Please do not contact this university directly.
For all enquiries please contact the Exchange Office at exchange@otago.ac.nz.
Last updated April, 2023
Academic Information
Language of Instruction
English and Japanese.
Course Information
Exchange students may take electives taught in English and/or Japanese language courses. Students are given a placement test on arrival and will be placed in the appropriate level of Japanese course. A limited range of electives taught in English is available each term. These cover various aspects of Japanese culture. Students with the required level of Japanese may take courses offered in the regular curriculum for Japanese students with permission of the course supervisor.
Semester Dates
- Academic Year: October - September
- Spring Semester: April - July
- Fall Semester: October - February
Course Load and Minimum Unit Requirements
- Minimum Course Load - 7 courses per semester
- Maximum Course Load - subject to discussion with academic adviser
Accommodation and the Cost of Living
Accommodation
On and off campus accommodation is available. Exchange students have priority at the International House, with subsidized rates.
The monthly rent for an apartment with cooking facilities, a bathroom and a toilet is in the range of 25,000 yen - 45,000 yen. Apartments are not normally furnished, and you will need to allow for approximately three months' rent deposit when you enter into a contract ('kenri-kin' and 'shiki-kin')
Estimated Cost of Living
- ¥60,000 per month for for students living in the International house.
- ¥80,000 per month students living in apartments off campus.
Scholarships available for students going to Japan on exchange
Student Visa and Insurance
Information on Student Visas and Insurance for students going on exchange can be found elsewhere on this website.
Exchange Experiences
The University, City and Region
Hirosaki University
Hirosaki University is a medium-size university with Faculties of Humanities, Education, Medicine, Science & Technology, and Agriculture & Life Science. These five Faculties cover a broad and comprehensive range of undergraduate academic disciplines. The university is also home to seven graduate programs, including the independent and interdisciplinary doctoral course in Regional Studies.
The University was established in the former castle town of Hirosaki in 1949. It is a national university and is located in Aomori prefecture, situated at the northern end of Honshu Island.
The City of Hirosaki and Region
Hirosaki City is located in the south-western part of the prefecture, and boasts of a history of about 400 years as a significant castle town of Tsugaru. In the city, there are many places of scenic beauty and historic interest such as Hirosaki Castle. The city produces more apples than any other city in all of Japan.
Hirosaki University is situated in the north of Honshu, in what is sometimes called the "heartland" of Japan. While having every modern convenience, Hirosaki City retains an aura of tradition, due in part because it was built around an ancient castle surrounded by cherry blossom trees, and also because it has numerous historic sites to visit. The city is compact, enabling International Students to find their way around easily. Also, the closely-knit community surrounding the campus offers students many opportunities to practice the Japanese language they study, and taste everyday life in Japan. Aomori is famous for Nebuta Festival in summer. The original Hirosaki Castle was completed in 1611 and was destroyed by a lightening in 1627. The current three-story donjon was reconstructed in 1810.
Further Information
For further information about Otago Global Student Exchange please email exchange@otago.ac.nz