Historical Roots: A 258-Year Legacy of Medical Excellence and a Modern Beacon
Kumamoto University, located in the heart of Kyushu, Japan, is a national research university designated by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Its history dates back to 1756, when Hosokawa Shigetaka, the feudal lord of Kumamoto, founded the pharmaceutical school “Hanzien,” marking over 260 years of history.
In 1949, the new Kumamoto University was formally established through the merger of the former Fifth Higher School (where Natsume Soseki once taught) and other state-run institutions, including Kumamoto Medical University. As one of the “Six Former Medical Universities,” it boasts a deep and enduring tradition of excellence in medicine and pharmacy. Currently, the university comprises seven faculties: the Faculty of Letters, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Pharmacy, and the Faculty of Engineering. It does not offer programs in economics or business administration. Important Notes on Reissuing a Japanese University Diploma
Academic Reputation and Strength: From the QS Rankings to World-Class Research Breakthroughs
Kumamoto University is ranked in the 951–1000 range globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Although its overall ranking is limited by the university’s size, its disciplinary strengths remain outstanding. The Faculty of Pharmacy has been ranked among the top 151–200 globally, while Clinical Medicine and Oncology have reached 618th and 313rd place, respectively, in global rankings. The university takes particular pride in its world-class research achievements.
For example, Professor Hiroaki Matsuoka of the Faculty of Medicine developed AZT, the world’s first HIV treatment drug, in 1985, and subsequently led the development of five additional HIV treatment drugs, earning multiple Nobel Prize nominations. In the field of engineering, Kumamoto University successfully developed the globally unique “KUMADAI non-flammable magnesium alloy,” making a significant contribution to the science of metallic materials. Its strong research capabilities have made the university a member of the “Super Global University Initiative,” making it highly attractive to outstanding students worldwide.
Important Notes for Reissuing a Kumamoto University Diploma
Step Key Details
Step 1: Online Application Visit Kumamoto University’s “Certificate Issuance System”. Current students may also use the on-campus automatic certificate machines.
Step 2: Verify Information Before submitting, ensure that information such as your name, date of birth, student ID number, and contact details in the system is accurate. Update any changes promptly.
Step 3 (Overseas) Overseas alumni should contact the International Student Office or the academic affairs office of their respective faculty via email to confirm the process and fees for mailing to overseas addresses. Additionally, you may simultaneously apply for a “Certificate of Degree Conferral” as another valid form of proof.
Exceptional Value: Low Tuition and Generous Waivers
Kumamoto University is highly regarded for its exceptional value. As a national university, its annual tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs in 2026 is fixed at 535,800 yen (approximately 25,000 RMB). Even more attractive is the university’s generous tuition waiver program: the vast majority of international students are eligible for a 50% waiver, and high-achieving students may even qualify for a full waiver. Furthermore, the cost of living in Kumamoto City is relatively low, and on-campus dormitory fees range from just 10,000 to 30,000 yen per month, effectively reducing the financial burden on international students.
Employment Competitiveness: A Cradle for Civil Servants and a Key Employment Hub in Kyushu
Kumamoto University performs exceptionally well in the job market. Graduates from the Law School are renowned for having one of the highest civil service employment rates in the country, with over 30% of students successfully securing positions in national or local government agencies. While the majority of graduates choose to pursue careers in the Kyushu region, approximately 50% find employment outside Kyushu, and about 10% head to the Kanto region. The university operates a comprehensive Career Support Center and has established partnerships with numerous companies, providing students with solid employment support and earning them a strong reputation within the industrial sectors of Kyushu and across Japan.
