University of Niigata Prefecture — Study in Japan Guide for International Students

Thinking about Japan for your degree? The University of Niigata Prefecture (UNP) is a compact, public (prefectural) university in a safe, livable coastal city two hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Three undergraduate faculties—International Studies & Regional Development, Human Life Studies (Child Studies / Health & Nutrition), and International Economic Studies—plus two graduate schools and the ERINA‑UNP research institute create a practical, outward‑looking environment. Classes in English are available at the graduate level, the language‑learning SALC supports everyday progress, and costs are predictable in ¥. This guide profiles UNP with facts, strengths, campus life, and how to apply—so you can decide if Niigata is the right fit.

University of Niigata Prefecture — Symbolic Photos (Free to Use)

Quick Facts — University of Niigata Prefecture

Field	Data / Source
Type	Public (Prefectural)
Total Students	≈1,566 (recent brochure figures). University Overview (EN) / UNP Brochure 2025 (EN)
Campus	Ebigase Main Campus, Higashi‑ku, Niigata City. Campus Guide (EN)
Faculties / Schools	Faculty of International Studies & Regional Development Faculty of Human Life Studies (Department of Child Studies; Department of Health & Nutrition) Faculty of International Economic Studies Graduate School of International Studies & Regional Development; Graduate School of Health & Nutrition Economic & Social Research Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA‑UNP) Overview (EN)
Học phí	Undergraduate tuition: ¥535,800 / year; typical entrance fee: ¥282,000 (lower for Niigata residents). Graduate tuition: ¥535,800 / year (plus enrollment). Always check the latest guideline. UNP Brochure 2025 (EN) / GSISRD 2026 Application Guide (EN, PDF)
Gender Ratio	Female‑majority undergraduate population (≈60–65% F). UNP Brochure 2025 (EN)
International‑Student %	≈8–10% of total. UNP Brochure 2025 (EN)
Students per Staff	≈17.6 : 1 (≈1,566 students ÷ 89 faculty; faculty count as of Apr 1, 2025). 教員組織・教員数 (JP)

Campus Maps

University of Niigata Prefecture — Main Campus (Higashi-ku, Niigata)

Address: 471 Ebigase, Higashi-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-8680, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

UNP opened in 2009 with a practical mission—develop internationally minded graduates who can also strengthen the local region. In English, the university summarizes its three pillars as “International Perspective,” “Regional Emphasis,” and “Development of Human Qualities,” an ethos that you’ll feel in the curriculum design, small‑group seminar culture, and strong language support facilities. University Overview (EN)

The university grew out of a longer local tradition in higher education. Today it combines three undergraduate faculties with two graduate schools—International Studies & Regional Development (GSISRD) and Health & Nutrition—plus ERINA‑UNP, a research institute focused on Northeast Asia. Leadership emphasizes both regional contribution and global outlook. For the Japanese greeting and past speeches from the President, see: 学長あいさつ (JP). For the institute’s English outline, see: ERINA‑UNP Overview (EN).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

ERINA‑UNP: A Northeast Asia–Focused Institute

UNP hosts the Economic & Social Research Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA‑UNP), which studies economies and societies across the region and collaborates on events and publications. This gives students a steady stream of applied perspectives on Japan’s neighbors. Institute Overview (EN)

Graduate School with English‑Medium Option

At GSISRD, students can complete all required credits in English, blending international relations, regional studies, and policy. Coursework totals ≈30 credits with clear completion rules (thesis + final exam). Admission categories include Recommendation, General, and Special Selection for International Students. About the Graduate School (EN) / Syllabus & Requirements (EN)

Flagship Undergraduate Strengths

International Economic Studies (IES): Data Science Track & Small Seminars

Established in 2020 and expanded in 2025, IES offers three programs—International Economy, Regional Economic Development, and Data Science & Economy—taught in small groups (seminars capped at ≈9 students). The mix of English‑medium content, second languages (Russian/Chinese/Korean), and project‑based courses with public/private partners makes it attractive for career‑minded students. IES Features (EN)

Health & Nutrition: Applied Learning with Licensure Paths

The Faculty of Human Life Studies (Department of Health & Nutrition) and the Graduate School of Health & Nutrition emphasize community health, dietetics, and practical training. Check the graduate feature page for diploma policy and degree requirements. GSHN Overview (EN) / UNP Brochure 2025 (EN)

Language Support & SALC

UNP’s Self‑Access Learning Center (SALC) is staffed by mentors and hosts events, resources, and advising for English and other languages. It’s a hub for language exchange and independent study. SALC (EN)

Compact, Student‑Centered Campus

Facilities—including the library, SALC, computing rooms, and career center—are concentrated on one site, which makes life simpler for internationals. The campus guide highlights lounges, study spaces, and practical support services. Campus Guide (EN)

Student Life for International Students

Clubs & Circles: A wide mix of sports and cultural circles welcome international members. THE’s profile also gives a quick external snapshot of campus atmosphere. Times Higher Education profile

Support offices: The International Exchange Center covers visas, residency procedures, housing information, and basic counselling; exchange students are covered by mandatory student insurance packages. International Exchange Center (EN) / Information for Incoming Exchange Students (EN)

Language exchange: SALC events and mentor sessions make it easy to practice English or Japanese and meet peers from other faculties. SALC (EN)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Focus on Outgoing)

UNP partners include institutions in Canada, the U.S. (notably the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges network), China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Outgoing opportunities range from semester exchanges to short programs. International Partner Institutions (EN) / Courses Available for Exchange Students (EN)

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Niigata has warm, humid summers and snowy winters. Expect average midsummer highs around the upper‑20s °C and mid‑winter lows around 0 °C, with heavy snowfall inland and on hills. For planning, consult official normals and recent observations: Japan Meteorological Agency (EN) and a user‑friendly view here: WeatherSpark – Niigata Airport.

Safety & cost of living: Compared to Tokyo, Niigata offers lower living costs and a relaxed pace. See comparative references: Numbeo – Safety / Numbeo – Cost of Living. UNP’s campus access info is on the official guide. Campus Guide (EN)

International Student Statistics

UNP is mid‑sized (≈1.5–1.6k students), with a steady inflow of internationals (roughly 8–10%) from East and Southeast Asia and partner institutions worldwide. For year‑by‑year breakdowns, combine the English brochure with the Japanese enrollment pages. UNP Brochure 2025 (EN) / 在籍者数・出身地 (JP)

Career & Graduate Prospects

UNP’s Career Support Center runs seminars, advising, and employer outreach; graduates typically enter regional governments, local firms with international links, national companies, and service/health sectors. GSISRD alumni target roles in policy, research, and international business. See the official outcomes page (JP) and GSISRD student‑life notes. Career Outcomes (JP) / Graduate Student Life (EN)

Admissions & Costs (Quick Pointers)

Undergraduate paths include special selection for international students (details via the Japanese admissions pages). For the Master’s at GSISRD, see the official schedule and PDF guidebooks (Fall 2025 and Academic Year 2026). GSISRD – Application Information (EN) / 2025 Fall Guide (EN, PDF) / 2026 Guide (EN, PDF)