National University

K A N A Z AWA
UNIVERSITY
Get Started!
Ca m p u s L i fe G u i d e B o o k

2023

金沢大学

Kanazawa University Has Established a New School
The College of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation offers acurriculum system across the fields of humanities and sciences,regardless of academic discipline. In April 2023, in order tocomplete combining the humanities and sciences atKanazawa University, a new School of Smart Technology
and Innovation was established, in addition to
the existing School of Entrepreneurial and
SELECTED FOR WORLD
Innovation Studies and the School of
PREMIER INTERNATIONAL
Tourism Sciences and Design. Utilizing
RESEARCH CENTER INITIATIVE
advanced integration of virtuality
and reality, this school aims todevelop human resources
who can create futurescience focusedon sustainablesmart cities.
In 2017, the Japanese ministry “MEXT” selected Kanazawa University for “World PremierInternational Research Center Initiative (WPI).” MEXT launched WPI in 2007 in a drive to build“globally visible” research centers with very high research standards and outstanding research
environments within Japan , and has selected 17 institutes so far. After being selected for WPI,KU established the new Nano Life Science Institute. The university will receive intensive support
from the government for the next 10 years.

Kanazawa University Facts & FiguresC O N T E N T S■ A Brief Introduction 

03■ Colleges, Schools, and Graduate Schools 04■ How to become an International Student of KU  06
■ What Makes Kanazawa Special? 08■ Studying in Kanazawa 10■ Living in Kanazawa 

12■ Tuition and Accommodation 13■ Campus Map 

142,569,232 ㎡

1

Area

2

Number of Students

10,331

3

International Students

794

4

Enrollment Includes Students
from5International Partner Institutions

6

Number of Books

7

Number of Employees

8

Budget for 2023 Fiscal Year68,550 million

9

Journal Citation Ranking

18th

10

University Hospital

48

countries/region

320
1.93 million
2,927
yen

38 clinics
As of May 1, 2023

02 | Get Started!

A Brief Introductionof Kanazawa University

1862 The third oldest national university in Japan
Began with a Vaccination Center.

1949 The birth of the new Kanazawa University

The original campus was located inside Kanazawa Castle. The University soon gained a reputation around the country as
the “university in the castle,” where students could pass through the great castle gate on their way to classes, feeling likesamurai warriors.

Kanazawa University Museumⓒ1995 Main Campus relocated to Kakuma

2008 Faculty system reorganized into 3 colleges and 16 schools
2012 A 150th anniversary
2018 Faculty system reorganized into 3 colleges and 17 schools
2021 Faculty system reorganized into 4 colleges and 18 schools
2022 Faculty system reorganized into 4 colleges and 19 schools
2023 Faculty system reorganized into 4 colleges and 20 schools
Kanazawa University | 03

Colleges, Schools,
and Graduate Schools
UNDERGRADUATE
Colleges and Schools
School of Entrepreneurial and Innovation Studies
College of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation

School of Tourism Sciences and Design
School of Smart Technology and Innovation
School of Humanities
School of Law
School of Economics

College of Human and Social Sciences
School of Teacher Education
School of Regional Development Studies
School of International Studies
School of Mathematics and Physics
School of Chemistry
School of Mechanical Engineering
College of Science and Engineering‌School of Frontier Engineering
School of Electrical, Information and Communication Engineering
School of Geosciences and Civil Engineering
School of Biological Science and Technology
School of Medicine
School of Pharmacy

College of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences
School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Sciences

04 | Get Started!

GRADUATE SCHOOLSDivisions
Division of Humanities

Graduate School of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies(Master's Level Section of Integrated Course)

Division of Economics
Division of Regional Development Studies
Division of International Studies

Graduate School of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies(Doctoral Level Section of Integrated Course)

Division of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies
Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Division of Material Chemistry
Division of Mechanical Science and Engineering

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology(Master's Level Section of Integrated Course)

Division of Fronteir Engineering
Division of Electrical, Information and Communication Engineering
Division of Geosciences and Civil Engineering
Division of Biological Science and Technology
Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Division of Material Chemistry

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology(Doctoral Level Section of Integrated Course)

Division of Mechanical Science and Engineering
Division of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Division of Environmental Design
Division of Natural Systems

Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Master's course)

Division of Medical Science
Division of Medicine

Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Doctoral course)
Division of Pharmacy

Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Integrated Course ofMaster's and Doctoral Levels)

Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences(Doctoral Course)

Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Division of Health Sciences
Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences
Division of Transdisciplinary Sciences

Graduate School of Frontier Science Initiative
Division of Nano Life Science
Division of Law and Politics
Graduate School of Law
Division of Legal Affairs
Graduate School of Professional Development in Teacher Education

Division of Advanced Professional Development in Teacher Education

Kanazawa University | 05

How to become an
International Student of KU
Application Guidelines for Bachelor Course
https://intl-support.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/education/admission-area.php

General Flow Chart for Graduate Admission 

Degree and Non-degree (research) Students

Find a prospective academic advisor.

Did you receive approval from the prospective academic advisor?

No

Find another academic advisor.

Yes

Submit an application for acceptance as a research student.

Applying for acceptance as a degree student.

Entrance examination.

Note: Conditions and procedures are subject to change on a case-by-case basis.

https://intl-support.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/education/admission.php

Directory of Researchers You can find your prospective academic advisor on the following website:

http://ridb.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/public/index_en.php

06 | Get Started!

Scholarships
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Students
There are three main types of Japanese-government scholarships
available through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology (MEXT ) Scholarship program for studying at
Kanazawa University.

Privately-Financed International Students
We support privately financed students in obtaining scholarships
granted by Kanazawa University or other foundations. Approximately
30 foundations offer scholarships to international students.

https://intl-support.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/tuition/private.php

Research students

Types of Japanese
Government (MEXT)
Scholarship Students

Undergraduate students
Japanese studies students (Kanazawa
University Japanese Language andCulture Program)Embassy Recommendation Scholarship
recipients are recruited and initially
screened by a Japanese Embassy. Pleaseinquire at the Japanese Embassy or
Consulate General in your country fordetails.

Recruitment andselection

University recommendation research
students and Japanese studies
students (Kanazawa University
Japanese Language and Culture
Program participants who will be
studying as exchange students fromour partner universities) can be directly
recommended by Kanazawa University
as selected candidates to MEXT.

Foreign-government Sponsored Students
When a request for acceptance of a foreign-government sponsored
student comes through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science Technology of Japan (MEXT ), a foreign government oran embassy of a foreign country, we make a decision, taking into
account the applicant's major field.
Presently, Kanazawa University receives students dispatched from thegovernments of Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar,and other countries. Application and acceptance procedures forinternational students dispatched from foreign governments, inwhich the Japanese government is not involved, are the same as forprivately financed international students.

Useful Information>>STUDY IN JAPANExchange Students
Exchange programs are designed for students from the institutions thathave an exchange agreement with Kanazawa University to study at
Kanazawa University for one semester or up to one year. While continuously
enrolled in their home institutions, they study in a non-degree program (atKanazawa University) for the purpose of taking creditedclasses or participating in independent research under
the guidance of a supervisor. For details, please check thewebsite: https://kuglobal.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/eg/

Name of Program

Contents

Kanazawa University Exchange Program- Belong to College of Human andSocial Sciences (undergraduate),
Graduate School of Human and SocioEnvironmental Studies or Graduate Schoolof Law- Attend regular curriculum classes ofKanazawa University and/or study in theirmajor field(s) at the graduate school- Can take courses on the Japanese
language and on Japanese culture andsociety and earn credits with thesecourses- Belong to College of Science and Engineering,
College of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health
Sciences, College of Transdisciplinary Sciences forInnovation (undergraduate), Graduate School of
Natural Science & Technology, or Graduate Schoolof Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Advanced
Preventive Medical Sciences, Graduate School of
Frontier Science Initiative- Conduct research based on their individual
purpose for studying while taking classes on
subjects related to their major, given in Japaneseor English- Can take courses on the Japanese language andon Japanese culture and society

Kanazawa University Japanese
Language and Culture Program- Belong to Organization of Global Affairs- Attend upper-intermediate to advanced
Japanese language courses, and cultural
courses that examine not only presentday Japanese society and culture, but also
the rich traditional culture of Kanazawa- Conduct a joint research project on
multiple languages and cultures withJapanese students- Complete a research project on subjects
related to Japan- Can be selected as a Japanese
Government (MEXT) Scholarship recipient

Language of Instruction

English and/or JapaneseJapanese

PeriodOne year or one semester beginning in April or October

One year beginning in October

Kanazawa University | 07

What Makes Kanazawa
Special?
balances the unique character of its cultural
金沢 Kanazawa
history with the conveniences of a modern city.
Kanazawa

A city of tradition and beauty
Kanazawa began to take shape during the Edo Period (16031867) at the hands of the Maeda clan, who ruled the region.
In its prime, the city was Japan’s 4th largest city after Edo,
Osaka, and Kyoto, boasting a population of 1,000,000.
The heritage and scenic beauty from this prosperous time
have remained in the city, where they continue to attract
people from all over the world.
A rich culture has permeated the lives of citizens, while thepolicies of the Maeda clan continue to raise people’s interestin arts and crafts. A multitude of traditional industries are
kept alive by the younger generation.

Higashi-chaya District

A city of colleges and students
There are 21 institutions of higher education in Ishikawa Prefecture, the
2nd highest number per capita after Kyoto, and the 4th highest numberof university students. This rich academic tradition goes back to the Meiji
Period, when the government began opening schools to educate the future
elite of the country. Kanazawa University began as the first such institution
established on the Sea of Japan, and attracted the brightest and best
students in the literary arts.

The Fourth High school Memorial of Cultural Exchange, Ishikawa

A city of comfort andconvenience
Ishikawa Prefecture has a population of 1,125,000, and450,000 people call Kanazawa their home. As the capital
city located in the center of the prefecture, Kanazawa is theheart of politics, culture, and economics for the Hokuriku
Region.
JR Kanazawa Station, the gateway to Kanazawa City, wasselected as one of the only beautiful stations in the worldby the web version of the 2011 American travel magazine"Travel + Leisure" (World’s Most Beautiful Train Stations).
With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen and improved
access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it is a spot that is
attracting more and more attention from home and abroad.

08 | Get Started!

Tsuzumi-mon

A city rich in nature
Kanazawa enjoys four clearly definedseasons that paint the already stunninglandscape with vibrant strokes. Spring andsummer are pleasant, and the year-roundmoisture benefits industry, crafts, andculture.

Kanazawa Castle Park

Snow Covered Kenroku-En

A city rich in tourism and arts
In January 2009, several government ministries certified
Kanazawa and four other cities as Level One Historic Cities.
In June of the same year, Kanazawa became the 17th
member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and thethird in Japan after Nagoya and Kobe, for its renaissance inthe arts and music.
The city’s professional orchestra, Orchestra Ensemble
Kanazawa, has earned high praise for its performances
overseas.

Kanazawa 21st Century Museum

Photo credit : Kanazawa City

National Crafts Museum

A city of abundant nature and traditionalarchitecture

Kanazawa Lacquerware

Kutani Pottery

Another factor that led to the flourishing of traditional culture in Kanazawa is the region’s
distinctive scenery in each of the four seasons. Seasonal changes keep life interesting —in spring, cherry blossoms color the city pink; in summer sweetfish dance in clear streams;
in fall crimson foliage resembles swaths of brocade; in winter the world turns white. In
addition to two large, gently flowing rivers, Saigawa River and Asanogawa River, a networkof water canals runs through the city, making a pleasant babbling sound. Because
Kanazawa was not devastated by the war, it still has historical and cultural buildings thatare over 400 years old. When strolling around town, you will find old temples, shrines,
and merchant houses with lattice doors. With many famous sightseeing spots such as
Kenrokuen Garden — one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kanazawa Castle
and samurai houses, Kanazawa is one of Japan’s most attractive tourist destinations.
Kanazawa University | 09

Studying in Kanazawa
Integrated Japanese Language Program 
What is the Integrated Japanese Language Program?
We offer Japanese classes to our undergraduate and graduate students.
In general, all international students enrolled at Kanazawa University are eligible for this program, which is held in each quarter of the year. It
offers a wide range of classes that cater to all levels of Japanese language ability, from beginner to advanced.
The aim of this program is to improve students’ Japanese language ability so that they can make the most of their university studies and adjust
to life in Japan. The ultimate goal, of course, is to give them enough language ability to be able to understand lectures in Japanese.
Eligible Students
All international students enrolled at Kanazawa University (undergraduates, graduates, research students, auditors, etc.) whose native
language is not Japanese are eligible.
CurriculumThis program consists of comprehensive classes, kanji classes and skill-specific classes. Students can select the appropriate level to fit theirneeds in each area.
• Comprehensive classes: Seven different levels, from beginner's (never studied Japanese before) to advanced levels. Learn Japanesecomprehensively in a class that matches your own level.
• Kanji classes: Divided into difficulty levels, students learn how to read and write kanji, and how to use kanji vocabulary.
• Skill-specific classes: A range of classes for the four different skills of “speaking,” “listening,” “writing” and “reading.” Students can choose theclasses that best suits their learning goals and levels.

Advising System When students encounter problems in their studies, classes, private life, or any other areas, they should feel free to consult their academic
advisor, tutor, international student advisor, counselor, students affairs section or related divisions.
Tutors are domestic students who assist international students with their studies, living arrangements, and inter personal relationships, sothat they can focus on their studies and social life. Tutors might offer Japanese language support, help with submitting documents, or provide
advice about life in Japan. They are an invaluable resource for international students getting used to their new life. Generally, they meet
students once or twice a week. Tutors will be your first friends in Japan!
Kanazawa University supports international students in finding employment in Japan through the “Hokuriku-Shinshu Employment Promotion
Program for International Students.” We offer business-Japanese language training, career education, internship opportunities, and career
counselling to our international students.

10 | Get Started!

Studies on Japanese Culture and Society Outlines
The Organization of Global Affairs offers an opportunity to learn, through hands-on experiences, about the culture and society of Japan in the"Program for Studies on Japanese Culture and Society".
This program consists of subjects such as Budo (martial arts), Japanese Art Performance and Music, and Pottery. It is open to both international
and Japanese students, so that both can interact with each other through coming into contact with the traditional culture and society ofJapan, and deepen their understanding in terms of both knowledge and experience.
Eligible students
1) International students who belong to the Organization of Global Affairs2) All other students, international or domestic, from other departments and faculties

Extracurricular Activities 
OutlineExtracurricular cultural activities such as Tea Ceremony and Flower Arrangement are prepared specially for international students who wish togain a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese culture. An exhibition of their works is held every year.
Eligible students
Mainly international students at Kanazawa University

Japanese Art Performance and Music

Tea Ceremony

Traditional Arts & Crafts and their Techniques

Japanese Art Performance and Music

Budō-Jōdō

Fishing and Slicing fish into "Sashimi"

Japanese dance ("Hyakumangoku Odorinagashi")Kanazawa University | 11

Living in Kanazawa
Living Expenses

Example of monthly breakdown

We have everything, from well-stocked supermarkets to ethnic dining.
FOOD

・Rent

Preparing your own meals with the clever use of supermarket ingredients is the basisof a healthy and economical diet. But who wants to eat at home every night? Aroundcampus you’ll find no shortage of restaurants that fill you up without emptying yourwallet. Make each meal an adventure!

30,000 yen ~ 50,000 yen

・Utility (Electric/Water/Gas)

)

around 15,000 yen (depends on the season
25,000 yen ~ 30,000 yen
Food・・Other expense

30,000 yen ~ 40,000 yen

KANAZAWA FOOD

Italian Restaurant

SHOPPING

nt
Yakitori Restaura

Indian Restaurant

Hanton RiceSashimiKanazawa Curry

Food stores, clothing stores, electronics stores andpharmacies have your needs covered.
Foods stores, clothing stores, electronics stores, pharmacies, and hardware
stores close to campus have everything you need at affordable prices.

Store
Home Furnishing

Electronics Store

Daily Necessities

City life at your doorstep: easy access fromDOWNTOWN campus to downtown delights!
Let's go to Kanazawa’s famous downtown area.

Kata-machi

Omi-Cho Market

Photo credit : Kanazawa City

A student’s best friend!
TRANSPORTATION

Kanazawa University has excellent access by
public bus, and there are four bus stops on
campus.
This makes access to campus very simple.

aCross Gate Kanazaw

Kohrinbo

HOSPITAL

Peace ofmind in an
emergency!
ty Hospital
Kanazawa Universi

National Health Insurance
All foreign nationals who stay in Japan longer than three months are
required to join the National Health Insurance system. This insurance
covers about 70% of medical charges, including hospitalization.

12 | Get Started!

Tuition and Accommodation
Tuition and other fees
Degree Students

Non-degree Students

Classification

Undergraduate

Graduate

Law school

Classification

Credit auditors

Research students

Examination

17,000 yen

30,000 yen

30,000 yen

Examination

9,800 yen

9,800 yen

Admission

282,000 yen

282,000 yen

282,000 yen

Admission

28,200 yen

84,600 yen

Tuition (Annual)

535,800 yen

535,800 yen

804,000 yen

Tuition14,800 yen/unit

29,700 yen/month*Tuition Exemption
Students enrolled in a graduate program who have financial hardship and an
exemplary academic record are eligible for tuition exemption (complete orpartial).

Accommodation
List of Accommodations at Kanazawa University
The period of residence is different for each dormitory. (Generally, 6 months to 1 year)
Name

Location

Kanazawa University
Student Dormitory“Sakigake”

Kakuma2

Kanazawa University
Student Dormitory“Hokumei”

Kakuma3

Kanazawa University
International House

Kakuma1

Housing type・Shared house (Single-gender housing)・8 students share 1 unit (8 single rooms, a shared kitchen, 2

showers and 2 toilets);

Eligibility for move-in*Fees/month・New international students

Around35,000yen 40,000yen

・New international students

Around35,000yen 40,000yen

・Shared with students of various nationalities including Japanese.
・Shared house (Single-gender housing)・5 students share 1 unit (5 single rooms, a shared kitchen, 1

shower and 2 toilets);
・Shared with students of various nationalities including Japanese.

・New international students・New international・Single room (with small kitchen, shower and toilet)

Around35,000yen

researchers (negotiable)*Fees include room charge, utility fee and internet fee.

KU Student Dormitory “Sakigake”

KU Student Dormitory "Sakigake" LDKKU International House

Private Housing
Rents in Kanazawa vary according to the type of housing (by size, location etc.). The approximate
total living expenses are around 80,000 yen - 100,000 yen per month. Please plan how to cover yourliving expenses before coming to Kanazawa.

KU Student Dormitory “Hokumei”

Bed abovethe desk

KitchenLavatory

Desk

Shoe
Rack
Refrigerator
Entrance[Example]

ClosetBookshelf

Balcony

Single Room Image
Kanazawa University | 13

Campus Map
North Area

Central Library,
University Museum

Sou
Natural Scienceand Technology

Human and Social ScienceCentral Area
General Educationlecture Hall
Connecting
BridgeSouth
Connecting
BridgeAdministration Oﬃce,
Health Service Center,
Frontier Science and Social
Co-creation Initiative

Guest House

Librery,Campus Storeand Restaurant

KU International
House

Kakuma Campus
School of
Health Sciences
Gymnasium
Research Center
For Child Mental Development
Institute for Gene Research
School ofMedicine

Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences
Research Center

Medical Library

Ward
School ofMedicine Hall

School ofMedicine

University
Hospital

CentralConsultations
Building Heliport

Takaramachi-Tsuruma Campus
14 | Get Started!

Central Institute ofRadioisotope ScienceIshikawa in Japan

uth Area

KU Student Dormitory
Sakigake"

KU Student Dormitory
Hokumei"Natural Scienceand Technology
College ofTransdisciplinary Sciencesfor Innovation

Noto Satoyama Kaido

Nanomaterials
Research InstituteVenture Business Laboratory
Hardware laboratory

Seoul

Nano Life Science InstituteShin-takaoka
wa
za
na
Ka

Shanghai

JohanaKakuma Campus
Takaramachi-Tsuruma Campus
TaipeiConventional lines
Bullet train
Ishikawa Railway
Ainokaze Toyama Railway
Expressway

Access to Kanazawa University
Airplane
1h

Komatsu AirportBus
40 minBus
35 minKakumaTokyo
Shinkansen
2 h 30 min

Kanazawa
StationBus
20 minOsaka

Express

TakaramachiTsuruma

2 h 40 min

Kanazawa University | 15

Published by International Relations Department, Kanazawa University
Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 Japan(International Student Section)
E-mail : ryukou@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp(Global Affairs Section)
E-mail : kokukou@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
https://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/https://sgu.adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/
Issue Date : August, 2023
2023. 8.