22 Best Private Universities in Kyoto for International Students
There are a lot of great countries and cities that need to be visited and discovered in your lifetime, and one of the main locations that need to be visited for your studies is Kyoto, which is one of the cities in Japan. When visiting Kyoto, in addition to developing your skills and academic knowledge, you will become part of a new system and society that will open and enrich your cultural horizons.
Private institutions are a great way to reach your academic goals and get that well-deserved degree. To help you out, check out the list below if you’re looking to study in a private university in Kyoto. Each university page provides you with specific details on tuition, admission, language requirements, available courses, and more. So, make sure to check the university pages! Let’s dig in!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyoto College of Medical Health | Kyoto, Japan |
| 2 | Ritsumeikan University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 3 | Doshisha University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 4 | Ryukoku University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 5 | Kyoto Sangyo University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 6 | Kyoto Seika Daigaku | Kyoto, Japan |
| 7 | Kyoto University of the Arts | Kyoto, Japan |
| 8 | Kyoto Women’s University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 9 | Kyoto University of Advanced Science | Kyoto, Japan |
| 10 | Bukkyo University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 11 | Kyoto Pharmaceutical University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 12 | Kyoto Tachibana University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 13 | Kyoto University of Foreign Studies | Kyoto, Japan |
| 14 | Kyoto Koka Women’s University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 15 | Otani University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 16 | Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics | Kyoto, Japan |
| 17 | Kyoto Bunkyo University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 18 | Hanazono University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 19 | Heian Jogakuin University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 20 | Kyoto Saga University of Arts | Kyoto, Japan |
| 21 | Kyoto Notre Dame University | Kyoto, Japan |
| 22 | Shuchiin University | Kyoto, Japan |
Private Universities in Kyoto
1. Kyoto College of Medical Health
Kyoto College of Medical Health is situated in Kyoto, Japan, which is easily accessible by local transportation, making commuting convenient for its students, faculty, and staff. This institution is one of the professional training colleges under the Jikei Group. It is dedicated to providing professional education that emphasizes practical skills and knowledge. Graduates of this training college have opportunities in the sports, medical, welfare, and beauty industries.
2. Ritsumeikan University
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.
3. Doshisha University
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.
4. Ryukoku University
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.Â
5. Kyoto Sangyo University
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.
6. Kyoto Seika Daigaku
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.
7. Kyoto University of the Arts
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.
8. Kyoto Women’s University
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.
9. Kyoto University of Advanced Science
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.
10. Bukkyo University
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.
11. Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
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.Â
12. Kyoto Tachibana University
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.
13. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
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.
14. Kyoto Koka Women’s University
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.
15. Otani University
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.
16. Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics
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.Â
17. Kyoto Bunkyo University
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.
18. Hanazono 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.
19. Heian Jogakuin University
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.
20. Kyoto Saga University of Arts
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.
21. Kyoto Notre Dame University
The Kyoto Notre Dame University is located in the suburbs of Kyoto, Japan, and it is home to 1365 students studying in different fields of psychology, language, and culture. Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, this Christian university aims to impart both knowledge and values to its students.
22. Shuchiin University
Shuchiin University is a private university located in Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in 1949 and has two majors: Buddhism and Esoteric Buddhism. This school teaches and researches deeply specialized academics centered on Buddhist studies, in addition to imparting a broad range of general education knowledge. The university currently offers degree programs in the Faculty of Humanities, which includes two departments: Buddhism and Social Welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does Private Universities in Kyoto Cost?
There are 22 private universities in Kyoto, out of which, we have tuition fee of 17 private universities available.
As you plan your studies abroad, we hope that this article will help you in choosing a good private university.
We know that attending a private university can be expensive, given its benefits and added perks. But remember that public universities are always an option, too, as they're affordable and can provide you with the same high-quality education. With that, feel free to check out our list of public universities in Kyoto to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.