Fukuoka Women’s University
Fukuoka Women’s University was established in 1923 as the first public college for women in Japan. Students pursue their ambitions in the areas of international liberal arts, environmental science, and food and health Sciences. FWU is an internationally focused university. With a student population of about 1,100, we strive to provide every student with an opportunity to experience cross-cultural and international exchange activities. In view of the importance of developing globally-minded leaders, we are collaborating with high-quality institutions worldwide to expand the scope of our educational activities. FWU is placed among Japan’s top three women’s universities in the THE Japan University Rankings, receiving a high evaluation of our international learning environment and student satisfaction.
Degree Program in Japanese
The International College of Arts and Sciences offers bachelor’s degree programs through three departments: International Liberal Arts, Environmental Science, and Food and Health Sciences. Our aim is to cultivate students with sound judgment and a broad base of knowledge, equipping them to respond flexibly to societal and global changes. With a strong emphasis on adaptability and a perspective that spans both Asia and the wider world, we seek to nurture individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of society, both in Japan and internationally.
The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences cultivates individuals with a rich humanistic ethos and research ethics. Students engage with and analyze issues related to humans, society, culture, literature, politics, and economics, aiming to contribute solutions to challenges at local and international levels. Students in the Languages and Cultures Program gain deep knowledge and advanced expertise concerning the characteristics of literature, cultures, and languages in Japan and English-speaking countries, all against the
backdrop of an international perspective. Students in the Social Sciences Program theoretically examine the nature of values behind political and economic activities in local and international contexts, cultivating practical skills for addressing challenges.
The Graduate School of Health and Environmental Sciences focuses on understanding specialized knowledge and skills for creating an “environmentally harmonious society that supports healthy living” to develop students’ ability to conduct innovative and cutting-edge research. They have access to a research environment that enables them to integrate their specialized research with other fields, equipping them with comprehensive judgment skills to tackle the significant changes and developments within contemporary society. Graduates aim to address various challenges at both local and international levels.
Short-term Program
FWU is engaged in international education through various incoming study abroad and exchange programs. We offer four programs as follows.
WJC: The World of Japanese Contemporary Culture Program
WJC is a short-term study abroad program designed to provide a unique educational experience focusing on Japanese culture and society. Its medium of instruction is English. Students have the choice to attend the program either for one semester or for a full year. The curriculum for the Fall Semester (September-February) focuses more on Japanese contemporary culture, while the Spring Semester (April-August) offers more subjects relating to Japanese traditional culture. Japanese language classes are available at various levels and students are able to take classes depending on their level.
Student Exchange Program (studying in Japanese)
FWU welcomes exchange students from our overseas partner universities. You can stay for one semester or a full academic year, to study from a range of modules taught on our undergraduate and graduate programs. (All courses are taught in Japanese.) Further information for exchange students at FWU, please contact an office for study abroad at your home university.
Scholarship
FWU waives the Matriculation fee for all international students, and offers eligible students a ‘tuition fee waiver program’ which exempts the half or all of the annual tuition depending on the scores of the entrance exam and, in the subsequent years,on the grade point average(GPA).
There are several scholarships offered, on a competitive policy, by the Japanese government (JASSO) and the local organizations.
Admission, Tuition and Scholarship for International Students
Japanese language education after enrollment (required or elective)
Academic ＆ Career Japanese Program (required) :
From the first to second year, international students will intensively acquire a foundation in Japanese language skills. Students will hone their four skills of “reading,” “listening,” “speaking,” and “writing,” while cultivating their thinking and expression skills. The goal is to equip international students with the attitude and ability to use Japanese as both an “academic tool for university learning” and a “practical means of communication” in real-world settings.
Dormitory
All local students reside in the International Friendship House Nadeshiko during their first year, and international students may stay in the dormitory for up to four years. Each apartment is typically shared by three Japanese students and one international student in a communal living arrangement that allows students to develop strong relationship-building skills, an understanding of other cultures, and proficiency in foreign languages. Life in residence exposes students to diverse values and ways of thinking and offers exciting intercultural experiences every day.
Student Support
Local students provide one-on-one support to international students, assisting them in settling into campus life and encouraging active participation in university activities. They also offer linguistic assistance and cultural guidance to help ease the transition to life in Japan.
The International Center provides a wide range of support services for international students, including assistance with immigration procedures.
