In short
Kyushu University is a top-ranked Japanese research institution offering many English-taught programs in the affordable and vibrant city of Fukuoka. It provides excellent opportunities for international students, including various scholarship options.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1911
- Students
- 18,560
- International students
- 2,800
- Acceptance rate
- 40%
- Tuition (intl)
- €5–5k/yr
- Languages
- EN, JA, RU
- Location
- Fukuoka, Japan
Kyushu University, established in 1911 as Japan's fourth Imperial University, is a leading public research institution in Fukuoka, Kyushu. It consistently ranks among Japan's top seven universities and holds a QS World ranking of approximately 170. The university offers comprehensive programmes across science, engineering, medicine, humanities, agriculture, and design, with over 60 entirely English-taught graduate programmes and a dedicated undergraduate school for international students (ISEE). Fukuoka's affordable living, international connectivity, and quality of life make Kyushu University an increasingly popular destination for students from across Asia and beyond.
Why study here
- One of Japan's top-ranked universities (QS ~170 globally) with Imperial University heritage and world-class research output.
- Over 60 English-taught graduate programmes enabling study without Japanese language proficiency.
- Dedicated undergraduate programme (ISEE) designed specifically for international students.
- Located in Fukuoka — one of Asia's most livable, affordable, and internationally connected cities.
- MEXT government scholarships available, covering tuition and living costs for eligible international students.
Student life
Student life at Kyushu University spans multiple campuses in Fukuoka. The Ito Campus, one of Japan's largest at 272 hectares, houses most faculties and student facilities. Clubs, cultural events, and international exchange programmes create a lively community. Fukuoka offers excellent public transport, world-renowned food culture (ramen, hakata cuisine), affordable housing, and proximity to beaches and mountains. The International Student Center provides housing guidance, cultural orientation, and academic support.
Fees
InternationalApproximately ¥535,800 per year (around €4,900–€5,200 at typical exchange rates) — same as domestic rate for national universities in Japan.
HomeSame rate as international: approximately ¥535,800 per year.
LivingApproximately ¥80,000–¥120,000 per month in Fukuoka (around €650–€1,000), significantly cheaper than Tokyo.
Japanese national university tuition is standardised by the Ministry of Education. MEXT scholarships can cover full tuition and a monthly stipend. Application fees (入学料) of approximately ¥282,000 also apply upon enrolment.
Admissions
Undergraduate (ISEE)Online application October–January; standardised test scores (SAT/ACT or equivalent) required; all courses in English
Graduate programmesContact individual graduate school; typically requires a bachelor's degree and a letter of intent; some programmes require contact with a faculty supervisor before applying
Japanese language requirementNot required for English-taught programmes; JLPT N2+ recommended for Japanese-medium tracks
IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 depending on programme
TOEFL iBT72–79 depending on programme
TOEIC700+ for some programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings~170 globally
Times Higher EducationTop 200 globally
National ranking (Japan)~7th among Japanese universities
University scholarships
MEXT Japanese Government ScholarshipFull tuition + ¥117,000–¥145,000/month stipend
JASSO Study Abroad Support Scholarship¥48,000/month for short-term exchange students
Kyushu University International Student ScholarshipPartial tuition exemption for academically excellent students
Accreditation
Kyushu University is a national university corporation under the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Its degrees are nationally recognised, and the university is a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and other international academic networks.
Programs
a selectionKyushu University · Japan
Experimental Nuclear Physics
This program focuses on the experimental study of nuclear and hadron many-body systems. Utilizing accelerators at Kyushu University, RIKEN, and RCNP, research explores fundamental aspects of nuclear matter. Key areas include the search for and characterization of superheavy elements, investigation of spin-isospin responses and nuclear medium effects in various nuclei, detailed spectroscopy of unstable nuclei, and advancements in low-energy nuclear physics through technical development with the Kyushu Tandem accelerator.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Kyushu University · Japan
Media Design Course, Graduate School of Design
The Media Design Course at Kyushu University's Graduate School of Design focuses on creating the future of media communication. It bridges people, sensibility and expression, sensation and space, and the virtual and real worlds. The program is structured around four interdisciplinary fields: Media Sciences, Media Engineering, Media Expression, and Media Sociocultural Studies. Students will gain advanced critical thinking, creative, expressive, and analytical skills by studying visual science, psychology, technology, systems, content design, artistic expression, society, culture, and communication. The curriculum aims to harmonize cutting-edge scientific and technical knowledge with aesthetic sensitivity, preparing students for innovative roles in media design.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Kyushu University · Japan
Probability Theory and its Applications
This program focuses on Probability Theory and its Applications within Mathematical Sciences. It explores how probabilistic methods can be applied to understand and solve problems across various fields, even those that don't initially appear random. The research delves into fascinating areas, from unsolved mathematical conjectures like the Collatz problem and the Riemann hypothesis to practical applications such as deciphering coded messages using Markov chains.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Kyushu University · Japan
Theoretical Nuclear Physics
The Theoretical Nuclear Physics research group at Kyushu University aims to uncover the dynamics of many-body quantum systems, with a primary focus on atomic nuclei. We strive for accurate interpretations of experimental data by continuously refining our theoretical models to extract new physics from these complex quantum systems. Our group actively collaborates with both theoretical and experimental researchers globally. The core objective of theoretical nuclear physics is to understand the structure and transformations of composite particle systems made of protons and neutrons (nucleons). Even with known fundamental particles and interactions, predicting their collective behavior in nuclei presents significant challenges and opportunities for discovery. Research in this field is crucial for understanding stellar evolution, the creation of elements, and potential applications like nuclear waste transmutation.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Japan
full fundingNational 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.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNational 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.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
-25d left
Deadline
living only fundingNishimura Foundation
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.
living only
Funding
€22k
Max
Dec 10, 2026
Deadline
full fundingOsaka 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.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingJapan 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.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full fundingKyoto 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.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Apr 10, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the tuition fee for international students at Kyushu University?
+
International students pay approximately ¥535,800 per year, which is the same rate as domestic students for national universities in Japan. An application fee of approximately ¥282,000 also applies upon enrolment.
Does Kyushu University offer programmes taught entirely in English?
+
Yes, Kyushu University offers over 60 entirely English-taught graduate programmes. They also have a dedicated undergraduate school for international students (ISEE) with courses in English.
What are the living costs like in Fukuoka for students?
+
Living costs in Fukuoka are approximately ¥80,000–¥120,000 per month, which is significantly cheaper than living in Tokyo.
Are there scholarships available for international students at Kyushu University?
+
Yes, the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship is available, which can cover full tuition and a monthly stipend. Other scholarships like the JASSO Study Abroad Support Scholarship and Kyushu University International Student Scholarship are also offered.
What are the English proficiency requirements for admission?
+
For admission, you typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0–6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 72–79, depending on the specific programme. Some programmes may also accept TOEIC scores.
Last updated