Kyoto University
Kyoto, Japan • Founded 1897 • World Rank #149
Overview
Established in 1897, the Kyoto University (Kyoto Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Kyoto (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Kyoto University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Kyoto University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 126-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Kyoto University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Kyoto University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
Kyoto University's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
Academic Structures
Kyoto University's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.
Unit 28 items
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Integrated Human Studies
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Letters
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability
- Graduate School of Agriculture
- Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies
- Graduate School of Biostudies
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of Education
- Graduate School of Energy Science
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies
- Graduate School of Informatics
- Graduate School of Law
- Graduate School of Letters
- Graduate School of Management
- Graduate School of Medicine
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Graduate School of Science
- School of Government
Degrees
The degrees on offer at Kyoto University, sorted by level. Awarding-versus-validating distinctions affect long-term recognition of the qualification beyond Kyoto University.
Other 14 programs
- African Studies
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Studies
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Law
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
African Area Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Studies
Computing and Media Studies (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Media Studies
Common Career Paths
- Media Producer
- Content Strategist
- Broadcast Journalist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Counseling (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Cultural Heritage Studies (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Heritage Preservation
Ecological Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ecology
Field Science Education and Research (Centre) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Coastal Studies
- Ecology
- Forest Biology
- Marine Biology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Fundamental Chemistry (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Hakubi Advanced Research (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Integrated Area Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
Kokoro Research (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Kyoto University Archives (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archiving
Kyoto University Research Administration Office (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
Low Temperature and Materials Science (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Heating and Refrigeration
- Materials Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Promotion of Excellence in Higher Education (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Educational Research
- Higher Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Radiation Biology (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
The Kyoto University Museum (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Museum Studies
Wildlife Research (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cognitive Sciences
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Women Researchers (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Women's Studies
Agriculture (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Forestry
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Chemistry
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Integrated Human Studies (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Cognitive Sciences
- Cultural Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Information Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Behavioural Sciences
- Cultural Studies
- History
- Philosophy
- Social Sciences
- Western European Studies
Medicine (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmaceutical Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability (Graduate School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Agriculture (Graduate School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Asian and African Area Studies (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Studies
- International Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
Biostudies (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
Economics (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Energy Science (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Graduate School) 19 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Nuclear Engineering
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Structural Architecture
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Global Environmental Studies (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ecology
- Environmental Engineering
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Government (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Government
Human and Environmental Studies (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Informatics (Graduate School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Systems Analysis
- Telecommunications Engineering
Law (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Behavioural Sciences
- Cultural Studies
- History
- Philosophy
- Western European Studies
Management (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmaceutical Sciences (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedicine
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Genetics
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agency for Health, Safety and Environment (Group) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Health Sciences
- Safety Engineering
Kyoto University Library Network (Group) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Library Science
Organization for the Promotion of International Relations (Group) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
Society-Academia Collaboration for Innovation (Group) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Information Management and Communication (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Information Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Promotion of Excellence in Higher Education (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Higher Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Advanced Energy (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
Chemical Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Disaster Prevention Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Safety Engineering
Economic Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Frontier Medical Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cell Biology
- Materials Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
iPS Cell Research and Application (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cell Biology
Mathematical Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Primate Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Zoology
Research Reactor (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear Physics
- Safety Engineering
Southeast Asian Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Southeast Asian Studies
Sustainable Humanosphere (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Natural Sciences
Theoretical Physics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Virus (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Virology
Central Administration (Unit) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
Programs Offered
Look through Kyoto University's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.
Bachelor's Degree
10 programmes
At undergraduate level, Kyoto University offers 10 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Faculty of Agriculture Agriculture 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Engineering General Engineering 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Medicine Medicine 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Science Natural Sciences 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Economics Economics 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Law Law 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Education Education & Teaching 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Letters Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Integrated Human Studies Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
14 programmes
Kyoto University offers 14 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Graduate School of Science Natural Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies Environmental Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Biostudies Biological Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Informatics Information Systems & Technology 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Energy Science Natural Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies Humanities & Cultural Studies 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Agriculture Agriculture 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Engineering General Engineering 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Medicine Medicine 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Economics Economics 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Law Law 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Education Education & Teaching 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Letters Humanities & Cultural Studies 2 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
3 programmes
Kyoto University's 3 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Graduate School of Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability Liberal Arts 5 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies Politics & International Relations 5 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
Kyoto University's 1 programme at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
School of Government Politics & International Relations 2 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Kyoto University
How to apply to Kyoto University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Kyoto University's 28 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Kyoto University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Submit your application
Kyoto University processes applications through www.kyoto-u.ac.jp. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (75) 753 7531. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kyoto University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Kyoto University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
How old is Kyoto University?
The institution opened in 1897 (approximately 129 years ago).
Where can I find Kyoto University?
The institution is located in Kyoto, Japan.
Is Kyoto University public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Kyoto University have?
The institution has a student body of 20,000-24,999.
What is Kyoto University's ranking?
Kyoto University is ranked #149 globally and #1 in Japan.
How many faculties does Kyoto University have?
Kyoto University is organised into 28 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Kyoto University officially recognised?
Yes, Kyoto University is recognised by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
Where can I learn more about Kyoto University?
The institution's website is www.kyoto-u.ac.jp.
Members of Open Education Consortium (OEC)
Universities affiliated with Open Education Consortium (OEC) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Kyoto University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Kyoto University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
Interested in Humanities & Cultural Studies but want alternatives to Kyoto University? These institutions in Japan also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Often Compared with Kyoto University
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Kyoto University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
