IESC Frequently Asked Questions
◆FUNDING
Q1 Scholarships for the IESC
Q2 How to find a scholarship
Q3 MEXT Scholarship – Embassy Recommendation
Q4 MEXT Scholarship – University Recommendation
Q5 Financial ability certificate
Q6 Scholarship after enrolment
◆FEES
Q7 Fees
Q8 Admission fee waiver
Q9 Tuition waiver
Q10 Tuition payment
◆IESC APPLICATION
Q11 Application by post
Q12 Documents return
Q13 Original documents
Q14 English certificate
Q15 Application fee
Q16 Prospective supervisor
Q17 Master’s laboratories
Q18 Reference form
Q19 Identification
Q20 AAO Process
Q21 Kenkyusei (non-degree)
Q22 Deferred enrolment?
Q23 Rolling application
Q24 IDP?
Q25 Embassy MEXT
◆LIFE IN KYOTO
Q26 Accommodation
Q27 Course location
Q28 Japanese language
Q29 Living costs
SCHOLARSHIP
Q1. Scholarships for the IESC
I am seeking admission to a full scholarship programme. Does the IESC offer a scholarship scheme for highly competitive applicants?
A1. Currently, the IESC does not. As it is a non-funded programme, the IESC requires applicants to cover the school fees and all other expenses required to live and study in Kyoto, either privately or by independently securing a scholarship.
Q2. How to find a scholarship
Where can I find scholarship information to enable me do my Master’s in the IESC?
A2. Please see the university’s web site
.
Q3. MEXT Scholarship via Embassy Recommendation
(What’s MEXT? – see the JASSO web site.)
I would like to apply for a MEXT scholarship to study for a Master’s degree at the IESC. Where should I start?
A3. For application information, please contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General in your country. Please note that the application deadlines and screening timetables vary from country to country.
Q4. MEXT Scholarship via University Recommendation
(What’s MEXT? – see the JASSO web site.)
Is there any chance that I can apply for the MEXT scholarship through Kyoto University before enrolling in the IESC?
A4. If we follow the application guide from last year by the MEXT, those who take the IESC program screening are not eligible to be a candidate for the MEXT University Recommendation scholarship, due to its timeline such as the timing of notification of acceptance decisions.
Q5. Financial ability certificate
When and how do I need to provide proof of my financial circumstances and/or my scholarship award?
A5. If you accept our offer of a place on the IESC programme and wish to enroll, you must complete and sign the financial declaration forms (Form D and E) as part of the formal admission procedure. One of these forms must also be signed by a person who can pay your expenses.
Q6. Scholarship opportunities after enrolment
Are there any scholarship opportunities after enrollment in the IESC?
A6. Yes, privately-funded students will have the opportunities to apply for scholarship/grant programmes organized by various sectors through the GSES. Selection is on a competitive basis. Please note that most scholarships are for students who have already started the course at Kyoto University, and only a few scholarships are open to applications from candidates before enrolment.
FEES
Q7. Fees
What do the fees consist of?
A7. School fees consist of an Admission (Matriculation) fee and Tuition fees. The Admission (Matriculation) fee must be paid by the enrollment procedure deadline. This is a one-off, non-refundable fee. Payment of the Admission fee allows us to issue an official Certificate of Admission. Recipients of MEXT scholarships are exempt from these fees. For more information on KU school fees, please visit the university’s website.
Q8. Admission fee waiver
Is an admission fee waiver available for applicants?
A8. Yes. There is a programme offering fee waivers to those experiencing a major, unexpected financial hardship. Applications open after the final admission results are announced, and there are a few important notes for international applicants regarding the terms and conditions. Please read the enrollment guide carefully for the details and follow the instructions.
Q9. Tuition waiver
Can I apply for a tuition waiver?
A9. Yes. There are half and full exemption from tuition fees. A tuition waiver is awarded each term, therefore a new application must be made each term.
Q10, Tuition payment method
When and how do I have to pay the tuition fees?
A10. Unless you have applied for a tuition waiver programme and are awaiting the outcome, you will receive an invoice in mid-May for Spring Semester (First Semester), and in mid-November for Fall Semester (Second Semester).
IESC APPLICATION
Q11. Application by post
Can I submit my application documents by post instead of using the online application system?
A11. No, we only accept applications via our online application system.
Q12. Application documents after screening
Will application documents be returned after the selection process?
A12. No, none of the application documents will be returned to the applicant, regardless of the outcome of the selection process.
Q13. Original documents
Do you require all academic transcripts and degree/graduation certificates to be originals? Do you accept photocopies?
A13. You do not need to submit originals at the time of application, but you must submit all originals at the time of enrollment. Please read the application guide carefully and follow the instructions.
Q14. English language certificate
I have been educated in English at school and university, and although it is not my first/native language, I am a competent English user. I am also not from an English-speaking country, such as the US or the UK. Do I have to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score report taken within the last 24 months?
A14. Yes, you must submit it. However, if English is your first language and you are from an English-speaking country, you may be exempt from providing proof of your English language skills. Applicants must first contact to the GSES office and follow their instructions.
Q15. Application fee
Could the application fee (10,000JPY) be waived or refunded due to financial difficulties and/or academic excellence?
A15. Currently, there is no application fee waiver or refund. MEXT scholarship recipients are exempt from the application fee, if they have passed the final screening and enrolled in the programme.
Q16a. Prospective supervisor for Master’s candidates
Do I need to find a prospective supervisor/academic advisor for my Master’s programme at Kyoto University? Should I contact a faculty member before applying?
A16a. Applicants for the IESC do not have to find a prospective supervisor themselves, but they must specify their preferred field of study/research group on the application form.
Q16b. Prospective supervisor for doctoral candidates
How can I contact faculty members in laboratories that interest me?
A16b. Please refer to the document ‘Preferred backgrounds and existing knowledge’ for the contact emails of the laboratories involved in the IESC.
Q17. Three laboratories for Master’s applicants
I understand that I can choose up to three laboratories that interest me on Form A. What if I only write down my first choice? I am very keen to be assigned to a specific laboratory or supervisor with whom I have already made contact.
A17. Due to capacity constraints, applicants have a better chance of being admitted to the degree programme if they nominate three laboratories rather than leaving the second and third choices blank.
Q18a. Reference form (Form C) – format
Should I ask my referees to use the designated form, Form C? Can they provide a reference in a letter format?
A18a. Please ask them to use the designated form.
Q18b. Reference form (Form C) – sealed and signed?
How should I submit the reference forms? What does ‘sealed and signed’ mean?
A18b. At the time of enrollment, successful applicants must submit the original Form C in a sealed envelope, signed across the envelope seal. Please see the picture below.
At the time of application, referees must email us their Forms from their official email address before the application deadline. Please refer to the Application Guide for details and follow the instructions.
Q19. Identification confirmation procedure
What is an “identification confirmation procedure”?
A19. The Admissions Committee may ask applicants who are to be interviewed online to verify their identity via video call prior to the interview. Applicants must attend this session in person. Overseas applicants are therefore requested to ensure they have access to an environment with an excellent internet connection and a PC with a webcam.
Q20. Admissions Assistance Office (AAO)
“Admissions Assistance Office” Should I apply to the AAO first, or submit my application documents via the online system?
A20. BEFORE submitting your application documents online, please read the following site carefully and complete the AAO process. Admissions Assistance Office (AAO)
Q21. Kenkyusei (non-degree student) application
Can a “Kenkyusei” student (i.e. a ‘research’ student with non-degree status at Kyoto University) apply for the IESC?
A21. Yes, current “Kenkyusei” students can apply for the IESC. However, prospective students are NOT required to have been a “Kenkyusei” prior to enrolment in order to be admitted to the IESC. Being a “Kenkyusei” student at the GSES or another graduate school at Kyoto University does not give applicants an advantage in the IESC admissions process or when choosing laboratories.
Q22. Deferred enrolment
Can I apply for a deferred enrolment for my national service at home or other reasons?
A22. Unfortunately, we are not currently able to accept deferment of enrollment.
Q23. Rolling application
Do you process applications on a rolling basis?
A23. No. We have a fixed application deadline, and applications must be submitted by the deadline specified for each enrolment cycle.
Q.24. International Doctoral Program*?
According to the GSES web site, there is an “International Doctoral Program (IDP)” with MEXT scholarship. What are the differences between the IESC doctoral program and the IDP? Which should I apply for?
A24. The “International Doctoral Program” is one of the MEXT’s Priority Graduate Programs (PGP) , in which a full MEXT scholarship is offered to successful candidates if they satisfy the MEXT eligibility. The IESC is NOT a PGP. Please also see Q1.
*There is no further recruitment from AY2013 intake onwards. Should there be another PGP programme at the GSES after AY2015, an announcement will be made on our web site immediately. Individual notification or personal reminder will not be sent. (Updated on 10 February 2014)
Q25. Application for the IESC and MEXT via embassy
I am applying for a MEXT scholarship via Embassy’s recommendation (postgraduate) and interested in enrolling in the IESC Master’s program as a MEXT student. How and when should I apply for the IESC?
A25. You have to organize two different applications yourself, scholarship (MEXT) and postgraduate degree program (IESC) . MEXT and IESC application processes are independent from each other. An informal consent and/or support from a prospective supervisor are not required and will neither advantage nor bias the application in IESC admissions.
LIFE IN KYOTO
Q26. Accommodation
Do you have any halls of residence for international students at Kyoto?
A26. Yes, we do. We have four university international houses- Shugakuin, Yoshida, Hyakumanben, Okazaki, Misasagi, Uji and Ohbaku for newly arrived international students. Application must be made via your prospective supervisor after you officially accept our admission offer. There will be a random selection draw and stay period restrictions (typically 6 months) due to the limited number of rooms available. Overseas students who already have lived in Japan for one year or more cannot apply for this accommodation..
Q27. Course location
Where does the IESC take place?
A27. IESC’s coursework takes place mainly at the Yoshida Main Campus, Kyoto. The GSES’s laboratories/ faculty members’ offices are located across the Yoshida Main Campus, Uji Campus and Kumatori RRI (Reactor Research Institute), where laboratory seminars, thesis tutorials, and experiments (if relevant) happen.
KU campus locations and directions
Q28. Japanese language
Is it necessary to know any Japanese in order to study on the IESC degree course at Kyoto University, which is taught in English?
A28. Students on the IESC course will be taught in English, receive academic supervision, and write their thesis in English. Therefore, no knowledge of the Japanese language is required. However, we recommend that students learn some basic Japanese, as this is essential for communicating with people both on and off campus while living in Japan. The university provides international students with free Japanese language courses at different levels of experience at the Education Center.
Q29. Costs of living
What are the living costs for an international student in Kyoto?
A29. Living expenses vary depending on the length of the course and students’ lifestyles. For an idea of average living costs, please refer to the JASSO’s web sites.
Last updated: April 2023
