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JAPAN · KOBE

Kobe University

public · Founded 1902 · Languages: Japanese, English

In short

Kobe University is a comprehensive public university in Japan offering a wide range of programs across 11 faculties and 14 graduate schools. It emphasizes practical application, diversity, and internationality, with locations across the vibrant city of Kobe.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1902
Students: 15,870
International students: 1,300
Acceptance rate: 35%
Tuition (intl): €3–3k/yr
Languages: JAPANESE, ENGLISH
Location: Kobe, Japan

Kobe University is a comprehensive public university in Japan, recognized for its commitment to the harmony between theory and practice in education and research. With a diverse range of 11 faculties and 14 graduate schools, the university offers a broad spectrum of academic opportunities across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life and medical sciences. It aims to foster students for a sustainable and prosperous future, emphasizing diversity, internationality, excellence, and flexibility in its educational approach. The university is dedicated to creating a global hub for the co-creation of knowledge, addressing societal challenges through independent and collaborative research, and developing outstanding innovators. Located in Kobe, a city known for its international and pioneering spirit, the university leverages its location to respond to global and local societal needs. It focuses on advancing and developing as a world-class center for multidisciplinary education and research, particularly in a post-pandemic, knowledge-based digital society with an aging population. Kobe University actively promotes collaborations with industry and local governments, aiming to contribute to resolving global issues, including the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kobe University supports its students through various programs, including tuition fee exemptions for those with financial difficulties who meet specific requirements. It also provides information and assistance with housing, offering university residential facilities and connecting students with affiliated international dormitories and private housing options. The university continually strives to offer a diverse and inclusive environment, enriching the academic and personal growth of its student body.

Why study here

Access to a comprehensive university with 11 faculties and 14 graduate schools, covering a wide range of disciplines.
An educational philosophy that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Emphasis on diversity, internationality, excellence, and flexibility to prepare students for a changing global landscape.
Opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and co-create knowledge with society.
Support programs such as tuition fee exemptions for eligible students.
Located in Kobe, a city with an international and pioneering culture.

Student life

Kobe University aims to provide a rich and supportive campus life for its students. Beyond academics, students can engage in various extracurricular activities and make use of campus facilities such as cafeterias and shops. The university provides comprehensive support for international students, including housing information for university dormitories, affiliated international dormitories, and guidance on private and public housing. While the university does not act as an institutional guarantor for private housing, it provides information on using private guarantor companies and continues existing guarantor contracts. Resources such as the Medical Center for Student Health and various libraries are also available. Social media channels, primarily in Japanese, keep students informed about campus news and events.

Fees

InternationalUndergraduate and graduate tuition fees are ¥535,800 per year. The entrance examination fee for undergraduates is ¥17,000, and for graduates, it is ¥30,000. The admission fee is ¥282,000. Research students pay an entrance examination fee of ¥9,800, an admission fee of ¥84,600, and a monthly tuition fee of ¥29,700.

HomeDomestic students pay the same standard national-university tuition of ¥535,800 per year.

LivingLiving costs in Kobe, including accommodation, food and transport, are estimated at roughly ¥900,000 to ¥1,200,000 per year; university and affiliated dormitories help reduce expenses.

Kobe University offers an Admission Fee Exemption and Deferment Program and a Tuition Fee Exemption Program for regular undergraduate and graduate students who face financial difficulties and meet specific application requirements.

Admissions

UndergraduateCompletion of 12 years of schooling or equivalent; faculty-specific entrance examination or the international undergraduate admission process.

GraduateRelevant bachelor's or master's degree, research plan and faculty approval, plus required entrance examination or screening.

LanguageJapanese-taught programmes require JLPT proficiency; English-taught programmes require proof of English ability.

TOEFL iBT80

IELTS6.0

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026482

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025351-400

University scholarships

Admission Fee Exemption and Deferment Program—

Tuition Fee Exemption Program—

MEXT and JASSO scholarships—

Accreditation

Kobe University undergoes certified evaluation and accreditation, ensuring the quality and standards of its education and research.

Programs

a selection

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Kobe University · Japan

Civil Engineering

The Department of Civil Engineering at Kobe University focuses on creating safe and sustainable urban and regional systems that coexist with the environment. This field is crucial for constructing and maintaining essential social infrastructure, protecting communities from natural and social disasters, and managing city facilities throughout their lifecycle. The department aims to develop students into specialists with broad academic knowledge and practical skills, capable of contributing to public service at local or global levels. Students will gain a deep understanding of safety and environmental challenges in modern society, with study areas encompassing disaster prevention, environmental assessment, infrastructure management, and structural design.

Scholarships

for Japan

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full funding

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)

GRIPS Fully Funded Scholarships (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)

Open to international students applying to GRIPS master's and PhD policy programs taught in English. Master's and five-year PhD applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent; three-year PhD applicants need a master's degree or equivalent. Specific scholarships (MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, JICA, Japan-IMF) each carry their own nationality, age and work-experience conditions tied to the program selected.

National Institute of Genetics (NIG)

NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)

Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will obtain it before the start date) and have the research skills to pursue a genetics project. Applicants who were previously enrolled at NIG as postdocs, technical staff or SOKENDAI graduate students are not eligible.

Nishimura Foundation Japan International Scholarship

Open to Indonesian citizens who are graduates of UGM, ITB, UI or UNAIR and who will apply for S1 (undergraduate), S2 (master's) or S3 (doctoral) study at an eligible Japanese university. Applicants must self-fund their study programme (the scholarship covers living expenses, not tuition), meet the minimum GPA (3.0 for undergraduate, 3.5 for master's), demonstrate financial need, and have or be willing to learn Japanese with an interest in Japanese culture and Indonesia-Japan relations.

Osaka University (funded by MEXT, Japanese Government)

Osaka University MEXT Scholarship for Robotics and Bioengineering

Open to non-Japanese citizens with a strong academic background in a relevant field such as robotics, bioengineering or mechanical science, who meet the MEXT programme conditions, present a focused research proposal, and obtain a supporting supervisor at Osaka University before applying.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term Scholarships)

For young government officials and professionals from partner developing countries who are nominated/selected through their country's JICA programme (such as JDS) to pursue a master's (and some doctoral) degree in Japan. Applicants apply through the in-country JICA/JDS process during the partner country's call.

Kyoto University (funded by the Bai Xian Asia Institute)

Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Kyoto University

Citizens of eligible Asian countries who meet Kyoto University's academic and admission requirements, are committed to completing the two-year programme and participating in AFLSP leadership activities, and are admitted to a qualifying undergraduate programme. Open to students of all academic disciplines.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Kobe University?

Undergraduate and graduate tuition fees are ¥535,800 per year. Additional fees include an entrance examination fee (¥17,000 for undergraduates, ¥30,000 for graduates) and an admission fee (¥282,000 for undergraduates and graduates).

Does Kobe University offer financial assistance for international students?

Yes, Kobe University offers an Admission Fee Exemption and Deferment Program and a Tuition Fee Exemption Program for regular undergraduate and graduate students facing financial difficulties who meet specific application requirements.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Kobe?

Living costs in Kobe, including accommodation, food, and transport, are estimated to be between ¥900,000 and ¥1,200,000 per year. University and affiliated dormitories can help reduce these expenses.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for English-taught programs?

For English-taught programs, students typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.0. Proficiency in Japanese is required for Japanese-taught programs (JLPT).

What are the general admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs?

Undergraduate admission requires completion of 12 years of schooling or equivalent, plus a faculty-specific entrance examination or the international undergraduate admission process. Graduate admission requires a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, a research plan, and faculty approval, along with an entrance examination or screening.

Last updated 3 July 2026