Quick Summary
Kumamoto University, in Kumamoto, Japan, is a national that has shaped higher education since 1949. Ranked #735 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 9650 students including 6.2% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Medicine, Pharmacy, Materials Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 22%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
A prestigious national university offering affordable high-quality education, world-class research in life sciences, and a supportive environment in a historic castle city.
Subject Strengths
MedicinePharmacyMaterials ScienceLife SciencesEngineering
Founded1949
TypeNational
Total Students9650
Intl Students6.2%
Faculty Ratio9.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size115 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsKumamoto University Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#735
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801-1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Humanities, Education, Law, Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Social and Cultural Sciences
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited
Online Programs
Magnesium Research Center (MRC), Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Center for Water Cycle, Marine Environment and Disaster Management
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate22%
IELTS6
TOEFL79
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For graduate programs, securing a prospective supervisor before application is essential. Undergraduate international students should focus on high scores in the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU).
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,500,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥2,052,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship, Kumamoto University Honors Scholarship, JASSO Scholarship, Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
Avg Scholarship$12,500
Financial AidTuition waiver and deferment programs are available for students with high academic performance and financial need.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Humanities, Education, Law, Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Social and Cultural Sciences programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Magnesium Research | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Stem Cell Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$34,500
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong career support center with partnerships across Kyushu and Tokyo industries.
Industry Connections
ToyotaSonyMitsubishi Electricand various regional healthcare institutions.
Notable Alumni
Kenichi Ohmae (Management Consultant), Michiko Ishimure (Writer), and various Japanese political leaders.
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Kyudo Hall, Tennis Courts, Martial Arts Hall
Student Clubs
Over 120 cultural and athletic clubs including Tea Ceremony, Kendo, and Orchestra.
Library Resources
Central Library, Medical Library, and Pharmacy Library with a collection of over 1.5 million volumes.
Exchange Programs
Student exchange agreements with over 250 institutions globally.
Summer Programs
Kumamoto University Summer and Winter Programs in Japanese Language and Culture.