Musashino Art University

Musashino Art University is a leading Tokyo-based institution with over nine decades of heritage in creative education. Founded as a private art school and becoming a university in 1962, it now enrolls more than 4,500 students across two campuses. MAU’s philosophy blends strong general education with specialized artistic training, emphasizing personal growth, creative independence, and interdisciplinary learning.

The Takanodai Campus provides expansive facilities for fine arts and design, while the Ichigaya Campus offers an urban base for advanced and innovative programs. Together, they position MAU as a prominent destination for students seeking comprehensive, practice-oriented creative formation.

MAU supports students’ transition into the creative industries through strong industry ties, hands-on training, and collaborative projects. The university’s emphasis on practical work ensures graduates enter the workforce with ready-to-apply skills and professional confidence. Programs in museum studies and communication design open pathways into cultural institutions, media, and advertising.

Gallery αM plays a vital role in building professional visibility, offering exhibition opportunities and curatorial engagement. International exchanges further broaden students’ professional networks. While official employment statistics are limited, MAU’s alumni and faculty connections provide valuable guidance and long-term industry relationships.

MAU stands out for its long-established excellence, innovative curriculum, and balanced integration of traditional artistry with contemporary creative practice. Its programs emphasize hands-on learning supported by advanced fabrication technologies, enabling students to turn conceptual ideas into refined professional outcomes.

The dual-campus system caters to diverse learning needs, from contemplative creation to urban engagement. Students benefit from expert faculty, extensive facilities, and a vibrant artistic community. MAU’s commitment to flexible study pathways, including correspondence courses, further extends accessibility for a wide range of learners.

MAU contributes significantly to Japan’s cultural landscape through its exhibitions, research, and evolving academic vision. Gallery αM advances contemporary art by promoting emerging creators and testing new curatorial approaches. The university prioritizes innovative academic development, illustrated by the establishment of the College of Creative Thinking for Social Innovation.

State-of-the-art facilities and modernized campuses support advanced digital fabrication, interdisciplinary research, and socially responsive design practices. MAU’s partnerships, international exchanges, and environmental stewardship demonstrate its commitment to shaping forward-thinking creative leaders capable of addressing complex societal challenges.

What accommodation options are available? MAU offers furnished dormitories near the Takanodai Campus with private units, studio access, and bicycle use. Students can also receive support in locating private rentals. These residential areas provide quiet environments with easy access to campus and transportation.

What programs and languages are offered? MAU provides undergraduate and graduate programs across art, design, and creative innovation. Most graduate courses, especially specialized art programs, are taught in Japanese, though international students receive guidance through faculty support and peer networks.

How does MAU support career development? Career preparation is integrated through internships, exhibitions, and project‑based learning. Gallery αM, degree shows, and faculty mentorship offer strong pathways into professional artistic and cultural careers, while media and museum studies programs prepare students for sector-specific employment.

Admissions requirements vary by degree level, with detailed guidelines available through MAU’s official channels. International applicants should verify language prerequisites, required documents, and application timelines directly with the admissions office. Tuition fees and scholarship options also require direct inquiry due to program‑specific variations.

MAU’s two-campus structure provides access to extensive academic resources, including workshops with 3D printers and laser cutters, galleries, research hubs, and campus-wide WiFi. International students benefit from counseling, advisory support, and campus clubs that help integrate them into MAU’s active creative community.