Language of instruction
Limited places available. Potentially available as a second of third preference.
Since its establishment as an Imperial University in 1931, the University of Osaka has conducted education and research with the aim of establishing itself as a world-leading educational institution. Thanks to its untempered open spirit and eagerness to meet the needs of the times, Osaka University has established pioneering schools, graduate schools, and research institutes in both the sciences and liberal arts.
The city of Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan region. It’s considered to be more laid-back and friendly than Tokyo, and is well-known for its food culture.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Spring Term | April–August |
| Semester 2 | Autumn Term | September–February |
View the University of Osaka academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
OU has online resources to help get more from your exchange:
Campuses
OU has 2 campuses available to exchange students:
- Suita campus
- Minoh campus
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October
Student testimonials
Full-time study load
The University of Osaka, OUSSEP Program: 14 credits per semester at the University of Osaka is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
The Universtiy of Osaka, Maple Program: 30 credits per year is equivalent to 16 UQ units.
Host university requirements
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 to study at the University of Osaka.
Language
- OUSSEP: You are required to demonstrate English proficiency of TOEFL iBT 80 / IELTS 6.0 or higher
- Maple Program: You require Japanese language proficiency of JLPT N4 or higher.
Study Options
Students must choose either the University of Osaka OUSSEP or Maple Program. Further details are outlined in the Additional Resources section below.
Semester Restrictions
- Maple Program: Available for full-year applicants commencing in UQ semester 2 only.
- For students going to the University of Osaka in the Spring Term (UQ Semester 1), be aware that the exam period may run into UQ Semester 2.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Search the University of Osaka course catalogue.
Refer to exchange program options under the "Additional academic information" section for detailed program and course info.
UQ Credit Precedent Database
The first step is to review the host university's most recent course catalogue and identify the courses available to exchange students in the semester you plan to attend (e.g. Fall/Spring or Semester 1/Semester 2).
Once you have identified suitable courses, you can search the Credit Precedent Database (CPD) to check whether any of those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
Please note:
- Always use the host university course catalogue to identify available courses. The CPD should only be used to check whether those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
- The CPD is a guide only and does not represent the full or current range of courses available at a host institution.
- Previous credit assessments may have expired or no longer reflect the current course content.
- Courses that do not appear in the CPD can still be considered for UQ credit through the Study Plan assessment process.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October
Accommodation
The University of Osaka operates several dormitories, however, as their capacity is limited, most international students will need to find private accommodation. Please refer to the University of Osaka Fact Sheet for further information.
Cost of living
Living expenses vary greatly depending on your personal style of living. The University of Osaka recommends that students prepare about ¥100,000–¥120,000 per month to cover living expenses.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Exchange students coming to Osaka University have a chance to apply for a JASSO Scholarship or Financial Aid for Student Exchange Programs.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
All non-Japanese students must enrol in the Japanese Government's National Health Insurance system (NHI or Kokumin Kenko Hoken).
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
OU provides visa and immigration information for incoming exchange students.
Contact the Consulate General of Japan for more visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October