Kyushu University is Japan's southwestern imperial university and a world leader in hydrogen energy research. Founded in 1911, with strong programs in engineering, medicine, and applied sciences. For international graduate students, Kyushu offers Imperial-tier research with good English-taught program coverage and Fukuoka's exceptional quality of life at significantly lower costs than Tokyo.
History and identity
Kyushu University (九州大学, Kyūshū Daigaku) was founded in 1911 as Kyushu Imperial University, the fourth of Japan's seven imperial universities. Located in Fukuoka, the gateway between Japan and continental Asia. Has historically focused on engineering, medicine, and applied sciences. In recent decades has emerged as one of Japan's leading international-oriented research universities.
Top departments and research strengths
- Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen Energy International Research Center (HyERC) — world-leading
- Engineering: mechanical, electrical, materials, chemical — applied research focus
- Medicine: Kyushu University Hospital + Graduate School of Medical Sciences
- Applied Mechanics: Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, ocean and atmospheric science
- Information Science and Electrical Engineering: includes computer science with English options
- Mathematics: Faculty of Mathematics with English Master's track
- Pharmaceutical Sciences: drug discovery and pharmacology
English-taught programs
- International Master's Program in Engineering: spans multiple engineering departments
- Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering (ISEE): English-track Master's
- Faculty of Mathematics: English-taught Master's
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences: English programs
- Graduate School of Engineering: International Course Programs
For comparison, see English-taught Master's in Japan 2027.
International community
About 2,400 international students out of 18,000 total (~13%) — among the highest among imperial universities. Particularly strong Asian student community. International Programs Office provides comprehensive support. Fukuoka's location makes it a popular destination for Korean and Southeast Asian students.
Admissions and tuition
- Tuition: ¥535,800/year national rate
- 50-100% tuition waivers available
- JLPT N2 for Japanese-taught; not required for English programs
- TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ for English
- Research plan + 2 academic recommendations
- Entrance exam (Japanese) or document review + interview (English)
Living in Fukuoka
Fukuoka (1.6M population) is consistently ranked among the best Japanese cities for quality of life. Subtropical climate (warm winters), excellent food culture, startup- friendly economy, very affordable. Monthly cost ¥90,000-140,000/month for international students. Geographic proximity to Korea (Busan ferry 1.5 hours) creates a uniquely international atmosphere. See cost details at Living costs guide and best cities.
Scholarships
- MEXT: full tuition + stipend
- JASSO Honors Scholarship
- Kyushu University President's Scholarship + university fellowships
- Foundation scholarships
- All scholarships
2027 application timeline
Standard imperial university timing: May-October 2026 deadlines for April 2027 entry. Some English programs have December-January deadlines for October 2026 entry. Full timeline at application timeline.
Bottom line
Kyushu University is the best choice for international graduate students wanting Imperial-tier research with strong English programs, particularly for hydrogen energy, engineering, and applied sciences. Fukuoka's lifestyle is excellent — sub-tropical climate, vibrant food culture, manageable size, affordable. Combined with MEXT, Kyushu offers one of the best Imperial-tier graduate experiences in southwest Japan.