Kobe University
Kobe, Japan • Founded 1902 • World Rank #715
Overview
Established in 1902, the Kobe University (Kobe Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Kobe (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Hyogo.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Kobe University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Kobe University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 122-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Kobe University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Planning a visit to Kobe University or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Kobe University are summarised below. These numbers help you size the institution against your shortlist and weigh academic depth alongside programme fit.
Academic Structures
Each constituent academic unit at Kobe University is captured below — including research centres alongside teaching faculties. Research centres often signal the institution's strategic priorities.
Unit 28 items
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Global Human Sciences
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Letters
- Faculty of Maritime Sciences
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Oceanology
- Faculty of Science
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science
- Graduate School of Business Administration
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Graduate School of Health Sciences
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment
- Graduate School of Humanities
- Graduate School of Intercultural Studies
- Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies
- Graduate School of Law
- Graduate School of Maritime Sciences
- Graduate School of Medicine
- Graduate School of Science
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation
- Graduate School of System Informatics
- School of Business Administration
- Sea Training Course
Degrees
Kobe University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.
Other 6 programs
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Agriculture (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Chemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Botany
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration (Faculty) 16 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Behavioural Sciences
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Government
- Human Resources
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Insurance
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Taxation
- Transport and Communications
- Transport Economics
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Econometrics
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- International Economics
- Social Policy
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Building Technologies
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Information Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanics
- Thermal Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Development (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Behavioural Sciences
- Child Care and Development
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Health Education
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Resources
- Primary Education
- Social Sciences
- Sports
Intercultural Studies (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Information Sciences
- International Studies
- Regional Studies
- Social Studies
Law (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- History of Law
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Labour Law
- Law
- Political Sciences
- Public Health
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- Cognitive Sciences
- English Studies
- Fine Arts
- French Studies
- Geography
- History
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Maritime Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Management
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Marine Transport
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agricultural Science (Graduate School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Agrobiology
- Applied Chemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Botany
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Natural Resources
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration (Graduate School) 18 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Behavioural Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Engineering Management
- Finance
- Government
- Human Resources
- Insurance
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations Research
- Taxation
- Transport and Communications
- Transport Economics
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Comparative Politics
- Econometrics
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economic History
- Economics
- International Economics
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Graduate School) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Architecture
- Architecture and Planning
- Building Technologies
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Production Engineering
- Safety Engineering
- Thermal Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health sciences (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biophysics
- Community Health
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Development and Environment (Graduate School) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Behavioural Sciences
- Child Care and Development
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Education
- Educational Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Studies
- Sports
Humanities (Graduate School) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- Cognitive Sciences
- Cultural Studies
- English Studies
- Ethics
- European Studies
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- History
- Japanese
- Korean
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Intercultural Studies (Graduate School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Foreign Languages Education
- Information Sciences
- International Studies
- Regional Studies
- Social Studies
International Cooperation Studies (Graduate School) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Comparative Law
- Development Studies
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- International Economics
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Political Sciences
- Regional Studies
- Social Sciences
- Urban Studies
Law (Graduate School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Literature
- History of Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Political Sciences
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Maritime Sciences (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Marine Transport
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Graduate School) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biomedicine
- Cell Biology
- Health Sciences
- Immunology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Graduate School) 18 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Organic Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
System Informatics (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
Biosignal (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
Economics and Business Administration (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Genomics (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Genetics
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Inland Seas (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Molecular Photoscience (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Urban Safety and Security (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Protective Services
- Urban Studies
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Kobe University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
Bachelor's Degree
12 programmes
Kobe University's 12 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Sea Training Course On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Letters Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology General Engineering 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Agriculture Agriculture 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of System Informatics Information Systems & Technology 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Engineering General Engineering 4 years On-campus Japanese
School of Medicine Medicine 6 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Science Natural Sciences 4 years On-campus Japanese
School of Business Administration Business Administration 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Economics Economics 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Law Law 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Global Human Sciences Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
15 programmes
There are 15 programmes to choose from at Kobe University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Graduate School of Human Development and Environment Environmental Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation Natural Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies Politics & International Relations 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Maritime Sciences Natural Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Agricultural Science Agriculture 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of System Informatics Information Systems & Technology 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Engineering General Engineering 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Health Sciences Health Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Medicine Medicine 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Science Natural Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Business Administration Business Administration 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Economics Economics 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Law Law 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Intercultural Studies Politics & International Relations 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Humanities Humanities & Cultural Studies 2 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Kobe University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Kobe University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Kobe University's catalogue includes 27 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Kobe University's admissions process.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through Kobe University's official website at www.kobe-u.ac.jp. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (78) 881 1212. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kobe University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Kobe University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When did Kobe University open?
Kobe University traces its founding to 1902 (approximately 124 years ago).
In which city is Kobe University?
Kobe University is based in Kobe, Japan.
Is Kobe University public or private?
Kobe University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Kobe University?
Kobe University has approximately 15,000-19,999 students.
Where does Kobe University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #715 globally and #12 in Japan.
How many faculties does Kobe University have?
Kobe University has 28 academic units.
Is Kobe University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
How do I find Kobe University online?
You can find Kobe University online at www.kobe-u.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 University, helpful for calibrating where Kobe University sits in the broader landscape.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Kobe University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences
Supervision quality at the Natural Sciences programme level is hard to assess externally but affects research output and graduate-school placement. Talk to current students or alumni where possible.
Universities Often Compared with Kobe University
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
