Fab Academy Pricing

World-standard digital fabrication education program

🎓 What is Fab Academy

Fab Academy is a world-standard digital fabrication education program led by Professor Neil Gershenfeld of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Learn "how to make (almost) anything" over 20 weeks through video conferencing connecting Fab Labs worldwide.

✨ 3 Benefits of Studying at Fab Lab Westharima

👥

Experienced Instructors

Three instructors, including Fab Academy graduates, provide comprehensive support from assignment creation to documentation.

🚀

Boot Camp (Paid)

For those who need it, we offer a Boot Camp before the program starts. Content is tailored to each student's skill level to prepare for the main program.

⚙️

Excellent Equipment Environment

All necessary equipment and materials for common assignments, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, are provided by the lab. Learn with excellent facilities.

💰 Tuition Fee

$5,000 USD
Approx. ¥750,000-800,000 (varies with exchange rate)

Tuition includes

  • Weekly lectures (in English)
  • Basic equipment usage fees for assignments
  • Materials and components for common assignments
  • Support from local instructors
  • Access to the global network
  • Certificate of completion (upon completing all assignments)

Additional costs

  • Boot Camp (for those who need it)
  • Materials and components for individual assignments (varies by project)
  • Materials and components for additional assignments (varies by project)
  • Special materials and components for final project (varies by project)

For details, please see Fab Academy Tuition Fee.

Scholarships are also available.

📝 How to Enroll at Fab Lab Westharima

1

Contact Us

Please contact us through our contact form. We'll answer your questions about Fab Academy and provide enrollment consultation.

2

Tour & Orientation

Visit Fab Lab Westharima for a tour and attend a detailed orientation/interview online or in-person. You can check the actual facilities and atmosphere.

3

Student Registration

Approved applicants will receive guidance on student registration after the interview.

👥 Comprehensive Support System

Hiroe Takeda

Hiroe Takeda

Junior Instructor

Fab Academy 2023 graduate. Uses her own experience to provide easy-to-understand guidance for beginners.

Shin Masuoka

Shin Masuoka

Junior Instructor

Fab Academy 2023 graduate. Provides comprehensive support from technical assistance to assignment advice.

Koharu Takeda

Koharu Takeda

Junior Instructor from 2026

Fab Academy 2025 student. Will join as a junior instructor from 2026, bringing fresh perspectives to support.

Kazunari Takeda

Kazunari Takeda

Founder / Manager

Founder of Fab Lab Westharima. Expert in mechanical, electrical, and control design, providing technical backup.

Kazutoshi Tsuda

Kazutoshi Tsuda

Guru

Associate Professor at Kyoto Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Design. Member of Fab Lab Kitakagaya. Fab Academy 2014 graduate. Specializes in sustainability design, digital fabrication, and biotechnology, supporting advanced assignments with extensive experience.

🚀 Boot Camp (Paid)

For those who need it, we offer a Boot Camp starting 3-6 months before the program begins. The content is tailored to each student's skill level to help prepare for the main program.

📋 Important Information

📅 Application Deadline

Fab Lab Westharima accepts applications until the Student Application submission deadline. For applications after the deadline, please contact us.

📆 Program Period

  • Late January to early June: Weekly lectures & assignment/documentation creation
  • July: Final project presentation

※ All prices shown include Japanese consumption tax (10%).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it okay for beginners?

A. Yes, complete beginners are welcome! If necessary, we offer a paid Boot Camp to support you from the basics. Our instructors will provide thorough support.

Q. What is the difference from a regular monthly membership?

A. Fab Academy is an official MIT program with fixed assignments and a completion certificate. The monthly membership (¥2,500-12,000/month) is for free equipment usage and learning.

Q. Can I receive support in Japanese even though lectures are in English?

A. Yes! Lectures are in English, but our instructors provide full support in Japanese for assignment creation and documentation. We also assist with English presentations.

Q. How much time commitment is required each week?

A. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 20-40 hours per week. The workload is substantial, requiring strong commitment and time management.

💼 Other Pricing Plans

🌟 Connect with the World through Fab Academy

For detailed information about tuition fees, please feel free to contact us
Tours are available at any time

Last updated: November 9, 2025