Kurume University was established as a Kyushu medical school in 1928, and it came into being with the establishment of the Faculty of Commerce. At present, it has developed as one of the leading private universities in Kyushu with 6 faculties (13 departments), 4 graduate schools and 18 research centers. We have 2 campuses, 2 hospitals, a high school and a junior high school in Kurume city.
About Kurume University
Kurume University has two campuses in Kurume City.
The Asahi-machi Campus is older and is situated on the south bank of the Chikugo River. This campus houses the Graduate School of Medicine, School of Medicine, University Hospital, School of Medical Technology and 7 research centers.
The Mii Campus is located in Mii-machi in the eastern part of Kurume City, and houses five faculties (Literature, Human Health, Law, Economics, Commerce), three graduate schools (Comparative Studies of International Culture and Societies, Psychology, Business Administration) and 11 research centers.
President's Greeting
President Naohisa Uchimura, M.D., Ph.D.
Kurume University has developed as a comprehensive private university since it was established as Kyushu Medical School in 1928. It now consists of 6 faculties with 13 departments, 4 graduate schools, and 18 research centers.
Our principal purpose is:
To search for truth and justice,
To aim for human love and respect,
To foster people who will have practical knowledge, noble ideas and a deep sense of humanity,
To brighten the regional culture and show its brilliant results to the world, and to contribute to the peace of the world.
While respecting the traditions of 90 years, new faculties and departments have also been added in order to meet the various needs of today's society.
In the field of research, in addition to being active in developing unique projects, we highly encourage university-industry-government collaborations.
Kurume University also has a Senior High School and Junior High School. Their purpose is to educate students who will be ambitious and who will be a asset to society. Both schools enjoy a high reputation, as many of its graduates are accepted into Japan's leading universities.
Kurume City, where our University is situated, is located in the vast plain region called the “Chikugo Plain” in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu. The City sits as if embraced by the “Chikugo River”, the largest river in Kyushu and one of the three wildest rivers in Japan. It is a beautiful town suitable for research and study.
We welcome you to Kurume University.
Chronological History
1928●Kyushu Medical School founded
1946●Kyushu Higher Medical School reorganized as Kurume Medical College, and the Pre-Medical program established
1950●Kurume University came into being with the establishment of the Faculty of Commerce
1952●Kurume Medical College reorganized and renamed the Kurume University School of Medicine
1956●Graduate School of Medicine established
1987●Faculty of Law established
1989●Graduate School of Comparative Studies of International Cultures and Societies established
1992●Faculty of Literature established
1994●Faculty of Economics established ●School of Nursing established under the School of Medicine
2001●Graduate School of Psychology established
2005●Graduate School of Business Administration established
2017●Faculty of Human Health established
Organization Chart
Kurume University was ranked "1001-1200" group in "THE World University Rankings 2024"
In the "THE World University Rankings 2024" announced on September 27, 2023, Kurume University was ranked in the world's "1001-1200" group, and ranked 3rd (same rank) in Kyushu for the fifth consecutive year. This ranking is behind Kyushu University and Kumamoto University, and ranks 1st among private universities in Kyushu (same rank) and 5th among private universities in Japan (same rank).
Spirit of Foundation
“Exceptional practitioners consistently act with compassion”
This means “The ideal of skilled medical doctors is always polite self-restraint and compassion for the patients”. “Kokushu” originally means a skilled doctor, but it also carries the meaning of “an excellent master in the country” and is a widely understood term across disciplines. “Kyoji” refers to having confidence and pride, behaving with dignity while restraining oneself. “Jin” signifies “self-restraint based on propriety and compassion for others.” This excerpt from the school song of our predecessor, the Kyushu Medical School (lyrics by Hakushu Kitahara, one of the most famous poets in Japan), is established as the founding spirit, and we strive to cultivate outstanding practical talents (kokushu) in each field.
Fundamental Principles of our University
To pursue truth and justice, to seek love and respect for humanity, and to aim for the cultivation of individuals with rich humanity and practical skills who hold high ideals. Alongside this, our mission is bringing light to regional cultures, transmit their brilliance to the world, and contribute to global peace.
Future Vision
Our education goal
Development of practical human resources who can adapt to the diversity of the world.
Our research goal
Disseminating cutting-edge researches to the world.
Contributing to the region through research rooted in the region.
Our desired healthcare
Promotion of community-based healthcare.
Our aim for societal contribution and regional revitalization
Strengthening cooperation with local communities and industry, academia and government.