Kyushu University

Kyushu University is one of Japan's leading national universities, located in Fukuoka, the largest city on the island of Kyushu. Established in 1911, it has grown into a prestigious institution known for its strong research programs, diverse academic offerings, and international collaborations. The university is a member of the prestigious National Seven Universities in Japan and consistently ranks among the top universities in the country.

Kyushu University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, science, humanities, social sciences, medicine, and agriculture. The university is particularly renowned for its research in engineering, environmental sciences, and medical sciences. It has several research institutes and centers dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in these fields.

The university has multiple campuses, with the main campus located in Ito, a modern and expansive facility designed to support cutting-edge research and education. Other campuses include the Hospital Campus, Chikushi Campus, and Ohashi Campus, each serving different academic and research purposes. The Ito Campus, in particular, is one of the largest university campuses in Japan and features state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and research centers.

Kyushu University is committed to internationalization and has numerous partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide. It offers various programs in English to attract international students and researchers. The university also actively participates in global research initiatives and exchange programs, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

In addition to its academic excellence, Kyushu University is known for its contributions to society through research and innovation. It collaborates with industries and government agencies to address global challenges, such as climate change, energy sustainability, and medical advancements. The university's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation has led to significant breakthroughs in various fields.

With a rich history, a strong academic reputation, and a commitment to global engagement, Kyushu University continues to be a leading institution in higher education and research, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

• Faculty of Arts and Science

  At Kyushu University, our goal is to educate individuals capable of leadership in a diverse range of fields in Japan, and who are willing to assume an active role on the world stage. Our Education Charter emphasizes the principles of humanity, social responsibility, global citizenship and advancement of knowledge, and it is these principles that have informed education policy across the entire university. However, in response to the above-mentioned expectations and hopes of society from within Japan and around the world, in order to develop human resources who are capable of truly taking a leadership role in our globalizing international community, which is beset by multiple challenges, it will be necessary to enhance the educational content we have provided to date in an even more structured, wide-ranging and quality-oriented manner. The Faculty of Arts and Science was established in October 2011—our centennial year—based on the conviction that, heading into our next century of existence, we needed to restructure our education system so as to provide a consistent and integrated structure, from general education through to specialized education and on to graduate education.

• School of Letters

  The original Faculty of Letters was founded in 1924 by an imperial decree as an adjunct curriculum of the Faculty of Law and Literature of Kyushu Imperial University. It then came into being as an independent faculty in 1949. The Graduate School was later established in 1953.

  The School of Letters now offers 21 subjects of study within four disciplinary fields: Philosophy, History, Literature, and Human Sciences. The Graduate School consists of a two-year master’s course and a three-year-plus doctorate course in 10 specialized fields including: Philosophy & Ethics, Oriental Ideas, Art Studies, Japanese History, Asian History, History of Wide Area Civilization, Geography, Japanese & Chinese Literature, Western Literature, and Linguistics.

• School of Education

  In the School of Education, students will learn about issues concerning the formation of the human character and human development through "education" and "educational psychology" approaches. Most people tend to associate “education” with children; however, education is not a subject limited to children and infants. Students will learn about human development throughout a lifetime, ranging from adolescence to adulthood, and even the elderly. Education studies is said to be the science of overall human formation. Kyushu University School of Education is dedicated to providing meticulous small-group instruction and strives for unique research. Although not specifically designed for the purpose of teacher training, students can acquire a teaching license for junior high school social studies and high school geography, historical science and civics, etc. by taking certain classes available at the Kyushu University School of Education. With a close relationship to the School of Education, the Graduate School of Human-Environment Sciences, Department of Clinical Psychology and Community Systems, Clinical Psychology Course, became the first graduate school to receive the Class I Designated Graduate School status by the Foundation of the Japanese Certification Board for Clinical Psychologists. Students must complete the clinical psychology practice major in order to be eligible to take the certification examination to become a qualified clinical psychologist.

• School of Law

  The faculty of Law was founded in 1924 as a department within the Faculty of Law and Humanities and achieved full independent status in 1949.

  A distinctive feature of law faculties in Japan is that they were initially established with the aim of educating civil servants and not lawyers. The law faculties of Japan thus contributed to socio-economic development by educating successive generations of public servants as well as providing law graduates for other sectors of society, notably corporations. This approach can be contrasted with Europe or the United States where legal education has been primarily oriented towards legal practice and has cosequently focused on preparing students for the bar examination and a future career as a legal professional.

• School of Economics

  The Kyushu University School of Economics was established as the Department of Economics under the Faculty of Law and Letters in 1924, when the university was still known by its former name, Kyushu Imperial University. Post-World War II reforms in 1949 resulted in the emergence of an independent school named the School of Economics from the Department of Economics. In 1965, Kyushu University established the Department of Business Management, and in 1977 the Department of Economic Engineering under the school of Economics. The Department of Economic Engineering was founded in response to the development of new fields applying Economics, engineering, and mathematical techniques to the analysis of problems to real economy and management.

  In 2000, Kyushu University adopted a new policy of prioritizing graduate schools. Based on its new policy, the School of Economics was reorganized into following two departments: the Department of Economy and Business and the Department of Economic Engineering. Furthermore, beginning in 2007, the School of Economics initiated an inter-institutional education program whereby third-year undergrads upon choosing this program, are allowed to attend graduate school courses during their fourth year. Doing so, student in this program are able to receive a masters degree in one year upon entering graduate school.

• School of Science

  Science, that is, basic natural science, explores nature's universal truths, and aims to build a foundation of natural philosophy. Also humans are inevitably related to science and have an innate curiosity for the driving forces behind science, as it is one of the highest levels of human intellectual activity.

  Our vision and goals, put simply, exactly refer to the vision of "Science". Our goals are to explore the following questions:

  • What are materials?
  • What is space?
  • What is life?

  Starting from such simple questions that humans have been asking since the dawn of civilization, our challenge is to unveil various enigmas of nature from both perspectives of experimental research and theoretical speculation, and to contribute to establishing a culture of natural science in our country and throughout the world. We hope that striving towards this challenge will bring about the development of flexible ideas, both a new and wide range of scientific applications to society, and build a shared intellectual heritage for all humans.

  In this regard, we offer advanced professional education of sciences with the aim of cultivating young researchers who will lead the cutting edge research of sciences into the next generation, and professionals who will contribute to society in their relevant field of natural science without being limited by existing concepts but with unrestricted ideas, thoughts, and contemplation as well as creative, experimental and theoretical methodologies. Additionally, we will establish ourselves as the center of professional education of sciences in Western Japan by cooperating with Faculty/Graduate School of Mathematics, the Department of Informatics in the Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, and the Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences.

• School of Medicine

  Kyushu University School of Medicine was founded here, in Maidashi (which was called Katakusu Higashi Matsubara at that time), in 1903 as Kyoto Imperial University Fukuoka Medical School. Following the establishment of Kyushu Imperial University in 1911, it was renamed Kyushu Imperial Medical University, and, in 1947, it was renamed again as Kyushu University School of Medicine (see Notes at the bottom). Since its foundation, the school has consistently devoted efforts to education in medical sciences and practice, the development of medical research and the practice of medical care.

  Kyushu University School of Medicine has three departments: the Department of Medicine, the Department of Biomedical Science and the Department of Health Sciences. At the school, students study general academic subjects at the Ito Campus for one year from their enrollment. Subsequently, through education in their respective specialized courses, students will be fostered as (prospective) professionals on whose shoulders the future of medical sciences and practice rests.

• School of Dentistry

  We wrestle for education, research, and medical care based on our idea to “Contribute to systemic health from oral health” at Kyushu University School of Dentistry. In late years, it has been sequentially reported that periodontal disease possibly constitutes a risk factor to raise the lifestyle–related diseases such as the diabetes mellitus and that tooth loss seriously makes the reduction in quality of life of elder people. Thus attention is focused on the view that "Oral condition exerts serious influence on systemic health". In addition, we need to answer the question what we can contribute to in future dentistry, along with the attitude focusing on the treatment of diseases. For these reasons, it is urgent that management and improvement of the oral condition of middle-aged and elderly persons in rapidly advancing aged-Japan, and also the mission of the dentist to protect peoples' health becomes increasingly important. We set a educational goal to develop the leading dental researchers and dentists who can practice "Contribution to maintenance of systemic health from oral health" in Kyushu University School of Dentistry and Graduate School of Dentistry.

• School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

  The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences was established in April 1950 as the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine. The Faculty of Medicine, however, first saw the Kuroda domain establish an educational institution for western medicine called "Sanseikan" in 1867. Based on this institution, the Meiji government created Kyoto Imperial University Fukuoka Medical College in April, 1903. After that, Kyushu Imperial University was set up in January, 1911, and Kyoto Imperial University Fukuoka Medical College became Kyushu Imperial University Medical College in April of that year. Then, the Medical College was renamed as Kyushu Imperial University Faculty of Medicine. After the Second World War, it became the Faculty of Medicine of Kyushu University in October, 1947. It is from such history that the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, within the Faculty of Medicine, was established in April, 1950. Finally, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences became independent with the addition of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. As a result, pharmaceutical students used to study with medical students in the same classroom, and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is now closely related in both research and education to the Faculty of Medicine. Thus, it can be said that the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences originally began from 1867.

  Since that time, the Department of General Pharmaceutical Sciences built in 1999 was reorganized into two departments in April, 2006: the Department of Medical Sciences (four-year program) and the Department of Clinical Pharmacy (six-year program).

• School of Engineering

  The Faculty of Engineering in Kyushu University is the fourth oldest faculty among Japanese universities, and was founded as the College of Engineering of Kyushu Imperial University in 1911. In 1919, the College of Engineering was reorganized as the Faculty of Engineering. In 1947, the Faculty of Engineering of Kyushu Imperial University was renamed as the Faculty of Engineering of Kyushu University. Since that time, as one of the key faculties of the leading universities in Japan, the faculty has contributed to the development of engineering, technology and industry, providing leading research and enhanced engineering education. Over the last 100 years, the faculty has produced over 43,000 graduates. 
  The Faculty of Engineering is comprised of six departments, Architecture, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Earth Resources, Marine and Civil Engineering, Energy Science and Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, which offer a total of eleven courses, providing basic education in every engineering field.

• School of Design

  The Kyushu Institute of Design was the first university of its kind to offer a unique program to promote excellence in design education and research when it opened its doors in 1968. The Institute’s innovative mission focused on the “Humanization of Technology” to overcome the social problems, environmental pollution, and ecological damage that created health and lifestyle issues during the rapid economic expansion in Japan during the 1960s and 70s. The aim of the humanization of technology has changed to cope with technology as it has evolved over the years, but the Institute continues to provide an unparalleled curriculum, advanced facilities, and resourceful educators to foster high-level designers and producers to improve society. The Institute merged with Kyushu University, Kyushu’s largest national university in October 2003 to the benefit of both institutions.
  The School of Design and Graduate School of Design have cutting-edge facilities, a unique curriculum, and a visionary teaching staff that combines human studies, social and natural sciences, and artistic sense to foster students with extensive knowledge and the ability to enhance our world for the benefit of society and human welfare.

  When the Kyushu Institute of Design was established there were no professional designers who could imagine the essential solutions needed for the existing problems. Those professional designers coined the term “missing technician” from the hypothetical intermediate evolutionary form of man and ape as the missing link essential for society. The mission of the Institute has always been to raise students’ design awareness through trial and error and active participation in society to fill the missing technician void.

• School of Agriculture

  Kyushu University which was founded in 1911 as one of Japan’s Imperial University gave birth to the Faculty of Agriculture in 1919. Starting from a warm message from our dean, Prof. Atsushi Yoshimura, PhD, this page allows you to follow how the Faculty has grown to be a key part in agricultural studies not only in Japan but also in the world through a brief history and how the Faculty evolved to its present organization, with the recently reorganized departments, division, laboratories and faculty members.

Kyushu University, located in Fukuoka, Japan, is one of the country's most prestigious national universities. It was originally founded as Fukuoka Medical College in 1903, which was affiliated with Kyoto Imperial University. In 1911, it became Kyushu Imperial University, making it the fourth imperial university in Japan, following Tokyo, Kyoto, and Tohoku. The university was established to promote higher education and research in the Kyushu region, contributing to Japan’s modernization and scientific advancements.

In 1947, after World War II, the university was renamed Kyushu University, following the reorganization of Japan’s education system. Over the years, it expanded its academic disciplines, adding faculties in engineering, science, agriculture, law, economics, and humanities. The university has played a significant role in Japan’s technological and industrial development, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, and environmental sciences.

Kyushu University has undergone several campus relocations and expansions. One of the most significant developments was the relocation of its main campus from Hakozaki to Ito, which began in the early 2000s. The Ito Campus, completed in stages, is now one of the largest university campuses in Japan, featuring state-of-the-art research facilities and a sustainable design.

The university has a strong international presence, collaborating with institutions worldwide and attracting students from various countries. It is known for its research contributions in areas such as hydrogen energy, robotics, and medical sciences. Kyushu University continues to uphold its mission of advancing knowledge and fostering global leaders through education and research.

Kyushu University is one of Japan’s leading national universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The admission requirements and process vary depending on the program and applicant category (international or domestic students). Below is a general overview of the admission process for international students.

Undergraduate Admissions

International students applying for undergraduate programs at Kyushu University typically need to meet the following requirements:

• Academic Qualifications: Applicants must have completed at least 12 years of formal education or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the university.
• Language Proficiency: Since most undergraduate programs are conducted in Japanese, applicants are usually required to demonstrate proficiency in the Japanese language, often through the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) (N1 or N2 level). However, some programs, such as the International Undergraduate Programs in English (IUPE), are taught in English, and applicants may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Entrance Examination: Many programs require applicants to take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), which assesses Japanese language skills, mathematics, and science or social studies.
• Application Documents: Required documents typically include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency. Some programs may also require an interview.

Graduate Admissions

For master's and doctoral programs, the admission process is more research-oriented. The general requirements include:

• Academic Background: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (for master's programs) or a master's degree (for doctoral programs) from a recognized institution.
• Research Proposal: A well-prepared research proposal is often required, especially for research-based programs.
• Language Requirements: Depending on the program, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in either Japanese (for Japanese-taught programs) or English (for English-taught programs). TOEFL, IELTS, or JLPT scores may be required.
• Supervisor Approval: Many graduate programs require applicants to contact a potential academic supervisor before applying. The approval of a faculty member is often necessary for admission.
• Entrance Examination and Interview: Some programs require applicants to take an entrance exam or attend an interview as part of the selection process.

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Review the specific admission requirements for the chosen program.
2. Find a Supervisor (for Graduate Programs): If applying for a research-based graduate program, contact a potential supervisor in advance.
3. Prepare Application Documents: Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, language proficiency test scores, and a research proposal (if applicable).
4. Submit Application: Applications are usually submitted online or by mail, depending on the program.
5. Take Entrance Examination (if required): Some programs require applicants to take an entrance exam.
6. Interview (if required): Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
7. Receive Admission Decision: Successful applicants will receive an admission offer and further instructions on enrollment procedures.

Kyushu University offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students, including the MEXT Scholarship, the JASSO Scholarship, and university-specific funding opportunities.

For detailed and up-to-date information, applicants should visit the official Kyushu University Admissions website.

Kyushu University is one of Japan’s leading national universities and is officially accredited by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT). As a national university, it adheres to the rigorous academic and administrative standards set by the Japanese government to ensure high-quality education and research.

Founded in 1911, Kyushu University has established itself as a prestigious institution, recognized both domestically and internationally. It is a member of the National Seven Universities in Japan, a group of elite institutions known for their academic excellence and contributions to research. The university is also actively involved in global academic collaborations and holds various international accreditations for specific programs.

Kyushu University’s engineering and business programs, for example, have received accreditation from international organizations such as the Japan Accreditation Board for Engineering Education (JABEE) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). These accreditations ensure that the university’s programs meet global educational standards and prepare students for professional careers worldwide.

Additionally, Kyushu University participates in various global university rankings and assessments, further demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high academic standards. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in Japan and Asia, reflecting its strong research output, faculty expertise, and student achievements.

The university also collaborates with numerous international institutions and organizations, enhancing its global reputation and ensuring that its degrees are recognized worldwide. Through these efforts, Kyushu University continues to uphold its accreditation status and remains a leading institution for higher education and research in Japan.

Kyushu University offers a vibrant and diverse student life, providing numerous opportunities for academic growth, cultural exchange, and extracurricular activities. Located in Fukuoka, one of Japan’s most livable cities, the university attracts students from all over the world, creating a dynamic and international atmosphere.

The university has multiple campuses, with the Ito Campus being the largest and most modern. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, research centers, and student lounges. The campus is designed to support both academic and social life, with various cafeterias, convenience stores, and recreational areas available for students.

Student organizations and clubs play a significant role in university life. There are numerous clubs dedicated to sports, music, arts, and cultural exchange. Whether students are interested in joining a traditional Japanese tea ceremony club or participating in competitive sports, there are plenty of options to explore. The university also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Kyudaisai Festival, which brings students together to celebrate with performances, food stalls, and cultural activities.

For international students, Kyushu University provides extensive support services, including language courses, academic advising, and career counseling. The Global Gateways office helps students adjust to life in Japan by offering guidance on housing, visa procedures, and cultural adaptation. Additionally, the university has dormitories specifically designed for international students, ensuring a comfortable and supportive living environment.

The city of Fukuoka itself enhances student life with its affordable cost of living, excellent public transportation, and rich cultural scene. Students can explore historical sites, enjoy local cuisine such as Hakata ramen, and participate in seasonal festivals. The city’s friendly atmosphere and safety make it an ideal place for students to live and study.

Overall, student life at Kyushu University is a blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and social engagement. With a wide range of activities, support services, and a welcoming environment, students can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching university experience.

Kyushu University offers a wide range of services and facilities to support students in their academic and personal lives. Apart from lectures and seminars, students have access to various resources that enhance their university experience.

The university provides extensive library services, including multiple libraries across different campuses. These libraries offer a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources, as well as study spaces and research support. Additionally, students can access online databases and interlibrary loan services.

For students' well-being, Kyushu University has health and counseling services. The Health Science Center provides medical consultations, health check-ups, and emergency care. Counseling services are available for students facing academic, personal, or psychological challenges.

The university also offers career support through the Career and Employment Support Center. This center provides job placement assistance, career counseling, internship opportunities, and workshops on resume writing and interview preparation.

Student life is enriched by various extracurricular activities. The university has numerous student clubs and organizations, including cultural, sports, and academic clubs. There are also international exchange programs and events that promote cultural understanding and networking among students from different backgrounds.

Sports facilities at Kyushu University include gymnasiums, sports fields, and fitness centers. Students can participate in different sports activities, including basketball, soccer, tennis, and martial arts. These facilities help students maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Accommodation services are available for both domestic and international students. The university provides dormitories and support for finding private housing. International students can benefit from dedicated housing options that help them adjust to life in Japan.

Dining facilities are also available on campus, offering a variety of meals at affordable prices. Cafeterias and convenience stores provide students with different food options, including Japanese and international cuisine.

Additionally, Kyushu University supports students with IT services, including access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms. The university also provides language support for international students, including Japanese language courses and tutoring services.

Overall, Kyushu University ensures that students have access to essential services and facilities that contribute to their academic success and personal development.

Kyushu University is one of Japan’s leading institutions of higher education, known for its strong academic programs, cutting-edge research, and international environment. Founded in 1911, it is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

One of the key reasons to choose Kyushu University is its strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university is home to numerous research centers and institutes that focus on advanced fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and medical research. It collaborates with industries and institutions worldwide, providing students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research projects.

Another reason to choose Kyushu University is its international outlook. The university actively promotes global exchange programs and has partnerships with many universities around the world. It offers a variety of English-taught programs, making it an attractive choice for international students. The campus environment is diverse, with students from different cultural backgrounds, fostering a global learning experience.

The university’s location in Fukuoka is also a major advantage. Fukuoka is one of Japan’s most livable cities, known for its rich culture, vibrant economy, and excellent quality of life. The city is a hub for startups and innovation, providing students with numerous career opportunities. Additionally, Fukuoka’s cost of living is relatively lower compared to other major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, making it an affordable option for students.

Kyushu University also boasts a beautiful and modern campus, particularly the Ito Campus, which is one of the largest university campuses in Japan. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories, libraries, and student support services. The university is committed to sustainability and has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives to create a green and sustainable campus.

Furthermore, Kyushu University has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in leading companies, research institutions, and government organizations worldwide. The university provides excellent career support services, helping students secure internships and job placements after graduation.

In summary, Kyushu University is an excellent choice for students seeking high-quality education, research opportunities, and an international learning environment. Its strong academic reputation, innovative research, global connections, and excellent location make it one of the best universities in Japan.