Akita University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 55.1%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (31,078 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:23
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 73.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Daily life at Akita University reflects the rhythms of a Japanese national university, where academic seriousness coexists with rich club activities and seasonal celebrations. The academic year begins in April, when cherry blossoms transform the campus into a pink and white wonderland that students and faculty alike pause to appreciate. University clubs and circles cover an extraordinary range of activities, from traditional Japanese arts like calligraphy, tea ceremony, and kendo to modern pursuits including rock climbing, volunteer service, and competitive gaming. These extracurricular activities play a crucial role in Japanese university culture, often forming the basis of lifelong friendships and even professional networks. Student housing options include university dormitories that provide affordable accommodation with the added benefit of cultural exchange opportunities between Japanese and international students. The international house in particular brings together students from dozens of countries, creating informal language practice opportunities and cross-cultural friendships. Campus dining facilities serve Japanese cuisine at student-friendly prices, including regional specialties like kiritanpo, a rice dish unique to Akita that appears on menus throughout the winter months. The city of Akita itself offers additional dining, entertainment, and shopping options easily accessible by public transportation. Major cultural events include the Kanto Festival in August, when enormous bamboo poles bearing dozens of paper lanterns are balanced on the foreheads and shoulders of performers in a display that draws visitors from throughout Japan.
Location & Surroundings
Akita Prefecture represents a Japan that many visitors never see, a region of deep snow, ancient festivals, and natural hot springs far from the neon and crowds of Tokyo. The city of Akita serves as the prefectural capital with a population of about 300,000, large enough to provide urban conveniences but small enough that students quickly learn to navigate its streets and neighborhoods. The Shinkansen bullet train connects Akita to Tokyo in approximately four hours, making occasional trips to the capital feasible while keeping students grounded in a very different Japanese experience. Local transportation includes buses and a small commuter rail network, though many students find bicycles sufficient for daily needs. The natural environment surrounding Akita offers opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. Winter brings heavy snowfall that transforms the region into a destination for skiing and snowboarding, with several resorts within easy distance of campus. Hot springs dot the landscape, providing traditional Japanese relaxation at affordable prices. The coastline along the Sea of Japan offers beaches in summer and dramatic wave watching in winter. Inland, mountains and forests provide hiking trails that pass through landscapes of exceptional beauty. Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake, lies within day-trip distance and draws visitors year-round with its startlingly blue waters and surrounding mountains. The region's relative isolation has preserved traditional culture in ways that more accessible parts of Japan have lost, giving students the opportunity to witness and participate in customs that date back centuries.
Costs & Career Outcomes
As a national university, Akita University offers tuition rates set by the Japanese government, making quality education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances. Annual tuition is approximately 535,800 yen for all students regardless of nationality, with an admission fee of 282,000 yen for new entrants. These rates are significantly lower than private universities and competitive with other national institutions. Living costs in Akita City are among the lowest for any Japanese university city, with monthly expenses of 70,000-90,000 yen typically sufficient for rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses. University dormitory fees are even lower, making Akita University an economically attractive option for budget-conscious students. Scholarship opportunities include JASSO scholarships, MEXT scholarships for international students, and university-specific financial aid programs. Part-time work opportunities exist in the city, though options are more limited than in major metropolitan areas. International students on appropriate visa status may work up to 28 hours per week during academic terms. Career outcomes vary by faculty, with Medicine and Engineering graduates achieving near-complete employment rates in their respective fields. International Resource Sciences graduates find positions with mining companies, environmental consultancies, and government agencies worldwide. The Career Center provides job placement support including company information sessions, interview preparation, and connections with employers seeking Akita University graduates.
Campus Location
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