This August, the University of Idaho will establish its first overseas campus at Hiroshima University in Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan. The program will deliver a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, taught in English, with a strong emphasis on semiconductors.
Students will spend their first two years in Hiroshima before completing the final two years in Idaho. Faculty from both institutions will teach courses, and students will have access to Hiroshima University’s classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and extracurricular activities.
The initiative is closely aligned with industry needs. Micron Technology, a major U.S. semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Idaho, also operates a large plant in Higashi-Hiroshima. This shared presence creates opportunities for internships, research collaboration, and workforce development in the semiconductor sector.
Enrollment is expected to begin with 25–30 students in the first year, including participants from the U.S., Japan, and other Asian countries. The long-term goal is to expand to around 100 students per year. Tuition will be set at approximately $10,000 annually—half the standard rate for out-of-state students—thanks to scholarships from Idaho.
The University of Idaho, founded in 1889, has a historical connection with Hiroshima University dating back to the post–World War II era, when it provided donations and books to support Hiroshima’s recovery. This new collaboration builds on that legacy while addressing the global demand for semiconductor talent.
Hiroshima University has previously hosted international programs, including Arizona State University’s management and trade courses, though those struggled with high tuition and pandemic disruptions. Learning from that experience, Hiroshima and Idaho have worked closely to ensure affordability and relevance by focusing on engineering and semiconductors—fields where demand is strong.
Importantly, globalization is now a key factor in how universities are evaluated in international rankings. Leading institutions worldwide are expanding overseas programs and partnerships to attract more international students and faculty. Hiroshima’s collaboration with Idaho reflects this global trend, positioning both universities to strengthen their international presence and competitiveness.
Japan has traditionally lagged behind regional competitors such as South Korea and Taiwan in offering English-language engineering degrees. By hosting Idaho’s program, Hiroshima University is taking a step toward greater internationalization and providing students with a unique two-country academic experience that prepares them for careers in one of the world’s most critical industries.
