How to get into Kyoto University depends on one big question: which school system are you in? International students who do not speak Japanese usually apply to Kyoto iUP, a 4.5-year program that teaches Japanese along the way. Students with strong Japanese can take the EJU route into the Faculty of Engineering. Students in the Japanese school system take the Common Test and Kyoto's own exams. Below are every route, official dates, fees, scholarships and a plan from Grade 9 or 10.
Key takeaways
- Kyoto iUP applications for October 2027 enrollment are open from 2 November to 3 December 2026 (5 p.m. JST). No Japanese is needed to apply.
- All Kyoto iUP students can get admission fee waivers and full or partial tuition waivers for 4.5 years, plus up to JPY 120,000 a month during the six-month preparatory course.
- The Faculty of Engineering route for privately financed international students needs the EJU in Japanese plus TOEFL iBT or IELTS. Its April 2027 pre-screening closed on 16 October 2026.
- Students in the Japanese system sit the Common Test on 16-17 January 2027, then Kyoto's exams on 25-26 February 2027.
- Standard fees are JPY 17,000 to apply, JPY 282,000 to enroll and JPY 535,800 a year in tuition.
How to get into Kyoto University: which route is right for you?
Quick answer: If you are not Japanese and do not speak Japanese yet, apply to Kyoto iUP with your school grades, a standardized test (SAT, ACT, IB, A Levels, CBSE Class XII and others), an English score and an essay. If you have strong Japanese, use the EJU-based faculty routes. Japanese-system students take the Common Test and Kyoto's own exams.
Kyoto's How to apply page splits the routes into two groups:
- No Japanese needed at admission: Kyoto iUP, and the English-taught Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering.
- Japanese needed: the Faculty of Engineering special selection for privately financed international students, the Law and Economics selections for graduates of schools outside Japan, and general selection.
Every route needs 12 years of schooling (or an equivalent recognized by MEXT, Japan's education ministry) or a diploma such as the IB.
Kyoto University undergraduate routes at a glance.
The table compares six routes. Kyoto iUP suits students with no Japanese yet and moves from English to Japanese. The Civil Engineering course suits overseas-system students and teaches all classes in English. The Engineering special selection (for non-Japanese students with the EJU), the Law and Economics selections (for overseas-school graduates) and general selection (for Japanese-system students) are in Japanese. On the MEXT Embassy route, MEXT decides your university.
Comparing other Asian options? See our guides to the University of Tokyo, NUS, Tsinghua University and Peking University.
What is Kyoto iUP and who can apply?
Kyoto iUP (Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program) is a 4.5-year program. It starts with a six-month preparatory course of intensive Japanese and foundation subjects. Then you join a faculty as a regular degree student for four years.
The first two and a half years mix English and Japanese. From your third year at the latest, lectures are in Japanese. You do not need Japanese to apply, but you must want to learn it.
The 2027 Application Guidelines say:
- Places: 40 students for October 2027.
- Faculties: Integrated Human Studies, Letters (Philosophy and Ethics only), Education, Law, Economics, Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmaceutical Sciences department only), Engineering and Agriculture (up to three choices). Medicine is not included.
- Nationality: you must be a non-Japanese citizen with "Student" residence status at enrollment. Dual nationals who hold Japanese nationality must choose the other nationality by enrollment.
- Schooling: 12 years outside Japan by 30 September 2027, or a school accredited by groups such as WASC, CIS or COBIS, or an IB Diploma, German Abitur, French Baccalaureate, GCE A Level or International A Level.
For context, the guidelines publish official counts. In 2026, 1,174 students applied with a first choice, and 37 passed the second screening. In 2024, 31 passed, and in 2025, 37 passed. Kyoto does not publish an "acceptance rate," and we do not calculate one.
What do you need to apply to Kyoto iUP?
Everything is in English, through the Online Application System.
- Digital photo and a passport copy.
- School transcripts for all of secondary school.
- Form A: certificate of graduation or expected graduation.
- Form B: an evaluation by your school (uploaded by the school).
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT (institution code C447) or IELTS Academic, taken after 1 November 2024. Or Form C if you studied in English for at least five years of secondary school.
- A standardized test result (see below).
- Form D: an essay in English.
There is no minimum English score. But the guidelines say typical successful candidates score TOEFL iBT 90 (4.5 on the new 1-6 scale) or IELTS 6.5.
Which standardized tests does Kyoto iUP accept?
You must send at least one accepted test:
| Test | Key rule for October 2027 |
|---|---|
| SAT | Taken on or before 7 November 2026 (code 7741). PSAT not accepted |
| ACT | Taken on or before 24 October 2026 (code 1745) |
| EJU | Taken on or before 8 November 2026, in English or Japanese |
| IB Diploma | Final or predicted grades. Maths AA HL highly recommended for science |
| A Level / International A Level | Final or predicted. IGCSE, GCSE and O Level not accepted |
| AP | Five or more subjects, plus SAT results |
| Country tests | Gaokao, CBSE Class XII, HKDSE, Taiwan GSAT, Malaysia UEC/STPM and more |
Not sure which US test suits you? Read our SAT vs ACT guide. IB students can check our IB Diploma Programme guide.
What subjects do Kyoto iUP faculties require?
- Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture: Mathematics plus at least two of physics, chemistry and biology. Engineering needs both physics and chemistry. Higher-level maths is preferred.
- Integrated Human Studies, Economics: Mathematics (standard level is fine).
- Letters, Education, Law: no specific subject rules.
What are the Kyoto iUP dates for October 2027?
The Kyoto iUP apply page and guidelines give this timeline (all times JST):
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 2 Nov-3 Dec 2026 (5 p.m.) | Online application and JPY 9,800 fee |
| 5 Feb 2027 | First screening (document review) results |
| 1-16 Mar 2027 | Online interview in English; originals must arrive by 16 March |
| 6 Apr 2027 | Final results |
| 7 May 2027 | Confirm intent to enroll |
| By end of Sep 2027 | Arrive in Japan |
| 1 Oct 2027 | Preparatory course starts |
| Jan-Feb 2028 | Qualifying test for your faculty (JPY 17,000) |
| Apr 2028 | Undergraduate course starts |
A free online iUP information session runs on 16 November 2026, 4-5 p.m. JST (details).
What about October 2028 entry? The guidelines are not yet published. The iUP FAQ says guidelines usually come out around July, and applications usually run from early November to early December. So expect roughly July 2027 for guidelines and November-December 2027 for applications. Check the official page.
The basic Kyoto University application path.
The flow has four steps. First, pick a route: iUP, EJU or Common Test. Next, check the eligibility and test rules. Then apply online and send your scores on time. Last comes the screening, interview or oral exam.
What is the EJU route into Kyoto's Faculty of Engineering?
This route is for privately financed international students who already study in Japanese. Classes are mainly in Japanese. The 2027 Engineering guidelines (in Japanese) set these rules for April 2027 entry:
- EJU (2026, Japanese-language edition): Japanese (excluding writing) + Mathematics Course 2 + Physics + Chemistry must total 680 or more. Or 650 or more, with Maths Course 2 + Physics + Chemistry at 350 or more.
- English: TOEFL iBT 72 or more (or 4 on the 1-6 scale), taken from January 2025, no Home Edition. Or IELTS Academic 6.0 or more.
- Eligibility: no Japanese nationality, and 12 years of schooling abroad (the last six in a row abroad).
- Departments: five departments each take "a few" students. Informatics does not recruit this way.
Key April 2027 dates:
- 14-16 October 2026: mandatory eligibility pre-screening (now closed).
- 15-17 December 2026: online application; exam fee JPY 17,000.
- 14 January 2027: first-stage notice, if a first stage is used.
- 30 January 2027: oral exam at Yoshida campus (reserve day 31 January).
- 5 February 2027: results, around noon.
If you missed the October pre-screening, you cannot apply this cycle. Our EJU guide explains the test itself.
When is the EJU?
JASSO's schedule lists the 2026 sessions on 21 June and 8 November 2026. Scores for the November session come out on 15 December 2026 (tentative). The 2027 dates are not yet listed.
Subjects are Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics (Course 1 or 2). Overseas centers include New Delhi (India's only center), Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok and Hanoi (JASSO 2026 guide).
Can you study at Kyoto University in English?
Yes, in two ways. Kyoto iUP starts in English and moves to Japanese. The Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering is taught fully in English. It is a four-year Bachelor of Engineering with up to 30 places for direct applicants (program site).
Its April 2027 cycle is closed: applications ran 4-11 September 2026, and results come out on 10 November 2026. Graduates of Japanese-system high schools cannot apply. It accepts the EJU or alternatives such as ACT, IB, A Levels, Gaokao or CBSE Class XII, plus TOEFL iBT or IELTS. April 2028 dates are not yet published.
How do Japanese-system students get into Kyoto University?
Students in Japanese high schools use general selection. The 2027 admissions outline and the Common Test page give these dates:
- 16-17 January 2027: Common Test (make-up 23-24 January).
- 25 January-3 February 2027: web application and fee.
- 10 February 2027: first-stage results (some faculties use Common Test scores to narrow the field).
- 25-26 February 2027: Kyoto's own exams (27 February for Medicine interviews only).
- 10 March 2027: results.
Full general selection guidelines come out in mid-December 2026.
Overseas-school graduates of any nationality can also try the Law or Economics selections (10 places or fewer each). You sit Kyoto's Japanese exam, send TOEFL iBT scores and interview in Japanese. Documents are due in early January 2027.
Key Kyoto University dates for 2027 entry.
The table lists seven dates: iUP applications close 3 December 2026; Engineering applications run 15-17 December 2026; the Common Test is 16-17 January 2027; the Engineering oral exam is 30 January 2027; the iUP shortlist and Engineering results come on 5 February 2027; general exams are 25-26 February 2027; iUP final results arrive 6 April 2027.
How much does Kyoto University cost?
Kyoto's fees FAQ lists these standard fees:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination (application) fee | JPY 17,000 |
| Admission fee | JPY 282,000 |
| Tuition | JPY 535,800 a year |
Kyoto iUP's application fee is JPY 9,800 plus a JPY 429 processing fee, with no waivers. Its preparatory course costs JPY 28,200 to enroll and JPY 296,000 for six months, with full waivers available. Fees can change.
What scholarships can you get for Kyoto University?
Kyoto iUP scholarships
The iUP guidelines say all Kyoto iUP students can get:
- Full admission fee waivers and full or partial tuition waivers for four and a half years.
- A monthly allowance of up to JPY 120,000 during the six-month preparatory course.
- Merit-based monthly allowances from supporting companies and organizations after you join a faculty.
- A room in a Kyoto University International House for the first 12 months.
You just tick "Yes" in the application; no separate form is needed (iUP financial support FAQ). The FAQ adds that Kyoto offers no other undergraduate scholarships for international students outside iUP.
MEXT scholarship
The Japanese government's MEXT Scholarship (Embassy Recommendation) is applied for through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. For April 2027 arrivals, the MEXT 2027 guidelines say:
- Applicants must, in principle, be born on or after 2 April 2002.
- The embassy runs document checks, written exams and interviews.
- Most grantees spend one year in a preparatory course, then MEXT decides the university. You cannot pick Kyoto.
- Benefits: JPY 117,000 a month, waived exam, admission and tuition fees, and an economy air ticket.
You cannot apply to Kyoto iUP through MEXT, though iUP has some MEXT University Recommendation spots for students it admits (not guaranteed). The 2028 MEXT guidelines are not yet published; recruitment usually runs around April-May of the year before arrival.
Book a free demo class to plan your maths and science for Kyoto iUP or the EJU, or see our plans and fees.
What is a good plan from Grade 9 or 10?
Here is a simple plan for Kyoto iUP, the main route for international students without Japanese.
- Grade 9-10: Build maths, physics and chemistry, at the highest maths level your school offers. Pick a faculty area and check its subject rules.
- Grade 11: Sit the SAT or ACT if you need one, and IELTS or TOEFL. Plan IB HL, A Level or CBSE subjects to match the faculty. Try a small project to show curiosity (see our guide to research for high school students).
- July of your final school year: Read the new iUP guidelines when they appear.
- November-December: Apply online. Ask your school early to upload Form B.
- February-April: Prepare for the English interview, then get results.
- September-October: Arrive in Japan and start the preparatory course on 1 October.
Basic Japanese is not required, but starting early helps.
A Kyoto iUP plan from Grade 10 to arrival.
The timeline shows six stages: build maths, physics and chemistry in Grade 10; sit the SAT or ACT and IELTS or TOEFL in Grade 11; read the new guidelines in July of the final year; apply in November-December; interview and results from February to April; arrive in September-October, with the prep course from 1 October.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with getting into Kyoto University
At Asymptode, we focus on the maths and science that Kyoto's faculties ask for. Essays, interviews and Japanese are your own work; our mentor helps with planning and method.
- One dedicated mentor, live online 1-on-1: for IB Maths AA HL, A Level Maths and Further Maths, CBSE Class XII, AP Calculus BC, or EJU Mathematics Course 2, Physics and Chemistry, following your own syllabus and exam dates.
- Method-first practice: the mentor watches each step of your working, then sets personalised homework with feedback.
- Planning help: a timeline for SAT or ACT, EJU sessions and the iUP deadline, plus short parent updates.
- Every class recorded, so you can review hard topics. Start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 6 November 2026.
FAQ
Do I need to speak Japanese to get into Kyoto University?
Not for Kyoto iUP or the Civil Engineering International Course. Kyoto iUP needs no Japanese at the start, but teaching moves to Japanese by your third year. Other routes need strong Japanese.
When is the Kyoto iUP deadline for 2027?
For October 2027 enrollment, apply online between 2 November and 3 December 2026, by 5 p.m. JST. Pay the JPY 9,800 fee by then too. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Is Kyoto iUP free?
Kyoto says all iUP students can get full admission fee waivers and full or partial tuition waivers for 4.5 years. There is also an allowance of up to JPY 120,000 a month during the preparatory course. The application fee of JPY 9,800 is not waived.
Can Indian students apply to Kyoto University with CBSE?
Yes, for Kyoto iUP. CBSE Class XII results are accepted, and predicted scores are fine. Class X scores are not accepted. Science faculties also need maths and two sciences, and Engineering needs physics and chemistry.
What SAT or EJU score do I need for Kyoto University?
Kyoto iUP publishes no minimum SAT score. The Engineering special selection sets EJU minimums: a total of 680 or more in Japanese, Maths Course 2, Physics and Chemistry, or 650 with 350 in the three science and maths tests. We found no official average scores of admitted students.
Can I get a MEXT scholarship to study at Kyoto University?
You can apply for MEXT through your Japanese embassy, but MEXT decides your university, so Kyoto is not guaranteed. Kyoto iUP also has some MEXT University Recommendation spots for students it has already admitted. These are not guaranteed either.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- Kyoto University: How to apply (Faculty)
- Kyoto iUP: Application Guidelines for October 2027 Enrollment
- Kyoto iUP: Application Process
- Kyoto iUP: Online Information Session for October 2027 Enrollment
- Kyoto iUP FAQ: Application
- Kyoto iUP FAQ: Financial Support
- Kyoto University Faculty of Engineering: 2027 special selection guidelines for privately financed international students
- Kyoto University: 2027 (Reiwa 9) admissions outline
- Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering
- Kyoto University FAQ: application, admission and tuition fees
- National Center for University Entrance Examinations: 2027 Common Test
- JASSO: EJU examination schedule
- JASSO: Guidelines for 2026 EJU
- MEXT Scholarship 2027 (Undergraduate, Embassy Recommendation) guidelines