Reasons to choose Osaka University

By Gloria Zheng, Osaka University, Japan

As a Japanese Studies student, choosing the university I would spend a whole year at was intially overwhelming. Manchester Uni had 26 partner universities at the time when I applied, ranging from universities in Hokkaido to Kyushu.

Prestige

Osaka University is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. It is one of the former Imperial Universities of Japan, which include the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, Kyushu University, Hokkaido University, Osaka University, and Nagoya University. Additionally, Professor Shimon Sakaguchi from the Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) at Osaka University was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine of which a lifesized standee is placed in the lobby.

Standee of Shimon Sakaguchi

Facilities

Osaka University’s Minoh Campus is located in the modern Semba district with many amenities for the local resident and student alike. There are many office workers who work in the surrounding area so there are many supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores to choose from. Only foreign language and international culture students study at this campus so there is cosy atmosphere throughout. You will most likely run into people from your class or dorm when walking around!

Minoh-Semba Handai-mae Station

Location

Osaka University is located in the Kansai region, offering easy access to many famous spots such as Nara, Kobe, and Kyoto within an easy train ride. It is also in a premier spot within Japan, being connected by the Tokaido Shinkansen which links key stops like Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo and the Sanyo Shinkansen which links with Hakata (Fukuoka). Many day and night buses start and end in Osaka which provide a budget option for travel.