Shinshu University emblem

Shinshu University

Matsumoto, Japan Founded 1949 World Rank #1151

Overview

English Name: Shinshu University
Local Name: 信州大学
Founded: 1949
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #1151
Rank in Japan: #27
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

Shinshu University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.

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 institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.

Academic Year: April to March (April-September; October-March)
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
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Suburban

Academic Structures

Shinshu University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.

Unit 13 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

Degrees

Shinshu University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.

Other 16 programs
  • Agriculture
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • History
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Medicine
  • Mountain Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Social Sciences
  • Textile Technology

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

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

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

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Educational and Student Counselling
  • Physical Education
  • Special Education
  • Teacher Training

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

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

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Textile Science and Technology (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Machine Building
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Polymer and Plastics Technology
  • Technology
  • Textile Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Science and Technology (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Mountain Studies
  • Textile Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Innovation Management (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Management

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

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

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medical Technology
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Law
  • Public Administration

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Shinshu University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.

Bachelor's Degree

8 programmes

Shinshu University runs 8 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.

Faculty of Arts Liberal Arts 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Education Education & Teaching 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Economics and Law Law 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Science Natural Sciences 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
School of Medicine Medicine 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Engineering General Engineering 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Agriculture Agriculture 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus
Faculty of Textile Science and Technology General Engineering 4 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: On-campus

Master's Degree

3 programmes

At postgraduate taught level, Shinshu University runs 3 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.

Graduate School of Medicine (Master's Program) Medicine 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Science and Technology (Master's Program ) General Engineering 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (Master's Program ) Humanities & Cultural Studies 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus

Professional Doctorate

1 programme

Shinshu University lists 1 programme awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.

Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Program) Education & Teaching 2 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On-campus

Doctorate

1 programme

Shinshu University lists 1 programme awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.

Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology(Doctoral Program) Medicine 3 years On-campus Japanese
Duration: 3 years
Delivery: On-campus

How to apply to Shinshu University

A short guide to applying to Shinshu University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  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

Frequently asked questions about Shinshu University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

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 #1151 globally and #27 in Japan.

How many faculties does Shinshu University have?

Shinshu University has 13 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

Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Shinshu University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.

Where Else to Study Medicine

Foreign-language teaching requirements for Medicine programmes vary across Japan. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.

Universities Often Compared with Shinshu University

Students considering Shinshu University frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.

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