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Kyoto University

Ranked
26, Japan
55th in World University Rankings 2025
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About Kyoto University

Basic information and contact details for Kyoto University

institution

Kyoto University is Japan’s second oldest university and one of Japan’s “National Seven”, founded as Kyoto Imperial University in 1897 on the island of Honshu, the nation’s ancient former capital.

Initially comprising the colleges of law, medicine, letters, and science and engineering, within two years the university had also opened a library and hospital. Soon afterwards, came faculties of economics, agriculture and humanities, while its first graduate school was launched in the mid-20th century.

Today, Kyoto has 10 faculties, 18 graduate schools and more research institutes – 14 in total – than any other Japanese university.

The institution is spread over three campuses: Yoshida, the main campus – dominated by the Clock Tower Centennial Hall, which dates back to when the university was first established – and two further bases at Uji and Katsura.

Kyoto itself is a city rich in culture and history, surrounded by mountains on three sides and bestriding the Kamo River. Architectural gems such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace – the former home of the Emperor of Japan – serve as a reminder of the city’s historical significance, while a number of its temples have been classed as Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Aside from the surroundings, many of its 23,000-strong student cohort, including around 2,000 international students, are attracted by the university’s reputation as a centre of research excellence: it has been home to nine Nobel prizewinners and two Fields medal recipients.

Kyoto University also houses the Hakubi Project, set up in 2009 to develop the talents of outstanding young researchers.

Notable alumni include film director Nagisa Oshima and novelist Kan Kikuchi.

 

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Rankings

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World University Rankings 2025
20406080100
Overall 75.2
Teaching 86.3
Research Environment 85.1
Research Quality 58.7
Industry 100
International Outlook 45.8
60657075201620172018201920202021202220232024202559.961.264.967.367.770.369.6687575.2

Breakdown via year: Overall

Ranking positions 2016 to 2025
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Impact Rankings

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Impact Rankings 2024
90929420222023202494.991.389.5

Breakdown via year: Overall

Impact Ranking positions 2020 to 2024
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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at Kyoto University

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
25 F : 75 M (1)
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International student percentage
11% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
9 (1)
student
Student total
21707 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at Kyoto University

See below for a range of subjects taught at Kyoto University

Physical Sciences54th

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics

Computer Science67th

  • Computer Science

Social Sciences72nd

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Geography
  • Communication and Media Studies

Life Sciences37th

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Sport Science
  • Biological Sciences

Clinical and Health=46th

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Business and Economics90th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance

Arts and Humanities101–125th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Architecture

Education52nd

  • Education

Engineering=43rd

  • General Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Psychology87th

  • Psychology