Kyoto University

Description

Kyoto University (KyotoU) is a comprehensive research university. Founded in 1897, KyotoU has a long history and enduring traditions. The main campus is located in the historic city of Kyoto, a center of traditional Japanese culture. With students from approximately 110 different countries and regions, KyotoU boasts a rich cultural diversity. Learn more about Kyoto University.

HOW TO APPLY

Quick Facts

Partner Program Type – Exchange

Minimum GPA – 2.85

Prerequisites – Kyoto University Requirements:

Newly admitted transfer students (who have not completed any UCSC courses yet) at the time of the KyotoU application must obtain two recommendations: one from a community college recommender who can speak to their academic performance and a second general recommendation from faculty or staff at UCSC. Further instructions will be provided after the Nomination Form deadline passes.

Eligibility – Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, Open to All Majors, Junior or Senior class standing by the time of departure

Term Options

Fall Semester – late September to early February

students must miss Fall Quarter and Winter Quarter in order to participate in Kyoto University’s Fall Semester

Spring Semester – early April to early August

Academic Year – late September to early August

Partner Program deadline dates

Cost

Location

City & University
With 1200 years of history, Kyoto has long been the nation’s center of art and culture. Many of the city’s historic locations, including several of its approximately 2,000 shrines and temples, have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Kyoto, you have the choice of engaging with its vibrant cultural milieu or relaxing amidst its tranquil natural scenery―the perfect setting for a rich academic life.

Accommodations
Kyoto University has several facilities open to international students. However, because on-campus housing is not guaranteed, you can also stay at other accommodation facilities provided by external parties with which Kyoto University has a leasing agreement. Learn more about housing at Kyoto University.

You are responsible for applying for, securing, and paying for accommodations directly to the housing provider. Visit the host university website for actual costs.

Student Support

Kyoto University’s International Service Office provides a range of services and support for exchange students. Additionally, KyotoU offers resources and opportunities for you to integrate successfully into the culture and society.

Country Information Resources

Students with Disabilities

If you need support services abroad, notify your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator.

Kyoto U. has a Disability Support Office for those who have physical or learning disabilities and need accommodations.

Identities Abroad and Away

UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe.

Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage.

Academics

Host University Courses

As a Kyoto University exchange student, you will enroll full-time in courses alongside other local and international students for a semester or full academic year.

Course Search

The Kyoto University International Education Program (KUINEP) provides undergraduate courses taught in English through the Institute for Liberals Arts and Sciences (ILAS). See List of Courses or Syllabus Search.

In the Syllabus Search, filter the language in the “search condition” to narrow your results to courses taught in English only.
Note that Semester 1 courses take place in Spring, and Semester 2 courses take place in Fall
As part of either the KUINEP or General Exchange, you can study elementary, intermediate, or advanced Japanese. Learn more about Japanese language courses. Please note that you are limited to 2 Japanese courses per semester; all other courses must be non-language.

Satisfying Requirements
It may be possible to satisfy major, minor, GE, and/or electives on this program.

Learn more about:

How to request major or minor credit
How to request GE credit

Course Load Requirements

You are required to enroll in a full-time course load while abroad as defined by your host institution:

KyotoU requires exchange students to enroll in a minimum of 7 courses per semester, where no more than 2 of the 7 can be Japanese language courses.

As a UCSC student, you must also continue to meet UCSC Satisfactory Academic Progress, which requires students to enroll in a minimum of 12 UCSC quarter credits per quarter. At KyotoU, you are required to ensure you meet this requirement by enrolling in the equivalent of at least 24 quarter credits in fall semester and at least 12 quarter credits in spring semester after conversion (see below).

Credit Conversion

KyotoU uses semester credits. These will be converted to UCSC quarter credits when added to your UC transcript.

1 semester credits = 2 UCSC quarter credits
2 semester credits = 3 UCSC quarter credits
3 semester credits = 5 UCSC quarter credits
4 semester credits = 6 UCSC quarter credits

Academic Restrictions

Some courses abroad may have enrollment limitations and/or restrictions, such as prerequisites. Review course information provided by the university partner to understand any course limitations and/or restrictions prior to official course enrollment abroad.

If you are unsure about your eligibility to enroll, please contact UCSC Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu before applying to this program.

Academic Differences

Please note that the academic system, such as assignments, exams, course structure, grading system, etc., at your host institution may be different from what you are used to at UCSC. We highly recommend researching the academic system at your host university in advance to best prepare for your experience abroad.

Academic Calendar

We recommend comparing the host university academic calendar to the UCSC academic calendar to see how the academic calendars, holidays, and breaks differ.