Akita International University
Akita International University (AIU) was established in 2004 and is a public university in the north of Japan.
AIU is one of the few universities in Japan offering all of its courses in English.
- Country
- Japan
- City
- Akita
- Agreement
- Exchange
About the partner institution
The university is the only university in Japan to offer all teaching in English, in addition to language teaching in five different languages. There are around 800 students on campus, of which around 200 are international.
The university focuses on studies in economics, business administration, history, political science and languages.
The campus is located in the countryside just outside the city of Akita, a city with around 325,000 inhabitants and the capital of 'Akita Prefecture'. The area is known for its beautiful nature, hot springs, mountains and sea. The climate is not too different from Kristiansand and in winter there are good skiing opportunities in the surrounding area.
Free places: 3 free places for fall 2026 (for 1 semester each or 1 year each) and 2 places for spring 2027.
Requirements
You must be registered in a study program at UiA and have completed a minimum of 60 credits before you go on exchange. In the description of your study program you will find more information about other possible requirements for applying for an exchange.
Credits and courses
AIU follows the American 'Liberal Arts' system and 15 credits equal 30 credits. Most courses are 3 credits, but some are less, so it will be necessary to take more courses than at UiA to get a full semester.
The academic year
- August- December
- April- July
Tuition fees and scholarships
No tution fee as we have free places.
Accommodation
It is mandatory for exchange students to live on campus and there are four different student residences. The cost for one semester varies from approximately 10,000 to 15,000. Many share rooms with other students, but you can also choose to live alone and share common areas with others.
Additional information
The fall semester begins the last week of August and ends just before Christmas, the spring semester begins the first week of April and ends at the end of July, If someone wants to be at AIU for a full academic year, they offer a 'winter semester' that begins in January and ends at the end of March. This semester is only available to students who are there for a full year.
In the academic year 2025/26, the university had 173 incoming exchange students from 29 countries. All students lived on campus.
The university also offers the opportunity for international students to participate in "Community outreach" where international students can participate as volunteers at schools in the area and tell a little about their home countries, speak a little English, etc. This is a unique opportunity to learn about Japan, its culture and people. We encourage all students to sign up for this.
The university also has about 60 student clubs that you can join. For example, kimono club, archery, mountain climbing and dance.