Quick Summary
Niigata University, in Niigata, Japan, is a national that has shaped higher education since 1949. Ranked #651-700 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 12054 students including 4.5% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Medicine, Pharmacy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 28%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
A leading national university in Japan offering high-quality education at low cost, located in a region famous for its culture and safety.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryMedicinePharmacyMaterials SciencePhysics
Founded1949
TypeNational
Total Students12054
Intl Students4.5%
Faculty Ratio10.2
CampusUrban/Suburban
Campus Size603,000 square meters
Affiliated HospitalsNiigata University Medical and Dental Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#651-700
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201–1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Professional degrees
Programs
Graduate School of Modern Society and Culture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Sakeology Center, Brain Research Institute, Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate28%
IELTS6
TOEFL79
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · December 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · June 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International applicants are encouraged to secure a research supervisor before application and demonstrate proficiency in Japanese (JLPT N2/N1) for most undergraduate courses.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,350,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥1,902,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship, Niigata University Scholarship, JASSO Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidTuition waivers available for students with financial hardship
Work-StudyAvailable for international students with permission (up to 28 hours per week)
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Professional degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Dentistry | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Agriculture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Sakéology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$42,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96.5%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with local Niigata industries and medical facilities
Industry Connections
Niigata Sake Brewers Associationregional manufacturing clusters
Notable Alumni
Tatsuo Sato (Politician), Kenjiro Shinozuka (Rally Driver), Mitsuhiro Nagao (Physician)
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
International House, Ikarashi Student Dormitories
Sports Facilities
Gymnasiums, Martial Arts Hall, Athletic Field, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool
Student Clubs
Over 100 clubs including Kendo, Tea Ceremony, Robotics, and Sakéology Club
Library Resources
Central Library, Medical and Dental Library (Total 1.8 million volumes)
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 150+ universities worldwide
Summer Programs
Niigata University Short-term Study Program (NUSTEP)