Considering Japan as your next study destination? Kochi University (KU) offers a rare mix of ocean-focused science, human-scale teaching, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle on Shikoku island. This guide gives you the essentials—program strengths, support for international students, exchange options, living costs, climate, and career pathways—so you can quickly judge if KU suits your goals. We’ve linked to official pages throughout (in English) and kept the tone straightforward and practical.
Quick Facts (Kochi University)
| Type (National/Public) | National university; member of JANU. Official JANU pamphlet (EN, PDF) |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 5,455 total = 4,945 undergraduates + 510 graduates (as of May 1, 2024). NIAD University Portraits (JP) |
| Campuses | Asakura (Main), Monobe, Oko. (Campus assignment for exchange students is explained here.) Exchange Students |
| Faculties / Schools | Humanities & Social Sciences; Education; Science & Technology; Agriculture & Marine Sciences; Regional Collaboration; Medical School (+ TOSA Innovative Human Development Programs). Official list (EN) |
| Tasas de matrícula | Undergrad/Grad: ¥535,800 / year; Enrollment fee: ¥282,000; Exam fee: ¥17,000 (UG) / ¥30,000 (Grad). Non-degree research: ¥29,700 / month; Auditors: ¥14,800 / credit; Enrollment fee (non-degree): ¥28,200. Enrollment & Tuition (EN) |
| Gender Ratio | 44% Female : 56% Male (THE 2025 snapshot). THE profile |
| Intl-Student % | ≈ 2.1% (reference: 114 international students as of May 1, 2025, incl. research students, vs. ~5,455 total in 2024). International Students (JP, PDF) ・ Total enrollment (JP) ・ THE lists 1% by its methodology. THE profile |
| Students per Staff | 8.4 : 1 (THE, 2025). For context: full-time academic staff (本務者) 633 (May 1, 2024). THE profile ・ NIAD Portraits (JP) |
| For Exchange | 66 university-level partner agreements (as of May 1, 2025); faculty-level agreements also exist. Start here: Exchange Students ・ International Students’ Guidebook (EN, PDF) ・ Partner list (JP, PDF) |
Campus Maps
Asakura Campus (Kochi City)
Address: 2-5-1 Akebono-cho, Kochi-shi, Kochi 780-8520, Japan
Oko Campus (Nankoku, Kochi)
Address: Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku-shi, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
Monobe Campus (Nankoku, Kochi)
Address: 200 Monobe Otsu, Nankoku-shi, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Kochi University describes its mission as “from Regionality to Globality and from Globality to Regionality,” reflecting a commitment to solve local challenges (coastal resilience, medical access, sustainable fisheries) while contributing to global knowledge. The official English mission page lays out principles and objectives around comprehensive education, regional collaboration, and internationalization. Mission Statement (English)
Formally established in 1949 (with roots stretching back to the 19th century normal school), KU is one of Japan’s national (public) universities. As a national university, it is part of the framework coordinated through JANU. JANU overview (English, PDF)
KU’s development mirrors Kochi Prefecture’s geography: mountains to the north, the Pacific to the south. That setting shaped priorities in ocean science (especially core drilling and marine biology), disaster risk reduction (the Nankai Trough is nearby), agriculture and forestry (Shikoku’s rich landscapes), and regional health (the Medical School at Oko campus). International exchange has long been a feature, aligned to Asia-Pacific collaboration and service learning. You can browse the English portal for programs and admissions. International Exchange – Official Portal
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Ocean & Earth Drilling Science: MaCRI & the Kochi Core Center
Kochi hosts the Marine Core Research Institute (MaCRI) and the Kochi Core Center (KCC), one of only three IODP core repositories worldwide. Researchers analyze marine sediment cores to understand climate history, subseafloor life, and marine mineral resources—an unusual resource environment for a comprehensive university.
Learn about MaCRI’s mission and activities here: About MaCRI (English) ・ KCC’s repository overview: Kochi Core Center ・ External registry profile: re3data entry (KCC)
Flagship Field: Agriculture & Marine Sciences
KU’s Faculty of Agriculture & Marine Sciences integrates forests, fields, rivers, and sea—ideal for sustainability, aquaculture, and food systems. English overview is available here: Agriculture & Marine Sciences (English)
Disaster & Regional Resilience
Kochi Prefecture’s exposure to typhoons and the Nankai Trough motivates hands-on education in disaster risk reduction, community collaboration, and environmental science—reflected in KU’s mission. Mission Statement (English)
Human‑Scale Teaching & Student Support
Compared with megacity campuses, classes tend to be smaller and faculty access more direct. For a quick ratio snapshot, see KU’s THE page. For practical support—visa, housing, scholarships—consult KU’s English Guidebook for International Students. Guidebook (PDF)
Medicine & Clinical Innovation
The Medical School at Oko campus operates its own teaching hospital and translational centers. Explore the hospital page and the Center for Innovative and Translational Medicine (CITM) for clinical exposure and research pathways. Teaching Hospital (English) ・ CITM (English) ・ Medical School (overview): KU Medical (English)
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles
You’ll find music, sports, outdoor, and culture circles that welcome overseas students. The International Exchange pages and campus posters/social media lists are the best discovery channels. International Exchange Portal
Support Offices (Visa / Housing / Counseling)
Visa status, arrival steps, health insurance, and campus life basics are summarized in KU’s English Guidebook for International Students. Guidebook (PDF)
Language-Exchange & Buddy Programs
Look for buddy schemes, Japanese classes, and conversation events promoted by KU’s Global Education and Advancement Support Center (GEASC) and the International Office. International Exchange Portal
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound‑focused)
KU’s Global Education and Advancement Support Center coordinates outgoing study-abroad, language programs, and overseas research exchanges for KU students. GEASC (English)
SUIJI Consortium (Shikoku–Indonesia)
KU works with Ehime and Kagawa Universities in Japan and with Gadjah Mada, IPB University (Bogor), and Hasanuddin University in Indonesia through the “SUIJI” consortium. Service-Learning Programs (SLP) rotate between rural communities in both countries.
See background and examples: Ehime Univ. SUIJI page ・ Recent activity (IPB): IPB news (2025) ・ KU historical topics: Third SUIJI Seminar (2013)
Medical School Exchanges
KU Medical lists overseas partner schools and welcomes special auditing/research students via agreements. Start here: Medical partner schools ・ For prospective international students (KMS)
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Kochi has warm, humid summers and mild winters, with abundant rainfall year‑round. Over the last several years, typical highs range from the low teens °C in winter to high 20s/low 30s °C in summer; lows range from single digits °C in winter to low 20s °C in summer. For month‑by‑month tables (1991‑2020 normals) and station‑level data, check Japan Meteorological Agency resources and recent observational summaries.
Data resources: JMA monthly statistics index: Tables of Monthly Climate Statistics (JMA) ・ Visualization (third‑party): WeatherSpark
Lifestyle highlights: ocean scenery, fresh produce (yuzu, katsuo/bonito), and a friendly mid‑size city vibe that’s more affordable than Tokyo or Osaka. For practical living and safety information, start at KU’s International portal and the Guidebook. International Exchange ・ Guidebook (PDF)
International Student Statistics
The international share varies by year and faculty. For a quick external snapshot (methodology differs from official counts), see KU’s profile on THE. THE profile
Career & Graduate Prospects
Graduates head into regional industries (agri‑food, marine, forestry, tourism), public service, teaching, IT/engineering, and healthcare. Research‑oriented students can leverage MaCRI/KCC for earth & ocean science careers, or CITM/hospital networks for clinical and biomedical paths. See: Kochi Core Center ・ MaCRI (English) ・ CITM ・ Teaching Hospital
Useful Links (Official)
- Kochi University – International (English): https://www.kochi-u.ac.jp/international/english/
- Mission (English): https://www.kochi-u.ac.jp/english/about/mission.html
- Tuition & Fees (English): https://www.kochi-u.ac.jp/international/english/prospective-students/tuition.html
- Guidebook (English, PDF): https://www.kochi-u.ac.jp/_files/00496087/tebiki2024.pdf
- MaCRI (English): https://www.kochi-u.ac.jp/marine-core/en/
- Kochi Core Center (KCC): https://www.kochi-core.jp/en/
- THE profile: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/kochi-university
- JMA Climate tables: https://www.data.jma.go.jp/stats/data/en/smp/index.html
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