International University of Health and Welfare: Medical and Global Education

Overview

The International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) is one of Japan’s most innovative private institutions, dedicated to the education of healthcare professionals with an international perspective. Established in 1995, IUHW was founded with the mission of promoting both health and welfare in Japan and abroad. The university operates under the philosophy of “for the patients and for the world,” emphasizing the integration of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social welfare, and rehabilitation sciences.

IUHW has grown rapidly in both size and reputation, becoming a comprehensive university that now includes the School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Welfare, School of Health Sciences, and several graduate schools. What makes IUHW unique is its strong global orientation—many of its programs, particularly in medicine, are taught in English, attracting international students from around the world.

The university’s campuses are located across Japan, including in Narita (Chiba Prefecture), Ohtawara (Tochigi Prefecture), Fukuoka, and Odawara (Kanagawa Prefecture). Each campus has its own distinctive strengths, but all share a unified commitment to training professionals who can work in multicultural healthcare environments.

Mission and Philosophy

IUHW’s guiding philosophy centers around three principles: benevolence, compassion, and service. The university aims to develop professionals who not only possess advanced medical knowledge and technical skills but also demonstrate empathy and understanding toward patients.

The institution’s motto, “for the patients and for the world,” reflects its ambition to nurture healthcare leaders who can contribute to solving global medical and welfare challenges. IUHW believes that education in health and welfare should not be limited by national borders—students are encouraged to develop international communication skills, cross-cultural awareness, and ethical responsibility.

Campuses and Facilities

IUHW operates multiple state-of-the-art campuses across Japan, each equipped with advanced educational and research facilities.

Ohtawara Campus (Tochigi Prefecture)

The Ohtawara Campus is the main base of IUHW and houses the School of Nursing and Welfare, School of Health Sciences, and Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences. The campus includes simulation centers, rehabilitation training facilities, and research laboratories. It’s closely affiliated with IUHW Ohtawara Hospital, which serves as a teaching hospital for hands-on training.

Narita Campus (Chiba Prefecture)

The Narita Campus is home to the School of Medicine, which is one of Japan’s most international medical programs. The campus is strategically located near Narita International Airport, reflecting IUHW’s global focus. The affiliated IUHW Narita Hospital is one of Japan’s most modern teaching hospitals, equipped with AI-assisted diagnostic systems, multilingual services, and international patient care programs.

Fukuoka and Odawara Campuses

The Fukuoka Campus serves as an important hub in western Japan, offering programs in health sciences and rehabilitation. The Odawara Campus, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, specializes in clinical laboratory science, radiological technology, and related health disciplines. Both campuses collaborate closely with regional hospitals to provide students with practical experience.

School of Medicine

IUHW’s School of Medicine, established in 2017, is the first medical school in Japan to offer a program conducted entirely in English for both domestic and international students. The curriculum follows a global standard, incorporating problem-based learning (PBL), early clinical exposure, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Students gain not only medical knowledge but also communication and leadership skills, preparing them to serve in international medical contexts. The program also encourages participation in exchange programs and internships at partner institutions in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

The IUHW Narita Hospital, directly connected to the medical school, functions as a comprehensive teaching hospital. It offers students opportunities to engage in patient care and research under the supervision of experienced clinicians.

Other Faculties and Programs

Beyond medicine, IUHW offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in healthcare-related fields:

• Nursing and Midwifery – Training students in holistic patient care and leadership in healthcare settings.

• Physical and Occupational Therapy – Providing advanced rehabilitation education with cutting-edge facilities.

• Pharmacy and Medical Technology – Focusing on drug development, clinical testing, and laboratory diagnostics.

• Social Work and Welfare Studies – Preparing professionals to address the social aspects of healthcare, including community welfare and elderly care.

The Graduate School of Public Health and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences further strengthen IUHW’s multidisciplinary approach.

Global Engagement and International Partnerships

IUHW maintains partnerships with over 40 universities and institutions around the world, including those in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines. These collaborations enable student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and participation in global health initiatives.

The university also plays a key role in training international medical personnel. Through scholarship programs and partnerships with developing countries, IUHW accepts students who aim to return home and contribute to healthcare improvement in their own regions.

Additionally, IUHW operates IUHW Hospitals in several locations that actively provide medical services to foreign patients. Many of these hospitals offer multilingual support and are recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare as facilities for international medical care.

Research and Innovation

IUHW promotes research that bridges clinical medicine, health sciences, and social welfare. Its researchers are involved in studies related to aging populations, rehabilitation technology, infectious diseases, public health, and medical AI applications.

The university’s research centers collaborate with both domestic and international organizations. For example, the Narita Research Center for Global Health focuses on cross-border medical issues, such as pandemic preparedness and international medical cooperation.

Through government-funded projects and joint research with private sectors, IUHW continues to contribute to the advancement of healthcare technology and medical policy in Japan and beyond.

Student Life and Support

IUHW offers a diverse and inclusive student environment. With an increasing number of international students, the university provides comprehensive language support, academic advising, and career counseling.

Dormitories and student residences are available near each campus, often designed to encourage intercultural exchange. Students can also participate in various clubs, volunteer activities, and research projects.

International students especially appreciate the English-based administrative and academic support, making IUHW one of the most accessible universities in Japan for those who do not speak Japanese fluently.

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network

Graduates of IUHW pursue careers in a wide range of sectors, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations, and government agencies. Many also continue their studies or research abroad.

The university’s career support offices maintain close relationships with hospitals and welfare facilities across Japan, ensuring students have access to strong employment networks. Alumni of IUHW are now active in more than 30 countries, working as doctors, nurses, researchers, and public health leaders.

Contribution to Society

Beyond education, IUHW is deeply committed to community service and social contribution. Through its affiliated hospitals and welfare centers, the university provides medical care to local communities, supports elderly and disabled individuals, and participates in disaster relief and health outreach programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, IUHW played a significant role in testing, vaccination campaigns, and medical assistance, highlighting its dedication to both national and global health efforts.

Conclusion

The International University of Health and Welfare stands as a model of modern higher education in Japan—one that combines cutting-edge medical training, global engagement, and social responsibility. With its English-based programs, international faculty, and strong clinical network, IUHW continues to attract students from around the world who aspire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

Its vision extends beyond Japan’s borders, aiming to create a world where medical and welfare services are accessible to all, regardless of nationality or background. For students seeking a globally oriented medical education in Japan, IUHW offers one of the most forward-thinking and inclusive environments available today.

FAQs

What makes the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) distinctive?

IUHW is a healthcare-focused private university that integrates medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, public health, and social welfare under one umbrella. Its mission—“for the patients and for the world”—drives English-medium instruction, strong clinical partnerships with IUHW hospitals, and early, structured exposure to real-world healthcare settings. Students develop both technical competence and the intercultural communication skills needed to work in global, team-based care environments.

Does IUHW offer English-taught degree programs?

Yes. IUHW is known for its English-medium School of Medicine and offers multiple health sciences programs with English coursework or tracks. The goal is to train professionals who can communicate effectively with diverse patients and international colleagues. English-taught modules also prepare students for overseas electives, collaborative research, and global health projects without requiring native-level Japanese at the outset.

Where are IUHW’s campuses and hospitals located?

IUHW operates multi-campus sites, including Ohtawara (Tochigi), Narita (Chiba), Fukuoka, and Odawara (Kanagawa). Each campus is paired with affiliated IUHW hospitals or partner facilities that support clinical education and interprofessional training. The Narita campus, near an international airport, emphasizes global engagement, while Ohtawara is known for a comprehensive cluster of health sciences and simulation-based learning environments.

How is the IUHW School of Medicine structured?

The medical curriculum blends foundational sciences, problem-based learning, early clinical exposure, and longitudinal skills training in communication and professionalism. Students progress from preclinical modules into supervised clinical rotations across IUHW hospitals and partner institutions. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethics, and leadership so graduates can adapt to evolving health systems and multidisciplinary care models.

What are the admissions requirements for international applicants?

Requirements typically include an academic record demonstrating strong performance in science and math, evidence of English proficiency (e.g., standardized test scores where applicable), recommendation letters, a personal statement, and, for medicine, interviews or assessments that evaluate motivation, integrity, and teamwork potential. Some programs may also consider relevant volunteer work, shadowing, or clinical experience as part of a holistic review.

Do I need Japanese proficiency to study at IUHW?

For English-medium programs, high Japanese proficiency is not required for admission. However, learning Japanese is strongly encouraged—especially for clinical placements and daily life. IUHW provides language support so students can acquire the clinical Japanese necessary to interact with patients, understand hospital workflows, and navigate documentation in real healthcare settings.

What kinds of clinical training and placements are available?

IUHW emphasizes hands-on learning through simulation centers, skills labs, and rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and community care. Interprofessional education promotes collaborative problem-solving among medical, nursing, rehab, and social welfare students. Select programs also offer international electives or research attachments with partner institutions.

Are scholarships or financial aid options available?

IUHW and external funders periodically offer merit- or need-based awards for qualified students. Packages may cover partial tuition, stipends, or fee reductions. While availability varies by year and program, competitive applicants should prepare early with strong academics, clear goals, and supporting documents. Prospective students should also consider government or private scholarships from their home country.

What support services does IUHW provide for international students?

Support typically includes orientation, visa and housing guidance, academic advising, language classes, counseling, and career services. Faculty mentors and international offices help students adapt to campus life and clinical environments. Many campuses offer dormitories or assistance locating nearby housing, along with student clubs that foster intercultural exchange and well-being.

What career outcomes can graduates expect?

Graduates pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, public health agencies, research institutes, and the health-tech sector. Some continue into residency or advanced graduate programs in Japan or abroad. IUHW’s network of affiliated hospitals and partners, combined with career counseling and interview preparation, helps students navigate licensure pathways and competitive job markets.

Is research a core part of the IUHW experience?

Yes. Students and faculty engage in research spanning aging society challenges, rehabilitation technologies, infectious disease preparedness, health services, and medical AI. Opportunities include lab placements, clinical projects, and capstone work supervised by experienced investigators. Research training equips students to interpret evidence, design studies responsibly, and translate findings into better patient outcomes.

How does IUHW approach ethics and professionalism?

Ethics is woven throughout coursework and clinical training. Students learn patient-centered communication, confidentiality, cultural humility, and shared decision-making. Simulation and case conferences reinforce responsible conduct, bias awareness, and interprofessional respect. The aim is to graduate practitioners who uphold safety and dignity while navigating complex clinical and social contexts.

Can transfer students or second-degree applicants apply?

Some programs accept transfers or second-degree candidates, subject to curriculum mapping and credit recognition. Because healthcare curricula are tightly sequenced, applicants should expect careful review of prior coursework and the possibility of bridging modules. Early consultation with admissions advisors helps clarify timelines and requirements.

What does a typical student week look like?

Students balance lectures, small-group learning, labs or simulation, language study, and clinical observation or rotations (as seniority increases). Self-directed study is central to consolidating knowledge and preparing for assessments. Many students also participate in service learning, research meetings, or student organizations related to global health or community outreach.

How should I prepare a strong application?

Prioritize academic readiness in sciences, demonstrate genuine commitment to patient care, and highlight teamwork, resilience, and cultural openness. Use your statement and interviews to show reflective insight—what you learned from volunteering, how you handle feedback, and why global, interprofessional training aligns with your goals. Submit complete, well-organized documents ahead of deadlines.

Japan University Guide: Study in Japan for International Students