Cover Photo: Bergmann / CC BY-SA 3.0
Osaka is a known tourist spot in Japan, but the city has more to offer than entertainment; it is also home to one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, Osaka University. The university offers English courses and international exchange programs, so learn more about studying at the university today.
Table of Contents
- Osaka University - A Brief Introduction
- Education and studies
- University Exchange Agreements
- Student Benefits and Support Services/Programs
- Summary
Osaka University - A Brief Introduction
Japan offers a variety of credible academic institutions, and one of them is Osaka University. This national university is hailed as one of the premier academic institutions, hailed worldwide as it ranked 71st in the World University Rankings 2020.
※ Top Universities, "QS World University Rankings"
Ogata Koan founded Osaka University back in the early 1830s. Because of his medical background, Osaka University was first established as a medical school, and their focus areas were research for vaccinations and treatment for cholera. In the early 1930s, the official name of Osaka University became the Osaka Prefectural Medical School and had two primary schools, which were the School of Medicine and the School of Science. From then, it has evolved as one of Japan’s premier universities and branched out to cover a number of other courses aside from medicine. In 2018, Osaka University was labeled a National University by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
※ Osaka University, "Introduction to Osaka University"
Osaka University has a total of 24 undergraduate programs ranging from School of Human Sciences to School of Ergonomics and even a School of Dentistry! Osaka University also hosts 16 graduate school programs from the School of Law to Graduate School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Policy. It also boasts quality English programs to support the Japanese Government’s Global 30 Project.
As Osaka University is recognized worldwide, it offers 4 international research centers situated in Asia (Shanghai and Bangkok), the US (San Francisco), and Europe (Groningen).
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Education and studies
Aside from providing the best quality education that Japan has to offer, Osaka University has an extensive and excellent selection of undergraduate studies. The University has 24 undergraduate degree programs in Japanese and 2 undergraduate degree programs in English that caters to both Japanese locals and foreigners who wish to experience quality education in Japan. Osaka University also offers 8 graduate degree programs in English.
Osaka University offers a wide variety of academic courses, including a general liberal education in the undergraduate level. The University also provides specialized courses for both undergraduate and graduate levels, offering foundational knowledge through a liberal education, which will allow students to have a wider perspective in life. Once they have a glimpse of the general courses, the students are then asked to choose a specialized course that they can study at a deeper level.
English Programs
There are also several English courses that Japan university offers, but it is important to note that there are restrictions on enrolling in these classes. These restrictions are handled by the Course Affiliation Department of each course, especially for international students. The best way is to check their website for the guidelines on how to secure a spot for these English courses or connect with the Course Affiliation Department before enrolling in such courses.
Examples of courses taught in English are the following: Introduction to Sociology of Marriage and Family, Japanese Law, Economic Development, School of Engineering among others for undergraduate classes. For Post Graduate classes, English courses taught are Gender Studies, Psychology of Perception and Cognition, History of English Literature, and Quantum Physics among other courses.
Since Osaka University is very research-oriented, the campus also offers a number of facilities and libraries. It has a total of four libraries, six research institutes, and eighteen research centers all aimed towards finding out new and novel information about the world. Osaka University offers not just the best quality of education but also the best amenities for its students to learn, thrive, and develop academically.
University Exchange Agreements
Apart from enrolling in their full degree programs, short term programs good for less than a year of study are also offered to international students at Osaka University. These are:
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Osaka University Short-term Student Exchange Program (OUSSEP) - For foreign students with university-to-university agreements with Osaka University and who are in their 3rd or 4th year.
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Short-Stay Programs - For foreign students offered in two courses: the J-ShIP (Japanese Short stay Insession Program) and Japanese Intensive Program, both great opportunities to study in the country.
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KOSMOS Program - “Korean Students of Science Major at Osaka University with the Special Scholarship” is a preliminary program for Korean students studying science or engineering.
For the program's details, visit the Center for International Education and Exchange website of Osaka University.
Center for International Education and Exchange
And of course there are programs for students studying at Osaka University to study or even do internships abroad based on University Exchange Agreements as well.
Student Benefits and Support Services/Programs
Photo: Soraie8288 / CC BY-SA
Osaka University offers a holistic experience to its students by also offering the following amenities and services:
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Membership in Museums
Any enrolled Osaka University student has free access to thirteen museums around the Kansai Region. All you have to do is present your Student ID and will be granted automatic admission. This is a great way to enhance your knowledge, especially for foreign students who would want to learn more about Japanese culture.
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Free Shuttle Service
Since Osaka University is the largest National University in Japan and has 3 campuses, a free shuttle service is offered to students to ferry them from one campus to another at a prescribed schedule.
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Support Centers
Osaka University also offers various support centers to its students via physical check-up and consultations for physiological illnesses. In addition, the University also provides counseling and basic psychological treatments through its guidance center. For foreign students, consultation in English is also offered, while consultation for parents is also a key feature that is being provided by Support Centers at Osaka University.
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Career Support
Osaka University wants its students to succeed in the real world; hence they offer career support for their students. Career support services include possible employment leads with partner organizations, career guidance, and consultation services.
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On-Campus Nursery
Osaka University cares for parents studying in the school as well. They know that finding someone to take care of children can be a rather difficult task. For students to focus on their education and classes, Osaka University offers an on-campus nursery where students can drop their children and let the professional nurses and play therapists handle them during their lessons, and they can pick them up right after their classes.
Osaka’s Tourist Spots
Osaka offers famous destinations that both tourists and locals will enjoy. One example is the Osaka Castle, which is considered one of Japan's largest castles that has witnessed the history of Japan across the different eras. Other famous landmarks in Osaka are the Umeda Sky Building, Tsutenkaku, and Abeno Harukas. If you want to witness magnificent and intricately designed temples, then the Shitenno-ji Temple is definitely a must-visit for you! All are within reach while studying at Osaka University.
Summary
Japan is not only home to magnificent tourist attractions, but it also offers quality and credible education such as those offered by Osaka University. Osaka University is a reflection of everything that Japan has to offer - a great education, excellent amenities, and an immersive campus experience. Both local and especially foreign students can surely have a unique taste of Japan when enrolled in the prestigious Osaka University.
