Student exchange programs

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  1. Are there any student exchange programs at Kyoto University?
  2. I attend a university outside Japan that does not have an agreement with Kyoto University. Can I participate in your exchange program?
  3. When is the enrollment period?
  4. Can I apply for an exchange program even if I do not understand Japanese?
  5. What courses can I take in the exchange programs?
  6. Can exchange students take Japanese language classes?
  7. Can exchange students reside in Kyoto University dormitories?
  8. Is the Certificate of Eligibility for Resident Status, required for obtaining an international student visa, available via the University?
  9. Are there scholarships available to exchange students?

1. Are there any student exchange programs at Kyoto University?

There are two types of exchange programs for students whose institutions have a university-level student exchange agreement with Kyoto University: (1) Kyoto University International Education Program, or KUINEP, and (2) the Kyoto University General Exchange Program. Both accept students for a semester (6 months) or two semesters (12 months). Application guidelines are published in the beginning of January and distributed to all partner universities. Applications should be submitted to Kyoto University via the international office of the home institution. Direct applications from students will not be accepted. The application deadline is September to start in April of the following year and February to start in October of the same year. Visit the following page for details.

2. I attend a university outside Japan that does not have an agreement with Kyoto University. Can I participate in your exchange program?

If your university does not have a student exchange agreement with Kyoto University, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for the exchange programs.

3. When is the enrollment period?

April or October. However, the Kyoto University General Exchange Program includes some year-long courses, which begin in April and conclude in March. Those planning to apply for the General Exchange Program are advised to consult beforehand with the International Education and Student Mobility Division, whose contact information is available on the following page.

4. Can I apply for an exchange program even if I do not understand Japanese?

Kyoto University has two types of exchange programs: (1) the Kyoto University International Education Program (KUINEP) and (2) the Kyoto University General Exchange Program.

KUINEP provides undergraduate-level lectures in English to mixed classes, composed of exchange students from partner universities and domestic KyotoU students.

In the General Exchange Program, each student is affiliated with a specific faculty or graduate school and takes regular courses, most of which are taught in Japanese. Graduate students have the choice of enrolling as Special Research Students, who conduct research under an academic supervisor without taking courses. Japanese proficiency is not required if the supervisor can provide guidance in another language. This option is not available to undergraduate students. Accordingly, for undergraduate students lacking Japanese proficiency, KUINEP would be more appropriate than the General Exchange Program. Please visit the following page for details.

5. What courses can I take in the exchange programs?

Please visit the following page.

6. Can exchange students take Japanese language classes?

Exchange students may take tuition-free Japanese language classes offered by the Education Center for Japanese Language and Culture of the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS). Grades will be included in the official transcript. The classes count for credit for exchange students (special auditors), but are supplemental and non-credited for other international students.

7. Can exchange students reside in Kyoto University dormitories?

Exchange students can reside in the Kyoto University International Houses or other residential facilities affiliated with the University. Information on the International Houses is available on the following page.

8. Is the Certificate of Eligibility for Resident Status, required for obtaining an international student visa, available via the University?

For students from university-level exchange partners, the University's International Education and Student Mobility Division applies for the Certificate from the Immigration Bureau. Students from department-level exchange partners are advised to inquire at the administrative office of their host faculty or graduate school.

9. Are there scholarships available to exchange students?

International students coming to study at a Japanese university under a student exchange agreement are eligible to apply for the Scholarship for Short-Term Study in Japan, offered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). The scholarship consists of monthly stipends of JPY80,000, provided throughout the student's period of stay in Japan.

Applications should be made via the exchange program coordinator of the student's home university to Kyoto University's International Education and Student Mobility Division. Direct applications from students, either to Kyoto University or JASSO, will not be accepted.

Please note that the scholarship is available only to a limited number of students, and the selection process is highly competitive. It is recommended that prospective exchange students explore scholarship opportunities in their home countries.