Admitted Students
Here are the most common questions asked by new students. Click on the category that best matches your concern. If your question is not answered on this page, please contact the International Admissions Office.
I have Japanese nationality or dual citizenship with Japanese nationality. Will I be enrolled from April as with other Japanese students?
Students applying as an English-language standard student in the international
program will be enrolled in the fall semester in September regardless of nationality.
Students applying as a Japanese-language standard student will be enrolled in the
spring semester in April regardless of nationality.
My final high-school leaving exam (or standardized exam) results will not be announced until August. Is this too late for the enrollment process?
Students must submit the results of this exam as soon as they have received them. If you expect to receive them close to your departure date, you may bring the results with you and submit them in person. Otherwise, please send your results by post.
I have turned in my Certificate of Expected Graduation. Do I still need to turn in my final Certificate of Graduation?
Yes, if you have only submitted your Certificate of Expected Graduation, you must submit your
Certificate of Graduation as soon as possible.
KUAS requires all students to submit the original copy of their Certificate of Graduation by the decided
due date. If the certificate cannot be submitted by the due date, the student will be required to submit
their certificate to the International Admissions Office upon arrival to Japan.
What kind of documents should I submit for the Certificate of Solvency?
The International Admissions Office requests the following documents concerning the person responsible
for paying your school fees.
These documents must be issued after April 1st, 2025, and must be sent by post to KUAS.
- Proof of funds in the form of a bank statement
- Proof of employment
- Proof of income
- A document showing the relationship between the student and the person paying their school fees
If your financial supporter is self-employed, please refer to the following examples which you may submit as proof of employment and/or proof of income.
- Tax payment certificate
- Company contract
- Certificate of business
- Certified copy of the company registration
If you cannot provide any of the above, equivalent documents that prove self-employment may also be accepted. For more information, please contact the International Admissions Office.
When filling out our Certificate of Solvency, what is the minimum balance that we should include in our savings?
This amount must be sufficient to prove that you can support yourself during your entire time in Japan. Please calculate this amount based on your own expected school fees and living expenses. Please see our VISA/COE page for more information.
I am a scholarship recipient. Am I required to submit Certificates of Solvency?
Yes, all students are required to submit Certificates of Solvency. Even if you are a full scholarship student, you need to prove that you have sufficient funds to start your stay at KUAS until you receive the stipend.
Is there a required minimum size for the hospital that issues a student’s medical certificate?
Any medical institution may issue a student’s medical certificate as long as the certificate includes the name of the doctor, the name of the institution and the contact information for that institution. Students with additional questions about their medical certificate should contact the International Admissions Office.
Do you accept notarized documents instead of original documents in case I cannot submit original documents?
Depending on the type of document KUAS may be able to accept notarized copies. Please contact the International Admissions office.
I have college credits earned from high school or from another university; is it possible to transfer credits?
KUAS international programs do not accept transfer credits. If you wish to enroll, you will have to start from your first year.
Can I visit the campus beforehand?
Of course, it is possible. However, some facilities cannot be entered without notice beforehand. Please contact and make arrangements with the International Office via our Inquiry page prior to your visit.
Can tuition payments be made in installments?
KUAS does not provide an installment payment plan for tuition and other school fees.
Is it possible for me to re-apply for the Super KUAS-E Scholarship / KUAS-E Scholarship after enrolling at KUAS?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to re-apply for the Super KUAS-E Scholarship nor the KUAS-E Scholarship. However, there are many other scholarships that students may apply for once they have enrolled. Please check our Scholarships page for more details.
Do I have to live in the dormitory? Can I live off-campus if I want to?
Students who prefer private accommodation can contact an English-speaking real estate agent and search for an apartment or other housing. The KUAS International Office can provide information about real-estate agents upon request. Please see our Housing page for more information.
On average, how much does an apartment near the university cost?
The average rent for an apartment near campus is 35,000-70,000 JPY per month. Please note that rates differ depending on location, room size and other factors.
What are the dormitory options and their features?
KUAS offers five dorms on or near Uzumasa Campus and one dorm near Kameoka Campus. They are fully furnished and supported by a Caretaker, Community Leader (CL), and Tutors. The dormitories are also well-connected, allowing students to easily access city areas.
For more details, see our Housing and Dormitory Information page.
Does the dormitory meal service provide vegetarian/halal foods?
(The food service providers at) KUAS will try its best to meet the diverse dietary needs of our
students. Students with particularly strict dietary needs are encouraged to contact the KUAS
International Office ahead of time so that possible accommodations can be considered.
KUAS’ catering service can provide meals that include no pork, beef, chicken, or animal fat/oils – but
will include fish, seafood, eggs and dairy.
Can I send my luggage to the dormitory before I arrive in Japan?
If a resident uses a moving company or a home delivery service to send their luggage to the dormitory, they must be present when their belongings arrive. The dormitory caretaker and the Housing Office cannot receive, sign for, nor store residents’ belongings if they arrive ahead of time.
How do I pay for the dormitory?
You can choose to pay the dormitory fee in a lump sum or on a monthly basis. Please note that dormitory payments can only be made domestically in cash or by bank transfer. Overseas credit card payments and overseas bank transfers can now be done via Flywire.
What guidance will I receive when I arrive at KUAS?
The International Office will hold the post-arrival guidance for all new international students about classes and student life at KUAS. In addition, the KUAS Housing Office will hold an orientation session for students moving into the dormitory as well as provide assistance with their move-in.
Which airport should I use?
We recommend Kansai International Airport (KIX) for easier access to Kyoto City and KUAS. Please see our Location page for more information.
How should I travel from the airport to KUAS?
For information on how to get to KUAS, please see our Location page.
When am I expected to arrive at KUAS?
Students are expected to be present for the entrance ceremony in early September. Applicants who will live on-campus must arrive at KUAS on their dormitory move-in date. Please see our Housing page for more information.
How much in cash should I bring to Japan?
Because opening a bank account takes time, we recommend that international students bring enough cash to cover about three months’ living expenses. If you plan to bring a credit card with you, cash for two months’ living expenses should be enough to start your life in Japan. Please see our Life in Japan page for more information.
What should I bring when moving to Japan?
Essential items include your passport, visa, important documents, basic toiletries, and some clothing. It’s also recommended to bring any specific medications with the necessary documentation. Winter clothing can be bought in Japan if needed.
What should I do in an emergency if I don’t speak Japanese? (i.e. earthquake, medical emergency, etc)
Please see our Life in Japan page for more information.
Can I open a bank account in Japan?
Yes, international students may open bank accounts. Please see our Life in Japan page for more information.
Can I make a credit card or debit card in Japan?
Most banks allow international residents who have stayed in Japan longer than 6 months to apply for a credit card. However, issuance will be subject to approval by the company issuing the credit card and you may have difficulties signing up for a credit card in Japan.
As for debit cards, they are relatively new in Japan, which has been a predominately cash-based society until recently. The JP Bank (which most students sign up for) offers debit cards but they are only accepted at limited locations. Therefore, please consider making a credit card or debit card in your home country before traveling to Japan if necessary.
Can I buy a SIM card that I can use in Japan at the airport?
While it is possible to buy a SIM card in the airport in Japan, we recommend that students coming from overseas bring an international SIM card to use during the first several weeks to one month of their stay. Please see our Life in Japan page for more information.
What are some examples of living costs in Japan, such as food and other goods?
Please check our Life in Japan page.
Is National Health Insurance mandatory? How much does it cost and how do I pay for it?
Students whose visa residence status is “Student” are required to join the GAKKENSAI supplementary comprehensive insurance for students in case of an accident in which the students may be held liable for damages. Students are strongly encouraged to join the “Comprehensive Insurance for Students Lives Coupled with ‘Gakkensai'” (Students Comprehensive Insurance).
Information regarding types of insurance and prices will be provided during orientation.
In addition, international students who will stay in Japan for more than 3 months MUST enroll in National Health Insurance (approximately 20,000 JPY per year depending on the students’ income). The National Health Insurance subsidizes medical expenses when you get injured or sick.
My visa says single-entry. Will I be able to travel back to my country during the holidays?
International students arriving in Japan on a valid single-entry visa will be issued a residence card.
Once a student has a valid residence card, they are allowed to temporarily leave Japan, but they must
submit a simple form (called an “embarkation card for reentrant”) to the immigration authorities at
their planned port of departure (ex. at the airport) to request a special re-entry permit.
For more details, please check the following page:
Information on Special re-entry
permission (Immigration Services Agency of Japan)
(Important: If one’s residence card expires within one year after leaving Japan, one must re-enter the country by the expiration date.)
Students are also advised to exercise caution when traveling and check all relevant rules and restrictions regarding immigration in advance because they are subject to change on short notice.
What are some tips for adjusting to life in Kyoto and at KUAS?
Immerse yourself in the Japanese environment, focus on understanding the fundamentals in your studies, don’t be afraid to approach professors, and balance your studies with exploring the city and participating in extracurricular activities.
What are some common cultural and seasonal events in Kyoto?
Kyoto hosts various cultural events such as the Gion Matsuri in July, the Kyoto Student Festival in October, and the International Day at KUAS. Each season offers unique experiences, from cherry blossoms in spring to autumn leaves in fall.
For more details, see our Life in Kyoto page.
How do I get around Kyoto and what transportation options are available?
Kyoto offers various transportation options including buses, subways, trains, and trams. Bicycles are highly recommended for getting around the city due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. For longer distances, trains and buses are commonly used.
For more details, see our Life in Kyoto page.
Does KUAS provide ESL (English as a Second Language) classes?
Students at KUAS are expected to already possess a certain level of English proficiently before they enroll. Therefore, KUAS does not offer an ESL pre-training program.
I have high Japanese language proficiency (e.g., JLPT N1); is it possible for me to take regular classes in Japanese?
For courses offered in Japanese to students in the Faculty of Engineering, please refer to the Enrollment Guidelines. (Please note that some courses may not be available to first-year students.)
What are the Japanese language classes like and how important is learning Japanese?
Japanese language classes are interactive and divided into different levels. It’s important to take these classes seriously and practice outside of class to improve your proficiency. Knowing Japanese is crucial for daily life and part-time jobs.
What kind of extracurricular activities are available at KUAS and where do I apply for them?
There are approximately 30 different extracurricular clubs and circles at KUAS. Please see our Club Activities page for a full list. Incoming students who are interested in joining a club should contact the club’s representatives and inquire about joining. Clubs will also regularly set up booths on campus to seek new members.
Will there be opportunities to take an internship program while studying at KUAS?
Yes, more information about internship programs is available at the KUAS Internship Center on the 1st floor of the West Building on Kyoto Uzumasa Campus.
Are students in the Faculty of Engineering able to study abroad through student exchange programs offered by KUAS’s partner universities?
While there is no defined restriction on engineering students studying abroad, the courseload for engineering students is quite demanding. Students that wish to study abroad will need to determine if studying abroad will affect their expected graduation date by consulting both the Educational Affairs Office as well as the International Office.
Are international students allowed to have a part-time job at KUAS?
Yes. International students are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week during the school year, and up to 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) during spring, summer and winter vacations. More information and rules concerning part-time jobs will be provided to incoming students at their orientation.
*Students must obtain “Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of
Residence Previously Granted” (i.e., a work permit) before engaging in part-time work. Students can
apply for this at the airport when entering Japan or at the Immigration Bureau after arriving.
For details, please see the Immigration Bureau’s website.
Is it possible to work in Japan with limited Japanese proficiency?
The majority of part-time jobs require intermediate Japanese speaking, reading and writing skills. However, there are other jobs, such as language teaching positions, where the employee is only required to speak their native language. Graduate students may also receive the opportunity to work on campus as a TA (Teaching Assistant).
Can students at KUAS work as TAs (Teaching Assistants)?
A limited number of TA positions are available for graduate students. Please contact the head of your research laboratory for more information.
Where can I confirm the holidays and vacations during the academic year?
Vacations and holidays can be confirmed on the Academic Calendar. Please see the
School and Work section on the Life in Japan page.
Notes: Students are recommended to await confirmation of course dates and times of Intensive Japanese
Language Courses (Undergraduate Students ONLY) before planning holiday travel, etc.
I would like to return to my home country during term break. Would it be possible take the Intensive Japanese language courses online during this time?
The Intensive Japanese language courses during term break cannot be taken online. Please reserve your flight only after confirming the schedule of the courses.
For more details, please read the “Important Notice About Intensive Japanese Language Courses” which can be found on the Documents/Form page.