Yamagata University
Yamagata, Japan • Founded 1949 • World Rank #1701
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1949, the Yamagata University (Yamagata Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Yamagata (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Yonezawa and Tsuruoka. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Yamagata University (YU) is a medium-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution.
Yamagata University (YU) 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 20-29% making this Japanese higher education organization a very selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. YU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach Yamagata University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Yamagata University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
To understand where programmes live within Yamagata University, the academic structure is mapped below. Some institutions run joint faculties with external bodies — credentialing in those cases is shared.
Unit 12 items
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Education, Art and Science
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Science
- Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences
- Graduate School of Medical Science
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science
- Graduate School of Regional Education and Culture
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering
- Graduate School of Social and Cultural Systems
Degrees
The degrees on offer at Yamagata University, sorted by level. Awarding-versus-validating distinctions affect long-term recognition of the qualification beyond Yamagata University.
Other 57 programs
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Applied Chemistry
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Clinical Psychology
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Cultural Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Forestry
- Geography (Human)
- History
- History of Religion
- Information Sciences
- International Studies
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Music
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Social Policy
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Special Education
- Sports
- Teacher Training
- Water Science
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Agriculture (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education, Art and Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Information Sciences
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Literature and Social Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Literature
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 27 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Community Health
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Medicine
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Surgery
- Urology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- 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.
Education (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social and Cultural Systems (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Social Sciences
Programs Offered
Every programme Yamagata University offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
13 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan
Bachelor's Degree 7 programmes
Master's Degree 4 programmes
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
How to apply to Yamagata University
Application guidance for Yamagata University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Yamagata University runs 13 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check entry requirements
Before applying to Yamagata University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Japan.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Yamagata University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.yamagata-u.ac.jp). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (236) 28 4006. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yamagata University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Yamagata University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
In what year was Yamagata University established?
Yamagata University was founded in 1949 (approximately 77 years ago).
Where is Yamagata University located?
Yamagata University is located in Yamagata, Japan.
Is Yamagata University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Yamagata University?
Student enrolment at Yamagata University is around 8,000-8,999.
Where does Yamagata University stand in university rankings?
Yamagata University is ranked #1701 globally and #66 in Japan.
What is Yamagata University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 12 academic units.
Who recognises Yamagata University?
Yes, Yamagata University is recognised by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
What is Yamagata University's official website?
Yamagata University's official website is www.yamagata-u.ac.jp.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
The leading universities in Japan are listed below — useful for sizing Yamagata University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in Japan typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Faculties at nearby universities
Other institutions in Yamagata University's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.
Where Else to Study Agriculture
Practicum and placement requirements vary widely across Agriculture programmes in Japan. Compulsory placements affect total time commitment but typically improve post-graduation employment outcomes.
Universities Compared with Yamagata University
Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Yamagata University often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.
Studying in Japan: guides and resources
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