Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS) was founded in 1988 and is the only university specializing in international studies and foreign languages education in the Chubu (Central) Region of Japan. The programs at NUFS aims to develop students with genuine international and global perspectives through a distinctive education system; language, liberal arts and specialized education. NUFS offers small-group teaching, which takes place in groups of four students and a native teacher for all major language courses, so that students can acquire genuine language skills.  

NUFS belongs to the Association of seven GAIDAI (Foreign Studies Universities) in Japan. It ranks 74th in the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings in 2019 and ranks 9th in their pillar of internationalization among about 750 universities. 

All students applying undertaking exchange at NUFS are eligible for either NUFS (60,000 yen/month) to cover the accommodation expenses as well as other basic daily life expenses while in Japan. 

Nagoya is located at the centre of Honshu, the main island of Japan. Its central location places it less than two hours from Tokyo, 50 minutes from Osaka, and 35 minutes from Kyoto, via Japan's convenient bullet train system. Nagoya is home to Toyota, Yamaha, and Mitsubishi, and the Port of Nagoya is Japan’s busiest trading port. Head into Sakae to shop for the world’s leading brands or get lost in Osu Kannon for an eclectic array of boutiques, cafes, thrift shops, markets, and izakaya dining.

Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of the Asian continent. It is a member of the ASEAN Plus mechanism, UN, OECD, G7, G8 and G20.

Approximately 97% of Japan's 126 million people live on the four largest islands and the capital city of Tokyo is the largest city in the world at 37 million people – a third of Japan's total population. More than 99% of the population speaks Japanese as their first language, but younger Japanese are usually familiar with English, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as Tokyo.

Japan has a very high standard of living, with the population enjoying one of the highest life expectancies in the world. It has the third-largest economy in the world and is the world's fourth-largest exporter and importer. It’s little surprise that Japan is very popular with tourists. The country is very safe, clean, beautiful, modern and easy to navigate. You're likely already aware of some of the more popular attractions such as Mt. Fuji, bamboo forests, cherry blossom season, as well as the cuisine that includes favourites such as ramen, sushi and tempura.

Japan seems to have a reputation for being expensive, however it's more budget friendly for tourists than many think. Despite having the largest city in the world, two thirds of Japan is actually covered by forests and mountains. You could visit various animal islands and parks to get up close with deer, foxes, and cats. During the winter season, try skiing in the mountains, with the enticing option of a hot spring to relax in after a day on the slopes. If you're into anime, J-pop, gaming, or fashion, Japan is a must-visit location to see the cutting edge of these trends. Alternatively, you could visit a traditional shrine, participate in an ancient festival, stop by a country town or wander through old castles and estates, and get a taste for the other side of Japan.

Did you know?

Japanese trains are among the world’s most punctual: their average delay is just 18 seconds! There is even a train that “floats” above the tracks by magnetism. In 2015, this train hit a record-breaking top speed of 603 kph (374mph) on an experimental track. Geisha means “person of the arts” and the first geisha, who appeared around the year 1730, were actually male!

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Must have minimum GPA of 5.0 to apply. 

All courses offered at NUFS are offered in Japanese language only. 

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
• 4x Passport sized photos – see requirements here 
• Evidence of finance (bank statement) 
• Housing application form 
• Japanese language ability questionnaire 
• Medical information form 
• Medical liability release agreement 
• Personal reference 
• Scholarship application form (if applicable) 
• Certificate of eligibility application form 

Students must take a minimum 15 Nagoya units per semester equivalent to 18 UniSA units Students cannot take fewer than 15 Nagoya units. 

UniSA students are not required to provide evidence of English proficiency. 

You will need to demonstrate the following on the JLPT scale, 

• Undergraduate: minimum N2 level  
• Postgraduate: minimum N1 level  

Find courses at NUFS

Students arriving at Central Japan International Airport (Centr'air) on designated dates can request a free of charge airport pick-up. Please make sure to submit your arrival information sheet and your e-ticket/booking confirmation on time. 

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

Nagoya University of Foreign Studies guarantees on-campus accommodation for all exchange students. There are three types of residences to chose from. Each residence offers full furnished private rooms with bathroom, with communal kitchen and laundry facilities. 

More information on accommodation can be found here.  

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur: 

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

NUFS has a scholarship opportunity for incoming exchange students. If deemed eligible, you'd be able to receive a stipend of 60,000 yen per month (no more than 12 months). For more information see here. 

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  
 
Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 
 
A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 
 
If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 
 
As an exchange student at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, you must purchase compulsory additional health insurance. See here for more information.