Revision of Tuition Fees at Kumamoto University
Kumamoto University has decided to revise its tuition fees from the 2027 academic year in order to maintain and further enhance a high-quality education and research environment over the long term, and to continue contributing to the local community and international society.
Message from the President
Background to the Tuition Fee Revision and Our CommitmentIn response to rapidly changing social and economic conditions in recent years, Kumamoto University has been actively investing in the establishment of new interdisciplinary schools and degree programs, as well as in the strengthening of its education and research functions. As a result, the University has been selected for the Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS), has secured substantial research funding, and has been highly recognized nationwide for its contributions to the region.
At the same time, the University has made every effort to reform its finances through its own initiatives. These include securing independent sources of revenue through the effective use of University-owned land and the introduction of naming rights, reducing expenditures through operational efficiency, and carrying out the Emergency Fundraising Campaign in Response to Rising Prices, which I personally led.
However, the financial impact of rising prices and wage increases has exceeded the savings achieved through these efforts. As a result, the University is currently being forced to draw on resources that should have been preserved for future students in order to sustain its operations. The financial situation has therefore become extremely severe.
In response to this situation, the University held extensive discussions regarding the tuition fee revision through a series of meetings. It also organized a total of ten in-person and online dialogue sessions at the Kurokami South, Kurokami North, and Honjo campuses, including sessions specifically for international students. Through these opportunities, we engaged in direct dialogue with students, parents and guardians, and many other members of the University community, and received a great deal of valuable feedback.
After careful consideration, we ultimately reached the conclusion that revising tuition fees is a difficult but unavoidable decision if the University is to continue developing in a positive direction and maintaining high-quality education, research, and services.
The additional revenue generated by this revision will be dedicated to improving the educational environment in ways that will directly benefit students. This includes repairing aging facilities that have long required attention, improving the campus-wide wireless LAN environment, and providing Microsoft 365 services free of charge to students.
We will also take comprehensive measures to support students facing financial difficulties and ensure that they are able to continue their studies.
I sincerely ask for your understanding and cooperation.
Hisao Ogawa
President, Kumamoto University
Overview of the Revision
1. Effective Date and Scope of the Revision- Effective Date: The revised tuition fees will take effect from the 2027 academic year.
- Scope: The revision will apply to students enrolled in undergraduate schools/faculties, interdisciplinary schools, graduate schools/faculties, the Diploma Course in Special Education, and the Yogo Teacher Training Special Course, as well as research students, credited auditors (excluding students enrolled through the High School-University Articulation Program), special auditing students, and special research students.
* The revised tuition fees will apply simultaneously to students in all year levels.
2. Revised Tuition Fees| Category | Current Tuition Fee | Revised Tuition Fee | Difference |
| Undergraduate schools/faculties | 535,800 yen per year | 594,600 yen per year | +58,800 yen |
| Graduate schools | 535,800 yen per year | 594,600 yen per year | +58,800 yen |
| Diploma Course in Special Education | 273,900 yen per year | 303,900 yen per year | +30,000 yen |
| Yogo Teacher Training Special Course | 273,900 yen per year | 303,900 yen per year | +30,000 yen |
| Research students | 29,700 yen per month | 32,900 yen per month | +3,200 yen |
| Credited auditors (excluding students enrolled through the High School-University Articulation Program) | 14,800 yen per credit | 16,400 yen per credit | +1,600 yen |
| Special auditing students | 14,800 yen per credit | 16,400 yen per credit | +1,600 yen |
| Special research students | 29,700 yen per month | 32,900 yen per month | +3,200 yen |
* Application fees and admission fees will not be changed as a result of this revision.
* From the 2028 academic year onward, the University will introduce the concept of a sliding adjustment system, under which tuition fees will be reviewed periodically in light of price trends.
3. Expansion of Finanial Support Measures
In conjunction with the tuition fee revision, the University will provide the following support to students who may face difficulty continuing their studies for financial reasons.
- For households eligible for tuition reductions of two-thirds or one-third under the National Higher Education Study Support System, the amount of the tuition increase will be waived.
- Under Kumamoto University’s own support system, the household income threshold for eligibility under the National Higher Education Study Support System will be raised from 3.8 million yen to 4.25 million yen, in consideration of rising prices. For households newly covered by this expansion, the amount of the tuition increase will be waived. The same support will also be provided to graduate students and other eligible students under the University’s own support system.
4. Use of the Additional Revenue (Plan for Improving the Educational Environment)
The additional revenue generated by the tuition fee revision will be used as a priority for the following purposes.
- Restoration of education and research expenses: Securing funds for equipment purchases and facility repairs that had been reduced due to rising prices.
- Enhancement of the IT environment: Upgrading and improving the campus wireless LAN infrastructure, and providing Microsoft 365 services free of charge to students.
- Improvement of the quality of education: Assigning additional instructors to expand course offerings, and enhancing student support systems.
The University will also use the results of future student surveys to further improve support based on students' needs.
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Student Affairs Department, Kumamoto University
Contact Person: Mr. Kisi
TEL: 096-342-2008