Kobe University
Kobe University: Integrity. Freedom. Global Leadership.
📍 Kobe, Japan 🇯🇵
🏆 #12 in Japan · QS World #482 · THE World #601 · ARWU #501
Quick Facts about Kobe University
- Type: Public
- Students: 15,870
- International: 7%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $5,800 – $6,100/year
- Language: Japanese, English
- Intakes: April, October
About Kobe University
Academics
Kobe University offers a diverse range of academic programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life and medical sciences. The university's teaching approach emphasizes individuality and diversity, encouraging students to develop their full potential and become responsible members of society. A notable strength is its open research environment, which promotes multidisciplinary collaboration and co-creative research, particularly in fields like bio-manufacturing, advanced membrane engineering, medical engineering, health, longevity, and social systems innovation.
International Students
Kobe University provides various support services for international students, including advising and counseling for academic, intercultural, and daily life issues through the Global Education Center. The International Exchange Division also offers administrative support, scholarships, lodging assistance, and organizes events for international students. The university offers several English-taught programs at both master's and doctoral levels, such as the Kobe LL.M. in Global Business Law, KIMAP in Economics and Management, and English-Based Master's Programs in Science.
Campus & Location
Kobe University's main campus, Rokkodai, is situated in a beautiful natural environment with traditional buildings and scenic views of the mountainside and city. Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city, consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Japan, offering a vibrant city life with a more affordable cost of living compared to larger cities like Tokyo. The city boasts excellent transportation networks, including subways, buses, and trains, and is well-connected to other major Japanese cities. Nearby attractions include Meriken Park, numerous coffee shops, diverse restaurants, and the famous Kobe beef.
Career Outcomes
Kobe University is dedicated to supporting its students' career development, with a Career Center that offers guidance and advice through career consultants. The university fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, with initiatives like the Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, which aims to cultivate talent with an entrepreneurial mindset. Kobe University also promotes industry-academia collaboration and technology transfer, and has established the "Kobe University Fund" to support startups, particularly in fields like natural science, medicine, and life sciences.
Information for International Students at Kobe University
Kobe University in Kobe, Japan welcomes international students, with 7% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 7% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$4700/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Japanese, English
Admissions Requirements for Kobe University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Kobe University:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- GPA minimum: 3.5
- Application fee: $30000
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
Programs at Kobe University (4 programs)
Kobe University offers 4 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (4)
- Faculty of Economics - Economics (BA) — 48 months · Japanese · $535,800/yr · STEM
This program provides a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, enabling students to understand and address economic issues.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Market Researcher, Policy Advisor - Faculty of Medicine - Medicine (BSc) — 72 months · Japanese · $535,800/yr · STEM
A comprehensive program covering medical sciences, clinical skills, and ethical practices, preparing students to become compassionate and competent physicians.
Field: Medicine
Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher, Public Health Specialist - Faculty of Economics - Economics (BA) — 48 months · Japanese · $535,800/yr · STEM
This program provides a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, enabling students to understand and address economic issues.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Market Researcher, Policy Advisor - Faculty of Medicine - Medicine (BSc) — 72 months · Japanese · $535,800/yr · STEM
A comprehensive program covering medical sciences, clinical skills, and ethical practices, preparing students to become compassionate and competent physicians.
Field: Medicine
Career outcomes: Physician, Surgeon, Medical Researcher, Public Health Specialist
Scholarships & Tuition at Kobe University
Annual tuition for international students: $5,800 – $6,100/year
✅ Kobe University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Kobe University
- National Ranking: #12 in Japan
- QS World University Ranking: #482
- Times Higher Education (THE): #601
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #501
- Ranking tier: Top 500
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at Kobe University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$4700/month
Key Highlights
- Comprehensive national research university
- Diverse academic programs offered
- Strong international student support
- Beautiful Rokkodai campus location
- Focus on multidisciplinary research
Accreditation
- National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE)
- Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)
Fields of Study at Kobe University
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Law
- Engineering
- Medicine
Notable Alumni
- Shinya Yamanaka
- Sazō Idemitsu
- Rizaburo Toyoda
- Sanae Takaichi
- Masato Sagawa
Frequently Asked Questions about Kobe University
What is Kobe University?
Kobe University is a public university located in Kobe, Japan. It has approximately 15,870 students, with 7% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Kobe University?
Tuition fees at Kobe University for international students range from $5,800 – $6,100/year. Student housing costs approximately $4700/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Kobe University?
IELTS minimum: 6. GPA minimum: 3.5. Application fee: $30000. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%).
What language are courses taught in at Kobe University?
Courses at Kobe University are taught in Japanese and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Kobe University offer?
Kobe University offers 4 programs: 4 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Kobe University ranked?
#12 in Japan · QS World #482 · THE World #601 · ARWU #501.
Does Kobe University offer scholarships?
Yes, Kobe University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Kobe University provide visa support?
Yes, Kobe University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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