Nagasaki University

Japan, an island nation located in East Asia, is renowned for its cultural heritage, technological advancements, and stunning natural landscapes. It boasts a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, with iconic attractions like Mount Fuji, historic temples, and futuristic cities like Tokyo.

Basic English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in major cities and tourist centers. Announcements on public transportation are frequently made in both Japanese and English, and signs generally include decipherable roman characters or an English explanation.

In Japan, there are many fascinating places that you can enjoy for free. These include such diverse attractions as beer museums, food galleries, hi-tech consumer electronics showrooms, cosmetics factories and television studios. With so many different places to visit there's bound to be something of interest for everyone.

Traditional cultural pursuits such as sado (Japanese tea ceremony) and ikebana (flower arrangement) are much more than simple pursuits in skills. They embody spiritual ways seeking the traditional values of wabi (elegant stillness) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm).

Nagasaki is an attractively situated port city on the island of Kyushu and the capital of Nagasaki Prefecture. As one of Japan’s closest port cities to the Asian mainland, Nagasaki has played a prominent role in foreign trade relations for many centuries and was the most important of only a very few ports open to restricted numbers of foreign traders during Japan’s period of isolation. It is renowned for its picturesque harbor, surrounded by scenic mountains. However, Nagasaki is tragically remembered for being one of the two cities devastated by atomic bombings during World War II in 1945. Despite this dark history, Nagasaki has since rebuilt itself into a vibrant and modern city, embracing peace and promoting cultural diversity.

Nagasaki has a typical humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and long, hot and humid summers. It receives the third most precipitation out of all sizeable cities in Japan.

As one of the oldest national universities in Japan, Nagasaki University has long been committed to achieving international standards of academic excellence by selecting the most able and dedicated staff and students from around the world and challenging them to reach their full potential. Presently, Nagasaki University comprises 9 faculties and schools, 6 graduate schools, one research institute, and 11 joint-use facilities. Nagasaki University has research centers abroad, and is participating in academic exchanges with 121 overseas universities and research institutes. The SGHSS’s primary aim is to develop students who can succeed in the ever-changing global world we now live in. The SGHSS uses innovative and forward-thinking methods to educate students to actively participate in the international community.

Courses in English

To view a list of courses offered for exchange students click here and choose a faculty under "Course Lists." The language of instruction is marked as either Japanese or English for each course. Students who wish to take regular courses taught in Japanese much be fluent in the language before arrival. To view course outlines for specific courses, use Nagasaki's syllabus search tool and click on the language you wish to view the outline in.

Language Courses

The Center for Japanese Language and Student Exchange offers classes that are particularly suited for newcomers to Japan. These include Japanese language classes for beginners and intermediate-level students and also a range of introductory courses related to Japan and Japanese culture. Students are placed in an appropriate level based on a placement test. To view Japanese language courses offered for exchange students, click here and view courses under "General Program."

Other Programs

The School of Global Humanities and Social Sciences offers a three week long summer program held in July taught entirely in English. The theme of the program is "Learning in/of Nagasaki" and consists of lectures, field trips, and group work that immerse students in the culture and history of Nagasaki. For an overview of the program click here.

Faculties at Nagasaki University include:

• Global Humanities and Social Sciences
• Education
• Economics
• Health Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Information and Data Sciences

Courses completed at a Japanese exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully earn an adequate number of equivalent U of L credits. 

Courses at Nagasaki are typically worth 2 credits. Two courses (4 credits) within the same stream will typically combine to transfer back as one 3 credit U of L course. Three courses (6 credits) within the same stream will generally combine to transfer as two 3 credit U of L courses. This may vary on an individual basis. Tuition is calculated based on the number of U of L courses students earn equivalent credits to.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

It is MANDATORY to obtain a Student Visa from the Consulate General of Japan in Calgary. There is an application fee of CAD $57 (2023).

Before applying for a visa, successful applicants to Nagasaki must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the Japanese Immigration Office. Nagasaki will apply for the CoE on behalf of accepted exchange students.

Visit the Embassy of Japan in Canada website or Nagasaki University's website for information about the visa application process.

Consulate General of Japan in Calgary
Phone: 1 (403) 294-0782
E-mail: consular@cl.mofa.go.jp
Website: www.calgary.ca.emb-japan.go.jp

Office hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–12:30 and 13:30–17:00.

All applicants must call the office to arrange an appointment to apply for a visa and submit all documents in person at the Consulate General of Japan at Calgary.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Japan, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Student Residences

• Nishimachi (3 buildings)
  • Cost: ¥114,000-180,000/semester (2023) including electricity, water, and internet (gas billed separately)
  • Single rooms with at least an air conditioner, bed, and desk
  • Bathrooms and laundry may be shared with roommates or the floor, depending on the building
  • The Nishimachi International House is located about 10-15 minutes on foot from the main campus
• Sakamoto (1 building)
  • Cost: ¥96,000/semester (2023) including all utilities
  • Single rooms with air conditioner, bed, desk, fridge, and bathroom
  • Shared micowave, laundry, and lunch room
• Preference is given to exchange students. Where there are more applicants than rooms, rooms will be allocated on the basis of a lottery.

Private Housing

• Cost: approx. ¥30,000-40,000/month (2023) excluding utilities
• Students who do not wish to stay in student residences may arrange for their own housing. This may be difficult and costly in Japan.
• The security deposit is typically equal to 1-3 months of rent
• A fee must be paid to the real estate agent, generally equal to one month of rent

Arrival Information

The nearest airport is Nagasaki Airport. From there, take the prefectural bus at Nagasaki Airport No. 4 stop with destination “Nagasaki via Showa-machi/Urakami” and get off at Chodaiuramonmae. From there it is only a short walk to your new university.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is MANDATORY to enroll in the National Health Insurance program. When visiting medical institutions, you will be exempt from 70% of medical and pharmaceutical fees by showing your National Health Insurance card. Students may register for the National Health Insurance at the local municipal office after completing resident registration at the office. The premium is approximately ¥1,300/month (2023).

To learn more about National Health Insurance, click here.