Akita International University

Quick Facts about Akita International University

• Founded: 2004
• Type: Public
• Students: 920
• International: 25%
• Campus: Suburban
• Tuition: $12,000 – $16,000/year
• Language: English, Japanese
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Intakes: Spring, Fall

About Akita International University

Academics

AIU's undergraduate programs include Global Business, Global Studies, and Global Connectivity, all taught exclusively in English. The university emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to select courses from various clusters centered on their chosen program. For non-native English speakers, the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program prepares them for university-level study in English. Graduate programs include master's degrees in English Language Teaching, Japanese Language Teaching, and Global Communication Practices.

International Students

International students are welcomed at AIU, making up approximately one-quarter of the student population. All short-term international students are required to live in on-campus housing, and housing is guaranteed for all international students. The university offers support services such as academic advising, health services, counseling, and disability support. AIU's multicultural campus, with students from over 50 countries, fosters cultural exchange through clubs and community activities.

Campus & Location

AIU's campus is situated in a suburban area of Akita City, surrounded by nature. While somewhat remote, the campus provides essential facilities like a 24-hour library and computer lab, a cafeteria, and student housing. On-campus housing is a significant feature, with 91% of students living on campus. Transportation to Akita City is available via bus from Wada Station, though services may be less frequent.

Career Outcomes

AIU boasts a 100% employment rate for its graduates in Academic Year 2023. The Career Development Center offers comprehensive support, including career counseling, internships, and on-campus company presentations. Graduates are recognized by global companies for their liberal arts education, communication skills, and international experience gained through the mandatory study abroad program. The Academic Career Support Center also assists students pursuing further education at graduate schools both in Japan and overseas, with established "4+1" programs and progression routes to partner institutions.

Information for International Students at Akita International University

Akita International University in Akita, Japan welcomes international students, with 25% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 25% of students are international
• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English, Japanese

Admissions Requirements for Akita International University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Akita International University:

• IELTS minimum: 5.5
• TOEFL minimum: 60
• GPA minimum: 2.5
• Application fee: $17000
• Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
• Application deadline: October 17, 2025 (Fall Enrollment); January 27, 2026 (Spring Enrollment)

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Programs at Akita International University (24 programs)

Akita International University offers 24 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (10)

• Global Connectivity Program (BA) — 48 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This program explores the interconnectedness of the world through the lens of communication, information technology, and media, equipping students with skills for the digital age.
  Field: Communication Studies
  Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, Content Creator, International Communications Officer
• Global Business Program (BA) — 48 months · English · $630,000/yr
  Focusing on international business practices, economics, and management, this program prepares students for leadership roles in global corporations and entrepreneurial ventures.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: Business Consultant, International Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, Entrepreneur
• Global Studies Program (GS) — 48 months · English · $6,154/yr · Scholarship available
  Offers diverse courses on the history, culture, society, politics, and economy of various countries and regions, as well as multinational relations and global issues, fostering flexible thinking and analytical skills.
  Field: Global Society
• Global Studies Program (BA) — 48 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This program provides students with a broad understanding of global issues, cultures, and societies, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural communication skills essential for international careers.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Organization Staff, Journalist, Researcher
• Global Business Program (GB) — 48 months · English · $6,154/yr · Scholarship available
  Provides a strong foundation in economic theory and practical skills in areas like marketing, leadership, and business data analysis, preparing students to compete and lead in the global market.
  Field: Global Business
• Global Connectivity Program (BA) — 48 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This program explores the interconnectedness of the world through the lens of communication, information technology, and media, equipping students with skills for the digital age.
  Field: Communication Studies
  Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, Content Creator, International Communications Officer
• Global Business Program (BA) — 48 months · English · $630,000/yr
  Focusing on international business practices, economics, and management, this program prepares students for leadership roles in global corporations and entrepreneurial ventures.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: Business Consultant, International Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, Entrepreneur
• Global Studies Program (GS) — 48 months · English · $6,154/yr · Scholarship available
  Offers diverse courses on the history, culture, society, politics, and economy of various countries and regions, as well as multinational relations and global issues, fostering flexible thinking and analytical skills.
  Field: Global Society
• Global Studies Program (BA) — 48 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This program provides students with a broad understanding of global issues, cultures, and societies, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural communication skills essential for international careers.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Organization Staff, Journalist, Researcher
• Global Business Program (GB) — 48 months · English · $6,154/yr · Scholarship available
  Provides a strong foundation in economic theory and practical skills in areas like marketing, leadership, and business data analysis, preparing students to compete and lead in the global market.
  Field: Global Business

Master Programs (12)

• Global Communication (Master's Program) (MA) — 24 months · English · $630,000/yr
  An advanced program focusing on theories and practices of global communication, media studies, and cross-cultural communication in an increasingly interconnected world.
  Field: Communication Studies
  Career outcomes: Communications Director, Media Analyst, International PR Manager, Academic Researcher
• English Language Teaching Practices (ELT) — English · Scholarship available
  Fosters leaders in English language education with strong language proficiency, specialized expertise, and practical skills.
  Field: English Language Teaching
  Career outcomes: Leaders in English language education
  Deadline: Fall (September 16-25), Winter (December 1-10), Spring (April 10-20) for matriculation in April or September of the following year.
• Japanese Language Teaching Practices (JLT) — Japanese · Scholarship available
  Cultivates Japanese language teachers with high-level specialized knowledge and skills to contribute to educational institutions in Japan and abroad.
  Field: Japanese Language Teaching
  Career outcomes: Japanese language teachers
  Deadline: Fall (September 16-25), Winter (December 1-10), Spring (April 10-20) for matriculation in April or September of the following year.
• Global Business (Master's Program) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This program offers advanced training in international business strategy, finance, and management, preparing graduates for senior leadership roles in the global marketplace.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: Senior Business Consultant, International Project Manager, Investment Banker, CEO
• Global Studies (Master's Program) (MA) — 24 months · English · $630,000/yr
  An advanced program for students seeking to deepen their understanding of complex global challenges, research methodologies, and policy analysis in an international context.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Researcher, International Development Specialist, NGO Program Manager
• Global Communication Practices (GCP) — English · Scholarship available
  Designed to develop knowledge and skills essential for advanced intercultural communication, relevant for professionals in global business, communications, journalism, public relations, and marketing.
  Field: Intercultural Communication
  Career outcomes: Professionals for global business and communications roles
  Deadline: Fall (September 16-25), Winter (December 1-10), Spring (April 10-20) for matriculation in April or September of the following year.
• Global Communication (Master's Program) (MA) — 24 months · English · $630,000/yr
  An advanced program focusing on theories and practices of global communication, media studies, and cross-cultural communication in an increasingly interconnected world.
  Field: Communication Studies
  Career outcomes: Communications Director, Media Analyst, International PR Manager, Academic Researcher
• English Language Teaching Practices (ELT) — English · Scholarship available
  Fosters leaders in English language education with strong language proficiency, specialized expertise, and practical skills.
  Field: English Language Teaching
  Career outcomes: Leaders in English language education
  Deadline: Fall (September 16-25), Winter (December 1-10), Spring (April 10-20) for matriculation in April or September of the following year.
• Japanese Language Teaching Practices (JLT) — Japanese · Scholarship available
  Cultivates Japanese language teachers with high-level specialized knowledge and skills to contribute to educational institutions in Japan and abroad.
  Field: Japanese Language Teaching
  Career outcomes: Japanese language teachers
  Deadline: Fall (September 16-25), Winter (December 1-10), Spring (April 10-20) for matriculation in April or September of the following year.
• Global Business (Master's Program) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This program offers advanced training in international business strategy, finance, and management, preparing graduates for senior leadership roles in the global marketplace.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: Senior Business Consultant, International Project Manager, Investment Banker, CEO
• Global Studies (Master's Program) (MA) — 24 months · English · $630,000/yr
  An advanced program for students seeking to deepen their understanding of complex global challenges, research methodologies, and policy analysis in an international context.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Researcher, International Development Specialist, NGO Program Manager
• Global Communication Practices (GCP) — English · Scholarship available
  Designed to develop knowledge and skills essential for advanced intercultural communication, relevant for professionals in global business, communications, journalism, public relations, and marketing.
  Field: Intercultural Communication
  Career outcomes: Professionals for global business and communications roles
  Deadline: Fall (September 16-25), Winter (December 1-10), Spring (April 10-20) for matriculation in April or September of the following year.

PhD Programs (2)

• PhD in Global Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various aspects of global studies, allowing students to contribute original scholarship to the field.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Think Tank Analyst
• PhD in Global Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English · $630,000/yr
  This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various aspects of global studies, allowing students to contribute original scholarship to the field.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Think Tank Analyst

Scholarships & Tuition at Akita International University

Annual tuition for international students: $12,000 – $16,000/year

✅ Akita International University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Akita International University

• National Ranking: #10 in Japan
• Ranking tier: Unranked
• Research output: Medium

Campus & Facilities at Akita International University

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Suburban
• Average class size: 17

Key Highlights

• All undergraduate courses in English
• Mandatory one-year study abroad
• Global liberal arts focus
• High international student population
• Guaranteed on-campus housing
• Interdisciplinary, English-only curriculum

Accreditation

• Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)

Fields of Study at Akita International University

• Global Business
• Global Studies

Frequently Asked Questions about Akita International University

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