If you’re looking for one of Japan’s leading national universities, Kobe University is a destination worth considering. Renowned for its strengths in economics, engineering, medicine, and business, the university also offers a strong international research network and a wide range of programs for international students. In this guide, ANKOI walks you through the admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and other essential information you should know before applying to Kobe University.

Overview of Kobe University 

Kobe University is a comprehensive national university with a long history and a strong reputation within Japan’s higher education system. It is well suited for students who want to study in a serious academic environment, pursue research-oriented education, and develop international competencies. 

Here’s some quick information about Kobe University:

Some of the school’s highlights include:

• It belongs to the group of prestigious national universities in Japan.
• They have strengths in economics, business, law, engineering, and medicine.
• Many programs involve collaboration and exchange with international schools.
• Tuition fees are stable because it is a public school.
• Kobe offers a more affordable cost of living than Tokyo, yet it remains a modern and developed city.
• Excellent internship and job opportunities due to its proximity to Osaka and the economic hubs of the Kansai region.

For students planning to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, Kobe University provides an outstanding environment for participating in research groups, academic seminars, and international collaborative projects. 

Overview of Kobe University

Outstanding academic programs at  Kobe University   

Kobe University offers multidisciplinary training across 11 undergraduate faculties, ranging from social sciences and economics to engineering, medicine, and marine science. Thanks to a balanced curriculum that combines theory and applied research, students have many options to suit their future career aspirations.

Some of the prominent departments at the school include:

• Faculty of Economics:Strengths in economics, finance, international trade, and economic analysis.
• School of Business Administration:Training in business administration, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship, suitable for students aiming to work in an international environment.
• Faculty of Law:Distinguished by its programs in law, public policy, and international law.
• Faculty of Engineering:Training is offered in many disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, information technology, chemistry, and architecture.
• School of Medicine:High-quality training programs in medicine, health sciences, and biomedical research.
• Faculty of System Informatics:Focus on artificial intelligence (AI), data science, information systems, and software technology.
• Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology: Kobe University   ‘s strengths lie in the fields of logistics, maritime studies, port management, and marine technology.

Outstanding academic programs at  Kobe University

Requirements for studying at  Kobe University   

As one of Japan’s leading national universities, Kobe University has relatively competitive admission standards, especially for programs such as Economics, Engineering, Medicine, and Law. The university does not publish a minimum GPA requirement that applies to all programs. However, international applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong academic record, meet the language requirements, and submit a well-prepared application to improve their chances of admission. 

Academic requirements

For undergraduate programs, applicants must have completed high school or an equivalent qualification with 12 years of education. For graduate programs, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (for master’s programs) or a master’s degree (for doctoral programs).

Although Kobe University does not specify a minimum GPA, applicants are recommended to:

• Graduate from high school with at least a Good academic standing (approximately GPA 7.5/10 or equivalent).
• Have a solid academic background in subjects related to their intended major.
• Prepare complete academic transcripts, diplomas, and a study plan or research proposal (for graduate programs).

In addition, many undergraduate programs require applicants to take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or other entrance examinations required by the respective faculty.

Requirements for studying at Kobe University

Foreign language requirements

Language requirements depend on the language of instruction for the selected program.

• Japanese-taught programs: Applicants are generally required to have JLPT N2 or above, while many competitive programs recommend JLPT N1. Some faculties also require EJU scores in Japanese and relevant subjects.
• English-taught programs: Applicants must submit internationally recognized English proficiency test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT, depending on the requirements of each program.

Even if you enroll in an English-taught program, having Japanese language skills is a significant advantage for daily communication, part-time work, and adapting to life in Kobe.

Other requirements

In addition to academic qualifications and language proficiency, applicants must also meet several basic requirements before submitting their application:

• Meet the age requirements for the respective level of study.
• Be able to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Japan.
• Prepare all required application documents, including the application form, academic transcripts, diplomas, passport, letters of recommendation, and a study plan (if required by the program).

Advice: If you plan to apply to Kobe University, you should begin preparing your application 9–12 months before the enrollment period. Completing your JLPT, IELTS/TOEFL, or EJU examinations early will help you stay ahead in the application process and improve your chances of admission. 

Kobe University tuition fees and study abroad costs

Tuition fees are one of the reasons why many students are interested in Kobe University. As a national university, its tuition fees are relatively stable and easier to estimate than those of many private universities in Japan. However, when calculating the total cost of studying at Kobe University, you should not consider tuition fees alone. Your overall budget should also include the admission fee, examination fee, accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, textbooks, mobile phone expenses, internet, and personal expenses.

Kobe University tuition fees by level of study

The standard tuition fees at Kobe University are clearly defined for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Students should note that the fees may be revised each year in accordance with university regulations, so it is recommended to check the latest information before submitting an application. 

Reference tuition fee table:

Overall, Kobe University offers tuition fees that are affordable for families seeking a high-quality national university in Japan. When planning your study abroad budget, you should also include living expenses to obtain a complete estimate of the total cost. 

Kobe University tuition fees and study abroad costs

Cost of living in Kobe City

Students at Kobe University typically live in Kobe City or nearby areas. Compared with Tokyo, living expenses in Kobe are generally more manageable, although costs still depend on the type of accommodation, eating habits, and personal lifestyle. 

Common living expenses include:

• Rent for a house or dormitory.
• Monthly meals.
• Electricity, water, gas, internet.
• Health insurance.
• Train and bus tickets.
• Textbooks and learning materials.
• Personal expenses.

For first-year international students, ANKOI encourages prioritizing dormitory registration. The cost is usually lower than renting outside, and it also helps you adjust more easily to the academic environment and life in Japan during the initial period.

Estimated total cost for one year

When preparing financially for Kobe University, students should estimate the costs for the first year separately from subsequent years. The first year is generally more expensive because it includes the admission fee, initial purchases, housing deposits, and settlement expenses. 

First year cost estimate table:

The total cost of studying at Kobe University may vary depending on your lifestyle. With scholarships, university dormitory accommodation, and careful financial planning, international students can significantly reduce their overall study abroad expenses. 

Scholarships and financial aid for studying at Kobe University

Kobe University offers a variety of scholarship programs for international students to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. In addition to Japanese Government scholarships such as MEXT and JASSO, students may also be eligible for scholarships provided by Kobe University, the Hyogo Prefectural Government, Kobe City, and private educational foundations. Selection criteria are generally based on academic performance, language proficiency, and financial circumstances. 

MEXT Scholarship

The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is funded by the Japanese Government for outstanding international students. The scholarship typically covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and certain other expenses in accordance with the program regulations.

Students may apply through the Embassy of Japan in their home country or through a university recommendation from Kobe University. For graduate programs, a well-prepared research proposal and the approval of a prospective academic supervisor are important factors that can improve the chances of receiving the scholarship.

>> See more:Japanese Master’s Scholarships 2026: MEXT Master’s Scholarships & Tips for Successful Application 

Scholarships and financial aid for studying at Kobe University – MEXT Scholarships

JASSO Scholarship

JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) provides financial support for international students studying in Japan. Depending on the program, students at Kobe University may receive a monthly living allowance if they meet the eligibility requirements of both the university and JASSO.

As the number of scholarships is limited, applicants are encouraged to prepare their application early, maintain strong academic performance, and follow the university’s scholarship announcements to avoid missing the application period.

>> See more:JASSO Scholarship 2026: Secrets to Increasing Your Chances of Acceptance for International Students – An Koi 

Scholarships and financial aid for studying at Kobe University – JASSO Scholarship

Scholarships from Kobe University and other organizations

In addition to MEXT and JASSO, international students may also apply for a variety of scholarships offered by Kobe University, local governments, and private foundations. Some notable scholarship providers include: 

Scholarships from Kobe University and other organizations

Note: Scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements may change depending on the academic year or the specific scholarship program. Students should regularly check the latest announcements on Kobe University’s scholarship system for updated information and application deadlines. 

ANKOI – A  trusted Japanese study abroad consulting center

If you are planning to study at Kobe University but are unsure where to begin, ANKOI will accompany you throughout the entire application process. Our consulting team provides support from choosing the right major, evaluating admission requirements, and building a Japanese language learning roadmap to preparing application documents and completing the student visa process.

ANKOI supports students at every stage of preparing their application for Kobe University and other universities in Japan, including:

• Advising on suitable universities and majors based on academic performance, career goals, and budget.
• Evaluating admission qualifications (GPA, JLPT, IELTS/TOEFL, EJU, etc.) and developing a plan to strengthen the application if necessary.
• Assisting with the preparation of study plans, letters of recommendation, financial documents, and other application materials required by each university.
• Supporting application submission, admission result tracking, student visa procedures, and pre-departure preparation for Japan.
• Providing updates on scholarships, tuition fees, and the latest changes in Japanese university admission policies.

ANKOI – A reputable study abroad consulting center at Kobe University

Kobe University is one of Japan’s leading national universities, recognized for its high-quality education, international research environment, and numerous scholarship opportunities for international students. However, each faculty has different admission requirements, tuition fees, and entry qualifications. Therefore, you should carefully research the relevant information before submitting your application to ensure that you are well prepared. If you need advice on your study plan, university selection, or study abroad procedures, consider ANKOI’s Japan study abroad consulting services for professional guidance and support throughout your preparation journey.