How to apply (Faculty)

In other languages

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 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. Special selection for privately-financed international applicants

The Faculty of Engineering has a special selection process for privately-financed international applicants. The process consists of two language-proficiency tests -- the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), administered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) -- and an examination given by the Faculty itself. A preliminary selection may also take place in some cases.

The table below shows the schedule of the undergraduate entrance examination for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Please contact the relevant administrative office for the latest information, since the procedures are subject to change.

Contact information

Faculty with a special selection process for international applicants

Faculty

Application period

Examination period

Entrance

Engineering (in Japanese)

late December

late January

April

2. English-taught degree programs

As part of its continuing efforts to welcome international students, Kyoto University offers a range of programs taught and assessed entirely in English. 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.

To learn about the selection process and other details, see:
English-taught degree programs

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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).

7. Transfer admission

The Faculties of Law, Economics, and Engineering offer undergraduate transfer admissions for international students.

Please contact the relevant admissions office for details.

Contact information

8. 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).

Contact information