25 Best Universities In Kyoto For International Students 2025

Kyoto is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Japan. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 28 universities and colleges in Kyoto, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 28 universities in Kyoto, Kyoto University and Ritsumeikan University are the top-performing schools in Kyoto. This list covers both public and private institutions in Kyoto.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Kyoto. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Kyoto.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Kyoto?

Applying to the universities in Kyoto involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Kyoto to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Kyoto?

Tuition fees at Kyoto’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 535,800 Yen to 2,300,000 Yen , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 400,000 Yen to 1,203,300 Yen. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Kyoto!

As we cover the best universities in Kyoto for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Kyoto for International Students

Kyoto University, a public university in Kyoto, Japan, was founded in 1897, making it one of the oldest academic institutions in the country. The university’s founding principles “freedom from academic culture” serves as its guide in providing high-quality education to more than 22,000 students. As such, the university is one of the top universities in Japan, as assessed by reputable global ranking institutions.

Ritsumeikan University is a private institution in Kyoto that has been in the academic industry since 1859. Today, it is considered to be among the best institutions in Japan. Teachers and professionals across the globe highly recommend the school due to its academic excellence. Its best features include its vibrant learning environment, top-rated study programs, and student support, to name a few.

Doshisha University was founded by Doshisha and Joseph Hardy Neesima in 1875. The university is deeply rooted in its Christian principles, and its curricula are aligned with its traditions and beliefs. It offers a broad spectrum of study programs at all levels. Theology, law, economics, engineering, and commerce are just a few academic disciplines currently offered. In addition, the institute has created several English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs explicitly designed for international students.

Ryukoku University was originally a Buddhist boarding school when it was established in 1639, over three centuries ago. Over the years, the university expanded and started offering a wide variety of study programs but still continues to embrace Buddhist principles and values. Its main goal is to educate and enlighten its students and train them to become individuals who continuously seek and share their knowledge with the world. 

Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) began operating as a higher education school in 1949, offering undergraduate engineering and textile science programs. As the institute has flourished over the years, it has grown into an excellent school that provides top-rated and internationally recognized study programs. KIT ensures that all enrolled students will be presented with countless opportunities, numerous academic resources, and relevant local and international partnerships and connections.

Kyoto Sangyo University was founded in 1965 and is located in Kyoto, Japan. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Over 10 faculties for undergraduate-level education and 8 divisions for graduate-level education are present. Additionally, well-equipped facilities are home to different extracurricular clubs and societies for students. These extracurricular clubs and facilities include academics, interests, and sports.

The Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine is a leading medical institution in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The school offers doctor of medicine (MD) degrees, nursing, and graduate programs in medical sciences. It is an ideal school for aspiring students who want to pursue a degree in the medical field. It provides high-quality education, hands-on training, a comprehensive curriculum, and modern technologies and facilities.

Kyoto Seika University is a private university located in Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in 1968 by School Corporation Kyoto Seika Gakuen. The university is well-known for its art programs, particularly those in manga and anime. There are also programs in literature, history, language, and painting. Famous alumni include Naoto Oshima and Yoji Shinkawa, both artists and designers of internationally renowned video games.

Kyoto University of the Arts is a good starting point for aspiring artists. This art school was founded in 1977, giving it extensive experience and credibility. Programs available encompass bachelor’s up to doctorate levels. Several excellent facilities and resources are available at Kyoto University of the Arts, including an art theater, museum, libraries, research centers, and more.

As a specialized university, the education provided is specific and quality. Some fields covered are writing, production, historical heritage, and more.

The Kyoto Prefectural University was founded in 1949 in the suburbs of Kyoto, Japan, and it is a very attractive institute of education. This university focuses on providing new and developing programs from which students can benefit and help their country. Kyoto Prefectural University is best known for its programs in agriculture and is equipped with an exceptional university farm and library.

The Kyoto Women’s University is an advanced all-women’s university that was founded in 1949. It is located in Kyoto, Japan, and is focused on developing the talents and skills of the next generations. The university’s main aim is to empower women to contribute positively to society through their work in the field of their choice.

Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) provides superior quality education, particularly in engineering studies. It also offers academic programs in humanities, medical sciences, bioenvironmental sciences, economics, and business administration. While most of its programs are taught in Japanese, few engineering programs are taught in English. KUAS guarantees that the quality of education and training provided are comparable with other renowned science and technology institutions in Japan.

Bukkyo University is a private Japanese university located in Kyoto. It was established in 1868 as a Buddhist research institute for monks in the Genkoin temples. Undergraduate and graduate programs in education, history, literature, social welfare, and Buddhist studies are available at the university. As their source of wisdom, Bukkyo University draws its primary inspiration from the teachings of Buddha and Reverend Honen.

Founded in 1884, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University is one of the oldest educational institutions for pharmaceutical sciences in the country. It is known for its excellent academic and research programs in basic and clinical pharmacy that impart to students the knowledge, skills, and values that contribute to the improvement of pharmaceutical practice in society. Students take courses in ethics, foreign languages, mathematics, and statistics and gain practical education through research projects and internships in hospitals, pharmacies, and companies. 

The Kyoto City University of Arts is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Japan, specializing in music and arts. Its education and research studies are focused on excellence, cultural diversity, and creativity. The university offers dozens of programs that have a multidisciplinary approach since students must meet different requirements in order to graduate. These include performances, art projects, reports, and a thesis. It also offers unique degrees you won’t find anywhere else, like the major in Nihonga, a Japanese traditional painting style.

Kyoto Tachibana University used to be a handicraft school before it progressed to become a comprehensive university that offers education in numerous disciplines. The university aims to encourage and foster individuals by educating and fueling them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Situated in one of the largest cities in Japan, Kyoto Tachibana University continues to attract students worldwide.

The Kyoto University of Foreign Studies is a very well-known university in its field, where it is recognized for its global tourism studies. This university was founded in 1959 in Kyoto, Japan, and serves as the cornerstone of foreign affairs education in this prefecture because its staff puts their maximum effort into growing the next Japanese experts in the field of foreign studies.

Kyoto Koka Women’s University is an all-exclusive female institution that generates competent individuals capable of contributing to society. The university has carefully selected the academic programs that would fit the interests of the majority of female students. These educational programs include child education, nursing, psychology, nursing, and career development. Moreover, the institute’s curriculum is based on a practiced-based learning approach ensuring that students will be equipped with the core skills and capabilities upon completing the program.

Located in a culturally rich city filled with historical sites, the Kyoto University of Education was created after the merger of two former higher education institutions in order to establish an institution highly specialized in training professors. It offers degree programs in a wide variety of education areas, like languages, sciences, music, and arts. In order to graduate, students must complete a series of requirements that include volunteering, completing research projects, and participating in study-abroad programs.

Otani University is a very old and traditional institute that offers graduate-level studies. This institute was founded in 1901 in Kyoto, Japan, and originally opened as a seminary. Today, it serves as the center point of higher education in the area. It specializes in Buddhist Studies but offers a number of programs in education and philosophy.

Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics is the first and only IT graduate school in Japan. It was established in 2004 to raise IT experts who not only possess the technical knowledge and skill in applied information technology but also have the social awareness and employable skills necessary for them to thrive on the international scene. The university also takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities where students can take advantage of using the most advanced technologies for study and research. 

Kyoto Bunkyo University is a private university located in the city of Uji in Kyoto, Japan. The predecessor to the school was established in 1904. It began as a junior college in 1960 and expanded to a four-year college in 1996. Undergraduate and graduate programs in sociology, psychology, management, education, and economics are available at the university.

Hanazono University is a private educational institution located in Kyoto, a city known as one of the world’s best student cities. The university was founded in 1872 and continues to educate its students based on the principles of Zen Buddhism, aiming to help them discover their purpose and develop their knowledge and skills to pursue it. Hanazono University has a retreat hall for students and staff to gather and meditate.

The Heian Jogakuin University was founded in the year 2000 in Kyoto, Japan, and it is also known as St. Agnes’ University. The interesting fact why this university is recognized by two names is that its educational background can be traced through the establishment of St. Agnes’ School in 1875. When taking this fact into account, it can be easily stated that this university is one of the oldest women’s institutions in Japan, and it is known for its tradition and great educational experience.

The Kyoto Saga University of Arts is a well-formed arts college that offers innovative and astonishing programs for talented students all around the world. This university is famous because of its manga and illustration programs. The university aims to continue developing facilities in order to create an inspiring space for student artists to learn and create.