K.U.A.S. Kyoto University of Advanced Science - Japan

Why Japan?

Japan, a mountainous island country located in the northwest Pacific Ocean off the East Coast of the Asian Continent, is one of the safest and most urbanized countries in the world. Surrounded by the sea and brimming with nature, Japan is an economic powerhouse where the beauty of each season coexists with modern technology.

Japan has made significant contributions to contemporary science and technology, notably in the fields of robotics, nanotechnology, and medical science. Japan's primary industries are automobiles, consumer electronics, and computers, making it a great place to learn engineering.

Culturally, Japan is renowned for its popular culture, particularly its manga, animation, and video games. Japan is also home to many world-famous cuisines.

With 24-hour convenience stores, punctual public transportation, and an excellent healthcare system, international students will discover that Japan is an incredibly comfortable place to live and study.

Key Statistics

• Population: 11th in the world, 125.5 million (as of 2021)
• Land area: 8th in Asia, 380,000 km²
• Gross national income: 3rd highest in the world (World Bank, 2017)

3 Things You Need to Know About Japan

1. Longevity: Japan is known as the country with the longest average life expectancy in the world. This is because the public medical system is well-organized and everyone has access to affordable medical care. Japan has the largest number of centenarians in the world.

   • Number of companies in business for more than 200 years: Japan has the highest number.

2. Safety: Japan is renowned as a safe country, and Japan's cities consistently rank as some of the safest cities in the world.

   • Top 10 safest cities in the world: Tokyo and Osaka frequently top the list.
   • Crime rate: Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

3. Hi-Technology: Japan is the world's number one industrial robot manufacturer. 40% of the robots operating in factories around the world are made in Japan. The global robotics market is expanding every year, and Japan's high-tech industry is expected to continue to grow, requiring a large number of engineers in the future.

   • Operational Stock of Industrial Robots - Japan:
     • 2000: 200
     • 2005: 400
     • 2010: 600
     • 2015: 800
     • 2020: 1000

Why Kyoto?

Kyoto is located on the main island of Japan and was the capital of Japan for more than 1000 years of its 1200-year history. Today, that beautifully preserved culture coexists alongside a vibrant student community and a unique technology industry that has grown up between the thousands of shrines and temples that dot the city.

Motors, robots, video games, and health care equipment are just a few of the products that Kyoto now produces alongside lacquerware, tea, and silk kimono.

At KUAS, we seek to master the knowledge of the past and the technologies of today to nurture our students into diverse, world-class citizens and engineers.

Geographically speaking, Kyoto City is the perfect size if you want to go to school in the city. The entire city is accessible by bicycle, and the price of living is more affordable than nearly all other major cities in Asia. On the other hand, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is only a short bus ride away, making it a comfortable and accessible place for international students to live.

4 Reasons to Study in Kyoto

1. International: 14,000 international students
2. Academic: 10% of students
3. Innovative: 12 Nobel laureates
4. Industrial: Kyoto is a hub for various industries including motors, robots, video games, and health care equipment.

Admission

Do I need Japanese language skills at the time of my application?

No. All engineering courses at KUAS are taught in English, so you do not need to know Japanese before you enroll. After admission, international students take Japanese language classes to improve their Japanese fluency.

Do I need to provide proof of my English proficiency when I apply?

Yes, if English is not your native language, you will need to demonstrate your English abilities. Please refer to the chart below for accepted English tests and minimum scores.

For details on English requirement waiver eligibility, please refer to our Admission Guidelines.

Visa Support

Do you offer visa support?

Yes. The KUAS International Admissions Office will help you acquire a COE (Certificate of Eligibility), which you can then take to the nearest Japanese embassy to apply for a visa.

Housing

Are there any housing options other than the on-campus dormitory?

Yes. Kyoto is famous for being a student town, and there are many apartments, shared houses, and boarding houses to choose from around the city. If you do not want to live on campus, you will need to find a place to live through a real estate agency, etc. KUAS cannot connect with these agencies.

Scholarship

What other scholarships are available to me besides KUAS-E scholarships?

In addition to the scholarships offered by KUAS, there are numerous other scholarships targeted specifically at international students in Japan. These are offered by various associations and the Japanese government. The KUAS International Office will provide students with information about these scholarships after they enroll.

Part-time Jobs

Can I have a part-time job in Japan?

Yes. If you apply for and receive "permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted" from the Immigration Bureau, you can work part-time at convenience stores, restaurants, etc. According to Japanese law, students can work up to 28 hours per week.

Living Cost

What are some examples of living costs in Kyoto, such as food and other goods?

The cost of living in Kyoto is actually cheaper than in many North American, European, and some Asian cities. Even in Japan, Kyoto's prices are lower than Tokyo's. Please refer to the sample below.

Accommodation cost varies by location.

*Personal expenses refer to costs such as transportation, phone bills, etc.

Climate

What is the climate like in Kyoto?

Kyoto has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, averaging about 30 degrees Celsius, and winters are cold but the temperature rarely goes below freezing. There is a month-long rainy season between spring and summer. Typhoons sometimes come during the summer and early fall but they have less impact on Kyoto than other regions of Japan. Spring and fall are especially pleasant. One of the charms of Kyoto is the variety of natural scenery that can be enjoyed in each season.

Course Fees

Scholarships

KUAS-E Scholarships

KUAS offers scholarships specifically for international students, which can cover up to 100% of tuition and provide a monthly stipend for living expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

Additional Scholarships

Numerous other scholarships targeted specifically at international students in Japan are offered by various associations and the Japanese government. The KUAS International Office will provide students with information about these scholarships after they enroll.

Location of KUAS

KUAS has two campuses:

• Uzumasa Campus: Centrally located in Kyoto city, close to public transportation and urban amenities.
• Kameoka Campus: Located in the scenic Kameoka area, offering a tranquil and focused study environment.

Both campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and provide a conducive environment for learning and research.

For more details, contact our admissions office.