With groundbreaking research contributions and world-class education, Kyoto University stands at 140th in global university rankings. From the development of the blue LED to impressive advancements in neutrino research and induced pluripotent stem cells, the university remains a top choice among international students seeking top-tier education.
However, the intellectual journey as an international student involves much more than academic pursuits. Costs associated with studying at this prestigious university are a major concern for international students. From tuition fees to accommodation expenses and the investment in course materials, this comprehensive guide aims to provide a clear roadmap regarding the costs of studying at Kyoto University.
Study Costs at Kyoto University
We already know that studying in Kyoto can be expensive, but what specific costs do you incur? In this in-depth guide, we will explore the expenses of applying to Kyoto University and the tuition fee based on the program you’re aspiring to apply to.
Application Costs
Are you planning to apply to Kyoto University? The application process comes with a fee, depending on the degree you’re after. According to the official website, students must pay the examination (or the application) fee when applying for admission.
If you’re aiming for a master’s degree, this fee is 30,000 yen. Fortunately, graduate students can save some yen if their submitted work outshines their application. In that case, they won’t have to take the admission test, which would help them save 10,000 yen! In comparison, the application fee for undergraduate programs is 17,000 yen. Some programs have a different examination or application fee, such as the Kyoto International Undergraduate Program (Kyoto iUP), which costs up to 9,800 yen. Research students have to pay an application fee of 84,600 JPY.
Tuition Costs
At Kyoto University, the tuition fee significantly shapes an international student’s academic experience. So, let’s examine the specifics!
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
The tuition fee at Kyoto University is the same for both domestic and international students. As an undergraduate student, you must pay a tuition fee of 535,800 yen for a full academic year. Kyoto University requires that students pay this fee in two parts, once in May and again in November. So, the half-year tuition fee is 267,900 yen. This tuition applies to most programs offered at Kyoto University, including Civil Environmental and Resources Engineering, Applied Energy Science and Engineering, and Materials Science.
Special programs like the Kyoto iUP have a higher tuition fee. The Bachelor’s degree focuses on global engineering, with a yearly price of 1,200,000 yen, which covers Japanese language lessons and other courses in liberal arts.
Master’s Tuition Costs
The tuition fee for graduate school at Kyoto University is the same for international and domestic students. The price for a full academic year amounts to 535,800 yen, split into two installments: one paid in May and the other in November. Schools like the Law Department have a higher fee of about 804,000 yen annually. This amount covers education and research but does not account for entrance exams or health insurance.
This applies to most programs, from engineering to business and project management, except for some special ones. For example, if you’re aiming for the Kyoto-Cornell International Collaborative Degree program, you must pay about 1,200 USD per credit over at Cornell University.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
The Graduate School of Kyoto University also awards doctoral or Ph.D. degrees. For instance, the Graduate School of Medicine awards a doctoral degree to students who complete four years of courses and research, take a doctoral exam, and get their thesis accepted. The annual fee for this program is 535,800 yen. This also applies to the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Suppose you aim for a doctoral degree from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Asian and African Area Studies (ASAFAS), or Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability (GSAIS). In that case, you must pursue five years of coursework, research, and the other requirements mentioned above. The annual fee for these schools is the same as mentioned above.
Other Academic Costs at Kyoto University
Tuition is just one of the expenses you will incur at Kyoto University as an international student. Don’t forget to factor in the other costs, such as the investment in course materials, transportation, and accommodation expenses. Let’s investigate the details!
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
Books and miscellaneous expenses can differ across the courses that students are studying. The KU library guide provides valuable insights into the costs of textbooks. Other expenses that international students might incur include the co-op membership fee, which costs around 20,000 yen. Similarly, the Athletic club membership fee is 10,000 yen for non-medical undergraduate students and 14,000 yen for medical undergraduate students. Students may also have to pay additional membership fees based on their respective departments.
Accommodation and Transportation
As an international student, you can pick either on-campus or off-campus accommodation. Kyoto University consists of 5 International Houses tailored specifically for international students and researchers. They provide essentials such as water, bedding, and internet access. However, the rent varies depending on the room size and type. For instance, a single room costs around 12,400 JPY monthly, while a family room costs 24,900 JPY monthly.
If you’re looking for off-campus housing, refer to Kyoto University CO-OP or check out real estate agents. Prices vary depending on the location, room size, and services provided. So the rent for a single room with a shared washroom and kitchen is about 25,000 JPY and 30,000 JPY monthly.
Living Expenses
For international students in the Kyoto and Osaka areas, the living expenses typically total up to 93,000 JPY monthly. This cost is based on meals, rent, electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone bills. However, living expenses can vary depending on one’s lifestyle and accommodation choices.
The costs involved in studying at Kyoto University can be slightly high for an international student, but considering the high-class education, it is worth it! Sticking to a strict budget plan can alleviate your financial burdens significantly, especially considering the high fees for the undergraduate and graduate programs.
We hope that this article on the cost of studying at Kyoto University for international students will help plan your finances for studying at this prestigious university. Unlock the various opportunities the country has to offer by checking out these Available Programs in Japan! For more helpful insights about studying in Japan, please visit our Study in Japan Page!
