Konan Women’s University: Admissions, Programs, Tuition, Student Life & Study-Abroad Guide

Thinking about studying in Japan, but still comparing options? Konan Women’s University (KWU) in Kobe is a focused, student‑centered institution that blends liberal arts foundations with strong professional programs like Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Nutrition. Set in a safe, coastal city with easy access to Osaka and Kyoto, KWU offers small classes, supportive faculty, and hands‑on global experiences. This guide covers key facts, distinctive strengths, campus life for international students, exchange pathways, climate and lifestyle, and graduate outcomes—so you can quickly tell if KWU could be a great fit for your goals.

Quick‑Facts Table

Campus Maps

Headquarters / Main Campus (Higashinada, Kobe)

Address: 2-23, 6 Chome, Morikita-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0001, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Konan Women’s University (KWU) belongs to the century‑old Konan Women’s Academy, founded in 1920 under the leadership of Yakichi Ataka, an industrialist who championed education for women. Over the decades, the academy grew from the original girls’ high school into a comprehensive organization with junior high, senior high, and—since 1964—the university, which anchors higher learning within the academy. KWU’s mission is easy to recognize across campus life: to cultivate “sincere individuals” through whole‑person education, independence and creativity (“self‑learning”), and a cosmopolitan spirit anchored in service to society. The school motto—Purity, Truth, Kindness, Strength—still appears on signage and in program charters and is echoed in student support policies and co‑curricular programs. For a quick dive into origins and milestones, see the official timeline and philosophy pages: History & milestones et Educational philosophy.

Today the university’s faculties span humanities and the applied health sciences, with small class sizes and close faculty guidance. That culture of mentorship is supported structurally—KWU’s students‑per‑faculty index is in the low 20s university‑wide—enabling discussion‑heavy seminars and targeted supervision during internships and research projects (see students per teacher). The campus sits in Higashinada, Kobe—quiet, residential, and well connected by rail—so students enjoy a safe learning environment near major urban hubs.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Internationally Oriented Learning

KWU’s global education system mixes exchange, certified (fee‑paying) study‑abroad, short‑term training, language intensives, and on‑campus internationalization. Start with the portfolio overview: Study‑abroad options, and the current list of destinations: Destinations line‑up. Dedicated support covers pre‑departure guidance, 24/7 risk management coordination during study, and re‑entry learning (Support for outbound students).

Signature Faculty: Global Studies

The Faculty of Global Studies—home to majors such as International English and Multicultural Communication—integrates language mastery with area studies and practical projects. Curricula emphasize intercultural teamwork, fieldwork, and presentation skills that translate well into tourism, media, NGOs, and global business. Explore all faculties and majors here: Faculties & Graduate Schools.

Health & Human Sciences Edge

KWU’s applied health programs—Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Medical Nutrition—offer lab‑rich training and structured clinical exposure. Students combine simulation practice with supervised placements, then build career pathways through department‑led advising and exam prep. The result is strong outcomes for licensure and employment (see “Career & Graduate Prospects” below).

Personalized Teaching (Small Classes)

Small seminar sizes and a 23.2:1 students‑per‑faculty ratio enable meaningful feedback, office‑hour coaching, and research supervision—especially valuable for capstones and graduate‑school applicants. Source (PDF): Students per teacher 2025.

Scholarships that Support Mobility

For outbound mobility, KWU offers internal awards (e.g., semester study‑abroad scholarships) and publicizes external options. Start with the internal study‑abroad scholarship page: Scholarships for study abroad. For degree‑seeking international students on campus, see tuition reduction and postgraduate awards: Scholarships for international students et Scholarships (admissions).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that Welcome Overseas Students

From language exchange and culture circles to performance and community service, KWU student groups offer low‑pressure ways to meet friends and practice Japanese. Many circles are beginner‑friendly and collaborate with international students during festivals and seasonal events.

Dedicated Support: Visa, Housing, Counseling

KWU’s International Exchange Division guides CoE/visa procedures, resident registration, health insurance, and dorm referrals, with ongoing counseling after arrival. See the official portal: Support for international students and the practical International Student Life Guide (PDF).

Language‑Exchange & Buddy‑Style Practice

Informal conversation meetups and course‑embedded projects with Global Studies majors help you build Japanese (and English) rapidly. Many classes mix international themes with presentation and discussion tasks—ideal for improving academic communication.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

KWU runs both exchange (tuition waived at host) and certified programs (tuition paid to host), plus short‑term overseas training. Start with the overview: Study‑abroad options, and see current destinations: Destination line‑up. Program details for exchange/certified options appear here: Exchange & certified programs. In July 2025, KWU also announced a new inter‑university agreement for outbound study with La Trobe University (Australia): official news.

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Kobe)

Kobe’s climate is temperate. Winters are generally mild (typical daily lows/highs ~5–10 °C), while summers are warm and humid (lows/highs ~24–32 °C). Rain peaks in early summer and late summer/typhoon season. For up‑to‑date monthly normals and recent observations at Kobe (WMO 47770), use the Japan Meteorological Agency’s monthly tables: JMA climate tables (Kobe). Daily life near campus is convenient: supermarkets, cafés, clinics, and train stations are within walking distance; Osaka and Kyoto are easy day trips.

International Student Statistics

KWU hosts a modest but diverse international community each year. Numbers fluctuate as exchange cohorts rotate, but support services cover visas, housing, health insurance, and campus integration for both degree‑seekers and exchange students (International Student Support). Tuition reductions and scholarships are available to qualifying international students (scholarships for international students).

Career & Graduate Prospects

KWU reports consistently high outcomes—near full employment rates overall, with strong placement in education, healthcare, public service, IT/services, and regional industries. For the latest data (Class of 2024 reporting), see the university’s dashboard: Career data & employment outcomes. Faculty‑specific advising, internship pipelines, certification prep, and alumni networking make the transition to work smoother. Graduate school progression is active in psychology, humanities, and health fields.