Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) Guide for International Students: Admissions, Tuition, Scholarships, Exchange & Student Life

Thinking about studying in Japan but not sure where to land? Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) sits in Japan’s cultural capital and blends language, culture, and global engagement into a student-friendly package. This guide gives you a clear look at KUFS—what it offers, how life feels on and off campus, and how it might fit your goals. You’ll find quick facts, strengths that stand out, student services, exchange and study‑abroad options, climate insights, international student data, and career outcomes. All links are to official or trusted sources, so you can dive deeper with confidence.

Quick-Facts Table

Campus Maps

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (Main Campus, Kyoto)

Address: 6 Kasame-cho, Saiin, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 615-8558, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) traces its roots back to 1947 and became a university in 1959. Its ethos is captured by the motto PAX MUNDI PER LINGUAS—World Peace through Languages—emphasizing how language learning can bridge differences and enable meaningful global exchange. The official pages outline a multi‑decade timeline of growth, including the addition of departments across many languages, the establishment of the Graduate School, and the creation of newer fields like Global Studies and Global Tourism. For background, see the introduction page (About > Introduction), the School Motto (PAX MUNDI PER LINGUAS), and the history timeline (History).

KUFS’s mission today extends beyond classic language education. It encourages intercultural understanding, community engagement, and practical global skills. The university highlights unique initiatives—student‑run projects, culture weeks, and collaborations with local communities—on its Features & Activities page (Features & Activities). The setting in Kyoto adds another layer: access to traditional arts, festivals, temples, and a globally known tourism ecosystem. KUFS positions language as a tool for connection and problem‑solving across communities—local and international.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Signature Programs with a Global Focus

KUFS’s Faculty of Global Engagement hosts two modern, outward‑looking departments: Global Studies (largely taught in English) and Global Tourism. Both emphasize real‑world projects and cross‑cultural teamwork. Explore official overviews: Global Studies และ Global Tourism.

Global Studies (All‑English Curriculum)

Global Studies features classes in international cooperation, sustainability, digital literacy, and global business—all delivered in English alongside a diverse student body (Program page). Graduates pursue roles at multinationals, NGOs, and public agencies; the official page lists example employers.

Global Tourism (Kyoto as a Living Lab)

Global Tourism uses Kyoto’s tourism ecosystem as a case study, blending social sciences, languages, and digital skills. The program page outlines typical study fields and sample employers (Program page).

Language Depth + Kyoto Advantage

KUFS has long specialized in languages and cultural studies, which means you’ll find strong departments across many languages (see the official introduction: About KUFS). Being in Kyoto—home to UNESCO‑recognized traditions and a vibrant creative scene—gives students frequent chances to engage with culture, businesses, and community projects.

Real Mobility & Exchange Infrastructure

KUFS maintains an organized pathway for incoming/outgoing exchanges. The “Partner University Students” hub provides steps and documents, including the Exchange Program Fact Sheet, academic calendars, and course guidelines (Partner University Students portal; Exchange Fact Sheet 2025 (PDF)).

Supportive Campus Life

From counseling and medical services to disability support and anti‑harassment policies, KUFS centralizes practical help for daily student life. Start with Student Support Services (Support Services) and the dedicated campus‑life page for international students (Campus Life (Int’l)).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles

Language‑exchange circles, culture clubs, sports, and volunteer groups are active throughout the year. You’ll see international‑themed events in KUFS news and activities pages. A campus‑life orientation for exchange students is outlined in the Exchange Fact Sheet and on the Campus Life (Int’l) page.

Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

International students will interact with the Division of International Affairs and can access health, counseling, and disability services via Student Support Services (Support Services). Housing guidance for exchange students and cost estimates are summarized in the Exchange Fact Sheet.

Buddy / Student Assistant Programs

KUFS assigns a “Student Assistant” to help international students with practical matters—ward office registration, campus navigation, and settling into Kyoto life. See the Campus Life page for internationals (Campus Life (Int’l)).

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

If you’re coming via a partner university, KUFS will guide you through nomination, online application, and course selection. Start here: Partner University Students portal. Core details—deadlines, course loads, accommodation options—are summarized in the official Exchange Fact Sheet 2025 (PDF).

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Kyoto has four distinct seasons. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Kyoto station data, summers are warm to hot and humid, while winters are cool to cold with occasional snow. See monthly climate tables (recent years) here: JMA Monthly Statistics (Kyoto). For an easy visualization of average highs/lows (~0–32°C through the year), check WeatherSpark: Kyoto.

Lifestyle‑wise, Kyoto is a mid‑sized city with excellent transit and a deep cultural scene (temples, shrines, festivals, crafts). Costs vary by neighborhood and housing type; exchange‑student estimates and KUFS dorm ranges are listed in the official Exchange Fact Sheet. Safety is generally good by global standards; basic precautions still apply, especially in tourist‑heavy areas during peak seasons.

International Student Statistics

KUFS publishes annual figures on accepted international students by country/region and program level. For the latest breakdown, see the “Number of Accepted International Students” PDF on the Academic Data page (Latest PDF).

Career & Graduate Prospects

Program pages list representative employers and fields. For example, Global Studies notes roles in multinationals, government, NGOs, and graduate study pathways (After Graduation (Global Studies)). Global Tourism similarly shows a spread across airlines, hospitality, government/tourism agencies, and regional development organizations (After Graduation (Tourism)).

Admissions & Exams — Quick Pointers

Full admissions information is provided on KUFS’s English pages. Start with the current intake pages for April and September (Global Studies): April Enrollment / September Enrollment. Exchange students should also consult the latest Exchange Fact Sheet. General university info hub: KUFS English Top.