KCUA
International
Exchange

FAQ

• In what ways do international students study at KCUA?
• There are three ways;
  ① Non-degree Research Program (kenkyu-ryugakusei)
  ② Graduate Program (Master’s and Doctoral Programme)
  ③ International Exchange Program
  We do not have admission system designed for international candidates. To become an undergraduate student, all international candidates must sit for the National Center Test for University Admissions and our university’s entrance exams, just as Japanese students would. We also do not accept transfers of international students from another universities to our undergraduate courses.

• How many international students do you have?
• We have about 40 international students with us. The numbers vary each year, but we get about ten students each in the Faculty of Fine Arts Master’s and Doctoral courses, and about zero to two each in the Faculty of Music Master’s and Doctoral courses. As to non-degree research students, we get about ten in the Graduate School of Arts and zero to two in the Graduate School of Music.

• What is the difference between the graduate programme for international students and the non-degree research programme?
• Our graduate programme’s study abroad programme is for international students to study in our Graduate School’s Master’s Course with an aim to obtain a degree. In The Non-Degree Research Programme, you will take classes as research fellows and will not receive degree nor credits.

• Where can I get the application form and guidelines for applicants?
• 【Guidelines for applicants】
  You can download it from the “Admissions for International Students” and “International Exchange Programs” page.
  Non-degree Research Students (kenkyuryugakusei)
  Graduate School (Master’s/Doctoral)
  International Exchange Students
  【Application form】
  You can get it at the university, but it is only available in Japanese. If you wish to have it sent to you overseas, please email the admissions office. (Email address: nyushi@kcua.ac.jp）

• I wish to contact an instructor directly in becoming a non-degree research student. Can you give me his/her email address?
• If you would like to contact faculty members, please contact each academic office as below.
  – Faculty of Fine Arts: fineart@kcua.ac.jp
  – Faculty of Music: music@kcua.ac.jp
  Please note that you may not be able to contact faculty members directly or interview depending on the circumstance of your major or faculty members.

• How hard is the Master’s Course?
• Master’s courses at the university are designated for students who complete art or music undergraduate course.It is very difficult for the students who had majored in other subjects in an undergraduate course to enter this university.

• Can I sit for the Master’s Course entrance exams in English?
• The Master’s Course entrance exams must be taken in Japanese.

• What is the visa application procedure after I have been accepted?
• In order to apply for a student visa, please consult your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for the most current information. You can apply for a ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Resident Status’ (Study Abroad status) to the Immigration Bureau through KCUA. Please send us your request after you have been officially accepted to KCUA.
  See more details: Immigration bureau of Japan

• What language is used in the lectures?
• Lessons and exams are usually given in Japanese. For this reason, you will need to have sufficient Japanese language skills at the time of enrolment.

• Do you have Japanese language lessons that international sutdents can take after enrolment?
• We offer Japanese language lessons for international students in the 2nd semester.You can also take Japanese classes for international residents at the Kyoto Prefectural International Center or the Kyoto City International Foundation.

• How can I find housing?
• The university does not have student lodgings, nor does it introduce students to housing. To find a place to live, we advise you to ask a friend/acquaintance residing in Japan or through a real estate agency.
  The following property search pages are to introduce rental apartments and real estate agencies.
  – HOUSE navi
  – Kyoto Housing Search for International Students

• How much is the cost of living?
• For the cost of living for international students in Kyoto, you can refer to the website of Stydy Kyoto.
  Rent for apartments near the university is between 30,000 and 60,000-yen.

• Are there any grants and scholarships for international student studying at the Kyoto City University of Arts?
• We provide information on our tuition reduction system and scholarships offered by foundations. The university does not grant own scholarships.
  【Tuition reduction system】
  The system enables students who find themselves unable to pay the tuition after enrolment due to compelling reasons to apply to the university for aid, and the university can grant a reduction/exemption for the term after reviewing the student’s financial situations.
  【Grants and scholarships】
  The following are significant scholarships and grants. They are not intended for non-degree research students.
  – Japan Student Services Organisation’s Scholarships to Study in Japan for the Applicants Residing Abroad
  – Zhang Fen Jun Scholarship Fund (Kyoto City International Foundation
  – Asao Kato International Foundation’s scholarship fund
  – Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation’s scholarships
  – The Korean Scholarship Foundation’s scholarships
  – Heiwa Nakajima Foundation’s scholarships for foreign students
  – the Fujii International Scholarship Foundation’s scholarships
  – and the Jun Hashimoto Memorial Society’s scholarships
  – Sato Yo International Scholorship Foundation.

• Can international students apply for the International Exchange Programmeme with afflifiated Institutions of KCUA?
• International students in the Master’s and Doctoral courses in the Fine Arts and Music faculties can apply for the Exchange Programme, but Non-degree Research Students cannot apply.

• I am applying for the Japanese Government Scholarship through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (recommended by the Embassy), so I would like to have a letter of acceptance from the Kyoto City University of Arts.
• Please note that when you apply through a referral from an embassy, you can only request for documents such as a letter of acceptance after you have passed the first selection at a diplomatic establishment abroad.
  【Graduate School of Fine Arts】
  Send the following documents in an email or mail, to the Faculty of Fine Arts, Academic Office at fineart@kcua.ac.jp. A letter of acceptance will be issued if the instructors accept your application.
  – A copy of the first selection pass certificate
  – University’s acceptance form (a prescribed form)
  – A copy of the documents you submitted to your embassy
  – CV (curriculum vitae in English)
  – Portfolio
  【Graduate School of Music】
  Send an email of request to the Faculty of Music, Academic Office at music@kcua.ac.jp. A letter of acceptance will be issued if the instructors accept.

• How do I receive the certificate after I complete my course at the Kyoto City University of Arts?
• Please request at the university or by post. We do not accept requests over the phone or fax.