Number of places available: 2 full-year places

• Kyushu University website
• Campus website 
• Kyushu University Fact Sheet
• General Contact: exchange@jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Dates

Term dates

The academic calendar at Kyushu covers the calendar period from April to March. Each year consists of two (2) semesters broken down further into two (2) quarters. Each semester consists of approximately eighteen (18) weeks of scheduled classes, including the examination periods. 

More information can be found here: Academic Calendar | Academics | KYUSHU UNIVERSITY

Academic Information

Programmes

International exchange students may choose to apply for one (1) of the following three (3) programs:

1. Undergrad and Graduate School

Through this programme, Durham students may take courses offered directly by Kyushu University’s undergraduate and graduate schools. You will be studying amongst Japanese university students at the same academic level, with most materials and instruction being in Japanese. Graduate students who wish to do research may request research supervision.

*Dates may vary slightly yearly

2. Japan in Today's World (JTW)

This program is for undergraduate students majoring in any subject. It focuses on introducing you to today’s Japanese culture, society, and economy through rigorous academic courses and other learning activities, all conducted in English. Beginner's Japanese language courses are available.  

*Dates may vary slightly yearly

3. Japanese Language and Culture Course (JLCC)

This program is for undergraduate students majoring in Japanese studies at their home institution. It is provided by the International Student Center at Kyushu University, and all courses are conducted in Japanese. This programme offers opportunities to improve your Japanese language skills for conducting research in the area of Japanese studies in the future.

*Dates may vary slightly yearly

Courses

For more information on courses are available in English, please visit: https://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/intlweb/en/student/english

Study Load

At Kyushu, one (1) credit is usually awarded for a course with 15-hours of class time, and two (2) credits for a course with 30- hours. For language courses, one (1) credit is given for 30-hours of class time.

Japanese immigration law stipulates that international individuals that hold a student visa are required to spend at least 10-hours in class or research every week. 

Requirements/Restrictions

Practical courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental Sciences are not open to exchange students.

Courses offered by Kyushu University Business School (QBS) are open only to exchange students who are enrolled in Business School.

Other Information for Applicants

Accommodation

On campus dormitories are available for exchange students.

More Information: Housing - Global Gateways Kyushu University

Insurance 

All international students in Japan are required to subscribe to all of the following three (3) types of insurance:

• National Health Insurance (NHI): This insurance covers 70% of medical expenses for illnesses or injuries incurred during your stay in Japan. Details will be provided by the International Student Exchange Division upon your arrival.
• Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (PAS, called Gakkensai in Japanese): This insurance covers unexpected accidents and injuries that occur during study and research activities within Kyushu University. Details will be provided by each faculty before or after enrollment.
• Emergency Secure Plan (ESP): This insurance covers both Inbound Medical Assistance Service and Emergency Expense Insurance. Details will be provided by the International Student Exchange Division upon your arrival.

Kyushu strongly recommends that exchange students also consider purchasing travel insurance to cover emergency evacuation and repatriation costs, as these are not included in NHI, PAS and ESP coverage.

Fees and Costs

Estimated Cost of Living per Month (individual spending habits may vary)

Housing and utilities: 15,000 - 50,000 yen / £93 - £311 

Food: 30,000 yen / £187

Local transportation: 10,000 yen / £62 

Health insurance: 2,000 yen / £13 

Personal expenses: 20,000 yen / £125