Thinking about studying education in Japan? Hyogo University of Teacher Education (HUTE) is a specialized national university for future teachers and education researchers. Located in Katō City, Hyogo—about an hour from Osaka or Kobe—HUTE blends practical classroom training with research-driven pedagogy and a welcoming campus community. This guide introduces HUTE’s mission, academic strengths, student life, exchange options, local climate and cost-of-living—backed by official sources to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your study-abroad goals.


Quick Facts
Type | National (Public) — Founded 1978 JPCUP overview (EN) |
Total Students | 1,497 (as of May 1, 2024) — breakdown: UG 675, Graduate (Master’s+Professional) 638, Joint Ph.D. 184 HUTE “Summary” (EN) / UG data (JPCUP) / Graduate data (JPCUP) / Joint Ph.D. data (JPCUP) |
Campuses | 2 — Katō (Main), Kobe (Graduate/Satellite) JPCUP overview (EN) |
Faculties/Schools | 3 — Faculty of School Education (UG) (EN); Graduate School of Education (Master’s & Professional Degree) (EN); Joint Graduate School (Ph.D.) in Science of School Education (EN) |
Studiengebühren | Admission fee ¥282,000 (one-time); Annual tuition ¥535,800 (national standard, UG/Grad/Ph.D.) Source (UG) / Source (Grad) / Source (Ph.D.) |
Gender Ratio | N/A (not published as consolidated student data in EN); program-level datasets available via JPCUP |
Intl-Student % | ≈ 1.7% (THE dataset for 2018; latest official per-program counts via JPCUP) THE profile (EN) |
Students per Staff | ≈ 4.93 : 1 (1,497 students / 304 teaching staff; May 2024) HUTE “Summary” (EN) |
Campus Maps
Map embeds will be added here later. For now, see HUTE’s access and maps page: Access & Campus Map (EN).
Kato (Main) Campus — Hyogo
Address: 942-1 Shimokume, Kato City, Hyogo 673-1494, Japan
Kobe Campus (Shin-Nagata)
Address: Shin-Nagata Campus Plaza, 5-2-1 Udezuka-cho, Nagata Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo 653-0036, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Hyogo University of Teacher Education (HUTE) opened in October 1978 with a clear purpose: to be a “university for teachers,” integrating educational theory with real classroom practice. Today, it houses three pillars—(1) the Faculty of School Education (undergraduate), (2) the Graduate School of Education (master’s and professional degree), and (3) the Joint Graduate School (Ph.D.) in Science of School Education operated with five partner institutions. The Ph.D. consortium—led by HUTE with Joetsu University of Education, Gifu University, Shiga University, Okayama University, and Naruto University of Education—focuses on practice-based research that directly improves teaching and learning in schools. HUTE “Summary” (EN) / Missions & Visions / Admissions/Curriculum/Diploma Policy
HUTE’s founding philosophy centers on the “science of school education”—bridging research and hands-on pedagogy. In 2008, the Graduate School of Education launched a Professional Degree Program to cultivate leaders who can reform schools through evidence-based practice. As of May 2024, HUTE reports 1,497 formally registered students and 304 teaching staff across its programs, anchoring a student-centered learning environment with close faculty mentorship. Official Summary (EN)
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Practice‑Driven Teacher Education
HUTE specializes exclusively in education, with curricula designed to prepare effective classroom teachers. The Faculty of School Education emphasizes practical training alongside subject knowledge, while the Graduate School equips in‑service teachers and aspiring leaders with advanced, school‑based research skills. Features of HUTE (EN) / JPCUP—Faculty / JPCUP—Graduate
Joint Graduate School (Ph.D.) in Science of School Education
HUTE’s doctoral program is a six‑university consortium that advances practice‑based research across subject instruction, curriculum, and school improvement. Doctoral candidates engage with research projects that address real issues in classrooms, often in partnership with local schools and boards of education. JPCUP—Joint Ph.D. (EN) / Joint Ph.D. policy (EN) / Partner stats (EN)
Student‑Focused Campus with Housing
HUTE’s 40‑hectare campus offers student housing (single rooms and family units), an International House for exchange, sports facilities, and plentiful parking—conveniences that make campus life practical and affordable. International House fees for students are posted publicly (e.g., single unit ¥4,700/month). Campus features / International House outline / Fees
Industry Collaboration & Digital Teaching
HUTE partners with industry to modernize teacher training. A 2023 press release from Daiwabo Information System (DIS) describes a comprehensive agreement with HUTE to advance educational ICT as part of the national “Teacher Training Flagship University” initiative led by MEXT. DIS x HUTE (EN)
Global Profile & Rankings Snapshot
As a specialized national university in teacher education, HUTE appears as a profile page in Times Higher Education’s database and as a “reporter” in some regional rankings cycles, but its core reputation is built on teacher preparation and practice‑based research rather than general‑purpose global rankings. THE profile
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles
From sports to culture and volunteer activities, HUTE circles welcome international participants. Many students live on or near campus, making it easy to join weekday activities and weekend events. For a feel of campus life, see HUTE’s short video: Campus Life for International Exchange Students.
Dedicated Support (Visa, Housing, Counselling)
HUTE provides guidance on residence procedures, housing, and daily life. International House pages outline application, fees, and rules; the International Exchange section centralizes info for inbound/outbound mobility. International Exchange (EN) / International House outline
Language Exchange & Buddy Programs
Language practice is part of everyday life in Katō. Students typically find tandem partners through classes, clubs, or international exchange activities organized by campus offices and local associations. The International Exchange section lists partner institutions and past activities. See programs
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
HUTE maintains partnerships across Asia, Europe, and North America—historically including Vanderbilt University (Peabody), University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, University of Helsinki, University of London (IOE), and many teacher‑training universities in Korea, Taiwan, and China. Outbound opportunities are coordinated through HUTE’s International Exchange pages; requirements and formats differ by destination and program. Partners & Exchange (EN)
If you’re targeting graduate research mobility, check the Joint Graduate School network and laboratory fit well ahead of deadlines. Faculty and research areas are introduced across HUTE’s English pages and JPCUP profiles. Joint Ph.D. (EN)
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Hyogo’s inland climate around Katō brings warm, humid summers and cool winters. To plan housing and clothing, use Japan Meteorological Agency climate tables (1991–2020 normals) as a baseline, while staying aware of recent heat trends. JMA Climate Data (EN). For news context on recent summers: Japan sets record temperatures (The Star).
Cost of living varies by lifestyle; many students compare nearby Kobe for shopping and part‑time work while living in Katō for affordability. Reference crowd‑sourced benchmarks here: Numbeo: Kobe. For local services (in English), Katō City publishes a helpful living guide (PDF). Katō Living Guide (EN)
International Student Statistics
International enrollment at HUTE is concentrated at the graduate level and within the Joint Graduate School network. For breakdowns by country/region and program level, see the Joint Graduate School statistics maintained by Naruto University of Education (a consortium member). Consortium stats (EN)
Career & Graduate Prospects
HUTE’s programs are designed for teacher licensure and leadership pathways in Japanese schools. Many undergraduates aim for elementary school teaching posts, while graduate students include in‑service teachers upskilling toward school leadership or specialist roles. For official program outcomes, policies, and contact points, start here: Admissions/Curriculum/Diploma Policy / JPCUP—Faculty (employability data)