Thinking about Japan for your degree? Shujitsu University in Okayama offers a practical, student-centered experience with a compact urban campus just steps from a train station. Teaching-focused programs, strong community links, and a welcoming International Affairs Office make it a good fit for students who want close faculty support and hands‑on learning. Below you’ll find quick facts, what makes Shujitsu unique, how international students are supported, study‑abroad options, climate and lifestyle in Okayama, and career outcomes—all with official sources you can check in English or Japanese.
Shujitsu University — Symbolic Free Images (Vertically Stacked)

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Author: Shouhei Sato 000 — License: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Author: Shouhei Sato 000 — License: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Source: Wikimedia Commons (Panoramio) — Author: takeokahp — License: CC BY 3.0.

Source: Wikimedia Commons (Panoramio) — Author: takeokahp — License: CC BY 3.0.
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Quick‑Facts Table (Shujitsu University)
Figures are compiled from the university’s official English/Japanese pages and disclosure PDFs. See notes under the table for sources you can verify.
Type | Private University (Wikipedia) |
Total Students | ≈ 2,905 (Undergraduate 2,869 + Graduate 36) as of 2025‑05‑01 Source (Students PDF) |
Campuses | Main: Nishigawara (Okayama City)—1 min from Nishigawara‑Shujitsu Station Access & Campus Map |
Faculties/Schools | Faculty of Human Studies (EN); Faculty of Education (EN); Faculty of Business Administration (EN); School of Pharmacy (EN); Faculty of Psychology (listed on JP site) (JP overview) |
学费 |
Approx. annual tuition (¥): Humanities ≈ ¥860,000*; Education/Business ≈ ¥950,000; Pharmacy ≈ ¥1,530,000. Admission fee (first year only): ¥135,000–¥270,000 depending on faculty. Billed in two installments. Tuition Regulations PDF *Derived from the official schedule; tuition and “education enhancement” fees are paid by term—see PDF. |
Gender Ratio | Not officially stated numerically on EN site; see “By the Numbers” visuals (JP) |
Intl‑Student % | Not published; International Affairs Office provides admissions/visa guidance (EN) |
Students per Staff | Example (Business): ~24.2 across 4 grades (as of Apr 2022) (EN) |
Notes: Student totals are taken from the official “Students, Enrollment & Graduates” disclosure (2025‑05‑01). Tuition examples come from the university’s fee regulations PDF and may vary by cohort. Always confirm the latest figures with the Admissions Office.
Campus Maps
Shujitsu University (Headquarters / Main Campus, Okayama)
Address: 1-6-1 Nishigawara, Naka Ward, Okayama 703-8516, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Shujitsu University is part of Shujitsu Gakuen, an educational organization in Okayama known for the guiding motto Kyoka‑Shujitsu (去華就実)—“turn away from superficial glamour and pursue substance.” This principle emphasizes practical ability, character, and contribution to society. You will see it echoed across the university’s curriculum design, small‑group seminars, teacher training, and clinical education. The university is located in a quiet, convenient neighborhood of Okayama City and is literally a minute’s walk from Nishigawara‑Shujitsu Station, creating an easy daily routine and reliable access to the city center and bullet‑train hub at Okayama Station. English Top Page · Access & Campus Map
Starting from teacher preparation and humanities, Shujitsu gradually expanded programs to include business and a six‑year School of Pharmacy, and recently added a Faculty of Psychology on the Japanese site—reflecting Japan’s rising demand for mental‑health and educational professionals. The university is relatively compact in size (under 3,000 university & graduate students), which fosters close advising and individualized instruction. Its mission translates into concrete supports: formal tutoring systems, buddy programs for daily life, and cultural immersion opportunities arranged by the International Affairs Office. About (JP) · International Affairs Office (EN)
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Practical, human‑scale learning environment
Shujitsu’s strengths come from its scale. Seminar‑style teaching and practice‑oriented coursework are embedded in each program. For instance, the Faculty of Business Administration notes an instructor‑student ratio that allows close mentoring—around 6 students per instructor for each year (≈24 across four cohorts)—supporting project‑based learning, internships, and overseas study without losing academic guidance. Business (EN)
Teacher education with real‑world practice
The Faculty of Education focuses on preparing licensed teachers and childcare professionals. Students can aim for a Type 1 teacher’s license (kindergarten/elementary/special needs) alongside practical training in simulation classrooms and nearby affiliated schools/centers. Hands‑on experiences begin as early as the first year, with strong placement networks across Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Education (EN)
Flagship Faculties at Shujitsu
School of Pharmacy (6‑year program)
Pharmacists in Japan play integral roles in team medicine. Shujitsu’s School of Pharmacy emphasizes outcome‑based education that builds both advanced pharmaceutical knowledge and the communication skills required for patient care. Facilities include a Center for Clinical Pharmacy Practice to simulate real‑world settings, and structured national‑exam preparation. Career paths range from hospitals and dispensing pharmacies to pharma companies and public agencies. The school notes that approximately 1,000 positions open annually in related fields. Pharmacy (EN)
Faculty of Business Administration
Business students combine core courses (marketing, accounting, management) with robust English training and 4‑month overseas study or a long‑term internship/PBL in Year 2. Partnerships with dozens of local organizations in Okayama provide 15‑week practical placements, while study‑abroad destinations span Asia, Europe, and North America. This “glocal” design helps students apply global insight to local problem‑solving. Business (EN)
Humanities with immersive English & historical inquiry
Within the Faculty of Human Studies, the Department of Practical English runs All‑English small classes with daily instruction by foreign lecturers, TOEIC tracking, and high compatibility with overseas study—often without delaying graduation. The Department of Comprehensive History offers four flexible courses (Japan, Asia, Euro‑American, and Historical Heritage) with significant exposure to original sources and field study. Human Studies (EN)
Growing psychology focus (JP)
Japan’s demand for psychology and counseling specialists continues to rise. Shujitsu lists a Faculty of Psychology on its Japanese site and includes psychology in official disclosures, signaling expanded capacity in this area. International applicants should watch for English‑page updates as curricula and admissions details are added. Overview (JP) · Education Information Disclosure (JP)
Student Life for Internationals
Support offices: The International Affairs Office provides admissions guidance (JLPT N2 or equivalent is generally required), visa/status counseling, course enrollment help, accommodation advice, and health‑related referrals. The office runs tutor 和 buddy systems—tutors focus on academic support; buddies help with daily life (immigration, local registration, shopping, navigating the city). International Affairs (EN)
Classes for international students: Shujitsu offers classes in Japanese language and customs alongside liberal‑arts and specialized subjects in each department, helping non‑native speakers ease into university‑level study. Details (EN)
Clubs & circles: The campus lists dozens of cultural and athletic clubs—Tea Ceremony, Music/Ensembles, Astronomy, Calligraphy, Volleyball, Kendo, Soccer, and more. These groups are friendly entry points for overseas students to meet local peers and practice Japanese. Clubs & Circles (JP)
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
Shujitsu runs one‑semester or one‑year exchanges with partner universities in English‑speaking countries and across Asia. Examples listed on the Japanese “Education & Global Training” page include the University of Queensland (Australia), Durham University (U.K.), University of Hawaii at Manoa (U.S.), and partners in China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The Business faculty also builds overseas study into the second‑year curriculum. Ask your home university about eligibility and nomination. Partners & Overseas Training (JP) · Business (EN)
Local Climate & Lifestyle: Okayama City
Weather snapshot (recent years): Okayama is known for relatively sunny weather. In 2024, monthly mean highs ranged into the low‑/mid‑30s °C in summer, with extreme daily highs reaching ~38.1 °C in August and winter daily minima dipping to ~-3.2 °C in January (station ID 47768). See the Japan Meteorological Agency’s monthly tables (EN/JP) for full details. JMA Monthly Tables (EN) · JMA (JP, temps) · Okayama Climate Annual Report 2024 (JP)
Lifestyle & affordability: Beyond Tokyo‑level costs, Okayama offers moderate living expenses while retaining city conveniences. Third‑party trackers and local universities describe Okayama as comparatively reasonable for student life; always budget by your housing choice and habits. For quick benchmarking, consult neutral cost‑indices and student‑oriented guides. LivingCost (city index) · Japan‑Guide (cost overview) · Okayama University (living cost mention)
International Student Statistics
Shujitsu does not publish a detailed public breakdown by country/region on the English site. For the latest headcounts (matriculated vs. exchange) and scholarship reductions for international students, contact the International Affairs Office directly. International Affairs (EN)
Career & Graduate Prospects
Career outcomes reflect each faculty’s applied focus. Education majors commonly enter teaching and childcare roles across multiple prefectures; Business graduates join banks, manufacturers, logistics, IT services, hotels, and public organizations; Pharmacy graduates work in hospitals, dispensing pharmacies, industry, and public agencies. The university publishes annual results and representative employers (JP). Career Results & Employers (JP) · Pharmacy (EN)
Tip: For exact placement rates, filter by faculty and graduation year on the JP page above, then confirm internship and lab opportunities with each department’s office.