Niigata University
Niigata University (NU) has a long history and a rich tradition, with its predecessor organizations dating back about 150 years. Since its founding, the university has played a vital role as a center of higher education and advanced research in Japan, aiming to contribute to world peace and development. It is blessed with an abundance of nature and offers the ideal environment for students and researchers. With a student body of approximately 12,000 students and 3,000 academic and administrative members, today, NU has developed into a large-scale, comprehensive university with two campuses, a university hospital, and several research institutes, including the Brain Research Institute and the Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs at NU cover various academic fields: humanities, education, law, economics, science, medicine, health sciences, dentistry, engineering, and agriculture. NU actively promotes independent and creative studies for our students while also striving to be an international base for higher education and advanced research by promoting collaborative research and education with overseas universities and institutions.
Degree Programs in English
Graduate Degree Programs offered in English are as follows:
[Master’s Degree Program]
1. The Course of International Society in Master’s Program of Law and Politics at Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences
＊The Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences will open in April 2026. The program described above is currently offered by the Graduate School of Modern Society and Culture, and students who wish to pursue the course will join the Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences starting in the 2026 academic year.
Master’s Degree Program / Major in Law and politics
[Doctoral Degree Program]
2. All Majors at Graduate School of Science and Technology
Graduate School of Sciences and Technology
3. All Majors at Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
School of Medicine / Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Dentistry
* Some Master’s and Doctoral programs require Japanese proficiency as they are not conducted entirely in English.
* Undergraduate Degree Programs are not applicable. As the majority of the courses in our Programs are conducted in Japanese, higher than N2 level of the JLPT is required.
Short-term Program
Niigata University offers short-term courses taught in English for its overseas partner universities. The programs differ depending on each faculty.
Additionally, we offer a short-term program, called “Summer program”, which allows participants to explore and experience the rich traditions and culture of Japan and the Niigata region. The program is designed for students from partner universities who will learn remotely from their home country with NU students. It provides students with opportunities to contribute to the globalizing world in different social settings in the future. Program participants can interact with each other through collaborative online international learning (COIL).
Scholarship
The scholarship offers economic support to applicants who were not selected for the Japanese Government Scholarship (Research Student) through university recommendations. This program aims to assist talented students in obtaining a degree, becoming active supporters of Niigata University in their home country, and promoting campus globalization.
Scholarship Details: Round trip travel fare between the home country and Japan, and 70,000 yen monthly scholarship during standard academic period (50,000 yen for research students).
Japanese language education after enrollment (required or elective)
Niigata University offers Japanese language subjects for Degree-seeking Students and Exchange Students from Partner Universities.
Dormitory
Niigata University offers various accommodation options for international students, such as *”Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University”, International House and Residence Halls (Rikka Hall and Ikarashi Hall). However, eligibility differs by student status.
*The Niigata University Co-op provides housing “Co-op Leased Apartments Supported by Niigata University” and living support for international students newly enrolling into the university so that they can start their lives in Japan safely and comfortably.
Student Support
Niigata University provides various support for International students.
Support for obtaining a student visa（required documents, etc.）
Pick-up Service
Leased Accommodation by University (for exchange students from partner universities)
Support for various procedures（residence cards, insurance plans, bank account, etc.)
Orientation for Newly-Enrolled International Students / Housing Orientation / Life in Niigata Orientation
Tutor system for Newly-Enrolled Students for International Students
