Those wishing to attend Kyoto University on a Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship are advised to refer to this page.
Eligibility requirements
Each Faculty has its own admission requirements, but all share the ones listed below. A preliminary selection may take place in some cases prior to the submission of application forms. Please contact the relevant Faculty or program office for details.
Candidates must have:
- Completed, or expect to complete by the end of the year preceding the year of admission, 12 years' schooling or equivalent as specified by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), or
- Obtained a high school or equivalent diploma recognized by MEXT, such as an International Baccalaureate
Selection
1. For programs requiring Japanese proficiency at admission
Special selection for privately financed international applicants
The Faculty of Engineering conducts a special selection process for international applicants. Since courses are mainly taught in Japanese, a high level of Japanese language proficiency is required. Refer to the following for more information:
Special selection process for international applicants at the Faculty of Engineering
Special selection for graduates from schools located in countries other than Japan
The Faculties of Law and Economics have special admissions procedures for graduates of schools located outside Japan. Each Faculty accepts applications from both Japanese and foreign nationals. For details, please check the application guidelines provided by each Faculty.
AO Admission
Kyoto University began implementing AO (Admissions Office) admissions in 2015. Although the AO admission system is primarily intended for domestic applicants, some Faculties also accept AO applications from international students. Please note that for the Faculty of Law, AO admission examinations take place in the second application period. For details, please contact the Admissions Office.
General selection
Applicants must take two examinations: one given by the National Center for University Entrance Examinations (Daigaku Nyushi Center, or DNC), and the other by a Kyoto University Faculty.
To learn about the DNC examination, usually held in January, please contact DNC (in Japanese, external link).
KyotoU Faculty examinations take place in late February, with applications usually opening in late January. Please check the application guidelines for general selection (in Japanese).
2. Programs not requiring Japanese proficiency at admission
Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (Kyoto iUP)
Kyoto iUP is a 4.5-year program, comprised of a six-month preparatory course, followed by four years of undergraduate studies. Japanese language proficiency is not required at the outset. Students will study for degrees in their chosen fields while developing a deep understanding of the Japanese language, culture, and customs.
To learn about the selection process and other details, see:
Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (Kyoto iUP)
English-taught degree programs
As part of its continuing efforts to welcome international students, Kyoto University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs taught and assessed entirely in English.
At the undergraduate level, the Faculty of Engineering currently offers one such program. For the selection process and other details, see:
Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering
For these programs, admission and support services are also provided in English, making the University’s world-class education and facilities available to students with no Japanese language ability.
3. For current and former undergraduate students
Both of the following require sufficient Japanese language proficiency.
Transfer admission
The Faculties of Law, Economics, and Engineering offer undergraduate transfer admissions for international students.
Please contact the relevant admissions office for details.
Admission of bachelor's degree holders
The Faculty of Letters, Education, and Medicine (the Department of Human Health Sciences only) accept applications from graduates of overseas bachelor's-degree programs (including those expecting to graduate by the time of their entrance to Kyoto University).
The Faculties of Integrated Human Studies and Science accept applications from those with a bachelor's degree from Kyoto University (including those expecting to graduate by the time of their entrance to Kyoto University).