Studyportals

Kyoto University

Kyoto University is the second oldest Japanese university,[4] one of the highest ranked universities in Asia and one of Japan's National Seven Universities. One of Asia’s leading research-oriented institutions, Kyoto University is famed for producing world-class researchers, including eight Nobel Prize laureates, two Fields medalists and one Gauss Prize.

History

Kyoto Imperial University was founded by imperial ordinance on 18 June 1897, the second university to be established in Japan.

Within ten years of the founding of the University, the Colleges of Science and Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Letters were opened. In July 1914 the College of Science and Engineering was divided into the College of Science and the College of Engineering.

Research

Many come to Kyoto for the freedom to conceive and explore radical ideas. They include physicist Hideki Yukawa, the first Japanese Nobel laureate, and Kitaro Nishida, who founded the Kyoto school of philosophy. Yamagiwa is also a pioneer, spending years in the African jungle living with gorillas and studying human evolution. 

Career

Students seeking employment in Japan may learn Japanese and business etiquette through the classes offered by the Education Center for Japanese Language and Culture of the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences of Kyoto University.

Kyoto University Key Statistics & Highlights

  • #46 Ranking
  • 24 Scholarships
  • 2,424 Academic Staff
  • 22,299 Students
  • 2,453 Students (int'l)
  • 5,575 Students (female)
  • Public Institution Type

Kyoto University Overview

Kyoto University Scholarships

Kyoto University Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to Kyoto University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Provided by university
Grant
80000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-Term Study in Japan)
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Kyoto University
Kyoto, Japan
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Admit Lab
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

PlagiarismSearch
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
22 Jun 2026
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Society of Women Airline Pilots
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Financial Scholarships
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Society of Women Airline Pilots
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Creative BioMart Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Creative BioMart
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

BOCSCI Inc.
Location not available

Complete overview of scholarships

Kyoto University Rankings

Study Portals Meta Ranking

Top 0.7% Japan
Top 1.4% Worldwide

Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.

Academic Ranking of World Universities

46

By Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Dropped 1 places compared to 2024

ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities

2023 2024 2025
39 45 46

QS World University Rankings

57

By TopUniversities

Dropped 7 places compared to 2025

QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend QS World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
46 50 57

World University Rankings

61

By Times Higher Education

Dropped 6 places compared to 2025

World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
55 55 61

Best Global Universities Rankings

187

By U.S. News & World Report

Dropped 19 places compared to 2025

Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.

3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings

2024 2025 2026
140 168 187

Student services

  • Student Affairs Division
  • Welfare Division
  • Entrance Examination Planning Division
  • Educational Planning Division
  • International Education and Student Mobility Division
  • International Service Office
  • Environment, Safety, and Health Division
  • Career Support Center
  • Counseling Center
  • Kyoto University Health Service 

Housing services

Kyoto University has seven accommodation facilities available for international students and researchers, located in the Shugakuin, Yoshida, Hyakumanben (for students only), Okazaki, Misasagi (for students only), Uji and Ohbaku areas of Kyoto.International students at Kyoto University can also stay at other accommodation facilities provided by external parties with which Kyoto University has a leasing agreement.

Library services

  • The extensive network of over 6,700,000 holdings throughout 50 libraries maintained at Kyoto University is the third largest collection in Japan. 

ICT services

Internet users must subscribe to an internet service providers. Some internet providers offer an IP telephone service. Kyoto University Co-op accepts applications to the internet providers such as Seikyou Internet (Co-op).

Medical services

University students and employees are legally required to receive annual medical exams. In addition, those at Kyoto University who are frequently exposed to radioactive material, microbes, specified chemical agents, extreme temperatures, or a hyperbaric environment, or who work at night, must have their health status checked every six months by the Kyoto University Health Service. 

Campus life

Yoshida Campus has been at the core of the university's activities since its founding. In particular, the main campus is home to structures of varying architectural styles, ranging from brick buildings dating back to the time of the institution's establishment—such as the Clock Tower Centennial Hall that has become the symbol of the university—to modern laboratory buildings. It can be said that Yoshida Campus truly represents the history of Kyoto University in tangible form. The Campus is further subdivided into seven sections. 

Sports facilities

Extra-curricular activities at Kyoto University range from the fun and casual ‘circles’ to highly competitive clubs with an emphasis in intensive training. Cultural circles are student gatherings of those who share an interest in an activity ranging from volunteer work, to photography, to dance and beyond. Sports clubs represent Kyoto University in inter-university competitions, while those who join Sports circles seek friendship through sports in a more casual manner. 

Student clubs

Students who wish to join a student organization should apply directly to the organization of their interest. For contact information concerning the organizations listed below (officially recognized organizations as of May 2013), you can inquire at the Extracurricular Activities Office, Student Affairs Division, Academic Affairs Department. 

Accreditation

According to the findings, “the evaluation results indicated that Kyoto Sangyo University was accredited as conforming to this association's criteria for universities.” The current accreditation period spans 7 years from April 1, 2017, until March 31, 2024.

Kyoto University Campus Locations

#1 Main Campus
Japan Country
Kyoto City

Kyoto University Student Reviews & Awards

4.6

Based on 7 reviews

  • 5 Star
    4 Reviews
  • 4 Star
    3 Reviews
  • 3 Star
    0 Reviews
  • 2 Star
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
5/5

Exchange at Kyoto University

Kyoto University's exchange program seamlessly combines academic excellence with cultural immersion. Set in the vibrant city of Kyoto, international students access top-tier facilities while delving into Japan's rich heritage. The program prioritizes cross-cultural interaction, offering a diverse experience that extends beyond academics. By embracing Japan's culture and global connections, students gain a well-rounded perspective, preparing them for a globally interconnected future.

Posted by Provided by ESN
Studied from Sep 2021 - Feb 2024
Posted on Apr 2025
4/5

university of Glasgow

the university of Glasgow is very beautiful. Students there were very hard-working.

Posted by Provided by ESN
Studied from Sep 2022 - Jun 2024
Posted on Apr 2025
4/5

changing my life via studying

The better university provided me with better circumstances. My first university experience was in the radiography technique course at the National University. After several years working as a radiograph technologist, I entered medical university, which provided me with fulfilling time, good friends, high-volume learning, and motivation. Now I entered a graduate university to learn epidemiology and how to research. I have kept my job while studying, therefore I cannot spare enough time to take classes. Still, it is an activating environment, with a talented professor, supportive staff, and motivated classmates. Now, I would like to study abroad to be an academic physician.

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from Apr 2022 - Mar 2025
Posted on May 2024
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