History
Brief History of Kobe University and Graduate School of Economics. Kobe University's inception can be traced back to 1902 with the establishment of Kobe Higher Commercial School.
Education
- In our education, we place great importance upon fostering the diversity, internationality, excellence and adaptability that are necessary to thrive in a new sustainable society. Kobe University will develop its knowledge resources using AI, IOT, big data analysis and fundamental information technology, producing graduates who are able to create new values and implement them into society. To this aim, Kobe University shall defy the boundaries between academic fields, collaborate with society, and promote practical learning, value creation and data science education that incorporates the knowledge, skills and techniques required for industry-government-academia co-creation.
Research
- In our research, we emphasize autonomy; harnessing intellectual and creative strength to pursue the truth through our fundamental research, as well as working together with local communities on applied research. As a globally-focused university with roots in the international and pioneering Kobe area, we have a duty to respond to society’s needs and expectations. Kobe University will become an eminent research hub that propels the world towards new horizons through joint ventures with industries and local governments among others.
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
465 11
2024
476 -113
2023
363
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
501
2023
501 -100
2022
401
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
601
2024
601 200
2023
801
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
649 -66
2023
583
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
- The Kobe University Communications Division promotes public understanding of the University’s profile and activities.
- We report on the University’s education and research activities, international collaborations, joint projects with industry and government, and contributions to society, as well the fiscal affairs and management of the University.
- Our public relations policy has two primary aims: fulfilling our social responsibility to be transparent and accountable, and defining Kobe University’s identity as one of Japan’s top higher education institutions.
Housing services
- The university dormitories were built for current and new international students (including matriculates) of Kobe University. Recruitment is generally announced in January and July, but only on vacancy basis.
Library services
- Kobe University Libraries have a collection of about 3.7 million print materials and 26 thousand titles of electronic journals to support teaching, learning and research for our students and faculty.
ICT services
- This Center provides ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure to support the educational, research, and administrative activities of all members of the university including students, faculties, and staffs. This infrastructure includes a student PC system, user ID management system, an email system, a network system for information exchange, and other information systems.
Medical services
- The Medical Center for Student Health in Rokkodai Campus offers emergency first aid treatment, medical examinations, and consultations regarding physical or mental health. It can be used by students and staff of Kobe University. Medical examinations and consultation services are also available at the three branch Medical Centers located in Fukae Campus, Kusunoki Campus, and Myodani Campus.
Campus life
- Kobe University has five Registered Tangible Cultural Properties (Structures) on campus. They were built in the early 1930s as part of the Kobe University of Commerce (the predecessor to Kobe University) and designed by the Ministry of Education. The buildings are still used by the University today.
Sports facilities
- Kobe University offers many facilities for fitness, extracurricular activities, and student welfare.
Student clubs
- Society for the Study of Children's Culture.
- Drama Society.
- Glee Club (men's chorus)
- ERDE (mixed voices chorus)
- Apollon (mixed voices chorus)
- Mandolin Club.
- Photography Club.
- Noh Drama Club.
Accreditation
Kobe University underwent the Institutional Certified Evaluation and Accreditation process performed in the 2021 academic year by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), and was certified as meeting the standards for evaluation and accreditation in 2022.