QS World Ranking
#46
Acceptance Rate
35%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$6,000
On-Campus Housing
Available
QS Best Student City
#21
Kyoto
Application Deadline
November 1
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
23,000
students
International Students
8%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
Japan's second most prestigious university in ancient Kyoto — Japan's cultural and historical capital.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Japan's second-most prestigious university. iUP program in English. Kyoto is Japan's cultural heartland.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to Kyoto University
Acceptance Rate
35%
Selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
November 1
Instruction Language
English/Japanese
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$6,000
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply via KUINEP or MAPLE English-language programs
- SAT/ACT scores and official transcripts
- TOEFL 95+ or IELTS 7.0+ for English-language tracks
- Personal statement required
- MEXT scholarship available — apply through Japanese Embassy in home country
- Japanese language proficiency helpful but not required for English tracks
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Japanese academic year begins in April.
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English/Japanese
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$6,000 / year
- Application Deadline
- November 1
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 35%
- QS Best Student City (Kyoto)
- #21 globally
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓MEXT Scholarship
- ✓Kyoto University Fellowship
Cost of Living — Kyoto, Japan
Low CostEstimated monthly total
$1,130
vs. avg US college student
41% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Kyoto is cheaper than Tokyo. A city of 2,000 temples and one of the world's most beautiful places to live. Excellent food culture and traditional Japan experience.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at Kyoto University as a US Student
Kyoto University is located in Kyoto, Japan and is ranked #46in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Arts & Humanities, Law, and more. Instruction is offered in English/Japanese. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$6,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 35%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of November 1. Scholarships available include the MEXT Scholarship.