KYOTO SUMMER PROGRAM
Kyoto Summer Program is an annual short-term program officially held by Kyoto University and opens to both international students from our partner universities around the world and domestic students enrolled at Kyoto University (KyotoU) held from late July and lasts just over 2 weeks in Kyoto, Kyoto University.
Participants will experience the University's unique academic culture and cutting-edge research while deepening their appreciation of Japanese culture and gaining insights into the social, scientific, and ecological issues confronting the country. The curriculum is designed to provide international students with a foundation on which to develop their relationship with both Japan and the university while helping Japanese students expand their engagement in international activities.
This program is a collaborative effort between the Kyoto University Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS) and Kyoto University Asian Studies Unit (KUASU). It is divided into two sub-programs: ILAS program, in which English is the main instruction language, and KUASU program, in which Japanese is the main instruction language.
Applicants from abroad must be active students from universities that hold academic cooperation partnerships or student agreement with Kyoto University.
Please check those lists to check your eligibility. If your university is not on the list, it means you are not eligible to apply for this year's program.
The application process varies depending on your home university.
First please check the list of special quota. There are two types of universities.
Type 1. Universities with special quota
Type 2. Other universities
Procedure Your application and selection should be done in your home university. Please ask your university's affiliation in charge. If you cannot find the exact contact, please…
>> MORE
The program will accept up to 10 students in total from our partner universities worldwide. We encourage applications from students of all majors, as we value diversity in academ…
>> MORE
Please refer to the following PDFs for 2026’s program schedule.
2.List of Academic Lecturers (PDF)
*Please refer to the Attendance and Assignment Policy here.
This program consists of four parts; Academic Lectures, Fieldtrip & Cultural Experiences, Interaction with KyotoU students and Japanese Language Classes.
Shikiko YUKAWA Associate Professor, Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kyoto University
Susumu KITAGAWA Executive Vice President of Research Kyoto University Distinguished Professor Institute for Advanced Study …
International Participants and KU students went on a field trip to Osaka Castle and Expo'70 Commemorative Park, deepening their understandin…
"Kumihimo" is a traditional Japanese craft that has continued for over 1,000 years since the Nara period. It had been rooted deeply in Japa…
Before the program starts, KyotoU students take a preparation seminar for Japanese teaching practice. They join and work as tutors in Japane…
There are several discussion sessions which participants discuss diverse topics regarding the problems our world is facing today with KyotoU…
This immersive journey was made even more memorable by the incredible dedication of the professors and student leaders. Throughout the entire program, their kindness, guidance, and genuine care for the students were evident in every detail. Whether assisting with academic inquiries or facilitating daily logistics, their constant support created a safe, encouraging atmosphere where every participant felt valued.
京都大学での2週間、私は日本について新しい知識を学んだだけではありません。いつもの学習環境から一歩外に出て、さまざまな国から来た学生と出会い、これまでとは違う勉強の仕方や考え方を経験することができました。一緒に話したり、勉強したりする中で、どこから来た人でも、それぞれ違った経験や文化的な価値観を持っていることに気づきました。同じ問題についても、人によって考え方が大きく違うことがあります。しかし、その違いがあるからこそ、自分一人では気づかなかったことを学ぶことができました。
The most vivid impression I got from KSP program is that although students’ opinions seem to be different from the situation in which they lead their daily lives, which vary greatly from country to country, their underlying thoughts are sometimes very similar. I noticed this mainly during Discussion in English session and farewell party and through daily conversations.
Please contact < kyoto_summer*mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp > (* → @) for any questions regarding the program.
KAWAI Junko,
Professor, Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kyoto University/Unit member, Kyoto University Asian Studies Unit
HAN Liyou,
Associate Professor, Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kyoto University
WAKAMATSU Fumitaka,
Program-Specific Associate Professor, International Academic Research and Resource Center for Language Education, Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kyoto University
