Admissions Policy of the Faculty of Science
Natural science aims to explore the laws and principles underlying the physical phenomena observed in living organisms and nonliving objects at scales ranging from subatomic to cosmological. Scientific activities enrich the cultural and intellectual aspects of humankind, providing the technological basis to solve global environmental, energy, health, and other problems.
The Faculty of Science at Kyoto University covers a wide range of disciplines, including the mathematical sciences, physics, astronomy, planetary science, chemistry, and biology. To promote the development of new ideas and theories, the Faculty embraces an open-minded atmosphere and encourages new academic initiatives.
The Faculty has produced four Nobel Prize winners and two Fields Medalists among their graduates. We have adopted a one-faculty system, and our "gradual specialization" process allows students time to determine their specialties according to their interests, abilities, and aptitudes.
The scientific knowledge base has been expanding so rapidly and widely that high school graduates still have a long road to reach the front line. The Faculty provides undergraduate students opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary cutting-edge activities, and such experience will enable them to choose their best career paths in the evolving societal landscape.
Desired Student Profile
- A student who respects academic freedom, critically evaluates prevailing ideas, looks for novel information, thinks for himself/herself and is creative.
- A student who has gained a grounding in science at the level required at Japanese high schools, who is able to think logically and rationally, and who spares no effort to solve problems.
- A student with good level of language proficiency.
Admissions Policy of the Graduate School of Science
As a scholarly discipline, science explores the principles and laws that govern natural phenomena. Through its endeavors, this intellectual enterprise has contributed to profound cultural advances as an intellectual asset as well as to improved living standards and welfare for all of humankind.
From the earliest days of its establishment, the Graduate School of Science has operated within an atmosphere of academic freedom and continued to build on its extensive record of original research achievement in fields ranging from mathematics, physics, and astrophysics to Earth planetary science, chemistry, and the life sciences. While doing so, it has also produced many excellent researchers for valuable roles on the international stage. The Graduate School of Science has the academic mission of enabling each and every enrolled graduate student to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental systems of the natural sciences and, with that foundation, develop their ability to engage in original research, create new intellectual value through pooled knowledge, and excel in independent career roles as researchers or responsible professionals. In light of this mission, we welcome students that demonstrate an excellent grasp of science fundamentals and the willingness to persevere in their research activities. Additionally, for our master's and doctoral programs, we look forward to the enrollment of students with the following profile.
Desired Student Profile
- Individuals that possess excellent knowledge of scientific fundamentals, logical thinking and reasoning skills, as well as language skills, and who show persistence in finding solutions to problems
- Individuals that respect academic freedom, refuse to uncritically accept prevailing authority and ideas, think for themselves, and show a readiness to assimilate new ideas and pursue creative endeavors
- Individuals that aspire to pursue future careers as researchers at the forefront of scientific progress and be involved in the dissemination of scientific advances and their benefits to society