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Kyoto Prefectural University

Kyoto, Japan • Founded 1895

Updated Nov 2026 · Source: kpu.ac.jp

Overview

English Name: Kyoto Prefectural University
Acronyms: KPU
Founded: 1895
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #2894
Kyoto Prefectural University academic facilities
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Kyoto Prefectural University is a public university in Kyoto Prefecture, with its main campus in the Shimogamo district of Sakyo Ward.

Undergraduate study is organised into five faculties: Literature, Social Science, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Science and Technology, and Environmental Design. Each faculty is divided into departments such as Japanese and Chinese Culture, History, Public Policy, Nutritional Science and Forest Science.

Graduate education is delivered through the Graduate Schools of Literature, Social Science and Life and Environmental Science, together with a degree program in food culture science. The Social Science school is moving to the name Public Policy Studies, and the undergraduate department of that name has recently been renamed as well.

Undergraduate applicants can enter through general selection, held in an earlier and a later round, or through school-recommended selection.

A separate selection exists for international students, and the university publishes an admission guide for them each year. It does not run comprehensive-selection or transfer examinations.

Tuition is paid in two instalments, in April and October, and residents of Kyoto Prefecture pay a lower entrance fee. Scholarships and tuition reduction schemes are available for students in financial difficulty, and the admissions office handles questions from prospective students.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Kyoto Prefectural University is listed below.

Address: 1-5 Hangi Shimogamo Sakyo
Postal Code: 606-8522
Social Media:

Academic Details

A snapshot of Kyoto Prefectural University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.

Academic Year: April to March (April-October; October-March)
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school or equivalent, and entrance examination

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Kyoto Prefectural University are listed below.

Unit 9 items
  • Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
  • Faculty of Environmental Design
  • Faculty of Literature
  • Faculty of Science and Technology
  • Faculty of Social Science
  • Food Culture Science Degree Program
  • Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science
  • Graduate School of Literature
  • Graduate School of Social Science

Faculties & Divisions

Subject coverage by faculty at Kyoto Prefectural University is listed below.

Letters (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • American Studies
  • Chinese
  • Cultural Studies
  • English
  • European Languages
  • European Studies
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Literature
Life and Environmental Sciences (Faculty) 20 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agriculture
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Architectural and Environmental Design
  • Architecture
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dietetics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Forestry
  • Health Sciences
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Materials Engineering
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutrition
Public Policy (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Public Administration
  • Social Welfare
  • Welfare and Protective Services
Letters (Graduate School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Chinese
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
Life and Environmental Sciences (Graduate School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science
  • Forestry
  • Safety Engineering
Public Policy (Graduate School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Law
  • Pedagogy
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Social Welfare
  • Sociology
  • Welfare and Protective Services

Programs Offered

Kyoto Prefectural University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

27 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan

Bachelor's Degree 12 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences - Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Food Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences - Department of Japanese Food Studies
Food Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences - Department of Nutritional Science
Nutrition & Dietetics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Environmental Design - Department of Environmental Design
Applied Design

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Environmental Design - Department of Forest Science
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Literature - Department of History
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Literature - Department of Intercultural Studies
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Literature - Department of Japan and Chinese Culture
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Science and Technology - Department of Biomolecular Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Faculty of Science and Technology - Department of Science, Technology and Informatics
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 12.

Master's Degree 8 programmes

Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science - Applied Life Science Master's Program
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science - Environmental Science Master's Program
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Social Science - Public Policy Studies Master's Program
Public Policy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Social Science - Welfare Sociology Master's Program
Social & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate 7 programmes

Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science - Applied Life Science Doctoral Program
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science - Environmental Science Doctoral Program
Environmental Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Literature - English and American Literature Specialization Doctoral Program
English Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Literature - History Specialization Doctoral Program
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Literature - Japanese and Chinese Literature Specialization Doctoral Program
Literature

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Social Science - Public Policy Studies Doctoral Program
Public Policy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Graduate School of Social Science - Welfare Sociology Doctoral Program
Social & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Kyoto Prefectural University

What applying to Kyoto Prefectural University involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Kyoto Prefectural University runs 27 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Before applying to Kyoto Prefectural University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Japan.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Kyoto Prefectural University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.kpu.ac.jp). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kyoto Prefectural University

A short Q&A covering Kyoto Prefectural University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

In what year was Kyoto Prefectural University established?

Kyoto Prefectural University was founded in 1895 (approximately 131 years ago).

Where can I find Kyoto Prefectural University?

The institution is located in Kyoto, Japan.

Is Kyoto Prefectural University a public or private institution?

Kyoto Prefectural University operates as a public institution.

How many faculties does Kyoto Prefectural University have?

Kyoto Prefectural University is organised into 9 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Kyoto Prefectural University accredited?

Kyoto Prefectural University is accredited by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

What is Kyoto Prefectural University's official website?

The institution's website is www.kpu.ac.jp.

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