Nagoya University of Commerce & Business Sees Record 184% Increase in Applicants Year-on-Year, Driven by Internationality from 77 Countries and New '31 Major System'

Nagoya University of Commerce & Business announced a significant 184% year-on-year increase in applicants for the 2026 academic year. This record growth, amidst intensifying competition among universities due to declining birthrates, is seen as a result of the university's educational reforms and internationally rich learning environment being highly evaluated by prospective students.

This substantial increase in applicants is believed to be driven by three main unique strengths.

Overwhelming Internationality with Students from 77 Countries The campus attracts international students from all over the world, creating a truly global environment where students can experience diverse values even while in Japan. This aligns with the needs of students who wish to develop not only language skills but also cross-cultural understanding and an international perspective.

Case Method Education Instead of one-sided lectures, the university has adopted a 'case method' across all faculties, where students discuss actual business challenges (cases) and learn the decision-making process. The ability to acquire practical problem-solving skills has garnered strong support from students looking to succeed in the real world.

'31 Major System' Expanding Student Potential (Starting This April) The most significant factor is believed to be the '31 Major System,' newly introduced this April. This system allows students to flexibly select and combine a wide range of specialized fields (majors) after enrollment, according to their interests and career plans. It has strongly stimulated the diverse learning aspirations of modern students who 'want to customize the truly necessary expertise in a rapidly changing era.'

With world-class educational methods and the introduction of a new system that maximizes student autonomy, Nagoya University of Commerce & Business is solidifying its position as an 'international hub for developing practical business leaders.' With the full-scale operation of the new system starting in April, attention to the university is expected to further increase in next year's admissions.

About Nagoya University of Commerce & Business Since its founding in 1953, the university has pursued world-standard management education. It has acquired the first three international accreditations (Triple Crown) in Japan and is a member of PIM (Partnership in International Management). Currently, it has 4 faculties, 8 departments, 1 program, and 2 graduate schools, actively conducting exchange programs and international volunteer activities with 196 partner schools in 63 countries worldwide. Its Business School (Graduate School of Management) has been ranked #1 in Japan for five consecutive years in the QS World University Rankings (2022). In 'THE (Times Higher Education ranking)' Japan Edition 2022, it ranked #1 in the Tokai-Hokuriku region and #16 nationally in the field of internationality.

Keywords: Nagoya University of Commerce & Business, NUCB, Applicant Increase, Increase in Applicants, University Entrance Exam, Case Method, Active Learning, Global Education, International Education, Business Education