- What kind of an institution is Kyoto University?
- Where is the Kyoto University campus?
- Would you send me a university brochure?
- What faculties does Kyoto University have?
- What graduate schools does Kyoto University have?
- What research institutes and centers does Kyoto University have?
- Is it possible to study Japanese at Kyoto University?
- Are there any classes taught in English?
1. What kind of an institution is 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 May 1,2025 Kyoto University is comprised of 10 faculties, 18 graduate schools, 12 research institutes, and 26 educational institutes and other establishments. Approximately 3,000 of the University's 23,000 students hail from overseas — representing some 120 countries and territories — contributing to a culturally diverse campus environment.
2. Where is the Kyoto University campus?
Kyoto University conducts teaching and research centered on three campus clusters surrounding the Kyoto Basin.
Yoshida Campus has been the core of the University since its founding in 1897, serving as a center of teaching and research. Uji Campus is a center of cutting-edge technological development comprised of research institutes for the natural sciences and energy-related fields. Katsura Campus, opened in 2003, consists of the graduate schools for engineering and informatics, a center for industry–government–academic cooperation, and other departments. It is the central campus for basic science and technological innovation and promotion.
In addition to the three campuses, the University has a number of research facilities located across Japan and overseas. Visit the following pages for details.
3. Would you send me a university brochure?
You can download university brochures and other publications and materials from the following page.
4. What faculties does Kyoto University have?
There are 10 faculties, all of which offer undergraduate degrees. Visit the faculty websites for details.
Faculties, Graduate Schools, Research Institutes, and other centers
5. What graduate schools does Kyoto University have?
The University has 18 graduate schools, offering master's, doctoral, 5-year doctoral, and/or professional-degree programs. Visit the graduate school websites for details.
6. What research institutes and centers does Kyoto University have?
Aside from 10 faculties and 18 graduate schools, Kyoto University boasts 12 research institutes, 26 centers, and other establishments as of May 2025. The institutes and centers are dedicated to specific academic fields, spanning the full spectrum of research from the social to the natural sciences. At the same time, they are working with graduate schools to develop top researchers in a cutting-edge research environment.
Some of the research institutes and centers accept research students (non-degree seeking students). Please visit the website of the institute or center you are interested in for such opportunities.
7. Is it possible to study Japanese at Kyoto University?
Kyoto University does not have an independent faculty dedicated to Japanese language studies. Those wishing to improve their language skills, such as to prepare for university studies, are advised to find and attend a suitable language school. Information on Japanese language schools is available on the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and other websites.
International students (excluding Special Auditing Students) and researchers at Kyoto University, however, can attend supplemental Japanese language classes provided by the Education Center for Japanese Language and Culture of the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS). Please note that the classes are supplemental and non-credited. Please visit the Education Center for Japanese Language and Culture website for details.
- Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO): "Search for Schools"
- Japanese language education
- Japanese language courses offered by the Education Center for Japanese Language and Culture
8. Are there any classes taught in English?
There are English-taught degree programs at Kyoto University. Visit the following page for details.
English-taught degree programs
In addition, some of the Liberal Arts and General Education Courses are taught in English.
Liberal Arts and Sciences to Learn in English
The University also offers the Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (Kyoto iUP). Kyoto iUP is a 4.5-year program comprising a six-month preparatory course and four years of undergraduate study. In the first two years of the program (following the six-month preparatory course), students take liberal arts and sciences courses and fundamental courses in their field of specialization. Classes are taught in English and/or Japanese and are also attended by Japanese undergraduate students. The final two years of the program focus on specific subjects in the students' majors, taught mainly or exclusively in Japanese.
Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (Kyoto iUP)
Please note that except for the above programs and courses, classes are generally taught in Japanese, unless specified otherwise. Those wishing to enroll in a regular undergraduate or master's program are expected to have sufficient proficiency in Japanese upon matriculation.