Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that blends top-tier research with ocean views and a laid-back city vibe? Welcome to Kyushu University in Fukuoka—one of Japan’s leading national universities and a powerhouse in engineering, medicine, design, and sustainability. This guide breaks down what makes “Kyudai” special for international applicants: fast facts, standout programs, life on campus, partner schools, climate & lifestyle, outcomes, and more—backed by official sources you can trust.

Shiiki Hall at Kyushu University’s Ito Campus, a landmark auditorium with modern glass-and-steel facade
Shiiki Hall (Ito Campus) — The university’s 100th-anniversary auditorium and a signature venue for major ceremonies, concerts, and talks.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: そらみみ (Soramimi). License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kyushu University Central Library at Ito with expansive glass facade and plaza
Central Library (Ito Campus) — A flagship library designed to support the next century of research and learning at Kyushu University.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: そらみみ. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ito Library building at Kyushu University with clean modern lines
Ito Library (Science Library) — A key hub for STEM students and researchers on the Ito Campus.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: そらみみ. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kyushu University stone stele with Center buildings in the background at Ito Campus
University Name Stele & Center Buildings — A classic photo spot featuring the “Kyushu University” stone monument at Ito.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: そらみみ. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Wide view of the Center Zone and main entrance axis at Ito Campus
Center Zone & Main Entrance — The central axis of Ito Campus, lined with academic and administrative facilities.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: 新幹線. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kyushu University Hospital exterior with multiple wings and signage
Kyushu University Hospital — A leading teaching hospital and center for advanced clinical care and research.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: べる。一ALTima_三中. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tree-lined walkway and buildings at the former Hakozaki Campus of Kyushu University
Hakozaki Campus (former main campus) — A historic area of Kyushu University known for tree-lined paths and classic architecture.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: オレンジ０. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Historic former Faculty of Engineering main building at Hakozaki, brick-and-concrete style
Former Faculty of Engineering Main Building (Hakozaki) — An emblem of Kyushu University’s early modern architectural heritage.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: 新幹線. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Main gate area of Kyushu University’s Ohashi Campus, home to the Faculty of Design
Ohashi Campus (Faculty of Design) — Creative hub for design education and research at Kyushu University.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: Hot cake syrup; modified by Boweruk. License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
C-CUBE building at Kyushu University’s Chikushi Campus
C-CUBE (Chikushi Campus) — A recognizable facility on the university’s Chikushi Campus, home to advanced engineering and research.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: Hot cake syrup (watermark removal by Tamba52). License: CC BY-SA 3.0.

Quick-Facts Table

Type National (Public)
Total Students ≈ 18,801 (as of May 1, 2024) Facts & Figures
Campuses 4 main (Main: Ito (Fukuoka), plus Hospital [Maidashi], Chikushi, Ohashi); additional sites: Beppu, Hakozaki Satellite. Campus maps
Faculties / Schools Letters; Education; Law; Economics; Science; Medicine; Dentistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Engineering; Design; Agriculture; Interdisciplinary Science & Innovation (Full list)
Tuition Fees Undergrad/Grad ¥535,800 per year (standard national rate); enrollment/application fees separate. See Tuition & Fees.
Gender Ratio (UG sample) Varies by school (e.g., Engineering ≈ 83% M / 17% F, Letters ≈ 45% M / 55% F) Source
International Student % ≈ 14% (2,569 intl. students) Source
Students per Staff ~9:1 (approx. student‑to‑faculty ratio) Source

More snapshots and up-to-date numbers are compiled in the University’s Fact Book 2024 and the annual Vision 2030 Progress Report.

Campus Maps

Ito Campus (Main, Fukuoka)

Address: 744 Motooka, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan

Hospital (Maidashi) Campus

Address: 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan

Chikushi Campus (Kasuga)

Address: 6-1 Kasuga-koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan

Ohashi Campus (Minami Ward, Fukuoka)

Address: 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami Ward, Fukuoka 815-8540, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Kyushu University traces its roots to the Fukuoka Domain’s medical school (1867) and formally became Kyushu Imperial University in 1911. Today, it is a comprehensive national university recognized for world‑class research and education across STEM, medicine, and the arts—anchored by its Vision 2030 agenda and a consolidated main campus at Ito. See the official overview and historical profile for details: University Profile, At a Glance (2023), and the latest Fact Book 2024.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Ito: Japan’s Largest Single University Campus

Ito Campus sits on Fukuoka’s western coast with 2.72 million m² of space—one of Japan’s largest campus areas—with cutting‑edge facilities, a seaside setting, and direct city access. Explore campus highlights here: Ito Campus and university data: Facts & Figures.

Hydrogen & Carbon-Neutral Research Leadership

Kyushu U is a global node in hydrogen energy and decarbonization: the International Institute for Carbon‑Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER), university initiatives on society co‑evolution (Q‑PIT (overview)), and fuel‑cell/energy systems (Fuel Cell initiatives).

Flagship Faculties

Engineering

A major national center in materials, energy, robotics, aerospace, civil/environmental, and more, with multiple English‑taught options at graduate level. See “Degree Programs” hub: International Programs in English.

Medicine

Top‑tier medical research and clinical training integrated with a major university hospital. See institutional snapshots in Facts & Figures and At a Glance.

Design (Former Kyushu Institute of Design)

Known for human‑centered and social design with unique studio culture and cross‑disciplinary collaboration. Program info: School of Design.

Global Liberal‑Arts Core (ISI)

Kyushu University’s School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation (ISI) blends humanities and sciences in a problem‑driven curriculum with strong English support. See ISI’s official pages: Prospective Students (ISI). For the broader list of English‑taught degree options (undergrad/grad), use the Global Gateways hub: Degree Programs in English.

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles Welcoming Overseas Students

International students automatically join KUFSA, the Kyushu University Foreign Students Association—great for events, trips, and building community: KUFSA. See other associations via Global Gateways: Student Associations.

Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

Kyushu U operates a one‑stop consultation desk for practical issues: One‑Stop Consultation. Visa/status‑of‑residence guidance and key links are collected under Global Gateways (Short‑term Study Programs menu includes “VISA / Status of Residence”): Global Gateways – Short‑term Programs. Tuition/fee basics are here: Tuition & Fees.

Language‑Exchange or Buddy Programs

Student‑run “Q‑Mate” (International Student Support Team) hosts welcome activities, campus tours, and language‑exchange events: About Q‑Mate (official page).

Extracurricular Life

Sports, music, culture—there’s a circle for almost everything. Start here for recognized activities and procedures: Extracurricular Activities.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

Kyushu U maintains hundreds of university‑ and school‑level agreements worldwide. Browse the list (English) here: Partner Institutions and overseas offices/strategy here: Overseas Offices. University‑wide exchange admissions are summarized on the official site: Exchange Admissions. For context/data, see the At a Glance and the Progress Report 2024.

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Fukuoka’s climate is “western Japan”: hot/humid summers, mild winters, and a long spring/autumn. For monthly normals (1991–2020), use the Japan Meteorological Agency tables and climate overviews: JMA Normals (1991–2020), JMA—Climate of Japan (tourist info).

Lifestyle perks: airport access in minutes, excellent food, and relatively affordable living among Japan’s big cities. See Fukuoka Prefecture’s English portal for business/living indicators: Financial Hub FUKUOKA. For general safety resources for residents, the Fukuoka City International Foundation keeps multilingual pages on daily life and public safety: Living Guide Book and Crime & Safety.

International Student Statistics

International students ≈ 2,569 (≈14%) from ~109 countries/regions (as of 2024). For breakdowns by region and mobility figures, consult the Vision 2030 Progress Report 2024 and the University’s latest Facts & Figures.

Career & Graduate Prospects

Career outcomes vary by faculty (e.g., engineering & ICT, public sector, clinical residencies, graduate school). See snapshots in Facts & Figures. Dedicated support for international students—job fairs, consulting, and resources—is summarized here: Job Hunting Support for International Students.

Notes on Campuses & Access

Kyushu U operates multiple sites, with academic activity centered at Ito. Explore campus pages: All Campuses | Ito | Maidashi (Hospital) | Chikushi | Ohashi (Design).

Why Kyushu University Could Be Right for You

If you want strong engineering/medical/design programs, growing English‑taught options, and a coastal city that’s easier on the budget than Tokyo or Osaka, Kyushu U is a smart pick. Start with program exploration here: Degree Programs in English, check Tuition & Fees, and, if you’re coming on exchange, review Exchange Admissions.

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