Welcome back. Keep your shortlist and get deadline reminders with a free account.

Shinshu University emblem

Shinshu University

Matsumoto, Japan • Founded 1949 • QS 2027 #1201-1400

Updated May 2026 · Source: shinshu-u.ac.jp

Overview

English Name: Shinshu University
Local Name: 信州大学
Founded: 1949
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #1201-1400 Times Higher Education 2026 #1201-1500 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #701-800 CWTS Leiden 2025 #1565 SCImago 2026 #1151
Motto: Rooted in the community, opening up the world
Shinshu University emblem

Established in 1949, the Shinshu University (Shinshu Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Matsumoto (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Nagano.

This institution also has branch campuses in Nishi-nagano, Wakasato, Ueda and Minami-Minowa. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Shinshu University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution.

Shinshu University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 75-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Shinshu University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Shinshu University are summarised below.

Address: 3-1-1 Asahi
Postal Code: 390-8621
Phone: +81 (263) 35 4600
Fax: +81 (263) 34 6481
Social Media:

Academic Details

Shinshu University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Academic Year: April to March (April-September; October-March)
Recognition: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school or recognized equivalent or foreign equivalent, and entrance examination
Student Enrollment: 10,000-14,999
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Suburban

Academic Structures

Shinshu University's academic units are listed below, by type.

Unit 14 items
  • Faculty of Agriculture
  • Faculty of Arts
  • Faculty of Economics and Law
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Textile Science and Technology
  • Graduate School of Education
  • Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Graduate School of Medicine
  • Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology
  • Graduate School of Science and Technology
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Sustainable Social Co-creation

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Agriculture (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agriculture
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science
  • Forestry
Arts (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
Economics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Law
  • Public Administration
Education (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Educational and Student Counselling
  • Physical Education
  • Special Education
  • Teacher Training
Engineering (Faculty) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architecture
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Information Technology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Technology
Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physics
Textile Science and Technology (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Machine Building
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Polymer and Plastics Technology
  • Technology
  • Textile Technology
Science and Technology (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Mountain Studies
  • Textile Technology
Innovation Management (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Management
General Education (School) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Education
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Health Education
  • Korean
  • Russian
  • Science Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Teacher Training
Health Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medical Technology
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
Law (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Law
  • Public Administration
Medicine (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medicine

Programs Offered

Shinshu University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

13 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan

Bachelor's Degree 8 programmes

Master's Degree 3 programmes

How to apply to Shinshu University

A short guide to applying to Shinshu University — five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Shinshu University

    Use the programme finder to browse Shinshu University's 13 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Shinshu University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Shinshu University processes applications through www.shinshu-u.ac.jp. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (263) 35 4600. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shinshu University

Quick reference for Shinshu University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

How old is Shinshu University?

The institution opened in 1949 (approximately 77 years ago).

What city is Shinshu University in?

Shinshu University operates from Matsumoto, Japan.

Is Shinshu University a public or private institution?

It is a public higher-education institution.

How big is Shinshu University's student body?

Shinshu University serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.

What is Shinshu University's ranking?

It ranks QS 2027 #1201-1400.

How many faculties does Shinshu University have?

Shinshu University has 14 academic units.

Who recognises Shinshu University?

Shinshu University is accredited by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Where can I learn more about Shinshu University?

The institution's website is www.shinshu-u.ac.jp.

Top-Ranked Universities in Japan

Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top Japan universities. Shinshu University's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Shinshu University, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study General Engineering

Below: other Japan universities that offer General Engineering programmes.

Universities Compared with Shinshu University

Universities of a similar scale and standing to Shinshu University are listed below.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Save this university to your shortlist

Save universities and programs, follow countries, and get deadline reminders by email. Free, takes a few seconds.

Explore More Universities in Japan

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare