University of Aizu

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University of Aizu | Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan

The University of Aizu, located in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, is the first university dedicated to computer science engineering in Japan. It has about 1,100 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The university advocates “advancement of knowledge for humanity” and carries out significant research in computer science. In addition to computer science, English language education is an important aspect of the University of Aizu. The university is officially bilingual, and all official meetings and correspondence are interpreted and translated. The University of Aizu provides students with a great opportunity to study computer science while also being immersed into Japanese culture.

Mercer Application Deadlines:

This exchange does not offer a fall only option

September 30 (Spring)
March 1 (Academic Year)

Location:Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan

Requirements: In order to attend an Exchange Study Abroad Program, students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@mercer.edu).

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

AIZU ACADEMIC CALENDAR

SEMESTER / PROGRAM DATES
Academic Year: early October – early August
Semester 1 (Spring): early April – early August

MERCER APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXCHANGE
Academic Year: 01 March (online applications)
Semester 2 (Spring): 01 October (online application)

To see a list of English courses offered at Aizu, please click here: Course Catalog｜UoA – University of Aizu (u-aizu.ac.jp)

The curriculum offered at the University of Aizu is based on Computer Science and Engineering (CSC201Computer Science Curricula 2013), which have been discussed by IEEE and ACM. Students can attain substantial knowledge and skills through General Education Courses, Specialized Fundamental Courses, and Specialized Courses.

We help out students realize their future paths through the new undergraduate curriculum comprising 5 Fields. These “5 Fields (specialized areas)” will meet students’ diversified intellectual curiosity, such as “I want to know the fundamentals of computers,” “I want to design computers,” “I am interested in both robotics and medical areas, and “I want to get involved in a big project of system development.”

In order to assist international students in starting their daily lives in Aizu after their arrival, there is a dormitory for short stay. The rent is about 10,000-15,000 yen per month, with the understanding that the student must leave the dormitory within 6 months.

Information on apartments is available at the Student Affairs Division but does not offer services regarding mediation with apartment owners. Students are required to contact the relevant rent estate agent directly. Please consult with foreign personnel advisors for help in renting an apartment.

In general, there are private and public apartments. When moving into an apartment, most apartments in Japan require a Japanese guarantor for the prospective resident. Private apartments usually require Shikikin (security deposit) and Reikin (non-refundable key money to the apartment owner) to be paid before moving into the apartment. Public apartments (organized by Fukushima Prefecture and Aizu-Wakamatsu City) only require Shikikin, but require that residents live with other immediate family members.

The comprehensive renter’s insurance for international students studying in Japan was established in March 1999 with the following two aims. The first aim is to help international students find a guarantor when entering an apartment. The second aim is to reduce financial and other responsibilities of the guarantor. Therefore this insurance covers not only the compensation of accidental fires, etc. but also compensation when the guarantor must take responsibility for the students’ unpaid rent. This wide coverage can appease hesitancy that university staff might have in becoming a guarantor of international students. Related link JEES

It is normally prohibited for any person other than the contracted resident to stay at the apartment. Therefore, it may cause trouble if you stay at a friend’s apartment, or you let someone stay at your apartment without the permission of the owner. Please be sure to consult with the owner well in advance in this case.

Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Study Abroad Fee: $75
Mercer Technology and Facility Fee: $150

Billable Total: $225

Non-Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Aizu Tuition: $1,500
Admission Fee: $200
Flight: $2,000
Housing: $600
Personal Expenses: $2,000
- including meals and groceries as UFV does not offer a meal plan for on-campus dorms

Non-Billable Total: $6,300

Total: $6,525

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Emily Dunn, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at dunn_ea@mercer.edu.

Applicable Financial Aid:

All Federal and State Loans
All Federal Grants (including Pell)
All Georgia State Scholarships and Grants (Hope, Zell)

Our office highly recommends working with your financial aid officer before attending any study abroad program to understand how much of your current aid package is applicable to your chosen program. You can make an appointment with your officer here: Contact Us – Student Financial Planning (mercer.edu)