Kyoto University is one of Japan’s leading research universities, with 10 undergraduate faculties, 18 graduate schools, 12 research institutes, the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study, and 17 centers. It also provides several routes for international students, including English-taught degree programs and Kyoto iUP.
However, securing a place at Kyoto University can be highly competitive, and the university does not publish a single institution-wide acceptance rate. Instead, it publishes results for specific admissions routes and programs, so applicants should use the figures for the route they intend to follow.
Stay with us as we look into Kyoto University’s admissions data, providing you with a clearer path toward your academic goals!
Kyoto University Acceptance Rate
- Official university-wide acceptance rate: 10% – 20%
For the 2026 general undergraduate selection, the university reported 8,015 applicants and 2,682 successful candidates, equivalent to approximately 33.5%. By contrast, Kyoto iUP’s October 2026 intake had 1,174 applicants and 37 successful candidates, equivalent to approximately 3.2%. Because these figures apply to different admissions routes, check the acceptance rates that is more applicable to you.
Admission requirements and selection procedures differ by faculty, graduate school, and program. Applicants should review the official guidelines for their chosen program rather than assume that every route requires the same tests, personal statement, or letters of recommendation. Focus on the exact academic, language, examination, and document requirements that apply to your intended program.
Preparing for Kyoto University
If you’re considering applying to Kyoto University, research the specific faculty, graduate school, or program you’re interested in and review its current admission requirements. In addition to route-specific admissions data, you should consider the application process, tuition fees, and available scholarships.
Admission Requirements
Understanding the admission requirements helps ensure that your application meets Kyoto University’s expectations. It can also save time and resources by allowing you to focus on the examinations, qualifications, language standards, and documents required by your chosen program.
Tuition Fees
Awareness of tuition fees allows prospective students to plan and budget effectively for their time at Kyoto University. The university currently lists annual tuition of ¥535,800 and an admission fee of ¥282,000 for regular undergraduate and graduate students. The entrance examination fee is ¥17,000 for undergraduate applicants and ¥30,000 for graduate applicants. Fees may be revised, so applicants should also consult the university’s official tuition and fees page.
Scholarships
Scholarships can help fund your studies at Kyoto University. The university lists a wide variety of opportunities for international students, including the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, the Student Exchange Support Program for short-term study in Japan, and scholarships from private foundations. MEXT benefits can include exemptions from examination, admission, and tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and a round-trip airline ticket, subject to the applicable year’s guidelines. The JASSO short-term exchange scholarship currently provides ¥80,000 per month, while private-foundation scholarships typically provide between ¥30,000 and ¥180,000 per month. Scholarship selection is highly competitive, and many applications are accepted only after matriculation, so students should not assume that full funding will be available.
We hope that this article on Kyoto University’s acceptance rate was helpful. For more valuable tips and insightful articles about Japan, head over to the Study in Japan guide. Also check the Available Programs for International Students!
