Kyoto Imperial University was founded by imperial ordinance on 18 June 1897, the second university to be established in Japan.
Within ten years of the founding of the University, the Colleges of Science and Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Letters were opened. In July 1914 the College of Science and Engineering was divided into the College of Science and the College of Engineering.
Many come to Kyoto for the freedom to conceive and explore radical ideas. They include physicist Hideki Yukawa, the first Japanese Nobel laureate, and Kitaro Nishida, who founded the Kyoto school of philosophy. Yamagiwa is also a pioneer, spending years in the African jungle living with gorillas and studying human evolution.
Students seeking employment in Japan may learn Japanese and business etiquette through the classes offered by the Education Center for Japanese Language and Culture of the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences of Kyoto University.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsKyoto University has seven accommodation facilities available for international students and researchers, located in the Shugakuin, Yoshida, Hyakumanben (for students only), Okazaki, Misasagi (for students only), Uji and Ohbaku areas of Kyoto.International students at Kyoto University can also stay at other accommodation facilities provided by external parties with which Kyoto University has a leasing agreement.
Internet users must subscribe to an internet service providers. Some internet providers offer an IP telephone service. Kyoto University Co-op accepts applications to the internet providers such as Seikyou Internet (Co-op).
The University Health Service offers: periodical and on-demand health checkups, individual and group counseling/guidance for health problems, primary clinical care for diseased/injured persons, health data management, and education and academic research.
Yoshida Campus has been at the core of the university's activities since its founding. In particular, the main campus is home to structures of varying architectural styles, ranging from brick buildings dating back to the time of the institution's establishment—such as the Clock Tower Centennial Hall that has become the symbol of the university—to modern laboratory buildings. It can be said that Yoshida Campus truly represents the history of Kyoto University in tangible form. The Campus is further subdivided into seven sections.
Extra-curricular activities at Kyoto University range from the fun and casual ‘circles’ to highly competitive clubs with an emphasis in intensive training. Cultural circles are student gatherings of those who share an interest in an activity ranging from volunteer work, to photography, to dance and beyond. Sports clubs represent Kyoto University in inter-university competitions, while those who join Sports circles seek friendship through sports in a more casual manner.
Students who wish to join a student organization should apply directly to the organization of their interest. For contact information concerning the organizations listed below (officially recognized organizations as of May 2013), you can inquire at the Extracurricular Activities Office, Student Affairs Division, Academic Affairs Department.