Fukuoka University for International Students: Programs, Admissions, Costs & Life in Fukuoka

Considering Japan for your degree and curious about life and learning in Kyushu? Fukuoka University (FU) is one of western Japan’s largest private universities, anchored in vibrant Fukuoka City—a tech-forward, student-friendly hub known for safety, great food, and easy access to Asia. This guide gives you a practical, link-verified overview of FU: what it stands for, how its programs are structured, what support exists for international students, where exchange partners are, and what the local climate and lifestyle look like. If you’re shortlisting options in Japan, use this as a clear, numbers-backed snapshot before you dive deeper into faculty pages and admissions.

Quick Facts (Fukuoka University)

Type	Private university (Times Higher Education profile)
Total Students	≈ 19,500–20,000 (incl. 18,992 undergraduates, AY2024). Sources: FU information disclosure (JP), THE profile (EN)
Campuses	Nanakuma (Main Campus), Jonan‑ku, Fukuoka City. Campus Map
Faculties / Schools	Humanities; Law; Economics; Commerce (day & evening); Science; Engineering; Medicine; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Sports & Health Science. Undergraduate Faculties (EN)
Tuition Fees (UG)	Typical annual tuition: Humanities/Law/Econ/Commerce ¥730,000; Science/Engineering ¥1,000,000; Sports & Health Science ¥800,000; Pharmaceutical Sciences ¥1,350,000. (Medicine differs; see admissions.) Keinet (Benesse, 2025)
Gender Ratio (UG)	Male ~60% / Female ~40% (university-wide). THE profile (EN)
Intl‑Student %	≈ 0.7% (135 international students as of May 1, 2025; denominator ≈19.5–20k). FU Int’l student headcount by nationality (JP, 2025)
Students per Staff	~8.7 : 1 (overall). Faculty-level figures vary; see disclosure. THE (EN) / Per‑faculty ratios (JP, FY2024)

Campus Maps

Nanakuma (Main) Campus — Fukuoka University

Address: 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan Ward, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Fukuoka University’s ethos is rooted in a pragmatic, character‑building philosophy known as the “Five S’s”: Steady, Sensible, Sincere, Strong, Và Spirited. These principles guide FU’s approach to education—prioritizing not only technical competence but also judgment, resilience, and initiative. In practice, this means a campus culture that expects students to think broadly, work collaboratively across disciplines, and contribute positively to their communities. Founding Philosophy (EN)

Historically, the university’s roots go back to April 1934, when Fukuoka Higher Commercial School was established. During the turbulence of the 1940s, mergers created Kyushu College of Economics, later renamed Fukuoka College of Economics. In 1949, integration with Fukuoka College of Foreign Affairs led to Fukuoka College of Commerce. By 1956, the institution became Fukuoka University and expanded rapidly—launching new faculties in law and economics, and steadily growing into a comprehensive private institution in Kyushu. Historical Highlights (EN)

Over time, FU cultivated a distinctive profile: a comprehensive university balancing professional training (law, medicine, commerce, engineering) with humanistic education (humanities, social sciences, liberal arts). The on‑campus university hospital complex drives medical education and community health, while engineering and science programs work closely with regional industry. Athletic excellence and extensive club activities round out a student experience that values well‑being and teamwork. Fukuoka University (EN)

Today, FU serves roughly twenty thousand students on its main campus in Fukuoka City. Its mission continues to emphasize balanced, people‑centered education: equipping graduates who can think and act locally and globally, apply knowledge in practical contexts, and lead with integrity. THE profile summary

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Advanced Medical Hub (with Robotic Surgery Center)

FU operates a major university hospital network in Fukuoka (including Fukuoka University Hospital), providing patient‑centered care and hands‑on clinical training. The hospital runs a Center for Advanced Technology and Robotic Surgery, launched in April 2020, to accelerate the safe delivery of leading‑edge surgical care—an environment that benefits medicine, nursing, and related health disciplines. For international students interested in healthcare careers, the hospital’s scale, specialized centers, and clinical education pathways are a clear advantage. Departments & Centers (EN) / Fukuoka University Hospital (EN)

Flagship Faculties

Medicine & Health: FU’s School of Medicine and university hospitals anchor training in clinical medicine, nursing, and allied fields. Students benefit from exposure to high‑volume clinical services and emerging techniques (e.g., robotic surgery), plus interdisciplinary ties to pharmaceutical sciences and sports medicine. University Hospitals (EN)

Sports & Health Science: A long‑standing strength. The faculty blends exercise science, coaching, and sports medicine—supported by robust extracurricular athletics. Graduates enter teaching, coaching, fitness/health industries, or further research. Faculty page (EN)

Engineering & Applied Sciences: Engineering and science programs emphasize practical, industry‑relevant training. Students access laboratories and collaborate with regional partners in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and IT—leveraging Kyushu’s industrial base and FU’s career services. Faculties (EN)

Single‑Campus Community & Student Experience

FU’s main operations are concentrated in Nanakuma, creating the feel of a compact “college town” within Fukuoka City. Libraries, sports complexes, classrooms, labs, and hospitals are within practical reach, which keeps academic, athletic, and social life connected. The university also supports numerous clubs and circles that welcome exchange students—useful for making local friends, practicing Japanese, and exploring culture hands‑on. Extracurricular Activities (EN)

Career Readiness & Alumni Network

FU’s Career Center offers one‑on‑one advising, career education, internship coordination, Tokyo‑area job‑search support, and test prep for professional qualifications. A large alumni network across Kyushu and Japan provides mentoring and networking channels. For English‑speaking students, these structures help translate campus learning into concrete employment outcomes. Job Placement Assistance (EN)

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that Welcome Overseas Students

Exchange students often join circles for Japanese culture (tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy) as well as sports and international exchange groups. One exchange student’s account highlights easy access to cultural sites like Dazaifu Tenman‑gū and Nanzō‑in and participation in campus circles—practical ways to integrate socially and culturally. Exchange student story (EN)

Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

The International Center coordinates programs for incoming exchange students and provides orientation, enrollment support, and access to Japanese language & culture classes. For everyday life (housing, resident procedures), international students can also tap city‑level organizations like the Fukuoka International Student Support Center (FiSSC) and the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Accepting International Students (EN) / FiSSC (EN) / Fukuoka City International Foundation (Dormitory Info)

Language-Exchange & Buddy Programs

FU’s International Center mobilizes student volunteers through the FIT (Fukuoka University International Team) program to help international students with campus life, events, and Japanese practice. This buddy‑style support makes a smooth landing possible even if it’s your first time in Japan. International exchange on campus (JP)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

As of April 1, 2025, FU maintains exchange or academic agreements with 92 universities and 1 institution across 24 countries/regions. Notable partners include the University of Kansas (USA), University of Leeds and University of Bath (UK), Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), Université catholique de Louvain (Belgium), University of Padua (Italy), Ewha Womans University and Korea University (Korea), De La Salle University (Philippines), and more. Check the latest outbound study options and cooperation list here: Partner Universities (JP) / Study Abroad Programs (JP)

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather: What the Last Few Years Look Like

Based on Japan Meteorological Agency data for 2020–2024, Fukuoka’s climate is temperate with humid summers and mild winters. Recent monthly means show summer daytime highs around 30–31 °C and nighttime lows around 25–26 °C (Aug 2024 mean max ~30.5 °C; mean min ~25.7 °C), while winter daytime highs average ~11–13 °C and nighttime lows about 5–7 °C (Jan 2024 mean max ~11.6 °C; mean min ~5.0 °C). JMA: Fukuoka Aug 2024 / JMA: Fukuoka Jan 2024

Month (2024)	Mean High (°C)	Mean Low (°C)
January	~11.6	~5.0
August	~30.5	~25.7

Lifestyle: Safety, Cost, and Things to Do

Fukuoka ranks high for safety and quality of life among major Japanese cities, with a very high Safety Index in 2025. Everyday costs are generally lower than Tokyo: for example, the average inexpensive meal is around ¥1,200, and overall cost indices suggest a more affordable student life (rent, food, and transport) compared with the capital. Numbeo: Crime & Safety / Numbeo: Cost of Living

For support beyond campus, the city’s FiSSC hub offers guidance on scholarships, job hunting, and life in Fukuoka, making the transition easier for internationals. Weekends often mean ramen runs, coastal day trips to Itoshima, or heritage visits to Dazaifu Tenman‑gū—all easily reached via public transport. Fukuoka International Student Support Center (EN)

International Student Statistics

As of May 1, 2025, FU reports a total of 135 international students across undergraduate, graduate, research student, and exchange categories—a slight year‑over‑year decrease from 149 in 2024. The largest cohort comes from China (89), followed by Korea (30). Smaller cohorts include Taiwan, Nepal, Australia, Myanmar, the United States, and others (single‑digit numbers each). See the original nationality breakdowns here (JP): 2025 / 2024

Top Origins (2025)	Headcount
China	89
Korea	30
Others (incl. Taiwan, Nepal, Australia, Myanmar, U.S.)	16 (combined)

Career & Graduate Prospects

Placement Support & Pathways

FU’s Career Center offers a full suite of services: individualized advising, job‑search education embedded in the curriculum, qualification exam prep, internship and workplace experience coordination, and special support for Tokyo‑area recruiting. Students also benefit from networking through one of Japan’s larger alumni associations. Typical pathways reflect FU’s comprehensive profile—graduates head into regional/national firms across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, finance, education, and public service. Career Center (EN)

What This Means for International Students

International students who build Japanese proficiency and leverage internships/alumni networks can pursue roles in Kyushu’s industrial and services base (energy, logistics, healthcare providers, tourism, local government), or target national companies in Tokyo/Osaka via FU’s outreach programs. The city’s FiSSC also provides resources for job hunting and life after graduation in Fukuoka. FiSSC (EN)