12 Cheapest Universities in Kobe for International Students

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In Kobe, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Japan without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Kobe, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 16 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Kobe, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Kobe for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Kobe ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Kobe Tokiwa University 480,000 Yen - 600,000 Yen 29%
Kobe University 535,800 Yen 21%
Kobe City College of Nursing 535,800 Yen 21%
Kobe City University of Foreign Studies 535,800 Yen 21%
Kobe International University 539,000 Yen 20%
Kobe Shoin Women’s University 581,000 Yen - 588,000 Yen 14%
Kobe Institute of Computing 680,000 Yen - 720,000 Yen -1%
Kobe Gakuin University 730,000 Yen - 870,000 Yen -8%
University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences 770,000 Yen -14%
Kobe Shinwa Women’s University 800,000 Yen -18%
Konan University 936,000 Yen - 1,496,000 Yen -39%
Kobe Design University 950,000 Yen -41%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 672,800 Yen for universities in Kobe.

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1. Kobe Tokiwa University

Kobe Tokiwa University was founded in 2008 and is located in Kobe, Japan. It has faculties for Health Sciences and Education. These faculties have departments for Medical Laboratory Medicine, Nursing, Radiology, Oral Health Sciences, and Child Education. Education here is offered at the undergraduate level with vocational training for young professionals.

2. Kobe University

Kobe University is an influential and internationally recognized institution situated in Hyogo prefecture. The university envisions itself as the global hub for higher education and research in the coming years. By achieving this desired outcome, it continuously thrives on developing innovative and interdisciplinary programs that will help contribute to the socio-economic growth of society and aid in resolving current global issues in the community.

3. Kobe City College of Nursing

Located in one of Japan’s largest cities, Kobe City College of Nursing is a public university founded in 2006. This school offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Post Graduate degree programs in Nursing, Philosophy, and Midwifery. Additionally, students can also take non-degree programs such as special lectures, practicums, and research courses. Its campus also has seven main buildings with open spaces for athletic and recreational purposes.

4. Kobe City University of Foreign Studies

The Kobe City University of Foreign Studies is a public institution that was founded in 1949 in Kobe, Japan, and is mostly focused on the study of English, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian languages. The aim of this university is to educate multilingual students and make communication easier for them across different countries.

5. Kobe International University

Kobe International University (KIU) is a good higher education school that offers advanced economics and rehabilitation science programs. The university has generated countless professionals and experts, which has significantly contributed to the development of the local region. Aside from top-quality programs, KIU offers numerous on-campus and off-campus opportunities and provides students with countless academic resources.

6. Kobe Shoin Women’s University

Kobe Shoin Women’s University is a private women’s university in Nada Ward, Kobe, Japan. It was founded in 1892 by missionaries. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs are available in a variety of faculties, including language and culture studies, liberal arts, human science, and psychology. Exchange students can also participate in study abroad programs at seven international institutions.

7. Kobe Institute of Computing

Kobe Institute of Computing was founded in 1958 and is located in Kobe, Japan. It is a private university that offers undergraduate degrees and a Master’s degree in Information Systems. These programs are separated into two schools: Graduate School and Vocational School. The facilities in both schools are top-notch, with lecture rooms, computer laboratories, study spaces, and seminar spaces found on campus.

8. Kobe Gakuin University

Kobe Gakuin University is a private university located in Kobe, Japan. It was founded in 1966 with Nutrition as its sole field of study. The university currently offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through nine faculties and seven graduate schools. Law, Economics, Business Administration, and Humanities are among the most popular majors at the university.

9. University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences

The University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences is located in Kobe, Japan, and was founded in 1988. This university specializes in distribution-related fields and provides excellent programs in economics, management, and business. Its campus is well-equipped with great facilities to inspire learning in the students, including multiple lecture halls, seminar houses, and sports buildings.

10. Kobe Shinwa Women’s University

Since its establishment, the Kobe Shinwa Women’s University has been committed to educating socially active and independent women. The university ensures that women are given a chance to follow their life ambitions by engaging their professional skills closely in society. Throughout the years, the university has already uplifted thousands of women and has helped them find their purpose in a man-dominating community.

11. Konan University

Situated in Kobe, Hyogo, Konan University is a private higher education school that trains young students to become successful professionals in their chosen fields. The institute promises that obtaining a degree at the university will enhance students’ talents and core capabilities, develop a new skill set, and train them to be mentally and physically prepared. These preparations will aid students in getting high chances of success in their future endeavors.

12. Kobe Design University

Kobe Design University is one of the private institutions founded and managed by the Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation. It is strategically located in Kobe, a city bustling with opportunities for aspiring young artists. The university aims to mold the talents of these young dreamers by providing quality training and specialized courses for undergrads, master’s, and doctorate students.

The university is comprised of seven undergraduate departments and two graduate courses. Undergraduates may specialize in environmental design, manga design, image arts, and more.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Kobe for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Kobe ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Kobe Gakuin University 396,000 Yen - 540,000 Yen 41%
Kobe Shoin Women’s University 520,000 Yen 22%
Kobe University 535,800 Yen 20%
Kobe City University of Foreign Studies 535,800 Yen 20%
Konan University 617,000 Yen - 803,000 Yen 8%
Kobe Design University 650,000 Yen 3%
Kobe Institute of Computing 1,400,000 Yen -110%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 665,000 Yen for universities in Kobe.

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1. Kobe Gakuin University

Kobe Gakuin University is a private university located in Kobe, Japan. It was founded in 1966 with Nutrition as its sole field of study. The university currently offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through nine faculties and seven graduate schools. Law, Economics, Business Administration, and Humanities are among the most popular majors at the university.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Kobe Gakuin University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 396,000 Yen to 540,000 Yen annually for their master's degree.

2. Kobe Shoin Women’s University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Kobe Shoin Women’s University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Kobe Shoin Women’s University is 520,000 Yen.

Kobe Shoin Women’s University is a private women’s university in Nada Ward, Kobe, Japan. It was founded in 1892 by missionaries. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs are available in a variety of faculties, including language and culture studies, liberal arts, human science, and psychology. Exchange students can also participate in study abroad programs at seven international institutions.

3. Kobe University

Kobe University is an influential and internationally recognized institution situated in Hyogo prefecture. The university envisions itself as the global hub for higher education and research in the coming years. By achieving this desired outcome, it continuously thrives on developing innovative and interdisciplinary programs that will help contribute to the socio-economic growth of society and aid in resolving current global issues in the community.

The tuition fee at Kobe University for incoming international master’s students is 535,800 Yen. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Kobe City University of Foreign Studies

Another affordable university to consider in Kobe is Kobe City University of Foreign Studies.

The Kobe City University of Foreign Studies is a public institution that was founded in 1949 in Kobe, Japan, and is mostly focused on the study of English, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian languages. The aim of this university is to educate multilingual students and make communication easier for them across different countries.

The tuition fee in Kobe City University of Foreign Studies for master’s program for foreign students starts from 535,800 Yen.

5. Konan University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Konan University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 617,000 Yen yearly.

Situated in Kobe, Hyogo, Konan University is a private higher education school that trains young students to become successful professionals in their chosen fields. The institute promises that obtaining a degree at the university will enhance students’ talents and core capabilities, develop a new skill set, and train them to be mentally and physically prepared. These preparations will aid students in getting high chances of success in their future endeavors.

6. Kobe Design University

Kobe Design University is one of the private institutions founded and managed by the Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation. It is strategically located in Kobe, a city bustling with opportunities for aspiring young artists. The university aims to mold the talents of these young dreamers by providing quality training and specialized courses for undergrads, master’s, and doctorate students.

The university is comprised of seven undergraduate departments and two graduate courses. Undergraduates may specialize in environmental design, manga design, image arts, and more.

7. Kobe Institute of Computing

Kobe Institute of Computing was founded in 1958 and is located in Kobe, Japan. It is a private university that offers undergraduate degrees and a Master’s degree in Information Systems. These programs are separated into two schools: Graduate School and Vocational School. The facilities in both schools are top-notch, with lecture rooms, computer laboratories, study spaces, and seminar spaces found on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Kobe?

Applying to cheap universities in Kobe requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Japan for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Kobe?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Kobe. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Kobe is the Kobe City College of Nursing, which offers Nursing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Kobe City University of Foreign Studies offers English Studies, Russian Studies, and Chinese Studies.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Kobe, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Kobe as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Kobe for international students was helpful!