Niigata University
Type of Opportunity:
SSU Exchange
Date Posted:
June 24, 2025
Deadline:
October 15, 2025
Current Opportunity:
Yes
Website:
Niigata University Exchange Student Webpage
Location: Niigata Japan Open Term(s): Spring 2026 (First Semester)
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
Requirements: To apply, students must have completed at least one year of full-time study at SSU and have a 3.0 GPA.
Niigata University has a long institutional history, with origins going back some 150 years. Since our inauguration as a national university in 1949 under the new university system, we have played an important role in higher education and research in Japan. Over the years, we have grown into a large-scale comprehensive university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs under ten faculties and five graduate schools in a wide range of disciplines spanning the humanities, education, law, economics, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, health sciences, and dentistry. We have a student body of approximately 12,000 and 3,000 academic and administrative staff members. As a research-oriented university, we boast several world-leading research institutes, including the Brain Research Institute and the Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery, as well as a university hospital providing high-level medical care as an advanced treatment hospital for the region.
With "Autonomy and Creativity" as its philosophy, Niigata University strives to function as a repository of knowledge committed to development both locally and internationally through education, research, and contribution to society. Our education is designed to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to address unforeseen future issues. In addition to promoting state-of-the-art research in conventional research fields, Niigata University promotes the creation of an interdisciplinary research environment open to society. Located in Niigata City, facing the Sea of Japan, Niigata University acts as a gateway to the world with its base in Asia, and we will continue to elevate our presence to be world-leading and world-changing.
Academic Information:
Be sure to visit the Course Offerings PDFs on the Niigata University Exchange Student page to view classes available. You can also view a shortened, example list of classes available in English here.
Classes available at Niigata University are somewhat limited, though they are all available in English. Academically, Niigata is a good fit for Hutchins, Criminal Justice, and Political Science majors, as well as students who want to spend a semester in Japan learning Japanese language and culture in an affordable location.
Program highlights: Get access to classes to learn Japanese and International Law, too!
Tips to keep in mind:
Niigata's academic calendar is made up of two semesters, each of which includes two terms. A semester on exchange for one semester must participate in both terms. Because of the dates of their academic calendar, students can only attend Niigata University for the full academic year or the spring semester only.
Niigata University Credits to CSU Unit Equivalencies
1 credit = 1 unit
Estimated Costs:
The estimated costs below are based on an anticipated maximum amount. Students who choose to be more budget-conscious can choose to spend somewhat less in some categories. For Housing information, be sure to visit the host university site.
Important Dates:
Be sure to check out Niigata University's Academic Calendar for important dates.
Spring 2026:
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: Early April, 2026
Anticipated End Date: Early August, 2026