Kyoto University Degree Programs for International Students

2013/2014 

Kyoto University 

Degree Programs for 

International Students

Introduction 

Generating world-class knowledge through academic freedom and autonomy 

For over a century Kyoto University has cultivated a tradition of cutting-edge research, making the 

university a global center of innovation in science and technology and the humanities. We also have rich 

history of international academic exchange. Our Mission Statement includes the declaration that" as an 

international institution, Kyoto University will promote foreign academic exchange and thereby strive to 

contribute to the well-being of the world." The Mission Statement was promulgated in 2001. By that time, 

however, the university had been practicing an open international policy for almost a century, having 

admitted its first international student in 1903, six years after its founding. As May of 2012, we have over 

1,700 international students from all over the world. 

Offering a range of programs for international students 

As part of its continuing efforts to welcome international students and researchers, Kyoto University now 

offers a range of programs for international students. This guidebook is designed to provide general 

information on Kyoto University’s international degree programs. The courses are taught and assessed 

entirely in English, and admission and support services are also provided in English, making the 

university's world-class facilities and teaching available to students with no Japanese language ability. 

Diversifying and broadening horizons at Kyoto University 

At Kyoto University, students take the initiative to pursue studies and research based on their own 

personal interests and concerns, while the university provides opportunities for them to diversify and 

broaden their horizons. Our students can meet, communicate with, and be inspired by many 

world-renowned researchers who have garnered international acclaim for their achievements on our 

campuses. By providing quality guidance and handson experience, we strive to create an environment in 

which students can flourish and excel on the international stage. 

C o n t e n t s 

Kyoto University Degree Programs for International Students 

1 Life in Kyoto 

2 Message from the President 

4 Student Voices 

6 Degree Programs in English 

7 K.U.PROFILE; the Global 30 Project at Kyoto University 

8-23 Course Descriptions; 

K.U.PROFILE courses 

Other special courses and programs 

24-29 Information on KUINEP Courses, Japanese Language Classes and Student Life 

30-31 Kyoto University's Award-Winning Research 

32 Past and Present 

33 Mission Statement

Life in Kyoto 

Kyoto flourished as the capital city of Japan from 794 to 1868 A.D., from the beginning of the Heian 

aristocracy to the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate or Edo period. To this day, it remains a vibrant 

artistic capital - a treasure trove of cultural assets and traditions kept alive through its people. 

Built upon its foundation of skilled artisans and craftsmen - learned in the aesthetics developed over 

a millennium - modern day Kyoto has also witnessed the birth of frontier technologies and 

subsequent global-scale successes of such names as Shimadzu, Kyocera and Nintendo.This is a city 

where the best of both the old and new can be found. 

Individuals studying and working in Kyoto enjoy the opportunity to discover this city just steps away 

from their academic interests.

Message from the President 

I 

’m very pleased to introduce Kyoto University , s 

great range of degree programs for 

international students. The programs in this 

brochure are taught and supported entirely in 

English, and are designed to open our doors to 

students and scholars from around the world who 

are seeking enroll in a top-class degree program 

in the heart of Japan. 

Kyoto University has a long history of 

academic excellence, imbued with the 

unique cultural heritage and philosophy of 

Kyoto. Our academic tradition was founded on 

the concepts of self-reliance and self-respect (in 

Japanese, 自重自敬 jichō jikei ). Those words were 

memorialized in calligraphy by Professor Hiroji 

Kinoshita, the first president of Kyoto University, 

and they continue to guide our approach to 

education and research today. Our campuses have 

been home to historically respected scholars such 

as Nobel laureate Professor Hideki Yukawa, who 

promoted the concept of innovative collaborative 

research initiatives merging diverse academic 

fields as a key to making scientific breakthroughs. 

To this day, we continue to emphasize dialogue 

and cooperation, pursuing interdisciplinary 

collaborative research that crosses the boundaries 

which have conventionally divided the natural 

sciences and the humanities. 

The dedication and achievements of 

our scholars have been acknowledged 

by the fact that we have been selected for 

numerous prestigious government programs, 

and worldwide, in the form of numerous 

internationally recognized accolades. A notable 

recent example of the latter is the award of the 

2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to 

Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, director of our Center 

for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA). 

Dr. Yamanaka’s discoveries have opened new 

realms of possibility in biology and medicine,

and are certain to have a profound effect on 

the advancement of science and technology as 

a whole, as well as on the humanities and social 

sciences. 

Advances in science and technology coupled 

with today’s environmental issues are 

changing the very ways in which humanity and 

nature are perceived and understood. In this 

age of such profound change, our university is 

committed to its mission to pursue harmonious 

coexistence within the human and ecological 

community on this planet. I should mention that 

in this context, we use the term “community”to 

include everything from the Earth’s plants and 

animals, mountains and rivers, to the sea and 

sky, and even its lithosphere and surrounding 

interplanetary space. Through that ambitious 

mission, we aim to inspire students and 

researchers from around the world to not only 

become specialists in their chosen field, but also to 

help tackle the world’s most urgent problems and 

contribute to the global community. 

You are invited to join us. The degree programs 

in this brochure exemplify Kyoto University , s 

flexible and innovative approach to education 

and research —both an opportunity for personal 

advancement and a chance to address greater 

issues. I am confident that students who enroll in 

these programs will benefit from, and enjoy, an 

educational experience of the highest caliber. 

I also hope that Kyoto University will surprise 

you, and surpass your own expectations. I look 

forward to welcoming you to our campuses in 

the heart of Kyoto when you commence your 

academic journey. 

March 2013 

Hiroshi Matsumoto 

President, Kyoto University 

Kyoto University 3

4 Kyoto University


Degree Programs in English 

Degree 

Course title Undergraduate/Graduate Schools Enrollment 

Bachelor Master Doctor 

Professional 

Master 

Enrollment 

Limit 

Undergraduate International Course Program of Global 

Engineering 

Faculty of Engineering April ◯ 30 

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 

Graduate School of Engineering April ◯ 

Graduate School of Engineering April ◯ 

12 

Special Course in Agricultural Science - For the Global Future 

of Life, Food and the Environment 

Graduate School of Agriculture 

Graduate School of Agriculture 

April 

October 

◯ 5 

April 

October 

◯ 5 

Graduate School of Energy Science October ◯ 10 

International Energy Science Course 

International Course in Intelligence Science and 

Technology 

International Course in Social Informatics 

International Course in Communications and Computer 

Engineering 

Graduate School of Energy Science 

Graduate School of Informatics 






(April) 

October 

◯ 10 

April 

October 

◯ 8 

April 

October 

◯ 2 

April 

October 

◯ 8 

April 

October 

◯ 2 

April 

October 

◯ 8 

April 

October 

◯ 2 

Global Frontier in Life Science 

Graduate School of Biostudies 

Graduate School of Medicine 

Graduate School of Biostudies 

Graduate School of Medicine, Graduate School of 

Pharmaceutical Sciences 

April 

October 

April 

April 

October 

April 

◯ 10 

◯ 10 

Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies April ◯ 8 

International Environmental Management Program 

International Course for Primatology and Wildlife Research 

Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies 

Graduate School of Science (Primate Research Institute) 

Graduate School of Science (Primate Research Institute) 

April 

October 

◯ 3 

April 

October 

◯ 5 

April 

October 

◯ 5 

International Project Management Course Graduate School of Management April ◯ 10 

International Course for East Asia Sustainable Economic 

Development Studies 

Graduate School of Economics October ◯ 12 

Graduate School of Economics October ◯ 12 

Integrated Engineering Course, 

Human Security Engineering Field 

Graduate School of Engineering 

April 

October 

◯ 20 


K.U.PROFILE: 

Kyoto University Programs for 

Future International Leaders 

In 2009, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and 

Technology (MEXT) launched its Global 30 (G30) Project. The project facilitates 

the acceptance of overseas students to Japanese universities, promotes strategic 

international collaboration and supports the formation of centers for the 

internationalization of Japan. Aiming to provide high quality education by 

bringing out the full potential of the unique strengths of our institutions, and 

ultimately provide an educational environment more easily accessible to students 

from overseas, K.U.PROFILE is Kyoto University’s educational initiative under 

the G30 Project. 

New Opportunities for International Students at Kyoto University 

K.U.PROFLE presents a selection of twelve courses for international students 

which take full advantage of Kyoto University’s distinctive strengths and state-ofthe-art 

facilities. 

Kyoto University: An Outstanding Environment for Study and Research 

◉Cutting-edge technical facilities and rich academic traditions 

◉A unique academic style based on multi-disciplinary research and self-guided 

learning 

◉A high teacher-to-student ratio ensuring quality instruction and guidance 

Study in English in the Heart of Japan 

◉Eleven master’s and doctoral degrees, and one undergraduate course available 

entirely in English 

◉Entrance procedures and student support services in English 

◉Excellent opportunities to study Japanese language and culture in the historic 

city of Kyoto 

A Bright Future Awaits 

◉The twelve K.U. PROFILE courses have been specially designed to provide the 

education and experience needed to enable YOU to become a leading player on 

the international stage. 


01 

Undergraduate 

International Course 

Program of Global Engineering 

02 

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

Undergraduate International Course 

Program of Global Engineering 

Enrollment: April 

Enrollment Limit: 30 

Degree: Bachelor's Degree 

URL: http: //www.s-ge.t.kyoto-u.ac.jp/int/en/ 

E-mail: icp@t.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University, 

Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501 

Course Description: 

This four-year international course in English leads to a Bachelor 

of Engineering degree from the Undergraduate School of Global 

Engineering. The course aims to cultivate human resources capable 

of designing and managing civil infrastructures while considering 

global environmental issues around urban and regional areas, 

particularly in Asian and African countries. 

In the first and second years, students are required to take 

lectures in fundamental mathematics, physics and liberal arts. 

Scientific English and basic Japanese lectures are also available. 

From the second year, specialized civil engineering lectures are 

given, including those on environmental engineering and earth 

resources, and energy science. For the first three years, all lectures 

are given at Yoshida Campus. In the fourth (final) year, students 

with sufficient credits may join a research group and relocate to Katsura or Uji Campuses. Each 

student will undertake research for their bachelor thesis at their designated laboratory. The 

thesis is presented and examined in February of the final year, in order to graduate in March. 

Related courses: master's courses in the Management of Civil Infrastructure, and Urban and 

Regional Development in addition to a doctoral course in Human Security Engineering. 

Promoting the 3L's: low cost, local materials, 

and labor-based technologies in JKUAT, Kenya. 

High performance: different types of steel. 

Welcome Message: 

Dr. Makoto Kimura 

The course will train the next generation of human resources who will design 

and manage civil infrastructure while considering global environmental issues 

and civil engineering problems on a global scale. We welcome students from all 

over the world whose interest is in development issues in their home countries, 

Professor at the Laboratory of 

Infrastructure Innovation 

Engineering and the Department of Civil 

and Earth Resources Engineering at the 

Graduate School of Engineering. 

His research interests include the 

design and construction technology for 

foundations and tunnel. 

environmental issues and natural resource concerns in Asia and Africa. We want to 

instill a combined do-it-yourself and do-for-others approach in our program, and 

hope that students will discover and define personalized research paths. 


International Course in Management 

of Civil Infrastructure in the 

Department of Civil and Earth 

01 02 Resources Engineering 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

International Course in Management of Civil 

Infrastructure in the Department of Civil and 

Earth Resources Engineering 


Enrollment Limit: 12 (combined capacity with the International Course in Urban and Regional 

Development in the Department of Urban Management) 

Degree: Master's Degree 

URL: http://www.ce.t.kyoto-u.ac.jp/mci/en/ 


Address: Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University 

Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8530 


This is a two-year program leading to a Master of Engineering 

degree. This course aims to cultivate human resources capable 

of managing civil infrastructures and addressing environmental 

issues in various countries, particularly in the developing 

countries of Asia and Africa. Issues such as how to achieve a 

stable supply of natural resources and harmonize human activities 

with the global environment; the development of fundamental 

key technologies that support public infrastructure and energy 

development; the creation and development of new versatile 

technologies and design methods concerning the construction, 

improvement, operation, and maintenance of public infrastructure 

and disaster mitigation measures, as well as technologies related 

to the exploration, development, and utilization of the natural 

environment, natural resources and energy. The experimental and 

theoretical integration and deployment of those technologies in the 

framework of computational mechanics and applied mechanics. 

A wind tunnel is used for studying bridge 

aerodynamics at Katsura Campus. 

Studies conducted with hydraulic flumes 

to reveal fluid dynamics in river and ocean 

environments. 


Dr. Tomomi Yagi 

Associate Professor at the Bridge 

Engineering Laboratory in the 

Department of Civil and Earth Resources 

Engineering. He is an avid researcher of 

bridge aerodynamics. 

In light of the major shift in the locus of public infrastructure development and 

resource development from Japan to other countries, we need to nurture highlyqualified 

engineers from overseas to produce engineers who can make broad 

contributions at the cutting-edge of conventional civil engineering, resource 

engineering, and environmental engineering. Our policy is to invite highlyaccomplished 

researchers and corporate researchers from Japan and other 

countries to participate in seminar courses. 


International Course in Urban 

and Regional Development 

in the Department of Urban 

01 02 03 Management 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

International Course in Urban and Regional 

Development in the Department of Urban 

Management 


Enrollment Limit: 12 ( combined capacity with the International Course in Management of Civil 

Infrastructure in the Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering) 

Degree: Master's Degree 

URL: http://www.um.t.kyoto-u.ac.jp/urd/en/ 


Address: Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University 

Kyoto Daigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8530 


This is a two-year program leading to a Master of Engineering degree. 

The department aims to make advances in social analysis technology 

utilizing urban engineering, traffic engineering, and environmental 

system engineering to analyze human activities in cities. Research is 

conducted in urban planning and traffic planning to realize safe and 

sustainable urban systems. Advances in urban infrastructure relating 

to building foundations and rivers are examined. The department is 

working to establish methodologies and engineering techniques for 

the comprehensive management of urban systems, incorporating 

assessments of the sustainability of cities based on cutting-edge research 

and an interdisciplinary perspective that embraces the social sciences 

and humanities. Advanced information communication technology is 

integrated with social infrastructure technology in order to realize 

sustainable, safe, and internationally competitive urban systems that can 

ensure a high quality of life. Lectures and seminar-based subjects are 

designed for students to independently plan, implement, summarize and 

present research results from project surveys and company seminars. 

Urban planning projects in Kyoto include 

the removal of telephone poles from its 

cityscape. 

The introduction of the new CENTRAMs 

of Toyama City is an example of 

transportation planning. 


Dr. Satoshi Fujii 

Professor of urban and 

transportation planning, 

travel behaviour modeling 

and public psychology for 

infrastructure planning and 

management. 

In a short period of time, Japan has shifted from being an agricultural country, to one associated 

with wealth and technological advancement. Such national development was made possible by 

the concentrated expansion of infrastructure such as railroads and ports. Developed by Japanese 

civil engineering, this infrastructure was in a large part borne of the civil engineering program at 

Kyoto University – one of only two of such programs offered in Japan at the turn of the century. 

Entering the 21 st century, the world has changed drastically. We aim to share our knowledge of 

civil engineering in the hope of contributing to the world at a new level. Thus were established 

the civil engineering undergraduate, master, and doctorate level international courses. To 

all of you, who are aspiring to excel and make a contribution to the development of the 

global civilization, we welcome you to our international courses for civil engineering at Kyoto 

University! 


Special Course in Agricultural 

Science - For the Global Future of 

01 02 03 04 Life, Food and the Environment 

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

Special Course in Agricultural Science - 

For the Global Future of Life, Food and the 

Environment 

Enrollment: April/October 

Enrollment Limit: Master: 5, Doctor: 5 

Degree: Master's Degree, Doctoral Degree 

URL: http://www.kais.kyoto-u.ac.jp/english/ 

E-mail: agrig30@adm.kais.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University 

Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502 


This course aims to develop the next generation of human 

resources with advanced research abilities, profound knowledge 

and an international perspective in the fields of life, food and 

the environment. Master’s and doctoral students in this course 

can study a diverse range of agricultural, life and environmental 

sciences : Agronomy and Horticultural Science, Forest and 

Biomaterials Science, Applied Life Sciences, Applied Biosciences, 

Environmental Science and Technology, Natural Resource 

Economics, and Food Science and Biotechnology. We will examine 

the social effects of agriculture, such as the results of adopting 

various farming approaches. Each student will benefit by having 

several supervisors for their research guidance. The curriculum 

offers courses in the fields of natural and environmental sciences, 

geography, economics and information systems. Lectures 

are given by international teaching staff. Seminars and 

experimental courses are given by the course supervisors. 

New flow of product and information with 

soil analysis center and product information 

center in vegetable and fruit production. 

Its database is utilized for farming guidance 

to producers and for traceability system to 

consumers. 

A pummelo with needled injury (1 cm X 1 cm 

area) at fruit center 

(Left: the injury part is not detected on color 

image because of small needled holes, 

Right: the injury part is green color on 

fluorescence image with UV light radiation) 


Beef cattle grown with monitoring sensor 

systems in precision livestock 

Dr. Naoshi Kondo 

Professor of Division of 

Environmental Science and 

Technology at the Graduate 

School of Agriculture. 

My work covers sensing engineering for automation and informatization in 

bioproduction systems such as sensors and automatic machines for agricultural, 

livestock, and aquacultural operations, traceability systems, farming guidance 

with GIS, quality controls, and non-destructive inspections looking at producers, 

operators, and consumers in the food production cycle. 

Students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge that will be useful in 

their home contexts. I look forward to sharing our research interests welcoming 

students from around the world. 


01 02 03 04 

International Energy Science 

Course 

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

International Energy Science Course 

Enrollment: Master's - October, Doctoral - October (April*) 

*Please ask for the details of the April enrollment. 

Enrollment Limit: Master: 10, Doctor:10 


URL: http://www.energy.kyoto-u.ac.jp/IESC/ 

E-mail: intl@energy.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: The Graduate School of Energy Science 

Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501 


The International Energy Science Course (IESC) Master’s Program teaches 

students about energy systems from a broad, cross-disciplinary perspective, 

along with in-depth understanding of their own major. Teaching in each 

major takes place within the three departments of the Graduate School of 

Energy Science. Each department has their own specific criteria; however, 

all students must complete course work and research equating to 30 credits, 

and successfully defend their Master’s thesis. The IESC doctoral program provides the international students 

and researchers who have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) an opportunity to further their studies toward a 

doctoral degree at Kyoto University. 

Majors available within the course will fall broadly within one of three departments: Socio-Environmental Energy 

Science (SES), Fundamental Energy Science (FES), and Energy Conversion Science (ECS). SES leads the research 

on the effective use of energy and resources and analysis of energy systems in order to build a sustainable social 

system within the global environment, while FES offers graduate students fundamental science education and 

conduct research to contribute to cleaner energy solutions. ECS conduct research and education in generation, 

conversion, control and utilization of various kinds of energy in focus on efficient and clean energy. 


Dr. Keiichi N. Ishihara 

Professor of the Department of Socio- 

Environmental Energy Science at the 

Graduate School of Energy Science. 

His research interests cover two broad 

fields on energy; materials science 

and social engineering on energy and 

environment. 

Security of power generation has become an even more exigent issue in the world 

since the Fukushima accident. Staff and students of the GSES work to deepen an 

understanding of the energy problems and work to develop new energy and 

environmental technologies to ensure the sustainable development of human 

society. Students engage in learning across various fields, explore sustainable 

energy systems through the creation of innovative technologies and study the 

social and economic implications of such energy systems. Students who are 

attracted to Kyoto as the namesake of the UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol and want to 

contribute to sustainable development will find themselves at home. Students are 

encouraged to pursue their area of research in depth. We have been very successful 

with the approach of our program and I am convinced that we will be able to solve 

the challenges of the future. After graduation, I expect our students will be 

equipped to go into society as experts in the energy field with specialized training. 


International Course in 

Intelligence Science and 

01 02 03 04 05 06 Technology 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

International Course in Intelligence Science and 

Technology 




URL: http://www.g30.i.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ 

E-mail: jyoho-kyomu@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University 

Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 


This course focuses on clarifying the mechanisms of 

information processing and applying that expertise to the 

development of versatile high-level applications. For 

example, we study how computer systems achieve and 

transcend human vision, auditory, language understanding, 

etc. All these are our most important cognitive abilities. 

The curriculum offers a wide range of topics covering 

mathematics and computer science, including discrete 

algorithm, intelligent algorithm, statistics, machine learning, 

computer vision, pattern recognition, etc. These theories 

are explored as students investigate how technologies are 

applied to an application-oriented research project. In our 

department, we work with algorithmic principles; make use 

of state-of-the-art technologies; and inspire students to take 

their knowledge and imagination into new studies. 

Students will investigate intelligent informatics. 


Dr. Xuefeng Liang 

Associate Professor Xuefeng Liang in the 

Department of Intelligence Science and 

Technology and Graduate School of 

Informatics. His interests include computer 

vision, pattern recognition, image 

processing, and computational geometry. 

Our program creates an environment for discovering science and enjoying the 

fun of research, and trains students to think independently, free their minds, and 

embrace the spirit of innovation. We expect students to make passionate use of 

the excellent learning opportunities provided by Kyoto University in classes, 

seminars, and by using the learning support services. We genuinely encourage 

students to seek help when necessary and to be in a fit state to learn state-ofthe-art 

technologies of informatics. Meanwhile, communicating and cooperating 

with classmates and university staff, meeting the requirements of the 

course and taking responsibility for personal development are all part of the 

program at Kyoto University. 


01 02 03 04 05 06 

International Course in Social 

Informatics 

07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 

International Course in Social Informatics 









This course assumes information is the most important unit of 

life and aims to answer societal needs and problems which are 

rapidly being rewritten as technological advances are made. Our 

department provides opportunities to study ICT technologies and 

social information systems in the areas of information management, 

multi-agent systems and system dynamics. In the area of 

information management the following content will be explored: 

databases, information retrieval, web information management, 

distributed information systems, information organization and 

retrieval, information systems design for object-oriented design/ 

analysis and programming, database design, user interface design, 

web information systems design, and information systems analysis 

including data mining. In the area of multi-agent systems, students 

delve into business processes and services computing. In the final 

area of content, students work in system dynamics, environmental 

issues, GIS, field research and statistics. Biosphere informatics and 

information system analysis will be taught. In the area of social 

informatics, topics will include information security, information 

economy, digital rights, digital ethics and IT policy and agenda. 

Lectures will include topics related to 

information management and knowledge 

extraction and creation. 

BDI architecture typically contains four key 

data structures: beliefs, goals, intentions and 

a plan library. 


Dr. Adam Jatowt 

Associate Professor at the Graduate School 

of Informatics. He is a member of the Tanaka 

Digital Library Lab. His research interests 

include information retrieval, information 

quality, web search and web mining. 

Our program attracts people from different cultures who are eager to pursue 

independent research toward the benefit of society. While much of our work is in 

applied research, we ensure students have the opportunity to conduct primary 

research and engage in the discovery process according to their interests. We 

would like to invite creative, innovative students who are interested in taking 

new research directions and wish to study in an international environment. 


International Course in 

Communications and 

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 Computer Engineering 09 10 11 12 13 14 

International Course in Communications and 

Computer Engineering 


Enrollment Limit: Master:8, Doctor: 2 







The focus of this course lies in the theoretical aspects of modern 

IT technologies, principally, the design and analysis of algorithms, 

computational complexity and discrete mathematics related to 

computer science. Three new classes, none of which are designed 

solely for foreign students, will be offered. 

“Introduction to algorithms and informatics”is a non-technical survey 

class for non-specialists.“Computational intractability: NP-completeness 

and integer programming”and “Polyhedral computation”are two 

more technical courses, and it is recommended that they be taken in 

sequence. The first explains how to describe, model, and solve hard 

computational problems, drawing practical examples from engineering 

and science. The second examines the fundamental geometric 

algorithms underlying the solution of integer programs and other high 

dimensional problems. Related classes given in English are "Theory 

of discrete algorithms" and "Theory of computational complexity". 

Students can also take two general "Perspectives in informatics" 

seminars as well as classes in the other two international courses 

given by the School of Informatics. 

Lifting a Voronoi diagram to a polyhedron. 


Dr. David Avis 

Professor of Geometric Computation in 

the Department of Communications and 

Computer Engineering and the Graduate 

School of Informatics. 

The computers, interfaces, and networks that the general public use depend 

on algorithms of one type or another. As the sophistication and complexity 

of end-user applications increases, the algorithmic problems to be solved 

become extremely difficult. Many of our students will be interested in research 

concerning end-user level and technology-based communities. However, 

in order to develop new and more intelligent applications, they will need a 

thorough knowledge of the ever-evolving and improving algorithmic methods 

available to them. The goal of our courses is to provide this knowledge in a 

rich environment where international students and Japanese students fully 

interact. Our courses attract students from various backgrounds and interests. 

Other universities in Japan have international programs of one form or another, 

but none come close to the breadth and depth of the programs offered by the 

Graduate School of Informatics at Kyoto University. 



09 

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 10 11 12 13 14 


Enrollment: Graduate School of Biostudies: Master's - April/October, Doctoral - April/October 

Graduate School of Medicine: Master's - April, Doctoral - April 

Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Doctoral - April 

Enrollment Limit: Master: 10, Doctor:10 


URL: Graduate School of Biostudies: http://www.lif.kyoto-u.ac.jp/e/ 

Graduate School of Medicine: http://www.med.kyoto-u.ac.jp/E/ 

Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences: http://www.pharm.kyoto-u.ac.jp/english/ 

E-mail: global-frontier@lif.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 

Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho,Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 

Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-Shimo-Adachi-cho, 

Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 


The Graduate Schools of Biostudies, Medicine, and Pharmaceutical 

Sciences offer a joint three-year Doctoral Program. This program aims 

to educate world-class scientists in the fields of life, medical, and 

pharmaceutical sciences to contribute to the advancement of basic 

science and human welfare. The Graduate School of Medicine also 

offers a four-year Doctoral Degree of Medical Science. These three 

graduate schools hold independent entrance examinations (to be 

announced on the respective websites above), and accept up to ten 

applicants. Related joint Master’s programs are offered by the 

Graduate School of Medicine and by the Graduate School of 

Biostudies. These programs are open to both international and 

domestic students, and are held entirely in English, including the 

entrance examinations, lectures, experiments and discussions. 

Conducting an experiment in the laboratory. 

Microscopy training in a pathology class. 


Dr. James Hejna 

Professor and Program Chair at the 

Graduate School of Biostudies. He teaches 

courses in the Global Frontier in Life 

Science. 

Not only will future scientists require a broad knowledge base and an arsenal of 

sophisticated techniques, but they must be skilled at communication. We 

welcome students who embrace this reality, and provide an environment for 

them to launch international careers, emphasizing cutting-edge research 

laboratories, a curriculum in English, and numerous opportunities for 

participation at international conferences and meetings. 



09 

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 10 11 12 13 14 


Dr. Akira Kakizuka 

Professor and Program Chair at the 

Graduate School of Biostudies. He 

teaches courses in the Global Frontier 

in Life Science. 

As a world-class research center in the field of life sciences, the Graduate School 

of Biostudies aims to educate graduate students who will be able to make major 

contributions to the development of basic and applied life sciences. We strive 

to develop 1) researchers who explore and discover the basics of life at the 

highest level in the world, leading the multi-disciplinary field of Biostudies; 2) 

researchers and highly skilled engineers who contribute to society, endeavoring 

to protect the global environment and maintain human health, well-being, 

and happiness; and 3) educators and highly skilled practitioners who possess 

a broad knowledge of diverse vital phenomena in living organisms, and who 

contribute to society through education, industry, mass media, and the public 

sector. We welcome students who wish to contribute to the advancement of 

the life sciences as well as human welfare. 


Dr. Hisato Jingami 

Professor at the Graduate School of 

Medicine. Oversees the Advanced Course 

in Medical Science. 

The Global Frontier in Life Science Program is a response to the disappearance 

of traditional borders between biology and medical science in modern 

medicine. This course will appeal to students who wish to acquire a wide body 

of knowledge, discover technology that is applicable to hard research, and 

explore the possibilities of joint research. Our new research centers are on a 

par with those of top-level universities in other countries, and our curriculum is 

designed to nurture the next generation of scientists with high level technical 

skills, theoretical analytical skills and broad horizons with regards to research. 

Individual research requires multidisciplinary analysis using diverse and 

sophisticated experimental technology, so we are offering new research training 

courses to ensure that our students will be at the leading edge of their field. 

Students receive research guidance and support from both faculty members 

within their department and faculty from other diverse fields. 


Dr. Mitsuru Hashida 

Professor Hashida chairs the Department of 

Drug Delivery Research and is a chairman 

of the Board of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 

the International Pharmaceutical Federation 

and a member of the Science Council of 

Japan. 

The mission of the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is to promote 

discovery, innovation and optimization of pharmacotherapy. The school 

presently consists of 31 departments, three endowed chairs, and four affiliated 

institutions including the Institute for Innovative NanoBio Drug Discovery and 

Development and the Center for Development of Integrative Education in 

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Our approach to education emphasizes 

training leaders in pharmaceutical sciences, including rationalization of 

pharmacotherapy at medical institutions and regulatory affairs at the 

governmental policy level. Innovation in pharmaceutical sciences and new 

tools such as informatics, bio-imaging, and nano-bio technology are extensively 

covered. Pharmaceutical science is expected to become even more important, 

and graduate students from all over the world with enthusiasm for the evolution 

of pharmaceutical sciences are strongly encouraged to join us. 


01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 

International Environmental 

Management Program 

10 11 12 13 14 

International Environmental Management 

Program 

Enrollment: Master's - April, Doctoral - April/October 

Enrollment Limit: Master : 8, Doctor : 3 


URL: http://www.ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ 

E-mail: g30@ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, 

Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 

Program Description: 

The Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES) has 

established the International Environmental Management Program to 

strengthen educational and research opportunities for international 

students. GSGES offers a Doctoral Program in Global Environmental 

Studies for students interested in pursuing environmental research 

and academic study, and Master’s and Doctoral Programs in 

Environmental Management for students interested in applied 

environmental management from the local to global levels. Students 

who join the International Program will be enrolled in one of these 

three degree programs. 

GSGES features a multidisciplinary program, with faculty drawn from 

a variety of disciplines, including engineering, agriculture, economics, 

law and social sciences. It provides practical education on 

environmental issues through long-term internships, fieldwork and 

lecture- and discussion-based courses for thesis preparation. 

Students explore solutions for 

environmental problems. 

Group fieldwork takes students out of the 

classroom. 


Dr. Takeshi Katsumi 

Professor of the Graduate School of Global 

Environmental Studies. He has been 

engaged in research on geoenvironmental 

engineering including remediation and waste 

containment. 

The Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES) fosters outstanding 

researchers as well as outstanding environmental practitioners who are capable 

of addressing local and global environmental problem based on a wide range of 

experience. We are seeking students who wish to work across the boundaries. 

Our program appeals to students who are looking for all that defines Kyoto University - 

diverse and progressive education and innovation with a free spirit. The atmosphere 

of the university and the traditional Japanese city of Kyoto will also be attractive 

for international students and researchers who wish to conduct research related to 

environmental issues. The program has been successful in attracting highly qualified 

overseas students from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and Latin America. We have 

established a place for students of all cultures to work cooperatively. 


International Course for 

Primatology and Wildlife 

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 Research 12 13 14 

International Course for Primatology and 

Wildlife Research 




URL: http://www.cicasp.pri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ 

E-mail: cicasp@pri.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506 


The Primate Research Institute (PRI) in Inuyama and the Wildlife Research 

Center (WRC) in Kyoto promote basic research by synthesizing various 

approaches to enhance our understanding of all primates and other wildlife. 

A course for graduate students started in April 2011. This course focuses on 

the study of non-human primates and other animals, with the aim of 

promoting their conservation, health and welfare, as well as advancing our 

understanding of human nature. Students in the international course will 

either join the PRI or WRC and receive courses conducted in English. The 

course will be managed by the Center for International Collaboration and 

Advanced Studies in Primatology (CICASP), which was founded in April 2009. 

The PRI presently has approximately 40 faculty members, 35 graduate 

students and 20 international scholars. The institute is home to 1150 nonhuman 

primates of 14 species. The center (CICASP) is staffed by international 

and Japanese faculty members and administrators who are fluent in English. 

Please contact us at the email address above for assistance in finding a 

suitable supervisor for the graduate course. 

PRI has outdoor enclosures for 

chimpanzees and Japanese monkeys 

that are utilized for international 

collaborative research. 

Japan has indigenous monkeys, 

Japanese monkeys, that have been 

studied in their natural habitats for 

more than 60 years. 


Dr. Tetsuro Matsuzawa 

Professor of the Language and 

Intelligence Section, Director of the 

Center for International Collaboration 

and Advanced Studies in Primatology, 

specializes in the study of chimpanzees. 

The International Course is highly recommended for anyone wishing to study 

primatology and other wildlife research through Kyoto University. Unlike other 

highly industrialized countries, Japan has an indigenous species of primate, the 

Japanese monkey or snow monkey. Based on the accumulated experience of 

studying non-human primates, Kyoto University created a new center, the WRC, 

in April 2008. PRI and WRC promote scientific research and education on 

primates and other wild animals. 


01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 

International Project 

Management Course 

12 13 14 

International Project Management Course 



Degree: Professional Master's (M.B.A) 

URL: http://www.gsm.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ipromac/ 

E-mail: g30@gsm.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University, 

Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501 


The International Project Management Course offers a comprehensive 

and thorough program that focuses on the projects of temporal 

cooperation between organizations (business teams) established in 

order to achieve a certain goal in projects. This course is to nurture 

international project management professionals who can combine the 

latest research in management and specialized business practices and 

who are ready to meet challenges and contribute to the diverse and 

harmonious development of society. 

Students in the course shall obtain basic core competencies in 

economics, management and accounting and then, those will be 

combined with specialized and practical subjects such as policy 

evaluation, contract management, development management, project 

finance, risk management, disaster management, international mega 

project management, etc. as well as business writing and negotiation. 

International internship placements and workshops are available. 

Students of all nationalities are welcome. In the class taught in English, 

it is possible to stimulate each other by working together. This course 

will become a stronghold for internationalization in higher education 

and will help create leaders of the next generation in the world. 


Incubator of knowledge: Classroom for strategic 

management case analysis. 

Company Visit: Students examine the global 

environmental efforts of a Japanese SME. 

Dr. Kiyoshi Kobayashi 

Professor of Infrastructure Economics 

and Management, Graduate School 

of Management and Graduate School 

of Engineering, Graduated from the 

Graduate School of Engineering of Kyoto 

University. 

The Graduate School of Management is seeking motivated students who aspire 

to take leadership in a wide range of fields. By providing opportunities to gain 

hands-on project management experience utilizing Kyoto University's unique 

and innovative world-class research resources, this program is a hub for global 

interaction in higher education. Our ultimate goal is to equip the leaders of the 

next generation with the skills necessary to take on the challenges of society's 

modern day problems. 

We welcome professional-minded students of all nationalities to join in this 

course. 


Kyoto University has offered the following 

international degree programs since 2001 in order 

to promote international academic exchange. 

Forerunners to the new K.U.PROFILE programs, these courses were developed to be taught 

and assessed entirely in English, providing opportunities to work towards various diplomas. 

◆ International Course for East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies 

◆ Integrated Engineering Course, Human Security Engineering Field 


International Course for East 

Asia Sustainable Economic 

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 Development Studies 14 

International Course for East Asia Sustainable 

Economic Development Studies 

Enrollment: October 

Enrollment Limit: Master: 12, Doctor: 12 (including 4 Japanese students respectively) 


URL: http://www.econ.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/admissions/eaihrdc/ 

Address: Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University 

Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 


There are a number of challenges that East Asia must address 

if it is to maintain its economic role as one of the leader of 

the world. These include challenges relating to environmental 

stability, food and energy supplies, uneven development between 

agricultural and industrial sectors, widening income disparities 

and aging populations and accountability of government and 

business sectors. Human resource development is crucial in 

meeting these developmental challenges. The course is designed 

to provide international students with both advanced academic 

knowledge and practical skills. The master’s program offers both 

basic and advanced courses through which students can enjoy 

a comprehensive curriculum. In addition to classes designed 

specifically for this program, students will participate in selected 

courses at the Graduate School of Economics. In an international 

setting, students will develop the academic knowledge and 

practical skills needed to contribute to sustainable development in 

East Asia as academic researchers, government officials, or social 

entrepreneurs. 

International Young Scholars' Workshop for the 

Comparison of Economic Transformation July 

2009. Graduate students are encouraged to 

attend international symposia. 

Interviews with farmers and consumers at a 

farmers' market in Ohara, Kyoto. 


Dr. Shuji Hisano 

Professor of International 

Political Economy of 

Agriculture. Specializing 

in the global governance 

of agriculture, food and 

biotechnology. 

Our students can take classes offered by other graduate schools and cultivate the 

practical skills needed to become practitioners or entrepreneurs. 

Student will develop a multidisciplinary and critical sense of reality that will be 

essential for their work. Students will have many opportunities to conduct field 

research at diverse sites such as large manufacturing plants and small factories, 

cutting-edge businesses and rural farming communities throughout East Asia. 

Our faculty members have a diverse range of expertise with comparative and 

international points of view. 


01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 

14 

Integrated Engineering Course, 

Human Security Engineering 

Field 

Integrated Engineering Course, Human Security 

Engineering Field 



Degree: Doctoral Degree 

URL: http://hse.gcoe.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ 

E-mail: contact@hse.gcoe.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

Address: Urban Human Security Engineering Education and Research Center, C1, 

Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8540 


This is a doctoral program with a solid interdisciplinary education in 

the core fields and the four related fields: urban governance, urban 

infrastructure management, health risk management, and disaster risk 

management. Studies on these related topics will foster researchers 

and engineers who have the ability to integrate and apply their 

knowledge toward ensuring urban human security, while contributing 

to advances. We aim to instill the following qualities in our academics: 

creativity (to go beyond the boundaries of the existing specialized 

fields) ; internationality (the ability to present and debate research in 

English, perform education and research activities overseas, and build 

an international human network); and independence (the ability to plan 

research, lead education and research, secure research funds, and solve 

problems in the field). The availability of core content in English and 

overseas internships for training in the field help students achieve 

these program objectives. Students who proceed to the Integrated 

Course in Human Security Engineering must complete the doctoral completion 

requirements of that course, rather than those of the department in which they 

are enrolled. Upon completion of the course, they will be certified as a graduate 

of the Human Security Engineering Education Program and receive a program 

certificate in addition to their doctoral degree certificate. 


Conducting field research. 

Students attend a conference to share 

findings on integrated engineering. 

Dr. Minoru Yoneda 

Students who complete our program will have the ability to work not only at universities or 

research institutes as researchers, but also in international or government organizations as 

advanced practitioners. We are seeking ambitious students, keen to engage in problems of 

Asian megacities. We foster cross-cutting research and prepare practitioners with the abilities 

Professor of Environmental 

Engineering in the 

Graduate School of 

Engineering. 

to transcend the boundaries of existing specialized fields. We expect our students to acquire 

internationality, or the ability to present and debate research in English, perform education 

and research activities overseas, and build an international human network. We also highly 

value independence, that is, the ability to plan research, lead education and research, secure 

research funds, and solve problems in the field. 



1. Kyoto University International Education Program 

(KUINEP) for undergraduates 

Kyoto University launched the KUINEP program in 1997 to mark its centennial anniversary. The program offers all-English 

courses for undergraduate students of Kyoto University’s partner institutions (universities which have a university-level student 

exchange agreement with Kyoto University). KUINEP courses are also open to Kyoto University undergraduate students as 

courses in the Liberal Arts/General Education category. Each KUINEP course comprises two hours of lectures per week for 15 

weeks. 

KUINEP is an excellent way for students to study a wide range of subjects from the humanities to the natural sciences, and to 

expand their cross-cultural understanding. 

KUINEP Courses (2013 Academic Year) 

2013 Spring Semester 

(April 2013 - September 2013) 

Development Economics B/ Modern Physics/ Exercise and 

Medical Science for Prevention of Lifestyle-related Disease/ 

Social Science Research Methods in Education II/ Japanese 

Religious Traditions II/ Global Business Strategy/ Southeast 

Asian Comparative Politics/ Entrepreneurship/ Universities 

and University Students in Today’s Japan/ Law and Politics in 

Japan/ Building a Sustainable Future : Principles and 

Challenges/ Life Science II/ Energy and Resources II 

2013 Fall Semester 

(October 2013 - March 2014) 

Development Economics A/ Applied Statistics/ Agriculture 

and Foods in Japan/ Innovation and Industry/ Life Science I/ 

Japanese Religious Traditions I/ Global Marketing/ 

Understanding Education, Human Lives and Cultures from 

Philosophical and Sociological Perspectives/ Self-Formation 

in Adolescence/ Introduction to Classical Japanese Literature/ 

The World of Open Education/ Energy and Resources I/ Social 

Science Research Methods in Education I/ Greek Drama on 

the Japanese Stage 

◆ Kyoto University International Education Program (KUINEP) 

http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education/international/admissions/program/guide/kuinep.htm 

2. Japanese Language Classes 

The Kyoto University International Center offers Japanese language classes for international students and researchers at 

Kyoto University. The classes are non-credited, except for students accepted under a university-level student exchange 

agreement, who will be awarded one transcript credit per class. It is not possible to enroll only in the Japanese language 

classes. 

The first (spring) semester is from April to July and the second (fall) semester is from October to February. Applicants will be 

given an interview or placement test at the beginning of each semester. 

◦ Weekly classes given at three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced 

◦ Six classes per week at the beginner’s level (two 90 minute classes per day, three days per week) 

◦ Distance learning classes for intermediate Japanese (the Uji and Katsura campuses) 

◦ Kanji classes at all levels 

◦ Japanese hiragana class (an introduction to Japanese kana for beginners) offered prior to the start of each semester 

◆ Japanese Language Education at the International Center 

http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja/education/international/students2/japanese/intro/ 


3. Tuition, Fees and Tuition Exemption 

■ Tuition and Fees (As of April 2013) 

■ Tuition Exemption 

Student 

Category 

Undergraduate 

Students 

Graduate 


Law School 


Research 


Exam Fee 

Admission 

Fee 

¥17,000 ¥282,000 

¥30,000 * ¥282,000 

¥30,000 ¥282,000 

¥9,800 ¥84,600 

Tuition 

¥535,800 

per year 

¥535,800 

per year 

¥804,000 

per year 

¥29,700 

per month 

Regular undergraduate and regular graduate students with 

excellent academic records who experience financial 

difficulty may be eligible for a full or half tuition waiver. Since 

the exemption may be applied for by all students, the 

selection process is very competitive. Please ensure that you 

have sufficient financial resources before coming to Kyoto 

University. 

* In certain circumstances, the fee may be reduced to ¥10,000 for 

applicants who are screened based on submitted materials etc. with no 

written examination. 

For specific details, please check the guidelines for admission of the 

graduate school you wish to enter. 

4. Scholarships 

The following scholarships are available for those wishing to study at Kyoto University. It should be noted, however, that the 

selection processes are very competitive, and in most cases applications are only accepted after entrance to the university. It is 

generally necessary, therefore, to have sufficient financial resources prior to entering Kyoto University. 

For more information on scholarships, please visit the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) website below, and click 

“Study in Japan” → “Scholarships” → “Scholarships for International Students in Japan.” 

http://www.jasso.go.jp/index_e.html 

■ Japanese Government 

(Monbukagakusho: MEXT) 

Scholarship 

[Scholarship Benefits] 

School Fees: Examination, admission and tuition fees are 

exempted. 

Traveling Costs: One round-trip ticket is provided. 

Scholarships: The amount is subject to change depending 

on the annual budget. 

(As of April 2013) 

Category 

Undergraduate Students 

Japanese Studies Students 

Monthly Stipend 

¥117,000 

Research (non-degree seeking) Students ¥143,000 

Master’s Students ¥144,000 

Doctoral Students ¥145,000 

Students who study in certain designated areas will be 

provided an additional monthly stipend of ¥2,000 or ¥3,000. 

[Applications] 

There are three ways to application for Japanese Government 

(Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarships: embassy 

recommendations, university recommendations and 

domestic selection. Pre-arrival applications should be made 

through a Japanese embassy or consulate (embassy 

recommendations) or through a university in Japan 

(university recommendations). Most MEXT Scholarship 

students at Kyoto University are awarded the scholarship 

through embassy recommendations. 

The first screening of embassy recommendation applications 

is conducted after the applications have been accepted via 

the Japanese embassy or consulate. To apply through an 

embassy recommendation, please contact the appropriate 

Japanese diplomatic mission in your country. 

In case of university recommendation, Kyoto University 

screens the applications of research students whose 

institutions have a student exchange agreement with Kyoto 

University, and selects candidates to recommend to MEXT as 

research students, master’s students or doctoral students. To 

apply through a university recommendation, please contact 


a Kyoto University faculty member whom you would like to 

have as academic adviser, and consult him/her to apply. 

Domestic selection is only available to privately financed 

students who are already enrolled in a Japanese university. 

Such applications may only be submitted after entering the 

university. Applications are usually accepted in October. For 

details, please inquire at the administration office of your 

faculty or graduate school. 

■ Foreign Government Scholarships 

Foreign government scholarships are a further scholarship 

option. As of May 2012, there are students at Kyoto University 

from Brunei, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, 

Mongolia and Vietnam receiving such scholarships. For 

further information on application periods and benefits, 

please contact the appropriate agency in your country. 

■ Honors Scholarship 

Privately financed international students studying at a 

university in Japan are eligible to apply for an Honors 

Scholarship offered by the Japan Student Services 

Organization (JASSO). As of April 2013, undergraduate 

student awardees receive ¥48,000 per month, and 

graduate student awardees receive ¥65,000 per month. 

Applications are generally accepted following admission to 

the university. 

■ Scholarships from Private 

Foundations 

The application process for scholarships from private 

foundations varies. Some can be made directly by individual 

students, and some must be made through the applicant’s 

university. 

Each year, Kyoto University selects and recommends 

international scholarship candidates to approximately 50 

private foundations based on an intra-university selection 

process. Each organization commonly offers a scholarship of 

between ¥30,000 and ¥180,000 per month to one or two 

students. Applications are generally accepted following 

admission to the university. (A few scholarships accept 

pre-entrance applications from prospective students who 

have already passed the entrance examination and are 

intending to enter the university.) 

Currently enrolled students who wish to apply for such 

scholarships are advised to regularly check the bulletin 

boards etc. of their faculty or graduate school for 

announcements. Please note that some of the scholarships 

require applicants to have a certain level of Japanese 

language ability. 

Information on scholarships which can be applied for directly 

is available from the Japan Student Services Organization 

(JASSO) website: 

http://www.jasso.go.jp/index_e.html 

5. Living Expenses 

Although the cost of living varies depending on factors such as housing expenditure and food budget, the average living 

expenses for international students in the Kyoto and Osaka area are ¥134,000 per month, according to the “Student Guide to 

Japan 2012 - 2013,” published by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). 

◆ Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) 

http://www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/sgtj_e.html 


6. Housing 

Kyoto University has five International Houses, which provide accommodation for international students and researchers. 

However, the number of rooms available and length of tenancy of the Houses are limited. International students are also eligible 

to apply for accommodation in public housing and Kyoto University’s Student Dormitories (open to domestic and international 

students). Many international students choose to live in private housing, such as private apartments. 

■ Kyoto University International Houses 

Kyoto University’s five accommodation facilities for 

international students and researchers, known as the Kyoto 

University International Houses, are located at Shugakuin, 

Yoshida, Uji, Ohbaku and Misasagi. The move-in periods for 

the Houses are April and October. International students who 

will be enrolled at Kyoto University within less than a year of 

their arrival in Japan are eligible to apply. The application 

periods are January and July (three months prior to move-in). 

The tenancy period is either one year or six months (nonextendable 

in either case). 

To apply, please contact your faculty/graduate school office. 

[Rates] 

Rents vary according to location and room type. For details, 

please visit the website below. 

(Example for Ohbaku International House) 

The charges of water, bedding and internet access are 

included. 

◦ Single room: 

Rent ¥11,700 per month 

◦ Married couple’s room: 

Rent ¥18,900 per month 

◦ Family room: 

Rent from ¥24,000 and up per month 

◆ Kyoto University International Houses 

http://www.opir.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/kuiso/admission/ 

■ Apartments 

To find an apartment, international students are advised to 

go to the Kyoto University CO-OP or real estate agencies after 

their arrival in Japan. 

[Rents] 

Rents vary according to factors such as location, room size, 

and facilities. The following is a typical example for ordinary 

apartments in Kyoto. In general, rooms are not furnished. 

◦ Single room with shared kitchen and toilet: 

¥25,000 - ¥30,000 per month 

◦ Single room with private kitchen, toilet and bath: 

From ¥45,000 and up per month 

In addition to rent, it is customary in Japan to pay other fees 

such as a key money, a deposit and an introduction fee. This 

can amount to an up-front payment of several months’ rent 

when signing a lease. You will also need a suitable person to 

act as your guarantor. 

[Useful Websites for Apartment Hunting] 

◦ Kyoto University CO-OP (in Japanese) 

http://www.s-coop.net/service/life/ 

◦ Kyoto City International Foundation 

“HOUSE navi” (Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean/Spanish) 

http://house.kcif.or.jp/ 


7. Visas 

■ Temporary Visitor’s Visa for Entrance Exams 

In order for international applicants to enter Japan and sit the Kyoto University entrance examinations, they must obtain a 

Temporary Visitor’s Visa (Tankitaizai) through the Japanese diplomatic mission in their country. Temporary visitors are not 

allowed to engage in any paid activities. 

■ College Student Visas 

1) Those who are relocating from overseas 

Successful candidates must obtain a College Student Visa 

(Ryugaku) through the Japanese diplomatic mission in their 

country by presenting a certificate or notification of 

acceptance from Kyoto University, a valid passport and other 

relevant documents. 

In order to receive a visa, you may need to submit evidence 

that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during 

your stay in Japan. 

2) Those who are already in Japan 

Successful candidates who are already in Japan with a 

resident status other than College Student (Ryugaku) must 

change their current resident status (for example Temporary 

Visitor [Tankitaizai]) to College Student (Ryugaku). 

8. Supports 

■ International Student Tutor System 

The tutor system for international students is designed to assist regular (degree-seeking) students and some non-regular (non 

degree-seeking) students, based on a recommendation from their supervisors. Tutors are generally graduate students selected 

from the graduate school to which the international student belongs. For details, please enquire at the relevant administration 

office after enrollment. 

■ On-Campus Advising Service for International Students 

There are several advisory services for international students currently attending Kyoto University. All are confidential and free of 

charge. 

Students can come to the Student Lounge ‘KI-ZU-NA’ or the International Student Advising Room at the International Center to 

seek counsel on issues such as research, study, relationships, scholarships, financial matters, accidents and harassment. 

Those fluent in Japanese may also seek advice at the university’s Counseling Center. 

■ Kyoto University Student Lounge ‘KI-ZU-NA’ 

Student Lounge ‘KI-ZU-NA’, opened in the spring of 2002, 

is a place where international and Japanese students, 

university staff, professors, researchers and others can get 

together to exchange activities. 

‘KI-ZU-NA’ has a salon where students are able to chat, 

relax or study; a reading room (and lending library) with 

books for Japanese language learning, books in English 

and DVDs; and an audio room to enjoy watching movies 

or listening to music. 

‘KI-ZU-NA’ also promotes cultural exchange through 

monthly events. 

◆ Kyoto University Student Lounge ‘KI-ZU-NA’ 

http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education/international/facilities/kizuna/ 




Past & Present 

H i s to r y o f Ky o to Un i versit y 

1869 

The Seimikyoku was built 

(May 1869) in Osaka as a 

school of higher learning in 

chemistry and physics. 

1889 

Known at this point as the 

Third Higher School, the 

institution was relocated to 

Kyoto in August 1889. 

1897 

On June 18th, 1897, the 

institution was reestablished 

as the Kyoto Imperial 

University. The main gates, 

built around this time 

remain in use today. 

1919 

Completed in 1898, 

students of the first 

departments of study at the 

Kyoto Imperial University . 

civil and mechanical 

engineering . conducted 

their studies here. The 

colleges were reorganized 

into five faculties in 1919. 

1925 

Students stand at the side 

entrance of the current 

clock tower building after 

its completion in 1925. 

1947 

Renamed Kyoto University in 1947. 

1954 

Yoshida campus circa 1954. 

Note the construction of a new 

east wing and the demolition of 

the boiler room chimney. 

Kyoto University was founded in 1897, the second (following 

The University of Tokyo) of seven imperial universities 

established in Japan. The first faculty to be established was the 

College of Science and Engineering, which was followed by 

other colleges, such as the Colleges of Law, Medicine and 

Letters as the university developed into an increasingly 

comprehensive institution with a characteristic emphasis on 

fundamental and applied research. 

Since its foundation, Kyoto University’s academic style has 

been characterized by academic freedom, self-reliance and 

dialogue. For over a century, the university has consistently 

produced world-class researchers in a wide spectrum of fields, 

including eight Nobel Prize laureates. In recent years the 

university has been making efforts to integrate the academic 

fields which are most vital for the future of the human race. 

At present, Kyoto University has 17 graduate schools, 10 

faculties, 14 research institutes and 20 centers and facilities. As 

of May of 2012, we have approximately 9,200 graduate and 

13,600 undergraduate students, 2,900 faculty members and 

2,600 administrative staff members. 

Yoshida Campus, the main campus of Kyoto University, is 

located near the center of Kyoto city. Its facilities are housed in 

century-old red brick buildings which stand side-by-side with 

state-ofthe-art laboratories. The other two campuses are the Uji 

campus; where the university's natural science and energy 

research facilities are located, and the Katsura Campus; which 

comprises four clusters of buildings, and where the goal is to 

merge technology and science disciplines to form a Techno- 

Science Hill. 

The Main Library, the first library of Kyoto University, has 

continuously expanded its collection since its establishment in 

1899. The total collection of all Kyoto University libraries 

including faculty and departmental libraries, amounts to 

6,568,000 books and 118,000 periodicals - one of the largest 

collections in Asia. The Main Library’s most recent addition is 

Learning Room 24, a study room open 24 hours on weekdays. 

2004 

Kyoto University and all 

national universities 

incorporated in 2004. 


Research 

MISSION STATEMENT 

Kyoto University states its mission to sustain and develop its historical commitment to academic 

freedom and to pursue harmonious coexistence within human and ecological community on this planet. 

Kyoto University will generate world-class knowledge through freedom and autonomy in research that 

conforms with high ethical standards. 

As a university that comprehends many graduate schools, faculties, research institutes and centres, Kyoto 

University will strive for diverse development in pure and applied research in the humanities, sciences and 

technology, while seeking to integrate these various perspectives. 

Education 

Within its broad and varied educational structure, Kyoto University will transmit high-quality knowledge and 

promote independent and interactive learning. 

Kyoto University will educate outstanding and humane researchers and specialists, who will contribute 

responsibly to the world’s human and ecological community. 

Relationship with society 

As a university committed to a broad social engagement, Kyoto University will encourage cooperation with 

local and national society, and will disseminate knowledge informed by the ideals of freedom and peaceful 

coexistence. 

As an international institution, Kyoto University will promote foreign academic exchange and thereby strive 

to contribute to the well-being of the world. 

Administration 

In order to enhance the free development of learning, Kyoto University will pay due respect to the 

administrative independence of each of its component institutions, while promoting cooperation among them. 

Kyoto University will conduct its administration with regard for the environment and respect for human 

rights and will be accountable to society at large.

Kyoto University Campuses 

 

 

 

 

 

9 

 

171 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

 

 

 

 

24 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

research facilities. 

171 

 

24 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting to the Primate 

Research Institute : 

Trains run from Central Japan 

International Airport 

 

(Centrair) and 

 

Meitetsu Nagoya station to Meitetsu 

Inuyama station. 

 

 

 

 

N 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yoshida Campus: The main campus, 

located near the center of Kyoto City. 

Katsura Campus: Technology 1 and 

science facilities. 

Uji Campus: Natural science and energy 

 

A regular shuttle bus service provides 

transport between the three campuses. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyoto University, International Affairs Department 

Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto Postal Code 606-8501 Japan 

 

Official Web site: http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/ 

 

E-mail: query@opir.kyoto-u.ac.jp 

In cooperation with ALC Press Inc.

Kyoto University Degree Programs for International Students

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