Language of instruction
Limited places available. Potentially available as a second of third preference.
Since its establishment as an Imperial University in 1931, Osaka University 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.
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 Osaka University 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
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Student testimonials
Full-time study load
Osaka University Short-term Student Exchange Program (OUSSEP): 14 credits per semester at Osaka University is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
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 OU.
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 Osaka University Short-term Student Exchange Program (OUSSEP) or Maple Program offered by OU. 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 Osaka University 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 OU course catalogue.
Refer to exchange program options under the "Additional academic information" section for detailed program and course info.
Crosscheck the courses you found in the host course catalogue with the Credit Precedent Database to see if UQ credit has previously been granted. The database should be used as a general guide only. Few courses from each host will be in the database and many course precedents in the database may have expired. Note, the credit precedent database does not replace the host course catalogue. If a course is not listed in the CPD, you can still ask for it to be assessed on your study plan.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Accommodation
Osaka University operates several dormitories, however, as their capacity is limited, most international students will need to find private accommodation. Osaka University’s Support Office for International Students and Scholars will provide a variety of information on housing to assist you in finding a room during your stay.
Cost of living
Living expenses vary greatly depending on your personal style of living, but Osaka University 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
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
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
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)