UMD: A Globally Connected University

UMD Exchange: Kyoto University (Japan)

Kyoto, Japan
Terms Offered: 
Spring
Year (Fall-Spring)
Program Type: 
Exchange
Program Home Page: 
https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education-campus/education-and-admissions/non-degre…
Credit Type: 
Transfer Credit
Minimum GPA: 
3.0
EA Advisor: 
D'Kiya Bynum
Language of Instruction: 
English,Japanese

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
Established in 1897, Kyoto University is Japan’s second oldest university and is home to 23,000 students. The university has three campuses in Kyoto, 13 research institutes, and 21 Centers and other organizations. Kyoto University offers two incoming exchange programs: 

  1. Kyoto University International Education Program (KUIEP) for students who wish to take courses in English.
  2. Kyoto University General Exchange (GE) Program for students who wish to take courses directly from Kyoto University Faculties, where most courses are conducted in Japanese.

Host City
Kyoto is one of Japan’s cultural centers, and has played an important role in the history of the country for over a thousand years. While the modern city of 1.5 million people is bustling, Kyoto retains its strong cultural heritage, making it a fascinating location to explore Japan’s unique culture. Once the imperial capital, Kyoto has preserved many beautiful palaces, temples and neighborhoods that give the city its distinctive architectural features. Highlights include the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the downtown Nishiki Market and the International Manga Museum. 

Studying in Kyoto, students are well-situated to explore the length and breadth of Japan’s principal island of Honshu. The shinkansen high speed train connects Kyoto with other major metropolitan areas including Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima. Back in Kyoto, students will find a welcoming, engaging blend of old and modern Japan to call home.

Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

  • 3.0 GPA
  • Completion of 2 semesters at UMD

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.

  1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
  2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
  3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
  4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
  5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

Coursework

Students can take courses in English through the Kyoto University International Education Program (KUINEP), which offers a broad range of disciplines. Student can take courses from Kyoto University Faculties as General Exchange Special Auditors  through the Kyoto University General Exchange (GE) Program. These courses normally require proficiency in Japanese langauge. KUINEP and GE students are required to take at least seven courses per semester, which may include up to two Japanese language classes.

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  

Kyoto University Credit UMD Credit
1 Kyoto U Credit 0.9 UMD Credit

The credit conversion listed above was approved by the UMD Study Abroad Transfer Credit Committee on December 22, 2020. 

Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

Kyoto University Grading UMD Grade
C C -

One on-campus and six off-campus International Houses of Kyoto University, and other dormitories are offered for international students. All exchange students are entitled to live in one of them as long as there are enough dormitory rooms available.

Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

  • Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
  • Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
Coming soon!

International Welcome/Orientation
Coming soon!

Counseling & Health Services
Coming soon!

Program Dates

Term Year Application Deadline Admission Notification Program Start Program End
Year (Fall-Spring) 2023 01/17/2023 01/20/2023
Spring 2024 08/14/2023 08/18/2023