Quick Summary
Kyushu University, in Fukuoka, Japan, is a public (national) that has shaped higher education since 1911. Ranked #167 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 18560 students including 13.5% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Materials Science, Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18.5%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Kyushu University is one of Japan's prestigious Seven Imperial Universities, offering world-class research facilities in a modern, sustainable campus environment with a lower cost of living compared to Tokyo.
Subject Strengths
Materials ScienceEngineering and TechnologyChemistryChemical EngineeringPhysics & AstronomyMedicine
Founded1911
TypePublic (National)
Total Students18560
Intl Students13.5%
Faculty Ratio9.2
CampusSuburban / Urban
Campus Size272 hectares (Ito Campus)
Affiliated HospitalsKyushu University Hospital
Accreditationundefined
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#167
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#301-350
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Professional Degrees
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (Select Professional and Certificate Courses)
Online Programs
International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy, International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER), Medical Institute of Bioregulation
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
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Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18.5%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRERequired for specific Graduate Schools (e.g., Engineering, Economics)
GMATRequired for MBA programs
SATRequired for International Undergraduate (G30) Programs
ACTAccepted for International Undergraduate (G30) Programs
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (International Programs)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and a strong personal statement for the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation. For graduate programs, securing a potential supervisor beforehand is highly recommended.
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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
$200
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥2,065,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship, JASSO, Kyushu University Friendship Scholarship, KAKENHI-based support
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidTuition waivers (50% or 100%) available based on academic merit and financial need
Work-StudyYes (Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, On-campus Library jobs)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Professional Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Agriculture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Economics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$42,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Toyota, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Panasonic through the Career Support Center
Industry Connections
Strong ties with Fukuoka’s startup ecosystem and major Japanese industrial conglomerates
Notable Alumni
Tetsu Nakamura (Doctor/Humanitarian), Robert T. Huang (Founder of SYNNEX), Koichi Wakata (JAXA Astronaut)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Kyuden Volley Dome, Multi-purpose sports fields, Kendo dojo, Tennis courts, Ito Fitness Center
Student Clubs
Over 150 clubs including Kendo, Robotics, Yachting, and Cultural Tea Ceremony
Library Resources
Kyushu University Central Library, specialized medical and engineering libraries with over 4 million volumes
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 100+ global universities including UCB, University of Munich, and National University of Singapore
Summer Programs
Asure (Asia-Pacific Summer Unit Program), Japan in Today's World (JTW)