Considering Japan for your bachelor’s or master’s studies, but want a campus that mixes cutting‑edge engineering with Kyoto’s calm, historic vibe? Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) might be your sweet spot. This private university re‑launched its international ambition in 2019 and now offers all‑English programs, industry‑linked labs, and friendly support for life in Japan. Below, you’ll find a quick snapshot plus deep‑dive sections on mission and history, strengths (like the flagship Engineering program), student life, exchange partners, climate and lifestyle, international student stats, and career outcomes—everything a prospective applicant abroad needs to decide if KUAS fits your goals.



Quick‑Facts Table
Type (National/Public/Private) | Private Source |
Total Students | 3,643 total (3,504 undergraduate; 139 graduate), Fall 2024 KUAS Facts & Figures |
Campuses (main campus) | Uzumasa Campus (main; Kyoto City, next to Uzumasa Tenjingawa Sta.) Uzumasa / Kameoka Campus Kameoka |
Faculties/Schools | Undergraduate: Engineering; Economics & Business Administration; Bioenvironmental Sciences; Humanities; Health & Medical Sciences. Graduate: Engineering; Economics; Business Administration; Bioenvironmental Science; Human Culture. Source |
Tuition Fees | UG (1st year totals): Engineering ¥1,649,500; Bioenvironmental ¥1,569,500; Global Business & Economics ¥1,195,500. PG (Engineering): Master’s 1st year ¥1,200,000; Doctoral 1st year ¥1,200,000. Tuition & Fees |
Gender Ratio | Not publicly disclosed on the English site (as of 2024). |
Intl‑Student % | ≈12.8% (466 of 3,643; Fall 2024) Source |
Students per Staff | ≈10.7 students per faculty member (3,643 / 342; 2024) Source |
Note: KUAS also offers all‑English programs (Engineering; Bioenvironmental Sciences; Global Business & Economics), with details at KUAS at a Glance and Academics.
Campus Maps
Uzumasa Campus (Kyoto)
Address: 18 Yamanouchi Gotanda-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8577, Japan
Kameoka Campus (Kyoto)
Address: 1-1 Sogabecho Nanjo Otani, Kameoka, 621-8555, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) is a private university located in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. Its current form traces back to Kyoto Gakuen University, established as a university in 1969, and re‑launched under its present name and international vision in 2019. Today, KUAS is led by Chairman Shigenobu Nagamori and President Masafumi Maeda—two figures who shape its practical, industry‑connected approach to education. Nagamori, the founder and current Chairman of the Board at Nidec Corporation, is a major force behind KUAS’s push into robotics, actuators, and electrification—fields where Japan leads globally. You can see those priorities reflected in new institutes, labs, and outreach across Kyoto and beyond. Facts & Figures · Chairman’s Profile (KUAS) · Nidec Bio · Background overview
The pivot in 2019 wasn’t cosmetic. KUAS elevated global education to the center of its identity—opening all‑English degree options and building an engineering curriculum that purposely blends fundamentals, hands‑on training, and career preparation. The Faculty of Engineering focuses on future‑defining technologies: electric vehicles and e‑axles, smart motors and actuators, drones and robotics, power electronics, and AI‑driven systems. From the first year, students interweave physics and math with practical training in robot control, programming, and circuits, so classroom learning translates directly to prototypes and projects. Engineering (overview) · Engineering curriculum
At the graduate level, KUAS concentrates on mechatronics in the broad sense—bridging mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering with materials, information, and chemical perspectives—so research maps cleanly to real‑world needs in robotics, mobility, and sustainable power. This “theory‑plus‑practice” model is strengthened by new research organizations such as the Nagamori Institute of Actuators and by frequent collaboration with industry partners. Graduate focus · Institutes at KUAS
The “why KUAS” story therefore reads like a mission statement: produce globally minded problem‑solvers who are comfortable with both lab benches and boardrooms. The university’s all‑English programs (with intensive Japanese offered at no extra cost) make Kyoto a practical base for international students, while internships and capstone projects link students to employers in Japan and abroad. All‑English programs · Intensive Japanese (GBE) · Intensive Japanese (Bioenv.)
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Flagship: All‑English Engineering with Mechatronics at Its Core
KUAS Engineering is built around the technologies steering the next 20 years—EVs and e‑axles, robots and drones, AI‑enabled machines, power generation and motor systems. From year one, you’ll deepen fundamentals (physics, math) while learning robot control, programming, and electronics through hands‑on training. The program isn’t a collection of disconnected classes; it’s intentionally sequenced so that theory feeds design, design feeds prototyping, and prototypes feed feedback from faculty with strong industry and research backgrounds. Program overview · Curriculum map
Flagship sub‑fields include: robotics & control, smart motors/actuators, power electronics for mobility, AI/vision for autonomous systems, and systems integration across mechanical & electrical domains. Graduate focus
Nagamori Institute of Actuators: Where Motors Meet Medicine & Mobility
A distinctive feature is the Nagamori Institute of Actuators, part of KUAS’s research ecosystem. The institute anchors research in compact, high‑performance motors and actuators—technologies that power everything from EV e‑axles to medical devices. Recent highlights include recognition by the Robotics Society of Japan for a compact spherical ultrasonic motor designed for wide‑field endoscopy, and international honors earned by affiliated scholars. This is not only “cool research”; it’s a practical platform where engineering students see how actuator innovations ripple into healthcare, energy, and transportation. Institute listing · RSJ award news · IEEE Edison Medal (news)
Career‑Ready: 100+ Domestic & 30+ Overseas Internships
KUAS’s Career Development Center emphasizes experiential learning: credit‑bearing internships and industry projects help students “learn work by doing work.” According to KUAS, there are currently 100+ internship programs in Japan and over 30 overseas, and the Center coaches students on Japan’s hiring culture, applications, and interviews. Events like the university‑wide internship presentation attract hundreds of participants, including company representatives. Facilities at Uzumasa (West Building) and the dedicated Career Support Center at Kameoka make guidance and employer outreach easy to access. Career & internships (Life at KUAS) · Internship event · Career Support Center (map)
Scholarships & Cost‑Control for International Applicants
KUAS offers competitive scholarships—including the Super KUAS‑E Scholarship (with full tuition and admission‑fee exemption plus a stipend for selected students) and KUAS‑E Scholarship tiers. Many students also pursue JASSO and foundation awards through the International Office. Since Kyoto’s living costs trend lower than Tokyo, students often find their monthly budget goes further. KUAS Scholarships · Study Kyoto: Living expenses
All‑English Options + Intensive Japanese (No Extra Cost)
International students can complete degrees entirely in English (Engineering; Bioenvironmental Sciences; Global Business & Economics). KUAS also provides intensive Japanese courses at no additional cost so students can expand internship and job options in Japan and later take Japanese‑medium classes as they progress. This combination—English track for academic depth plus Japanese for employability—is a major reason KUAS appeals to students aiming to work in Japan. All‑English programs · Intensive Japanese (GBE) · Intensive Japanese (Bioenv.)
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles That Welcome Overseas Students
Whether you’re into sports, performance, or making things, KUAS clubs are a simple way to meet Japanese and international classmates. Athletic options include Soccer, Kendo, Judo, Women’s Basketball, Powerlifting, Volleyball and more. Cultural circles range from Tea Ceremony and Noh Theater to a Monozukuri (“making things”) circle, Game Development, Drone Circle, Chess, and a K‑Pop Dance circle. Clubs & Circles list
Support Offices: Visa, Housing, Health & Counseling
The International Office assists with key tasks—visa procedures (COE), scholarship applications, introductions to English‑speaking real‑estate agents, and general life guidance. Dedicated offices provide counseling and accessibility support, and both campuses have nurse/health services. For housing, KUAS operates multiple dorms near Uzumasa and Kameoka (single rooms available), and can advise on private rentals. Visa/COE (FAQ) · Dormitories · Student Counseling · Accessibility Office · International Office (overview)
Language Exchange & Buddy Program
To make your first semester smoother, the International Office runs a Buddy Program that pairs new international students with current students who can help with everyday life, campus know‑how, and multicultural exchange. It’s a relaxed way to practice Japanese (and share your language) while building a social circle from day one. Buddy Program (Life at KUAS)
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
KUAS maintains exchange agreements worldwide. Outbound exchanges typically last six months to one year, and KUAS also offers short‑term overseas programs in spring or summer. Example partners include: USA (Ohio State, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Colorado Boulder, Worcester Polytechnic Institute), Europe (University of Freiburg, TU Dortmund, Graz University of Technology, ENSTA Bretagne, ESIEE Paris, University of Naples Federico II), Asia (Seoul National University, National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, Zhejiang University, University of Technology Malaysia), Oceania (University of Technology Sydney), and Africa (Egypt‑Japan University of Science and Technology; Tshwane University of Technology). Partner Universities · Exchange Program details · Short‑term programs
Local Climate & Lifestyle (Kyoto)
Weather Patterns (Recent ~5 Years)
Kyoto (station WMO 47759) shows classic four seasons. Using recent‑years observations, winter days typically reach the high single‑digits Celsius with nighttime lows around 1–3 °C (January is coldest). Summer is hot and humid: daytime highs commonly hit the low‑to‑mid‑30s °C in August, with nights around 24–26 °C. Spring and autumn are milder and comfortable—ideal for campus life and city exploring. For current and historical station data, see Meteostat; for official monthly means, see the Japan Meteorological Agency tables for Kyoto. Meteostat: Kyoto (47759) · JMA monthly tables (Kyoto)
Safety, Cost of Living & Overall Lifestyle
Safety: Japan is widely regarded as a low‑crime country; official advisories consistently cite low risk for everyday life (use common sense in nightlife districts and touristy areas). Smartraveller (Gov’t of Australia) · Statistics Bureau (crime trends)
Costs: Kyoto is generally cheaper than Tokyo. Survey data from Study Kyoto suggests many international students keep rent around ¥40,000–¥60,000 per month depending on location and room type, with some paying less than ¥40,000. KUAS dormitories (single rooms) provide a predictable starting point while you settle in. Study Kyoto 2024 article · KUAS Dorms
Daily life: Uzumasa Campus sits right by Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line), making commutes easy. Cafeterias, convenience stores, and shopping are nearby, and KUAS runs a free shuttle between Uzumasa and Kameoka. Kyoto’s mix of serene temples, river cycling routes, indie coffee shops, and tech companies creates a lifestyle that’s cozy on weekdays but adventurous on weekends. Uzumasa access · Kameoka access
International Student Statistics
As of Fall 2024, 466 international students study at KUAS across undergraduate and graduate programs (including Japanese‑medium and exchange). Below are selected breakdowns reported by KUAS (undergraduate highlights first): Facts & Figures
Asia (UG) | Indonesia 54; China 48; Myanmar 36; India 34; Thailand 34; Bangladesh 30; Philippines 21; Mongolia 15; Sri Lanka 12; Kazakhstan 9; Malaysia 9; Pakistan 8; Vietnam 6; Nepal 5; Uzbekistan 5; Korea 4; Taiwan 4; Cambodia 1; Laos 1 |
Americas (UG) | United States 21; Mexico 5; Canada 2; Ecuador 2; Brazil 1; El Salvador 1; Guatemala 1; Peru 1 |
Europe (UG) | Ukraine 14; Sweden 3; Georgia 3; Bulgaria 2; Poland 2; Russia 2; France 1; North Macedonia 1; Norway 1; Portugal 1; Switzerland 1; United Kingdom 1 |
Africa (UG) | Uganda 3; Egypt 2; Nigeria 2; Angola 1; Burundi 1; Côte d’Ivoire 1; Tanzania 1; Zambia 1 |
Middle East (UG) | Jordan 2 |
Asia (Grad) | India 7; China 6; Sri Lanka 4; Thailand 4; Pakistan 3; Indonesia 2; Bangladesh 1; Myanmar 1; Nepal 1; Philippines 1; Vietnam 1 |
Americas (Grad) | Mexico 6; Brazil 1; Bolivia 1; Peru 1; United States 1 |
Europe (Grad) | France 3; Lithuania 1; Russia 1; Ukraine 1; United Kingdom 1 |
Africa (Grad) | Cameroon 1; Egypt 1 |
Career & Graduate Prospects
KUAS reports strong employment outcomes overall, including a 97% employment rate across graduates and 100% for international students of the Japanese‑medium programs (as of 2023). English‑medium cohorts began graduating in 2025, and KUAS continues to expand internship pathways and career coaching specifically for internationals. KUAS at a Glance
The university’s Career Development Center and Career Support Center provide one‑on‑one counseling, internship matching, and employer seminars. KUAS notes “100+ internships in Japan” and “30+ overseas,” and hosts large presentation events where interns share takeaways with peers and company guests. Practical details—from how to write Japanese resumes to scheduling around hiring seasons—are part of the support. Career & internships · Career FAQ · Internship event
Facilities reflect this emphasis: at Uzumasa, the West Building houses the Career Development Center alongside humanities classrooms; at Kameoka, the Nanpukan includes the Career Support Center that anchors employment‑support activities. Uzumasa campus · Campus map & offices
How KUAS Fits Different Goals (At a Glance)
Engineering‑focused builders: Want robotics, EV, motors/actuators, and real lab time? KUAS’s Engineering pathways plus the Nagamori Institute ecosystem make Kyoto a strong base. Program
Global business & sustainability‑minded students: All‑English programs in Global Business & Economics and Bioenvironmental Sciences (with intensive Japanese) open routes to corporations, start‑ups, NGOs, and public‑sector roles in Japan. Academics
Community‑seekers: Dorms near both campuses, clubs and circles, and the Buddy Program create a soft landing and a quick path to friends. Dorms · Clubs · Buddy Program
Useful Official Links
KUAS Facts & Figures · Tuition & Fees · Scholarships · Academics · Life at KUAS · Uzumasa Campus · Kameoka Campus · Partner Universities