FAQ

About Niigata University

Q. What kind of university is Niigata University?

A. Niigata University is a national university corporation established in 1949. It is one of the leading comprehensive universities on the Sea of Japan coast, with its headquarters located in Niigata City.

  • Faculties: 10 faculties (Humanities, Education, Law, Economics and Science, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Dentistry, Innovation)
  • Student Population: Approximately 13,000 (undergraduate and graduate combined)
  • Affiliated Hospital: Niigata University Hospital (core facility for regional healthcare)
  • Research Institutes: Brain Science Institute, Disaster Recovery Science Institute, etc.

For more details, please see “University Profile”.

Q. What is the philosophy of Niigata University?

A. The philosophy of Niigata University is "Autonomy and Creativity". Rooted in the tradition of reverence and practicality nurtured by the land of Koshi and the pioneering spirit of a globally open port city, the university's overarching purpose is to contribute to the development of the region and the world through education, research, and social contribution.

For more details, please see “Philosophy, Mission, Vision”

Q. What is Niigata University's future vision?

A. Niigata University formulated its “Niigata University Vision 2030” in 2021, establishing the mission to “become a frontrunner in future life innovation.” To achieve this, it has been selected for two projects by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

  • J-PEAKS Program (MEXT-funded Initiative): Strengthening research foundations with focus areas on “Brain and Life” and “Food and Health”
  • FLAGs (Future-Leading and Advanced Graduate-schools): Cultivating “Ph.D. Innovators” through an interdisciplinary environment integrating arts and sciences. Aims to increase the number of Ph.D. graduates.

For more details, please see “Philosophy, Mission, Vision” and “J-PEAKS Program (MEXT-funded Initiative)” and the “Niigata University FLAGs Site.”

Q. How do I get to Niigata University?

A. Niigata University is located in Niigata City, easily accessible by public transportation from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

To Niigata City (from major cities)

  • From Tokyo: About 1 hour 40 minutes by Joetsu Shinkansen, or about 1 hour by plane
  • From Osaka: About 4 hours 30 minutes by Shinkansen, or about 1 hour by plane
  • From overseas: Direct flights available to Niigata Airport (Seoul, Shanghai, etc.)

To the Campus

  • Igarashi Campus: About 30 minutes by bus from JR Niigata Station (get off at “Niigata Daigaku-mae” on the Niigata Kotsu Bus)
  • Asahimachi Campus: About 20 minutes on foot from JR Niigata Station, or by bus

For details, please see “Access”.

Admissions & Programs

Q. How can I study abroad at Niigata University from overseas?

A. Depending on your purpose and duration, the following categories apply:

  • Undergraduate/Graduate Programs: Full-time programs aiming for degree completion
  • Research Students: Non-degree programs conducting research under a faculty advisor
  • Exchange Programs: Dispatch from partner institutions (1-2 semesters)
  • Short Programs: Short-term study abroad lasting several weeks

Application requirements, procedures, and scholarships vary by category. Please review the “Flow Chart” for an overview.

Q. What faculties does Niigata University have?

A. We have 10 faculties covering diverse fields, ranging from humanities and social sciences to science and engineering, medical sciences, and interdisciplinary programs.

For details on each faculty, please see the “Faculty List”.

Q. What graduate schools are available at Niigata University Graduate School?

A. Niigata University Graduate School offers the following graduate schools (as of April 2026):

For details, please see the “Graduate School List”.

Q. Does Niigata University offer Japanese language programs?

A. Yes. We offer Japanese language courses twice a year, during the spring and fall semesters, for degree-seeking and exchange students. We also provide an online Japanese language learning program.

The courses offered each semester, their schedules, and the registration procedures are detailed in the guidebook for each semester.

For more information, please see “Japanese Language Programs”.

Q. How can I find researchers or faculty advisors?

A. Please check the following information.

Researchers

Faculty Advisors (You will be redirected to the graduate school's original website)

Student Support & Career?

Q. What is life like in Niigata?

A. Niigata City is a port city with a population of about 800,000, offering a convenient living environment alongside rich natural surroundings and a vibrant food culture.

Cost of Living

  • Monthly living expenses for students (including rent): Approximately ?110,320 (Tokyo area: approximately ?134,900)
  • Apartment Rent Range: ?15,000-?55,000 per month (varies by housing type)

Accessibility

  • A transportation hub connecting domestically and internationally with an international airport, port, Shinkansen bullet train, and expressways

Foreign Resident Support

  • Five foreign consulates within the city (China, South Korea, Russia, Mongolia, France)

For more details, please see “Living in Niigata”.

Q. Is there career support available for international students?

A. Yes. We provide the following support for international students aiming to find employment in Japan:

  • Internship support and job search guidance
  • Participation in the International Student Employment Support Network
  • Publication of employment rates, placement records, and student testimonials

For details, please see “Career Support”.

Q. Is there career support for PhD students?

A. Yes. Niigata University has established a dedicated PhD Recruitment and Development Office to support both academic (university/research institution) and industry career paths for PhD students.

Under the FLAGs initiative (2025–2031), a comprehensive support system is in place covering everything from enrollment to degree completion and career development.

For details, please visit the “PhD Recruitment and Development Office” or the “Niigata University FLAGs website.”

Tuition & Scholarships

Q. How much are the tuition fees at Niigata University?

A. As a national university corporation, Niigata University's tuition fees follow the standard rates set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (figures as of the 2024 academic year).

  • Tuition: ?535,800 per year (same for undergraduate and graduate programs)
  • Enrollment Fee: ?282,000
  • Research Students: ?29,700 per month

For details, please see “Fees”.

Q. Are there tuition exemption or reduction programs?

A. Niigata University offers full exemption, half exemption, and deferral programs for students facing financial hardship in paying tuition. In the 2023 academic year, 972 out of 1,099 degree program applicants (including 294 international students) received exemptions.

For details, please see “Fees”.

Q. Are there scholarship programs available at Niigata University?

A. The following scholarships are available for international students:

Pre-enrollment applications:
Japan Government Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), Niigata University Scholarship
Post-enrollment applications:
University-recommended and individual applications (various private and municipal scholarships)

For details, please see “Fees”and “Scholarships”.

Research & Collaboration

Q. What affiliated research institutes does Niigata University have?

A. Niigata University has the following distinctive affiliated research institutes:

  • Brain Research Institute:
    A world-leading research center for neurological disorders. It holds a large collection of human postmortem brain specimens related to intractable neurological diseases, conducting comprehensive research on brain pathology, biochemistry, and function.
  • Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery:
    Conducts research to scientifically elucidate natural disasters such as earthquakes, heavy snowfall, and floods, and to support the reconstruction of affected communities.
  • Sakeology Center:
    A globally unique institution researching sake from multidisciplinary perspectives encompassing humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This initiative is uniquely suited to Niigata, one of Japan's premier sake-producing regions.
  • Sado Island Center for Ecological Sustainability:
    Located on Sado Island, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It promotes research aimed at preserving the island's unique ecosystems and realizing a society coexisting with nature.

For more details, please see “Research Institutes.”

Q. How can I find researchers and research opportunities at Niigata University?

A. We offer the following two databases:

  • Researcher Database: Search by researcher's field of expertise, research content, and achievements
  • Research Opportunities Collection: Explore themes for industry-academia collaboration and joint research
    Please see the “Researcher Database” and “Research Profiles (Japanese version only)”.

Please see the “ Researcher Database” and “Research Profiles (Japanese version only)”.

International Collaboration

Q. How many overseas partner universities does Niigata University have?

A. Niigata University has established agreements with universities worldwide to promote student and academic exchange. As of May 1, 2025, the university has agreements with universities in 30 countries and regions at the university level (104 agreements) and with universities in 38 countries and regions at the faculty/graduate school level (259 agreements).

For details, please see “Overseas Partner Institutions”.

Q. Does Niigata University have overseas offices?

A. Yes. Niigata University has multiple overseas offices.

University Liaison Offices

  • Beijing Liaison Office (Beijing, China)
  • Sri Lanka Liaison Office (Kandy, Sri Lanka)

Faculty/Graduate School-Specific Overseas Offices

  • Infectious Diseases Research Center of Niigata University in Myanmar (Yangon, Myanmar(Within National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Myanmar))
  • Office of the International Education Program G-MedEx(Krasnoyarsk, Russia(Within Krasnoyarsk State Medical University))

Furthermore, Niigata University participates in the Joint-Use Overseas Offices of SixERS, jointly operated by six Japanese national universities (Chiba, Niigata, Kanazawa, Okayama, Nagasaki, Kumamoto), and has established joint overseas bases in China, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Indonesia.

For details, please see “Overseas Offices”.

Q. What is the Liaison Professor scheme?

A. The Liaison Professor of Niigata University scheme was established as part of the university's international strategy. It confers the title of "Liaison Professor" on researchers and academic staff working overseas — most of whom are Niigata University alumni — who have made significant contributions to the university's academic globalization in the areas of education, research, and student activities.

As of November 2025, there are 26 Liaison Professors from 17 countries. Through this network, Niigata University aims to strengthen its presence and deepen academic and student exchange ties with partner countries.

For more details, please see "Liaison Professor of Niigata University"

Q. Where can I find a database of Niigata University's international collaborative activities?

A. A searchable database of Niigata University's international collaborative activities ( including research partnerships, joint programs, and academic exchanges)? is available online.

For more details, please see "Database for NU International Collaborative Activity"