Kyoto University
Founded in June 1897, Kyoto University has a long history and enduring traditions, with a main campus located in the historic city of Kyoto, a center of traditional Japanese culture.
Since its founding, the University has been dedicated to furthering higher education and fostering an atmosphere of free academic exchange. Its graduates play important roles in both national and international affairs, as key players in politics, industry, and society.
As of today, Kyoto University is comprised of 10 faculties, 18 graduate schools, 12 research institutes, and 26 educational institutes and other establishments. Approximately 2,900 of the University’s 22,600 students hail from overseas — representing some 110 countries and regions — contributing to a culturally diverse campus environment.
Degree Programs in English (Undergraduate program)
Kyoto University offers a wide range of degree programs for international students, including the ones listed below, which are conducted entirely in English. Entrance examinations, evaluation reports, and support are provided in English as well, so that students with no Japanese language ability can study for degrees while taking advantage of the University’s world-class research facilities and education.
Further details are available on each program webpage.
●Undergraduate Programs
・Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering
・Kyoto iUP: Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (Japanese + English)
Kyoto iUP is a bachelor’s degree program conducted not only in English but also in Japanese.
No Japanese language proficiency is required at the time of admission. After taking intensive Japanese language classes, students study liberal arts and science courses and fundamental courses in their respective majors in English and/or Japanese. In the final two years of the program, they study specialized subjects in their majors in Japanese.
Degree Programs in English (Graduate program)
●Graduate programs
In addition to the programs listed below, there may be opportunities in individual laboratories or with specific academic advisors to earn a degree in English, especially at the doctoral level.
・Letters
– Joint Degree Master of Arts Program in Transcultural Studies (JDTS)
・Economics
– International Graduate Programme for East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies
– International Joint Master Degree Program in Global Markets, Local Creativities
・Engineering
– International Course in Management of Civil Infrastructure in the Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering
– International Course in Urban and Regional Development in the Department of Urban Management
– Integrated Engineering Course, Human Security Engineering Field
・Agriculture
– Special Course in Agricultural Sciences — For the Global Future of Life, Food and the Environment
・Energy Science
– International Energy Science Course
・Informatics
– International Program in Intelligence Science and Technology
– International Program in Social Informatics
– International Program in Communications and Computer Engineering
・Biostudies
– Global Frontier in Life Science
・Global Environmental Studies
– International Environmental Management Program
・Science (Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior [formerly Primate Research Institute])
– International Course in Primatology and Wildlife Research
・Management
– International MBA (i-MBA)
– Kyoto-Cornell International Collaborative Degree Opportunity (KC-CDO)
Short-term Program
A short-term international student is a status designed to enable international students to study at Kyoto University for a maximum of 3 months. International students enrolled in a non-Japanese university may apply for short-term special courses, such as Amgen Scholars Program, or for a laboratory/supervisor that can host them.
Not all undergraduate faculties/graduate schools/research institutes take short-term international students. Applicants are therefore advised to contact the relevant faculty for details.
Scholarship
There are several types of scholarships available for international students, including the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship.
Regular undergraduate and regular graduate students of excellent academic standing who are facing financial difficulties, may be eligible for an exemption of all or half of the tuition fee.
Japanese language education after enrollment (required or elective)
Education Center for Japanese Language and Culture of the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS) of Kyoto University offers Japanese language courses to KU students. However, there are no programs for students who only want to study the Japanese language at KU.
Dormitory
Kyoto University has accommodation facilities available for international students and researchers. You can also access basic information on how to find accommodation in Japan, and the procedures for moving in and moving out on the website of Kyoto University International Service Office.
Student Support
Kyoto University International Service Office offers assistance and provides information about visa procedures, the application for university accommodations, and daily life in Japan with Kyoto University’s international students, researchers, and their families.
International Student Counseling Office, along with Advising Lounge ‘KI-ZU-NA’, offers advising and counseling services to international students/researchers who have concerns about their academic studies or life in Japan.
Various support services such as peer support and international exchange events are also available, as described on the website. International students and students planning to study abroad can receive support from student office assistants (OAs), known as Peer Tutors. These tutors work at a table in front of the office of International Education and Student Mobility Division (IESMD).
KYOTO UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL SERVICE OFFICE
