Tokushima 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
- 69.9%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (20,230 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:22
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- 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
Student life at Tokushima University reflects the balance between academic focus and extracurricular involvement that characterizes Japanese universities. Club activities play a central role, with students joining circles devoted to sports, cultural pursuits, academic interests, and social causes. These organizations provide community, skill development, and networking that complement classroom learning. The university festival each autumn brings together student organizations and the broader community, showcasing performances, exhibitions, and food stalls that demonstrate the range of student activities. University sports teams compete in regional and national leagues, with facilities supporting both competitive athletics and recreational participation. The Tokushima setting offers opportunities for outdoor activities that larger cities cannot match. Nearby mountains provide hiking and skiing destinations, while the coast offers beaches and water sports. The Awa Odori dance festival each August is one of Japan's largest, drawing over a million visitors and involving students in one of the country's most famous cultural celebrations. Housing options include university dormitories and private apartments in the city. Dormitory living creates close communities among residents, while apartment living provides more independence. Either way, living costs in Tokushima run significantly lower than in major Japanese cities, making student life more affordable. International students receive particular support through dedicated offices, Japanese language instruction, and buddy programs pairing international and domestic students. The international student population has grown significantly, adding variety to campus life while creating communities of students from shared backgrounds.
Location & Surroundings
Tokushima City serves as capital of Tokushima Prefecture on the eastern coast of Shikoku Island, where the Yoshino River meets Kii Channel. The city of about 250,000 people provides urban amenities while maintaining connections to rural Japan that larger cities have lost. Mountains rise to the west, beaches stretch along the coast, and the river courses through the urban center, creating a landscape quite different from Tokyo's concrete expanse. The city is best known nationally for Awa Odori, a traditional dance festival held each August that dates back over 400 years. During the festival, the city transforms as hundreds of thousands of visitors join residents in dancing through the streets. Students often participate in dance groups, and the festival provides an unforgettable cultural experience for international students encountering it for the first time. Transportation connections link Tokushima to the rest of Japan through ferries, buses, and limited rail service. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects Shikoku to the main island of Honshu, making Osaka accessible in about two hours by bus. Direct highway buses reach Tokyo in about nine hours overnight. The relative isolation compared to mainland Japan cities shapes the university experience, creating a more self-contained community while reducing distractions. Living costs remain moderate by Japanese standards. Housing, food, and daily expenses cost less than in major cities, making student budgets stretch further. The local food culture features fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and distinctive prefectural specialties that food-interested students enjoy exploring.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tokushima University offers quality Japanese national university education in a setting that differs meaningfully from the country's major urban centers. Students who choose this path gain access to serious research facilities and accomplished faculty without the overwhelming intensity of Tokyo or Osaka. The smaller scale creates opportunities for closer relationships with professors and more personalized educational experiences. Medical and pharmaceutical programs particularly stand out, with research strengths that have attracted international recognition. Students interested in these fields find excellent preparation for careers in Japanese healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, with the added benefit of experiencing patient populations and healthcare delivery in regional Japan rather than only in major cities. The regional character serves students planning careers in areas outside Tokyo. Connections with Shikoku industry and institutions prepare graduates for roles throughout the region, and the university's alumni network extends across Japan while remaining particularly strong locally. For students from Shikoku or interested in contributing to regional development, this orientation matters. International students find a welcoming environment where their presence is noticed and valued rather than lost in massive international cohorts. Support services specifically address international student needs, and the moderate scale means staff can provide individualized assistance. The lower cost of living compared to major Japanese cities also matters, making Japan accessible to students with limited budgets.
Campus Location
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