Overview: International University of Health and Welfare
The International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW), established in 1995, is a leading private university headquartered in Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. IUHW has grown rapidly since its inception, now encompassing multiple campuses across Japan, including Tokyo and Narita, and enrolling over 10,000 students. With a comprehensive approach, the university focuses on both research and teaching in health and welfare sciences, aiming to address the needs of an increasingly interconnected world. IUHW's multidisciplinary faculties and extensive academic resources have made it a pivotal institution in Japan's medical education landscape, drawing students and faculty from across the globe.
IUHW is recognized for its strengths in health sciences, nursing, medicine, rehabilitation, pharmacy, and medical technology. Its School of Medicine, inaugurated in 2017, stands out for its bilingual English-Japanese curriculum, attracting international students and facilitating global mobility. The university adopts an interdisciplinary and problem-based learning approach, promoting practical, patient-centered education and team-based care. IUHW maintains active research programs and has formed partnerships with over 50 universities worldwide, offering joint degrees and promoting collaborative research. Notably, IUHW was among Japan's first institutions to admit a significant number of international medical students, underscoring its international orientation and commitment to workforce diversity in healthcare.
Student life at IUHW is vibrant and inclusive, featuring a range of student-led clubs, academic societies, and intercultural initiatives. Regular cultural festivals and international exchange events foster cross-cultural understanding and collegiality. The university provides robust student support services—academic, psychological, and career advice—as well as dedicated facilities for housing, sports, and the arts. Housing options are available on several campuses, and recreational offerings help cultivate wellbeing and work-life balance. Welcoming over 600 international students annually, IUHW's community values diversity, equity, and global citizenship, preparing graduates for leadership in multinational health environments.
Committed to advancing health and welfare in society, IUHW aspires to foster innovation, social responsibility, and global engagement. The university’s mission is to educate healthcare professionals who embody compassion, scientific excellence, and a strong sense of ethics, empowering them to contribute to sustainable and equitable health systems worldwide.
