Kanazawa University

Video

Introduction

Research university dedicated to education, while opening its doors to society

Kanazawa University is a National University Corporation that can trace its history back to 1862. Over 160 years ago, it was initially a smallpox vaccination center. Today, KU upholds the charter to be “a research university dedicated to education, while opening up its doors to both local and global society.”
Based in the city of Kanazawa, which is only 2½ hours from Tokyo by bullet train, KU comprises four colleges, 20 schools, seven graduate schools, a hospital and specialized research facilities, including the Cancer Research Institute, a leading center for collaborative research on cancer metastasis and drug research. In 2017, the university established the Nano Life Science Institute, which, as part of the Education Ministry’s World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), is known as WPI-NanoLSI. Following this, the university began to earnestly act on forming an international research institute and other centers. This led to the university’s establishment of the Nanomaterials Research Institute in 2018, the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Institute in 2019, the Advanced Mobility Research Institute in 2021, the Institute for the Study of Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Resources in 2022, and the Frontier Institute of Tourism Sciences, the Biomass Green Innovation Center and the Experimental Research Center for Envisioning the Future in 2023. Since then, KU has been aiming to effect social implementation of its innovative research results, as well as contribute to society through “future-oriented intelligence.”
KU strives to be a world-class institution for academic research in accordance with the government’s funding of national universities. The university welcomes international students and has concluded partnerships with over 320 institutions across the world. It also has a scholarship system for international students, a shared house-style dormitory where Japanese and foreign students live together and the Kanazawa University International House, which offers single, private rooms for new students coming to Japan. Further, KU has set up a one-stop consultation counter for international students that is available for inquiries both before and after enrollment.

Departments and colleges

Undergraduate schools

KU’s undergraduate schools consist of four faculties: the College of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation, the College of Human and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences. These colleges include 20 schools. For detailed information, please visit their web pages.

Graduate schools

KU has seven graduate schools: The Graduate School of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies, the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, the Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, the Graduate School of Frontier Science Initiative, the Graduate School of Law and the Graduate School of Professional Development in Teacher Education.

Website: https://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/academics/

Facilities and support programs

Scholarships for international students

KU has established a unique scholarship program called "Study at KU Scholarship," funded by the Kanazawa University Fund, for international students who meet the criteria set forth in our university's regulations.

Japanese language and culture programs

KU offers Japanese courses as well as the programs for the studies on Japanese culture and society to give students the opportunity to learn through hands-on experience and lectures about the culture and society of Japan.

Dormitories for international exchange

There are two dormitories, Sakigake and Hokumei, that function as “share houses” where Japanese and foreign students live together, as well as Kanazawa University International House (Kokuryu Kaikan), which offers single rooms to new international students.

Website: https://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/students/livelihood/residence

One-stop consultation counter for international students

KU conducts consultations for foreign students who are facing problems with their studies, classes, private life and other areas. This facility allows students to freely consult academic and other advisors, tutors, counselors, the university’s student affairs section and other divisions as needed. The Health Service Center meanwhile provides counseling services, with certified public psychologists available in the counseling room. If you don't know where to turn for help, you can contact the one-stop consultation counter.

Career support for international students

KU has launched the Link Kagayaki Project, the purpose of which is to connect international students with companies in the Hokuriku region. This program can help students kick off their careers in Japan.

Website: https://kagayaki.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/