Hokkaido University, established in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College, is located in Sapporo. The school offers graduate and undergraduate courses in multiple facilities. Students of Hokkaido University can study in fields such as health sciences, veterinary medicine and law. International students interested in attending Hokkaido University must take a special examination, held every February, in order to gain admittance. Those interested in pursuing graduate studies can apply via application forms on the graduate school of choice's website.
Keiwa College, located near Niigata City, began its educational career as a Christian-oriented institution in 1991. The school offers co-ed learning for students within three different departments: English and communications, intercultural studies and community and social welfare. International students must have basic proficiency in Japanese, as measured by the Association of International Education, Japan via proficiency test, given each December. An entrance examination for those who pass the proficiency test occurs in January, and school years begin in April.
In 1902 the Kobe Higher Commercial School was established. The school became Kobe University in 1949 after merging with other smaller schools. Kobe University offers eleven different undergraduate faculties, and each faculty has a graduate school counterpart. Areas of study include human development, economics, science and maritime sciences. Kobe University also features a medical school program for students who wish to enter medical careers. The campus includes a medical center, hospital and research centers for advanced sciences and technology students.
Officially, Shirayuri Women's College began in 1965, but the history of the institution stretches back to 1878 and includes a Catholic base. Shirayuri College offers a comprehensive education in a smaller setting, with less than 2,000 students enrolled. Undergraduate programs focus on the language and literature of three languages: Japanese, French and English. A fourth undergraduate department focuses on developmental psychology and children's literature and culture. These faculties have corresponding graduate school departments.
Named for its founder Umeko Tsuda, Tsuda College began in 1900 as one of the first private colleges for women in Japan. Tsuda College keeps class sizes small for a more intimate educational experience. Tsuda offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate faculties include liberal arts, mathematics, English and computer science. Three graduate programs exist: English language and literature, international and cultural studies and mathematics and computer science.
Founded in 1882, Waseda University features 16 different undergraduate schools and 23 graduate school courses. Of these, nine graduate schools and six undergraduate schools observe an English curriculum for international students. Some of the English programs include creative science and engineering, social sciences, international liberal studies and political science.