Founded in 1995, The University of Shiga Prefecture is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the small city of Hikone (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Shiga. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, The University of Shiga Prefecture (USP) is a coeducational Japanese higher education institution. The University of Shiga Prefecture (USP) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. This 27 years old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 20-30% making this Japanese higher education organization a very selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. USP also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.