Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS)
Table of contents
Studying at KUFS
Students of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSW) have the opportunity to study at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) for one semester.
The small international university with about 4,500 students from all over the world is located in one of the most historically and culturally important cities in Japan. Kyoto combines tradition and history - from 794 to 1868 Kyoto was the seat of the imperial court - with the advantages of a modern university city and, together with the neighboring cities of Uji and Otsu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What can I study at KUFS?
Students can choose from KUFS's extensive English-language course offerings, taking at least 6 courses
- from a diverse range of courses in social, political, economic and cultural sciences at the Faculty of Global Engagement, Department of Global Studies as well as Japanese and other foreign language courses
or
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in Japanese language, culture and history at the Japanese Studies Center for International Students.
In addition, other courses can be taken at the Department of Global Tourism and from the Future Leaders Program. For more information, please visit the KUFS website and its course offerings for international students.
Why should I apply to study at KUFS?
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Small international university with a diverse range of courses and intensive supervision
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Immerse yourself in Japan's culture and language, including classes in traditional Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony
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Tuition waiver
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Recognition of study and examination achievements at TU Dresden within the framework of a pre-agreed learning agreement
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Buddy Program for international students
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Reservation of accommodation in the student dormitory
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Financing possibilities e.g. via PROMOS (for stays up to 6 months), Auslands-BAföG or a DAAD annual scholarship Japan.
Who can apply?
All students of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in B.A., M.A. and teaching degree programs who can convincingly justify their interest and suitability for studying at KUFS.
English proficiency at a level of at least B2 is required. To study at the Japanese Studies Center for International Students, a minimum of 150 hours of Japanese language instruction is required.
How do I apply?
ATTENTION: Application for WS 24/25 and SoSe 25 until 16 February 2024
Exclusively via e-mail to with:
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Your resume in Englisch
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A Letter of Motivation in Englisch
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An excerpt of your previous study and examination achievements or university certificates
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Proof of English or Japanese language skills (see above).
Please indicate in your application whether you are applying for a place in the Winter Semester 2024/25 (September 2024 – January 2025) or Summer Semester 2025 at KUFS. If you are successfully selected, we will try to consider your preference. The nomination will be based on formal and qualitative criteria (academic qualification/study achievements and quality of the proposal based on the letter of motivation).
Further Information
In preparation, it is recommended to acquire basic knowledge of Japanese (100 hours correspond to Unicert E1+2 | E3+4), for example through the courses offered by TUDIAS or the Ostasienzentrum of TU Dresden.
What costs can you expect in advance?
There are a few cost items you should consider when planning a semester in Kyoto
- Certificate/proof that you have a sufficient budget for your stay in Japan; one million yen for six months
- Medical health certificate (between €14.00 and €60.00)
- TOEFL test or IELTS test: $240 (TOEFL) €200 (IELTS)
What costs can you expect during your stay in Kyoto?
Think about:
- Cost of living (eating out, drinking, going out).
- Possible costs for cell phone, internet
- Public transport
- Rent
and expenses that are relevant to your daily life.
© TUD | Jana Höhnisch
Office for International Affairs
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