Overview
Founded in 1911, Kyushu University is one of Japan's leading research-oriented institutions of higher education, consistently ranking as one of the top ten Japanese universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World Rankings. Located in Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu — the most southwestern of Japan's four main islands — Kyushu University sits in a coastal metropolis frequently ranked among the world's most livable cities and historically known as Japan's gateway to Asia. Its multiple campuses are home to around 19,000 students and 8,000 faculty and staff.
Kyushu University dates its medical faculty's founding to 1903 and the university's establishment to 1911 — when it was founded as Kyushu Imperial University, the fourth Imperial University in Japan, with Kenjiro Yamakawa, former president of the University of Tokyo, as its first president. In 1947, it was renamed Kyushu University, and in 1949, it expanded by incorporating several local educational institutions. In July 2009, Kyushu University was chosen for the "Global 30 (G30) Project" — a Japanese government initiative to internationalise the country's top universities. The university has 16 faculties, 11 undergraduate schools, and 18 graduate schools.
With an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students, Kyushu University comprises 12 undergraduate schools, 18 graduate schools, 17 faculties, 5 research institutes, and a hospital, as well as over 50 affiliated research centres. The international student population is more than 2,200, representing about 100 countries and regions — reflecting the university's steadfast commitment to internationalisation. In 2018, Kyushu University completed its move to the Ito Campus — its new 2.7 square-kilometre main campus that is one of the largest university campuses in Japan, designed for next-generation technology development with a strong focus on sustainability.
Through its VISION 2030, Kyushu University will "drive social change with integrative knowledge." By fusing the spectrum of knowledge from the humanities and arts to engineering and medical sciences, Kyushu University will strengthen its research in the key areas of decarbonisation, medicine and health, and environment and food — tackling society's most pressing global issues. In November 2021, Kyushu University was recognised as a Designated National University Corporation by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology — one of only a small number of institutions in Japan to receive this prestigious governmental recognition.
Kyushu University is distinguished by hosting Japan's inaugural hydrogen research centre, spearheading advancements in clean energy technology. With over 3.6 million volumes, the university possesses one of the most extensive university libraries in Japan. Its School of Design enjoys international recognition for fostering creative innovation — one of very few design schools in Japan embedded within a major research university.
Notable alumni include Junko Tabei (first woman to summit Mount Everest), Tetsu Nakamura (physician and humanitarian worker, Fukuoka Pride Award), Guo Moruo (Chinese historian, poet, and statesman), and Yasushi Inoue (Akutagawa Prize-winning novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature nominee).
| ~30–40% Acceptance Rate | 19,000 Total Students | 100+ Countries Represented | Founded 1903/1911 — Japan's 4th Imperial University |
Ranking
The QS World University Rankings 2026 were released on June 19, 2025, and Kyushu University was ranked 170th — placing the university within the top 15% of the 1,501 institutions from over 100 countries featured in this year's rankings.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Kyushu University maintains its position in the 301–350 range, tied for sixth place in Japan. The university consistently ranks within the top 10 universities in Japan across all major global ranking systems.
Kyushu University achieved its highest-ever subject ranking of #29 globally in Metallurgical Engineering. In the Nature Index 2025 (Health Sciences), the university is ranked #212 globally. The university is listed in the THE World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, THE Japan University Rankings, QS Employability Rankings, and THE World Reputation Rankings, among others. In THE Impact Rankings 2025, Kyushu University ranks in the top 100 in three areas — reflecting its strong commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In QS Subject Rankings, several Kyushu University subjects have made it to the global top 100, some to the top 50, and at least one to the top 24. The university is a member of a research university consortium comprising the top 11 Japanese research universities — a further marker of its elite national standing. Fukuoka has the second-largest population of international students in Japan and has been ranked as one of the world's top ten most liveable cities.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #170 Globally / #7–8 in Japan (Top 15% globally) |
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 | #301–350 Globally / #6 in Japan |
| ARWU (Shanghai) 2025 | #201–300 Globally |
| US News Best Global Universities | #390 Globally |
| QS Employability Rankings | Top 300 Globally |
| THE Impact Rankings 2025 | Top 100 (3 subject areas) |
| EduRank — Metallurgical Engineering | #29 Globally (highest ever subject ranking) |
| Designated National University (Japan) | Recognised 2021 — one of Japan's most elite governmental designations |
| Global 30 Project | Selected 2009 — top internationalised Japanese universities |
Intakes
Kyushu University follows the Japanese academic calendar with English-medium programs offering two intake periods:
- April Intake (Spring) — Primary intake for Japanese-taught undergraduate and graduate programs
- October Intake (Fall) — Primary intake for English-medium International Undergraduate Program (IUP), G30 programs, and most English-medium graduate programs
Application Deadlines (Indicative):
| Level | Intake | Application Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUP Undergraduate (English — School of Interdisciplinary Science & Innovation) | October | November – February | English-medium flagship UG for international students |
| Graduate / MSc (English programs) | October / April | March – June / October – January | Varies by graduate school |
| Japanese-taught Undergraduate | April | December – February | EJU + Japanese language required |
| Japanese-taught Graduate | April | October – January | Japanese proficiency required |
| PhD Programs | April / October | Rolling — supervisor contact first | Contact faculty before formal application |
| MEXT Scholarship (Embassy) | April | April – June (via Japanese embassy) | Check embassy deadlines |
Note: Application fee: JPY 17,000–30,000 (varies by program and level). International students need a Japanese Student Visa (College Student). Contact your prospective supervisor before applying for research programs. Verify all deadlines at kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/admission.
Top Courses
The University's 12th undergraduate school — the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation — was launched in April 2018, offering unique English-medium education for international students. The International Undergraduate Program (IUP) at Kyushu University allows students to interact with undergraduates from other faculties, including the humanities, and includes classes to improve presentation and other professional skills.
Key faculties and flagship programs across 12 undergraduate schools and 18 graduate schools include:
School of Engineering / Graduate School of Engineering:
- BSc / MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
- MSc in Chemical Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering
- MSc in Materials Science and Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering — #29 globally)
- MSc in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering
- MSc in Systems Information Science
- MSc in Urban and Environmental Engineering
School of Science / Graduate School of Sciences:
- BSc / MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- MSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences
- MSc in Biological Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences
- MSc in Applied Mathematics
School of Medicine / Graduate School of Medical Sciences:
- MD in Medicine (6-year Japanese-taught — highly selective)
- BSc in Nursing
- MSc / PhD in Medical Sciences, Biomedical Research
- MSc in Medical Informatics, MSc in Pharmacology
- Kyushu University Hospital — one of Japan's most advanced university hospitals
School / Graduate School of Dental Science:
- DDS in Dentistry (6-year single cycle)
- MSc / PhD in Dental Sciences
School of Agriculture / Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences:
- BSc / MSc in Agricultural Sciences, Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences
- MSc in Bioenvironmental Sciences, Marine Biology
- MSc in Agro-Environmental Sciences, Food Science and Technology
Faculty / Graduate School of Design (Internationally recognised):
- BSc / MSc in Design (Art & Design, Environmental Design, Industrial Design)
- MSc in Design (internationally recognised as one of Japan's premier design programs)
- MSc in Design Futures, Urban Design and Sustainability
Graduate School of Economics / Law / Social and Cultural Studies:
- MSc in Economics and Business Administration
- LLM in Law, LLM in International Relations
- MSc in Social and Cultural Studies
School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation (IUP — English-medium):
- BSc in Science and Technology (fully English-medium — flagship international UG)
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning engineering, social sciences, and humanities
Graduate School of Integrated Frontier Sciences:
- MSc / PhD in Quantum Physics and Nanoscience
- MSc in Interdisciplinary Info Studies, Genome and System Science
- MSc in Advanced Energy Engineering Science — including hydrogen energy research (Japan's first hydrogen research centre)
Cost of Studying at Kyushu University
Kyushu University provides unique scholarships for international students: for undergraduate programs, JPY 60,000/month plus 50% tuition reduction for the first year; for graduate programs, JPY 80,000/month plus tuition fee exemption eligibility. Kyushu University also offers a tuition and enrollment fee exemption/deferment system for students facing financial difficulties, having exceptional academic performance, or dealing with special circumstances that prevent them from paying their fees.
As a national university, Kyushu University charges equal tuition for both domestic and international students — a significant cost advantage.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (JPY) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees — UG / BSc (All students — equal) | JPY 535,800/year | ₹3,10,000/year |
| Tuition Fees — MSc / MEng (All students — equal) | JPY 535,800/year | ₹3,10,000/year |
| Tuition Fees — PhD (All students — equal) | JPY 535,800/year | ₹3,10,000/year |
| Entrance Fee (One-time, on enrollment) | JPY 282,000 | ₹1,63,000 |
| Application / Exam Fee | JPY 17,000 – 30,000 | ₹9,800 – ₹17,400 |
| University Dormitory (International students) | JPY 15,000 – 30,000/month | ₹8,700 – ₹17,400/month |
| Private Apartment (Fukuoka) | JPY 35,000 – 60,000/month | ₹20,300 – ₹34,800/month |
| Food & Personal Expenses | JPY 30,000 – 50,000/month | ₹17,400 – ₹29,000/month |
| Transport (Fukuoka — subway / bus) | JPY 5,000 – 8,000/month | ₹2,900 – ₹4,600/month |
| Health Insurance (National — mandatory) | JPY 20,000 – 30,000/year | ₹11,600 – ₹17,400/year |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | JPY 1,100,000 – 1,700,000 | ₹6,38,000 – ₹9,86,000 |
Note: Fukuoka is consistently ranked among Asia's most liveable cities — offering high quality of life with significantly lower cost of living than Tokyo or Osaka. Tuition fees are equal for all students regardless of nationality. MEXT scholarship holders pay zero tuition and receive a monthly stipend. PhD students may be eligible for additional stipends through departmental programs. Verify at kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/admission/fees.
Scholarships
Kyushu University provides unique scholarships for international students. For undergraduate programs, the scholarship includes JPY 60,000 per month plus a 50% tuition reduction for the first year to support students' transition. For graduate programs, the scholarship provides JPY 80,000 per month plus tuition fee exemption eligibility. This is one of the most competitive internal scholarship schemes among Japanese national universities for international students.
Key scholarships for international students:
| Scholarship | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship — Embassy Recommendation | Japanese Government (merit) | Full tuition waiver + JPY 117,000–145,000/month stipend + return airfare |
| MEXT Scholarship — University Recommendation (G30) | Japanese Government (via KU) | Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend (graduate students) |
| Kyushu University International Student Scholarship (UG) | Merit-based (internal) | JPY 60,000/month + 50% tuition reduction (first year) |
| Kyushu University International Student Scholarship (PG) | Merit-based (internal) | JPY 80,000/month + tuition fee exemption eligibility |
| Topia Leisure Scholarship (Work Experience) | Work-study scholarship | Monthly allowance + work experience in Japan for eligible students |
| JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship | Need + merit (self-financed) | JPY 48,000/month for eligible self-financed international students |
| Kyushu University Tuition Fee Exemption | Need + merit (enrolled students) | Full or partial tuition waiver for financial hardship + strong academic performance |
| JICA Scholarship | Development-focused bilateral | Full support for participants from developing countries |
| CSC (China Scholarship Council) Program | Bilateral (China-Japan) | Full funding for Chinese government scholars |
Admissions
Kyushu University is a prestigious institution, and its selectivity for undergraduate degrees is regarded as being among the top 15 in the country. The acceptance rate ranges from approximately 30–40% overall, though for competitive undergraduate programs in engineering, medicine, and science, it can be considerably lower.
For IUP Undergraduate Programs (English-medium — School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation):
- Completion of 12 years of secondary education (CBSE/ISC Class 12 or equivalent)
- Strong academic performance in relevant subjects
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 72–79 / Duolingo 100+ (varies by program)
- Statement of purpose, academic transcripts, and academic references
- Application fee: JPY 17,000
For Japanese-taught Undergraduate Programs:
- Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) — mandatory
- JLPT N2 minimum (N1 recommended) for Japanese-taught programs
- Faculty-specific entrance examination
- Application fee: JPY 17,000
For Postgraduate Programs (MSc / MEng — English programs):
Kyushu University accepts IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo English test scores for admission to English-taught programs. Specific score requirements vary by graduate school and program.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong academic record (GPA 3.0+/4.0)
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79–90 (varies by graduate school)
- Prior contact with a potential supervisor strongly recommended for research programs
- Research proposal for thesis-based programs
- Application fee: JPY 30,000
For PhD Programs:
- Master's degree with strong research record
- Supervisor agreement is strongly recommended before formal application
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79+
- Research proposal
- Application fee: JPY 30,000
Placements
Through its Vision 2030, Kyushu University will "drive social change with integrative knowledge" — a commitment that extends to preparing graduates who are ready to tackle society's most pressing global issues in decarbonisation, medicine and health, and environment and food. Kyushu University maintains alumni associations around the globe to facilitate interaction and friendship among graduates and closer communication with the university worldwide.
Kyushu University provides dedicated job hunting support for international students through its Career Support System, including career consulting, career workshops, and direct employer recruitment support for international graduates seeking employment in Japan and globally. The university maintains strong industry-academia collaboration partnerships with Japan's leading corporations, particularly in engineering, energy, semiconductors, and automotive sectors.
Fukuoka — Japan's gateway to Asia — is a rapidly growing hub for technology startups, gaming, fintech, semiconductors, and manufacturing. The city has attracted significant investment from global companies and is known as Japan's most entrepreneurially vibrant city outside Tokyo. Kyushu as a region is home to major Toyota operations, TSMC Japan (semiconductor manufacturing), Sony Semiconductor, and a thriving clean energy sector.
Key career sectors for Kyushu University graduates:
- Semiconductors & Electronics — TSMC Japan (Kumamoto — Kyushu semiconductor hub), Sony Semiconductor, Mitsubishi Electric, Renesas Electronics
- Automotive & Aerospace — Toyota (Kyushu operations), Nissan Kyushu, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries
- Clean Energy / Hydrogen — Kyushu Electric Power, ENEOS Holdings, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (Japan's hydrogen leader)
- Pharmaceuticals & Medicine — Daiichi Sankyo, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka healthcare network
- Design & Creative — Sony Creative, Capcom, Level-5 (Fukuoka game developer), major design studios
- IT & AI — Line (Fukuoka HQ), Rakuten Kyushu, NTT, Fujitsu, SoftBank
Jobs After Graduating from Kyushu University
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (JPY) | INR Approx./Year |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor / Electronics Engineer | JPY 4,500,000 – 9,000,000 | ₹26,10,000 – ₹52,20,000 |
| Automotive / Mechanical Engineer | JPY 4,200,000 – 8,000,000 | ₹24,36,000 – ₹46,40,000 |
| Hydrogen / Clean Energy Engineer | JPY 4,500,000 – 8,500,000 | ₹26,10,000 – ₹49,30,000 |
| Medical Doctor (Hospital) | JPY 6,000,000 – 15,000,000 | ₹34,80,000 – ₹87,00,000 |
| Agricultural / Environmental Scientist | JPY 3,800,000 – 7,000,000 | ₹22,06,000 – ₹40,60,000 |
| Software / IT / AI Engineer | JPY 4,500,000 – 9,000,000 | ₹26,10,000 – ₹52,20,000 |
| Designer / Creative Technologist | JPY 3,500,000 – 6,500,000 | ₹20,30,000 – ₹37,70,000 |
| Chemist / Materials Engineer | JPY 4,200,000 – 8,000,000 | ₹24,36,000 – ₹46,40,000 |
| Research Scientist (National Lab / Industry) | JPY 4,000,000 – 7,500,000 | ₹23,20,000 – ₹43,50,000 |
| Average Starting Salary (Japan) | JPY 3,000,000 – 4,500,000 | ₹17,40,000 – ₹26,10,000 |
Note: Salary figures are indicative annual gross values in JPY. Japan offers the J-Find Visa (job-seeking) and Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) for international graduates. Fukuoka offers one of the best balances of opportunity, livability, and affordability in Japan. Actual salaries vary by employer, industry, and experience.
For personalised guidance on Kyushu University admissions, scholarships, and the Japanese student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.