🏅 QS World Rank #64
Kyoto University — Full Profile & Ranking 2026
Japan’s most decorated university for Nobel Prizes — QS World Rankings 2027 #64
Kyoto University is a national research university in Kyoto, Japan, founded in 1897. In the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published June 2026) it is 64th in the world and the second-highest Japanese university after the University of Tokyo. This guide covers programmes, admission, fees, scholarships, advice for applicants from Pakistan and the questions applicants ask most. Every figure is labeled with its year or ranking edition.
Kyoto University Overview
Kyoto University was founded in 1897 as Kyoto Imperial University and is Japan’s second-oldest national university. It is known for a research culture that stresses independent, curiosity-driven inquiry.
Kyoto University lists 18 Nobel laureates as affiliated with it, covering physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace.
Kyoto University Rankings — QS World University Rankings 2027
Kyoto University is 64th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in June 2026. It is the second-highest Japanese university in that edition after the University of Tokyo (39th).
This is a QS-specific result, not one universal ranking. Times Higher Education, U.S. News and ARWU use different methods and can order universities differently.
Source: QS TopUniversities (QS World University Rankings 2027, 18 June 2026).
Key Strengths & Programs
Kyoto is known for:
- Basic sciences — physics, chemistry and mathematics
- Medicine and life sciences
- Chemistry and chemical engineering
- Engineering
- Humanities and social sciences
- Independent research culture
See the official website for the full list.
Explore Related Guides & Rankings
Admission Requirements
Kyoto’s admissions guide for 2025-26 lists several routes for international undergraduates. Confirm all details on Kyoto’s official pages.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Kyoto iUP | A 4.5-year route with a six-month preparatory course followed by four years of undergraduate study, with no prior Japanese proficiency required |
| Engineering | An English-taught degree in Civil, Environmental and Resources Engineering with April enrolment, plus a special selection for privately financed international applicants |
| Law and Economics | Special selections for graduates of non-Japanese schools |
| Fees at application | An entrance exam fee of ¥17,000 and an admission fee of ¥282,000 are listed (as of April 2025) |
| Documents | Transcripts, identification, language evidence and route-specific documents |
Official source: Kyoto — Admissions guide 2025-2026.
Kyoto University Acceptance Rate
Kyoto University does not publish one acceptance rate for international applicants. Entry is highly competitive and varies by route.
Practical Application Checklist
- Choose your programme and read its entry and language requirements
- Check the application deadline for your intake
- Book an English (or other required) language test
- Prepare transcripts, identification and any required documents
- Apply and accept your offer
- Meet the visa or residence-permit conditions for your destination
- Plan funding for tuition and living costs
- Verify every date, fee and requirement on Kyoto’s official website before submitting
Tuition & Costs
Kyoto’s admissions guide lists the following for undergraduates (as of April 2025):
- Annual tuition: ¥535,800
- Admission fee: ¥282,000 (one time)
- Entrance exam fee: ¥17,000
The US dollar conversion on the old page has been removed because exchange rates change. Kyoto living costs are extra, so budget for rent, food and transport as well.
Source: Kyoto — Admissions guide 2025-2026. Fees, dates and rules change each year.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- MEXT (Japanese government) scholarship: available at undergraduate, research and Japanese-studies level through embassy or university recommendation. Check the current round and whether Pakistan is included.
- University-nominated scholarships: several are offered, and most applicants can apply after admission
- Foreign government and private foundation awards: extra funding options for eligible students
- Other aid: compare options in our fully funded scholarships for 2027 guide
- No guarantee: awards are competitive
Kyoto University for Pakistani Students
Pakistani applicants follow the standard international process:
- Entry: check the route that fits your qualification, such as Kyoto iUP
- Language: Kyoto iUP needs no prior Japanese, while English-taught routes need an English test. Our IELTS preparation guides can help.
- Scholarships: check MEXT and university awards early
- Visa: a Japanese student visa is required
- Budget: plan for tuition plus Kyoto living costs
Campus & Student Life
- The main Yoshida campus is in Kyoto city, with other campuses at Uji and Katsura
- Kyoto is a historic former imperial capital with many temples and gardens
- Student housing is available but limited, and many students rent privately
- Clubs and societies cover culture, sport and academic interests
Research & Career Opportunities
- Kyoto is research-intensive, with notable work in basic sciences, medicine and chemistry
- Kyoto and the Kansai region have strong manufacturing, electronics and pharmaceutical employers
- Many graduates go on to research careers and graduate school
- Kyoto does not guarantee employment, salary or visa outcomes
Notable Alumni
- Hideki Yukawa, Nobel Prize in Physics 1949, is associated with Kyoto University
- Susumu Kitagawa, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025, is a Kyoto alumnus and currently an executive vice-president there
- Shimon Sakaguchi, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025, is a Kyoto alumnus
- Shinya Yamanaka, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2012, was a professor at Kyoto University when he won
Contact & Location
Kyoto University
Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Official website: kyoto-u.ac.jp
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyoto University is ranked 64th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026.
Kyoto University lists 18 Nobel laureates as affiliated with it, according to its own page. Counting methods differ between universities.
Kyoto’s admissions guide lists annual undergraduate tuition of ¥535,800, an admission fee of ¥282,000 and an entrance exam fee of ¥17,000 (as of April 2025).
Kyoto is best known for basic sciences, medicine, chemistry and its independent research culture.
Kyoto iUP is an International Undergraduate Program with a six-month preparatory course followed by four years of study. It needs no prior Japanese.
Yes, in some routes such as the English-taught civil engineering degree. Many other programmes are taught in Japanese.
Yes. International students can apply for MEXT and university-nominated scholarships. They are competitive and not guaranteed.
Yes. Pakistani applicants follow the international route and should check route, language and visa requirements.
Kyoto does not publish one acceptance rate for international applicants. Entry is highly competitive.
Check Kyoto’s official admissions guide. Fees, deadlines and rules can change.
Compare Kyoto University With Other Top Universities
Disclaimer: This page is based on the QS World University Rankings 2027, Kyoto University’s official pages, and other publicly available sources, last checked in October 2026. Fees, rankings, deadlines, and admission rules change, and no admission, funding, visa, or employment outcome is guaranteed. Always verify current details directly with the university before applying.