Language of instruction
Limited places available. Unlikely to be available as a second or third preference.
Founded in 1897, Kyoto University has a long history and enduring traditions. Since its founding, the University has been dedicated to furthering higher education and fostering an atmosphere of free academic exchange. Graduates of the University play important roles in both national and international affairs, as key players in politics, industry, and society.
Ranked 37th in the QS World University Ranking 2016-17, Kyoto University has 9 Nobel Prize laureates, mainly in physics, chemistry and physiology or medicine.
The main campus is located in the historic city of Kyoto, a centre of traditional Japanese culture. Kyoto was the Imperial of Japan for over 1000 years until 1868 and currently boasts 17 World Heritage sites.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Semester 1 (Spring) | April–Early August |
| Semester 2 | Semester 2 (Fall) | Late September–Early February |
View the Kyoto University academic calendar, or view the KUINEP academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
Kyoto University has online resources to help get more from your exchange:
Campuses
Kyoto University has 3 campuses located around the city:
- Yoshida Campus
- Uji Campus
- Katsura Campus
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)
Student testimonials
- B Advanced Science (Honours) / Diploma of LanguagesSemester 2, 2022
Walking through the university after a snow storm was a truly magical experience.
- B Science & Dip LanguagesSemester 1, 2019
Japan is the only place where it’s okay to get naked with a bunch of old men, but not to walk in the street while you’re eating. It’s one of the most unique cultures in the world, and I love it.
- B Science/ArtsSemester 1, 2019
Kyoto is the most beautiful, most culturally rich, and most friendly city I have ever been to.
Full-time study load
12 tani per semester at Kyoto University is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Host university requirements
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at Kyoto University.
Language
- English: You still have to demonstrate English proficiency of TOEFL iBT 79 or or IELTS 6.5 or higher.
- Japanese: Students wishing to take courses taught in Japanese (mainstream courses) with Kyoto domestic students will require Japanese proficiency of JLPT N1 or higher.
Study Options
You must choose either the Kyoto University International Exchange Program (KUINEP) or the General Exchange Program (GE Program). Further details are outlined in the Additional Academic Information section below.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Please see "Additional academic information" for program options and specific course offerings.
Crosscheck the courses you found in the host course catalogue with the Credit Precedent Database to see if UQ credit has previously been granted. The database should be used as a general guide only. Few courses from each host will be in the database and many course precedents in the database may have expired. Note, the credit precedent database does not replace the host course catalogue. If a course is not listed in the CPD, you can still ask for it to be assessed on your study plan.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)
Accommodation
Kyoto University has five International Houses, which provide accommodation for international students, however, the number of rooms available is 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).
Cost of living
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 can be quite affordable.
Study Kyoto has developed student expenditure comparisons to help you plan your budget accordingly.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
A wide variety of scholarship programs are available for international students wishing to study at Kyoto University. Students are encouraged to explore the scholarships available to determine their eligibility.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
All foreign nationals residing in Japan for the over 3 months are required to be covered by one of the Japanese public medical insurance programs. For students, the most common and highly recommended option is to join the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Kyoto University has visa and immigration information for incoming exchange students.
Contact the Consulate General of Japan for more visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Extended Deadline: 28 Nov 2024 (for exchange in Sem 2, 2025)