‑abroad cost breakdown. FGSS Courses | Study‑Abroad Costs
Field‑Driven Agriculture & Biodiversity
Agriculture at YU integrates lab and fieldwork—from crop science to biodiversity and regional food systems. The faculty supports incoming exchange students with dedicated advising and program guidance. Agriculture: Exchange Support
International Research Highlights
Recent English‑language news showcases YU’s collaborative projects and lab breakthroughs, and external rankings provide a quick external benchmark. YU English News | Times Higher Education profile
Student Life for International Students
Clubs & Circles
With around 195 clubs and circles across three campuses, you’ll find everything from sports and dance to robotics and outdoor activities. YU by Numbers
Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Health)
International Student Advisors assist with academics and daily life; the Health Service Center provides check‑ups and counselling; and the accommodation team guides dorm placements. International Student Advisors | Health Center | Accommodation | Contact | Mentoring System
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
YU lists 140+ partners across 30+ countries, plus six overseas offices (e.g., Bali). Prospective exchange students should review the official partner list and the non‑degree exchange program details. Partner Universities | Exchange Program | 2025 Fact Sheet (PDF)
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Yamaguchi Prefecture has a temperate climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters. For planning, consult Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) climate normals (1991–2020) and monthly statistics. JMA Climate Normals | Monthly Stats
Lifestyle basics are student‑friendly: the prefecture is safe and less expensive than major metros. For emergency readiness and travel safety info, use JNTO resources and YIEA (local multilingual support). JNTO Emergencies | YIEA Disaster Prevention | Study in Japan: Cost of Living | Visit Yamaguchi
International Student Statistics
International enrollment fluctuates annually (~400 students in recent snapshots). For program‑level breakdowns and examples of English‑track intakes (e.g., graduate economics under JDS), see YU figures and scholarship partner materials. YU by Numbers | JDS (Bangladesh) – YU Economics (PDF) | JSPS Bangkok Office (PDF)
Career & Graduate Prospects
YU reports high employment or further‑study continuation rates among graduates, with networks supported by overseas alumni chapters and a growing portfolio of industry‑linked internships for doctoral students. Outcome Snapshot | Doctoral Internships (CPD) | University Guide 2024 (PDF) | Overseas Alumni | Alumni Perspectives
Source Links (Official/English)
• Yamaguchi University (English) / Access / Academics / Tuition Fee & Scholarships
• History / Charter / President’s Message / Vision 2030
• JFVM (English) / University Hospital
• YU by Numbers / THE Profile
• Health Center / International Student Advisors
• Partners / Exchange Program / Fact Sheet 2025 (PDF)
• JMA Climate Normals / JNTO: Emergencies / YIEA Disaster Prevention / Study in Japan: Cost of Living
• JDS (Bangladesh) – YU Economics (PDF) / JSPS Bangkok Office (PDF)