Yokohama National University (YNU) Guide: Programs, Tuition, Campus Life & Admissions for International Students

Thinking about studying in Japan but not sure where to begin? Yokohama National University (YNU) is a great mix of academic rigor and real‑world practicality—set in one of Japan’s most livable, international cities. This guide gives you the essentials: fast facts, standout programs (including all‑English degrees), campus life for international students, exchange options, climate and lifestyle around Yokohama, and what careers look like after graduation. If you want a research‑active, industry‑connected national university with reasonable tuition (¥), YNU deserves a serious look.

Quick‑Facts Table

Type	National (Public) University — Yokohama National University (Wikipedia)
Total Students	≈ 10,000 (undergrad + graduate) — About YNU (Official)
Campuses	Tokiwadai (Main) — Campus Map (PDF), Access
Faculties/Schools	Colleges: Education; Economics; Business Administration; Engineering Science; Urban Sciences. Graduate Schools: Education; International Social Sciences; Engineering Science; Environment & Information Sciences; Urban Innovation; Innovative & Practical Studies — Programs (Official)
学费	Standard national rates (example): Enrollment fee ≈ ¥282,000; Annual tuition ≈ ¥535,800 (most programs). See Tuition & Fees 和 Cost Overview
Gender Ratio	Student gender balance typical for national STEM‑heavy universities — see THE profile
Intl‑Student %	~10% (varies by year/program) — Prospective Intl Students
Students per Staff	See THE teaching metrics

Campus Maps

Map to be added by editor. Reference: Official Campus Map (PDF)

Tokiwadai Campus (Main)

Address: 79-1 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Yokohama National University (YNU) is a national university founded in 1949 through the integration of several predecessor institutions. Its roots stretch back to the late 19th century and the modernization of Yokohama—a global port city. From the start, YNU pursued practical scholarship closely tied to industry and the community, reflecting Yokohama’s character as a hub for trade and innovation. Today YNU continues this “practical academics” mission across five colleges and multiple graduate schools, combining solid theoretical training with hands‑on problem solving, internships, and industry collaboration. For institutional overview and milestones, see About YNU and the general history as summarized on Wikipedia.

The single, green Tokiwadai campus is a short bus ride from Yokohama Station, with facilities clustered for easy access. New students will appreciate the compact layout: libraries and labs sit near cafeterias, student commons, and administrative offices. For navigation, check the International Student Center “Access” page and the campus map.

Academically, YNU balances research depth with real‑world outcomes. Programs emphasize internships, project‑based learning, and collaboration with local government and companies in Greater Tokyo. Explore degree structures under Education and see career pathways at Careers After Graduation. Tuition follows the national standard (e.g., annual tuition ≈ ¥535,800) with details at Tuition & Fees and cost‑of‑living guidance at Why Study at YNU (Expenses).

Key Strengths & Unique Features

All‑English Programs (Undergraduate & Graduate)

YNU offers multiple degrees taught fully in English, including undergraduate YOKOHAMA Creative‑City Studies (YCCS) and several graduate programs (Economics; Mechanical/Materials/Ocean Engineering; Chemistry & Life Science; Mathematics/Physics/Electrical Eng./CS; International Infrastructure; more). See the unified list at Degree Programs Offered in English and the GSISS Economics all‑English tracks at Economics (All‑English).

Flagship Labs & Research Access

Hands‑on labs are a strength—examples include Fuchiwaki Lab (fluid engineering/biomechanics) and SHIMA Lab (biomedical engineering, tissue mechanics). Many groups welcome international students. Explore: Fuchiwaki Lab, SHIMA Lab (BMER), and departmental outlines like Mechanical/Materials/Ocean Engineering.

Flagship Faculties (Spotlight)

Engineering Science runs internationally oriented, lab‑intensive programs with strong project components and industry ties (see “Programs” link above). International Social Sciences (Economics) offers all‑English graduate training—course‑based and research‑heavy—with alumni working in policy, finance, and academia (details).

Exchange‑Friendly: JOY Program & Partners

The Junior Year Overseas at YNU (JOY) Program lets students from partner universities study in English or Japanese for up to a year—see the latest requirements and language criteria on the official JOY page: JOY Program (Exchange). For partner institutions, check the university‑level agreements list: Agreements between Universities.

Cost‑Value Advantage

As a national university, YNU tuition is comparatively affordable (¥). See Tuition & Fees and the cost‑of‑living breakdown on Why Study at YNU. University housing options include International Student House and Minesawa Dormitory: International Housing.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Student clubs (sports, culture, music, volunteering) are active across campus; many welcome overseas students. Facilities overview: Other Facilities.

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

International students are supported by the International Strategy Organization and the International Student Center (for guidance on visas, tuition waivers/scholarships, everyday procedures, etc.). Start with: Tuition Waiver & Scholarships, Prospective International Students和 Residence & Registration. Counseling/welfare info: Student Advisory.

Language‑Exchange & Global Commons

YNU’s “Global Commons” inside the Central Library hosts language‑exchange and cultural events (e.g., Talk Time, Global Café). See the official announcement and usage news: Global Commons Now Open 和 Global Commons: Call for Student Projects.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

Check YNU’s partner network and exchange frameworks here: Agreements between Universities, and see the dedicated JOY exchange page for eligibility and language benchmarks: JOY Program.

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Quick 5-year feel (≈2020–2024): summers are hotter and more humid with frequent 30 °C+ days and occasional heat waves reaching 35 °C+; winters are cool, with many days in the single-digits to low-teens. For month-by-month charts, see the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Yokohama station page (English) here.

Season (recent 5 yrs)	Daytime Highs – Typical Feel	Notes
Spring (Mar–May)	Mid-teens → low-20s °C	Mostly mild; early spikes possible in late May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Upper-20s → mid-30s °C	Humid; rainy season in June; 35 °C+ days during heat waves.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	Low-20s → mid-teens °C	Warm start in Sep; pleasant Oct–Nov.
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Single-digits → low-teens °C	Mostly dry; snow is rare.

Lifestyle: green, quiet campus; minutes to Minato Mirai and the bay. City info: Yokohama Visitors Guide.

International enrollment at YNU fluctuates by year and program, typically around ~10% of total students. For the latest snapshots by region/country and mobility, see official international affairs updates and materials (English pages on About YNU) and the International Strategy Organization notices (Global.ynu.ac.jp).

Career & Graduate Prospects

YNU’s career support offices assist with internships, job‑hunting workshops, and networking. Many international alumni secure roles in Japan or continue to graduate school. Explore central resources at Career Support, faculty‑level outcomes (e.g., Engineering Science careers: FSE Careers), and general pathways at Careers After Graduation.

References & Useful Links

YNU Top Page (English) | Education (Programs) | All‑English Programs | Tuition & Fees | JOY Exchange | Partner Universities | Facilities | Campus Map (PDF) | THE Profile