Kyushu Sangyo University in Fukuoka: A Practical Guide for International Applicants

Thinking about Japan for college or grad school—but not sure where to start? Kyushu Sangyo University (KSU) in Fukuoka offers a practical, career‑oriented education with strong links to local industry and a lively student life in one of Japan’s most livable cities. This guide gives you a clear, no‑nonsense overview—key facts, programs that stand out (like the Global Leadership Program with Stanford SPICE), support for international students, climate and cost‑of‑living notes, and career outcomes—so you can quickly tell if KSU fits your goals.

Quick‑Facts Table

Core figures come from KSU’s official English pages and payment tables; when only Japanese is available, we reference the university’s Japanese pages. Links are included for verification (open in a new tab).

Type	Private University (4-year)
Total Students	10,460 total (as of May 1, 2024): Undergrad 10,283; Graduate 177. Official “Number of Students and Alumni” Note: Zokei Junior College (separate) has 305 students. Source
Campuses	Main Campus: Matsukadai (Higashi-ku, Fukuoka) — 2-3-1 Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 813-8503. Access Map
Faculties / Schools	International Studies of Culture; Human Sciences; Economics; Commerce; Collaborative Regional Development; Science & Engineering; Life Science; Architecture & Civil Engineering; Art & Design; plus Graduate Schools. Faculties & Graduate Schools (EN)
Studiengebühren	First-year total (“年額” incl. entrance & association fees; 2025): • Economics / Commerce / Collaborative Regional Development / International Studies / Human Sciences (Clinical Psychology): ¥1,115,900 • Human Sciences (Childhood Education): ¥1,275,900; (Sport Science & Health): ¥1,455,900 • Science & Engineering: ¥1,605,900 • Life Science: ¥1,625,900 • Architecture & Civil Engineering: ¥1,585,900 • Art & Design: ¥1,695,900 Current Student Fees (EN) | 2025 Undergraduate Fees (PDF)
Gender Ratio	Undergrad: M 6,812 / F 3,471 (≈66% : 34%), as of May 1, 2024. Source
Intl-Student %	269 international students (May 1, 2025) ⇒ ≈2.6% of total (269 ÷ 10,460). Official breakdown (JP) | Total students (EN)
Students per Staff	≈28.3 : 1 (10,460 students ÷ 370 full-time faculty; as of May 1, 2024). Data source (students & faculty)

Campus Maps

Matsukadai (Main) Campus — Headquarters

Address: 2-3-1 Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 813-8503, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

KSU began in 1960 with a practical mandate—“Unification of Industry and Academia”—that still shapes how students learn today. The founding idea is simple: academic learning should connect tightly with real‑world needs. This philosophy shows up in cross‑faculty programs, industry partnerships, and a campus culture that treats employability as part of education, not an afterthought. You can see this in KSU’s official statement of ideals and mid‑term vision toward the 100th anniversary. Founding philosophy & About KSU (EN)

Over six decades, KSU grew from a commerce‑focused institution into a comprehensive university that integrates humanities, sciences, and arts. The official history outlines key milestones—new faculties, departments, and graduate programs—illustrating a steady expansion into engineering, life sciences, architecture and civil engineering, and a well‑known Faculty of Art & Design. History (EN)

Facilities support this hands‑on mission. Beyond a large central library, KSU runs specialized centers like the Advanced Instruments Center for high‑end research equipment and the Language Education and Research Center for intensive language training (including small‑group English taught by both native and Japanese instructors). Advanced Instruments Center (EN) | Language Education & Research Center (EN) | Facilities overview (EN)

KSU is also evaluated through Japan’s accreditation framework (JUAA). If you need details for school counselors or parents, refer to the publicly available JUAA documents. JUAA certified evaluation (PDF)

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Career‑Focused Education & Strong Employment Support

KSU’s Career Support Center offers structured guidance from the first year—resume help, mock interviews, and regular employer events—with clear publication of outcomes by faculty. For example, the “Employment Results of KSU Alumni who Graduated in March 2024 (as of May 1, 2024)” are listed on the official site. Careers after Graduation (EN)

Advanced Instruments Center: Hands‑on Research Infrastructure

From material analysis to imaging and testing, the Advanced Instruments Center gives undergrads and graduate students access to equipment typically concentrated at larger national schools—helpful if you’re aiming for research in engineering, life science, or applied design. Center details (EN)

Global Leadership Program (GLP) & Stanford SPICE Collaboration

KSU runs a cross‑faculty Global Leadership Program that includes the Stanford SPICE “Stanford e‑KyuSan‑U” component focusing on Diversity, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship—taught in English with guest speakers. It’s one of the programs that gives KSU a distinctive global edge among private regional universities. GLP overview (KSU) | SPICE news (Stanford)

Language Education & Research Center (LERC)

All students take English with small‑group instruction mapped to skill level; there are CALL rooms, LL rooms, and a self‑study LL library. The center also runs TOEIC and other language seminars. LERC (EN)

Flagship Faculties (examples)

Art & Design

KSU’s Faculty of Art & Design is widely recognized in Kyushu, blending traditional craft with contemporary media. Students benefit from specialized galleries and workshops. Facilities index (EN)

Science & Engineering

Engineering fields are supported by the Advanced Instruments Center and computing facilities, with applied projects that tie into local industry needs—useful for internships and first jobs. Advanced Instruments Center (EN)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Student‑run circles welcome overseas students—great for language exchange and culture. Browse the latest list (Japanese): Clubs & Circles

Dedicated Support (visa, housing, counseling)

The Center for International Affairs (CIA) centralizes immigration paperwork, dorm guidance, and daily‑life help. Start here for procedures: Visa & public procedures (CIA). For on‑campus counseling, refer to KSU’s official page: Counseling & Psychological Services Center

Language‑Exchange & Buddy‑Style Support

KSU’s international offices and LERC often promote peer‑learning and conversation practice opportunities—check announcements via CIA and campus centers. CIA portal | LERC

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

If you want an outward path from KSU, look at the menu under “Study Abroad & International Exchange”: Global Leadership Program, exchange/certified study abroad, and international exchange agreements. Study Abroad & International Exchange | Study Abroad Support | International Exchange Agreements

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Fukuoka)

Fukuoka has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Based on Japan Meteorological Agency observations (Fukuoka station), recent years show peak summer highs in the low‑to‑mid‑30s °C (August) and winter lows near a few °C (January). Check monthly summaries and recent temperatures here: JMA monthly stats (Fukuoka)

Living support: The city and its international foundation publish clear English guidance on residency, healthcare, taxes, and daily life—with free interpretation access points. Fukuoka City: International Student Support | FCIF “Living in Fukuoka”

Cost of living: Typical student living expenses will vary by housing and lifestyle; Japan‑wide guidance is here: japan‑guide: Cost of living. For local travel and culture ideas, see the prefecture’s official English guide: VISIT FUKUOKA (official)

International Student Statistics

KSU’s Center for International Affairs publishes the latest tally and regional breakdowns of international students (country/region composition). Use this as your primary reference when you need current counts: International student breakdown (official)

Career & Graduate Prospects

Students benefit from early career education, internships, and individual advising; outcome tables show strong placement across Kyushu and the rest of Japan. For details (including faculty‑level counts and regional breakdowns), see KSU’s official English page: Careers after Graduation (EN)

Sources & Further Reading

• KSU English portal | Number of Students & Alumni | History | Access Map | Facilities & Institutes
• 2025 undergraduate tuition/fees (PDF) | Current Student Fees (EN)
• GLP (KSU) | Stanford SPICE article
• International student stats (CIA) | Procedures (CIA)
• JMA Fukuoka monthly climate | VISIT FUKUOKA (prefecture) | FCIF “Living in Fukuoka” | Cost of living in Japan