Kyusyu Institute of Design
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Kyusyu Institute of Design

Kyusyu Institute of Design

Designing futures through innovation and human-centered technology.

4-chōme-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami Ward, Fukuoka, 815-0032, Japan

About Kyusyu Institute of Design

The Kyushu University School of Design, originally founded as Kyushu Institute of Design in 1968, pioneers design research and education in Japan. Integrated into Kyushu University in 2003, the School of Design continues its legacy of 'Humanization of Technology,' emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. The curriculum expands beyond traditional design, incorporating experiences, services, and innovative visions. The school fosters individuals with broad perspectives, equipped to address evolving global challenges in the 21st century. Students can engage in studies that span across courses and tackle a variety of issues across multiple phases of the design process.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor

The Department of Architecture trains future architects to design spaces from individual homes to entire cities by combining technical skills and artistic creativity. The courses provide knowledge of theory and technology on community planning, urban design, and sustainable urban planning.

4 years
Japanese (Note: Architect Program and Environmental Design Course are primarily in Japanese)
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Master of Architecture
Master

The Master's program provides training to become city planners, town planning specialists, consultants, architects, and government officials. The program promotes integrated and cross-disciplinary design.

2 years
English (All subjects in the master's and doctoral programs are offered in English)
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Doctoral Program in Design
PhD

Doctoral students receive guidance from a group of academic supervisors from multiple disciplines. The program ensures an environment that can provide the structure needed for a broad intellectual foundation while also offering an advanced and specialized academic research function.

3 years
English (All subjects in the master's and doctoral programs are offered in English)
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Environmental Design Course
Bachelor/Master

Focuses on architecture, cities, regions, and landscapes, providing advanced research, study, and creative design practice. The course examines the relationship between humans and their environment, including the Global Architect Program.

Varies
Japanese (primarily)
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Strategic Design Course
Master

The Strategic Design Course is one of the six courses under the Department of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University. Students can choose from any and all subjects available in the department and conduct their research while developing their expertise through classes from different disciplines.

2 years
English
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Human Life Design and Science Course
Master

The Human Life Design and Science Course is one of the six courses under the Department of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University. This course fosters creating a safe, secure, and fulfilling life based on human characteristics.

2 years
English
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Design Futures Course
Master

The Design Futures Course is one of the six courses under the Department of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University. This course focuses on challenging everything and creating new possibilities in design.

2 years
English
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Media Design Course
Master

The Media Design Course is one of the six courses under the Department of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University. This course focuses on acquiring the media expertise needed to design human connections and communications.

2 years
English
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.
Acoustic Design Course
Master

The Acoustic Design Course is one of the six courses under the Department of Design, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University. Equipping acoustic design engineers and researchers with a keen sound aesthetic and an advanced knowledge of sound.

2 years
English
Refer to Kyushu University's general tuition fees.
Deadline: Check Kyushu University's admission calendar.

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
9
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
The Architect Program and Global Architect Program are accredited as an international architectural education program based on the 'UNESCO-UIA Charter for Architectural Education' and are accredited by the UNESCO-UIA Validation Council.
Admissions
Deadlines
doctoral_program_april_2026_admission
Application period: June 9 – June 12, 2025 (preliminary screening: May 19 – May 22, 2025)
master_program_april_2026_admission_personal_merits
Application period: April 21 – April 24, 2025 (preliminary screening for some qualifications); general applications arrive by May 22, 2025
master_doctoral_program_october_2025_april_2026_admission
Application guidelines for October 2025 and April 2026 admissions have been released.
Requirements
0: English Language Proficiency (specific scores required for Master's Program starting 2026 entrance exams)
1: Applicants should contact their desired academic advisor before the application period.
Recent Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026: #=170 (overall)
QS World University Rankings 2025: #167 (overall, top 15% globally, 7th among Japanese universities)
QS World University Rankings by Subject: Architecture & Built Environment 2025: 151-200

Kyusyu Institute of Design Academic FAQ

Kyusyu Institute of Design is Designing futures through innovation and human-centered technology.

Applicants are typically required to submit: English Language Proficiency (specific scores required for Master's Program starting 2026 entrance exams), Applicants should contact their desired academic advisor before the application period..

Kyusyu Institute of Design provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, Doctoral Program in Design, Environmental Design Course, Strategic Design Course.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Overall Kyushu University student-to-faculty ratio (as of May 1, 2023) is approximately 7.8:1. General guidance for design studios suggests a 1:12 student-faculty ratio for individualized attention., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Kyusyu Institute of Design is situated in Fukuoka, Japan, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Kyusyu Institute of Design holds accreditations from: The Architect Program and Global Architect Program are accredited as an international architectural education program based on the 'UNESCO-UIA Charter for Architectural Education' and are accredited by the UNESCO-UIA Validation Council..