This program’s objective is research and provide our students with the tools needed to detect, evaluate, analyse, and solve the issues related to health and disease in our society. The professionals who graduate from our program are expected to be involved in advanced education and research in the fields related to health, medicine and welfare. We are looking to welcome people from a wide range of interdisciplinary studies, from humanities and social sciences to natural science, who are highly motivated to be involved in the above mentioned research.

Please refer to the enrolment information of the doctoral program.

Kyoto University School of Public Health offers a one-week travel “Super Global Course” (SGC) scholarship for students who are interested to conduct research with overseas co-supervisor. This effort is to promote international research joint-supervision.
For more info on SGC scholarship program, please click here.

Important Information about the Language of Instruction of the Courses Taught at Kyoto University School of Public Health

Since the majority of students are Japanese, almost all of the classes at Kyoto University School of Public Health are taught in Japanese language only. Due to limited resources, Kyoto University School of Public Health is currently unable to fully provide language/translation support in classes to international students. International students chose to join us due to our strong research reputation, overriding the language limitations in the classes. Research (discussions and thesis) can be conducted in English.

Current situation and what you can expect:

Our master’s program (MPH) is basically a coursework-based program (a set number of credits for the courses are required), plus a research report and a presentation of research at the end of the program. Doctoral programs (PhD and DrPH) have fewer class requirements. As of 2019, almost all of the classes, including all core/required classes, are taught in Japanese language only. International students who do not understand Japanese may not be able to follow the classes, as well as the discussions during the classes. However, lecturers of core/required classes make best efforts to also provide handouts in English to international students and/or designate the English textbook(s).

What have the others done and what can you do:

Since our establishment, more than 100 international students have been enrolled, per year approximately 5-6 international students. Students had personal strategies to follow the classes that are taught in Japanese. All have successfully passed assessment, graduated, and now are working in different sectors worldwide. To date, no international students had withdrawn from the program due to the language of instruction of the classes.

For class assessment, all classes do accept assignments, reports, and exams in English. International students can self-study the suggested English materials, opt for peer-support, and seek advice from course instructors and supervisor. There may be Teaching Assistants in some classes, where you can seek help. Your designated department may also be able to provide a Personal Tutor for you. Please confirm with your prospective department and supervisor.

Although Japanese language is not a requirement for the degree at Kyoto University School of Public Health, it will surely be an asset for you during your stay in Japan. International students are encouraged to study Japanese language during their spare time. Kyoto University International Service Office offers Japanese language courses to international students and researchers of Kyoto University. For more information, please visit the site https://kuiso.oc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/life/japanese/en