Are you planning to study in Japan but looking for a program that operates entirely in English and focuses on real-world global challenges? There is exciting news coming from Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU).
OMU has announced plans to establish a new educational organization tentatively named the “College of Creative Studies” (CCS), scheduled to launch in the fall of 2029. This is a major step forward for international students seeking a world-class education in Japan taught exclusively in English.
Why the “College of Creative Studies”?
While OMU is a top-tier comprehensive university, the university recognized a need to accelerate its internationalization. The goal of the CCS is to cultivate “Global Talent” capable of solving complex societal problems by leveraging the multicultural environment of the campus itself.
Key Features of the CCS Program:
100% English Curriculum: All courses will be taught in English to ensure an international learning environment.
Fall Admission: Designed to align with the academic calendars of most countries globally.
Compulsory Projects: Every student must participate in “Co-Creation” projects, working with local governments, communities, and companies to solve actual problems.
Curriculum Structure
The CCS curriculum is designed to balance deep professional expertise with practical problem-solving skills.
| Year | Focus Area | Key Components |
| 1st Year | Foundation | Language Education, Scientific Thinking (AI/Data Science), Co-Creation Basics |
| 2nd & 3rd Year | Specialization & Practice | Creative Inquiry (Domain/Pathway studies), Co-Creation Projects, Short-term Study Abroad/Internships |
| 4th Year | Application | Advanced problem-solving projects, Thesis/Practical outcomes |
Students will study two distinct “Domains” to gain a multi-faceted perspective on global issues.
Flexibility for International Students
Recognizing the shift toward global standards, OMU is designing the CCS with flexibility in mind:
Seamless Transition: OMU is planning ways to help students transition smoothly into graduate programs, including potentially shortening the duration of study for those moving from the CCS to an OMU graduate school.
Gap Term Support: For students who might have a gap between high school graduation and the fall enrollment, the university is planning programs to help improve English proficiency and engage in online international exchanges.
Admissions: While details are still being finalized, the selection process is expected to focus on interviews and English proficiency scores rather than traditional standardized testing.
Why this matters for you
This initiative represents a significant shift in the Japanese higher education landscape. By combining the “comprehensive knowledge” of a large university with an international, English-only curriculum, OMU is creating a unique opportunity for students who want to make an impact on the global stage.
We will keep you updated as more details regarding the admission process and specific application requirements are released. Stay tuned to Global University In Japan for the latest updates on your journey to study in Japan!
Source: Kawaijuku Kei-Net Report (August 10, 2026)
Note: This program is currently under planning and subject to change pending approval from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
