Kobe Design University
Japan • Founded 1989
Overview
Kobe Design University is a private university located in Kobe-shi, Japan. Founded in 1989, it operates as a higher-education provider.
Kobe Design University delivers higher education across multiple qualification levels through multiple faculties. The institution offers a catalogue of active programmes for prospective students.
Location & Contact
Kobe Design University's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape Kobe Design University's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Degrees
Kobe Design University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.
Other 2 programs
- Design
- Fine Arts
Faculties & Divisions
Browse Kobe Design University's faculties and divisions, along with the subjects they specialise in. Each faculty typically runs its own open days, application support, and student services.
Design Studies (Centre) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Computer Science
- Design
- English
- Film
- French
- Korean
- Psychology
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts and Design (Graduate School) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Arts and Humanities
- Design
- Engineering
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Textile Design
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Progressive Arts (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Handicrafts
- Media Studies
- Painting and Drawing
Visual Design (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Design
- Fashion Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Textile Design
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Browse Kobe Design University's programmes by level, or filter by name to find a specific course. The grouping helps when you have a target qualification tier but want to compare specific programme content.
Bachelor's Degree
4 programmes
Kobe Design University runs 4 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.
Department of Architecture and Environmental Design 建築・環境デザイン学科 Architecture
Department of Product Design and Crafts 生産・工芸デザイン学科 Applied Design
Department of Visual Design ビジュアルデザイン学科 Applied Design
Department of Media Arts メディア芸術学科 Media Studies & Mass Media
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
1 programme
Explore 1 programme of postgraduate study at Kobe Design University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Graduate School of Arts and Design - Master's Program 大学院 芸術工学研究科 - 総合アート＆デザイン専攻 (修士課程) Applied Design
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
Browse 1 programme of research-degree study at Kobe Design University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Graduate School of Arts and Design - Doctoral Program 大学院 芸術工学研究科 - 芸術工学専攻 (博士後期課程) Applied Design
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Kobe Design University
What applying to Kobe Design University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Kobe Design University's 6 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Kobe Design University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Kobe Design University processes applications through english.kobe-du.ac.jp. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 81-78-794-5024. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kobe Design University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Kobe Design University as a study destination.
When was Kobe Design University founded?
Kobe Design University was established in 1989 (approximately 37 years ago).
In which city is Kobe Design University?
Kobe Design University is based in Kobe-shi, Japan.
Is Kobe Design University public or private?
Kobe Design University operates as a private institution.
Is Kobe Design University officially recognised?
Kobe Design University is accredited by Japan Institution for Higher Education Evaluation (JIHEE).
Where can I learn more about Kobe Design University?
The institution's website is english.kobe-du.ac.jp.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
When shortlisting in Japan, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Kobe Design University, helpful for calibrating where Kobe Design University sits in the broader landscape.
Where Else to Study Applied Design
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Applied Design programmes in Japan. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Often Compared with Kobe Design University
Students applying to Kobe Design University often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Kobe Design University on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
