Ibaraki 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
- 74.5%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (29,961 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:25
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 66.0%
- Retention Rate
- 84.0%
- 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
The main Mito campus reflects the character of Japanese national universities: functional buildings focused on academic purposes rather than architectural grandeur, surrounded by green spaces and connected by pathways where students move between classes. The suburban setting provides a calm atmosphere conducive to study, quite different from the intensity of Tokyo universities several hours away. Student clubs and circles form the heart of extracurricular life, with options ranging from traditional Japanese cultural activities to sports teams to academic interest groups. Many students find their closest friendships through these organizations, spending evenings and weekends together pursuing shared interests. Life in Mito offers affordability that larger cities cannot match. Rent remains reasonable, daily expenses stay manageable, and students can maintain comfortable lifestyles without the financial stress common in Tokyo. The city provides adequate shopping, entertainment, and dining options while remaining connected to the capital by express train for weekend excursions. The prefectural culture carries on traditions less visible in Japan's metropolitan centers, giving students from urban backgrounds exposure to aspects of Japanese life they might otherwise never experience. International students find a welcoming community, though they should expect that daily life operates primarily in Japanese. The relatively small international student population means genuine integration with Japanese classmates rather than the parallel universes that can develop at universities with larger foreign contingents.
Location & Surroundings
Ibaraki University appeals to students seeking quality national university education without the extreme competition of Tokyo's most prestigious institutions or the expense of private universities. National university tuition, set by government policy, remains substantially below private university fees, making higher education accessible to students from families across the economic spectrum. The university's location in Ibaraki Prefecture suits students who prefer calmer environments over metropolitan intensity or who specifically want connection to this region. The university's strengths in agriculture and engineering make it particularly attractive to students with interests in these fields. Connections to regional industries provide internship and employment opportunities after graduation. Education programs maintain excellent reputations and strong track records in producing teachers. For international students, the smaller scale means more individual attention and genuine cultural immersion rather than the internationalized bubbles that can form at larger universities. The proximity to Tsukuba Science City offers students in science and engineering fields potential research connections with world-class laboratories. Students who choose Ibaraki University over more famous alternatives often find that the education quality fully matches their needs while the lifestyle suits them better than the alternatives would have.
Costs & Career Outcomes
National university tuition in Japan follows standardized rates set by the Ministry of Education, keeping costs predictable and relatively affordable compared to private institutions. The annual tuition applies uniformly across faculties, though entrance fees add to first-year costs. Students should budget for living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and personal costs, which in Mito remain considerably lower than in Tokyo or other major cities. This affordability makes Ibaraki University accessible to students from modest economic backgrounds who might struggle with private university fees or Tokyo living costs. Financial support options include tuition exemptions for students with demonstrated financial need who also maintain strong academic performance. The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides scholarships for qualified students, both Japanese and international. Some private scholarships target students in specific fields or from particular backgrounds. Part-time work opportunities exist, though students should balance work hours against academic obligations and immigration regulations that govern international student employment. On-campus housing provides affordable accommodation for some students, though limited spaces mean many must find private apartments. The overall financial picture makes quality education achievable for students willing to live modestly, representing good value for the educational outcomes the university provides.
Campus Location
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