Osaka City University
Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan Public
#28 National #601 QS World
#28 National #601 QS World #1201 THE #801 ARWU
16,000 students 3% international Multiple Campuses $5k - $7k/yr
About Osaka City University
Osaka City University (OCU) was a public university located in Osaka, Japan, that offered a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1880, it was known for its commitment to research and its focus on urban issues. In April 2022, Osaka City University merged with Osaka Prefecture University to form Osaka Metropolitan University.
Osaka City University offered a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including Business, Economics, Law, Literature and Human Sciences, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, and Human Life Science. The university emphasized small-group tutorials and seminars, fostering an approachable environment for students to engage with teaching staff and participate in free discussions. OCU was recognized for its strong research culture, particularly in urban issues, with leading interdisciplinary research areas in next-generation energy, health science, and disaster prevention.
While many lectures at OCU were delivered in Japanese, the university offered English-taught programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, particularly within fields like Human Sciences and Science. For international students, a strong proficiency in English, typically an IELTS score of 6, was essential for admission. OCU provided a Global Exchange Office to facilitate cultural exchange and offered grants and scholarships, including the Monbukagakusho Scholarship and Japanese Government Scholarships. International dormitories were available, and the university fostered an international atmosphere within its research groups.
Osaka City University's main campus was situated in Osaka, a bustling port city and a major economic hub in Japan. The university's urban location provided students with opportunities to engage with city issues. Osaka itself is renowned for its vibrant markets, nightlife, and culinary scene. The campus offered facilities such as a solid academic library and guest houses.
Graduates of Osaka City University were highly valued by employers, both in Japan and internationally. For instance, approximately 98% of Master's graduates from the School of Engineering who sought employment found jobs. The university's career support system connected students with numerous companies, with Osaka University students receiving job offers from up to 7,000 companies. Many undergraduate engineering graduates also pursued further studies, with about 88% continuing to master's programs.
Academics
Osaka City University offered a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including Business, Economics, Law, Literature and Human Sciences, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, and Human Life Science. The university emphasized small-group tutorials and seminars, fostering an approachable environment for students to engage with teaching staff and participate in free discussions. OCU was recognized for its strong research culture, particularly in urban issues, with leading interdisciplinary research areas in next-generation energy, health science, and disaster prevention.
International Students
While many lectures at OCU were delivered in Japanese, the university offered English-taught programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, particularly within fields like Human Sciences and Science. For international students, a strong proficiency in English, typically an IELTS score of 6, was essential for admission. OCU provided a Global Exchange Office to facilitate cultural exchange and offered grants and scholarships, including the Monbukagakusho Scholarship and Japanese Government Scholarships. International dormitories were available, and the university fostered an international atmosphere within its research groups.
Campus & Location
Osaka City University's main campus was situated in Osaka, a bustling port city and a major economic hub in Japan. The university's urban location provided students with opportunities to engage with city issues. Osaka itself is renowned for its vibrant markets, nightlife, and culinary scene. The campus offered facilities such as a solid academic library and guest houses.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Osaka City University were highly valued by employers, both in Japan and internationally. For instance, approximately 98% of Master's graduates from the School of Engineering who sought employment found jobs. The university's career support system connected students with numerous companies, with Osaka University students receiving job offers from up to 7,000 companies. Many undergraduate engineering graduates also pursued further studies, with about 88% continuing to master's programs.
Highlights
- Merged to form Osaka Metropolitan University
- Strong research, urban focus
- Diverse programs, small-group learning
- International student support
- Located in bustling Osaka
Subject Areas
EconomicsLawLiteratureScienceEngineering
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Sports Facilities Scholarships Available
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Programs Offered at Osaka City University (11)
Offers programs in:
PhD Programs (11)
Business
Business
Business
phd in businessstudy business in japanphd business in japanbusiness program in osakadoctoral program business
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsEconomics
Economics
Economics
doctoraldoctorateeconometricseconomicsgraduate
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsEngineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
engineering in english japanstudy engineering in japanphd in engineeringbest engineering phd programsdoctorate in engineering
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsHuman Life Science
STEM
Human Life Science
Human Life Science
doctor of philosophydoctoraldoctoratehumanhuman life science
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsLiterature and Human Sciences
Humanities
Humanities
study Humanities in Osakahumanities degreeliberal artsinternational student phd HumanitiesHumanities at Osaka City University
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsLaw
Law
Law
citydoctordoctoraldoctoratejapan
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsMedicine
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
medicine degreemedicine program in osakaphd in medicine in japandoctorate medicineenglish-taught phd medicine in japan
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsNursing
STEM
Nursing
Nursing
NursingPhD in Nursingdoctorate Nursingstudy Nursing in JapanNursing PhD in Japan
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsScience
STEM
Science
Science
japanphdscience
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsUrban Management
Urban Management
Urban Management
doctorate in urban managementdoctoral urban management in japanphd in urban managementurban management careerphd program urban management
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsCreative Cities
Urban Studies
Urban Studies
study Urban Studies in Osakaurban planning degreeCreative Citiesstudy Urban Studies in JapanPhD Urban Studies
36 months English Full-time
$5,000/yr
ScholarshipsOsaka City University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
6+ IELTS
60+ TOEFL
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Very Selective (<20%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline April Admission: October 17, 2024; September Admission: April 17, 2025
Tuition (per year) $5k - $7k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$33000
Teaching Language Japanese, English
Accreditation
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, JapanNational Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Osaka City University
Common questions from international students considering Osaka City University.
What is the acceptance rate at Osaka City University?
Osaka City University is classified as "Very Selective (<20%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.
How much does Osaka City University cost for international students?
Tuition at Osaka City University ranges from $5k - $7k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $33000/month), books, and living expenses.
What is Osaka City University ranked globally?
Osaka City University holds the following rankings: QS World #601, Times Higher Education #1201, ARWU #801, #28 in Japan. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.
What English language requirements does Osaka City University have?
Osaka City University typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 60+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.
Are scholarships available at Osaka City University?
Yes, Osaka City University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.
When does Osaka City University start its semesters?
Osaka City University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.
How many English-taught programs does Osaka City University offer?
Osaka City University offers 11+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.
Where is Osaka City University located?
Osaka City University is located in Osaka, Japan 🇯🇵. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What programs does Osaka City University offer?
For specific details about Osaka City University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
Are there scholarships at Osaka City University?
For specific details about Osaka City University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
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