Temple University, Japan Campus: Kyoto 

Beginning in Spring 2025, study abroad students will have the option to study at Temple University, Japan Campus’s new satellite campus in Kyoto.  

Located just 2.5 hours from Tokyo by bullet train, Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to study in the cultural and ancient capital of Japan, while still offering the best of city life. Kyoto is a base for many high-technology industries, commerce, and tourism. Japan’s eighth largest city, Kyoto has been named the “Best Big City in the World” in recent years. It is a livable, affordable city known for its beautiful landscapes, stunning architecture, delicious food, and friendly people.   

Program Overview

Expand the menu items below for more details about the program options in Kyoto. For program dates and costs, as well as information about health and safety and faculty and staff support, please visit the main Temple University, Japan Campus page. 

Academic Program

Language of Instruction

  • English, except for Japanese and other language courses.

Course Load for the fall or spring semester

  • 4-5 courses, 12-18 credit hours 
  • Non-Temple students: verify the minimum number of credit hours required by your home institutions

Course Load for the summer semester

  • 3-4 courses, 9-12 credit hours 

Course Offerings

Course offerings will include Japanese language, Asian studies, GenEds, general electives and select upper-level major courses.  

  • Courses will be held Monday through Thursday (no classes held Fridays), with weekly cultural excursions taking place in Kyoto and Kansai. 

  • With permission from your home institution, you can take one TUJ online course in addition to at least 9 in-person credits during the semester and at least 6 in-person credits during the summer. 

Sample academic plan for study abroad students 

  • Japanese 2000: Practical Japanese for Study Abroad Students 

  • Asian Studies 2000: History and Culture of Kyoto 

  • Additional Japanese Culture course or degree requirement 

  • Gen Ed or elective 

  • Online TUJ course or elective 

Course Offerings 

View all courses at TUJ-Kyoto.

You can also search for courses at temple.edu/courses.

  • Select your term of interest and click "Continue."
  • Enter your search criteria: in the "Campus" field, enter "Japan Kyoto Campus" and click search.
  • To find online courses at TUJ in Tokyo, select “Japan” for the "Campus" field and “online” instructional method.

The Temple Japan Architecture Program will be offered in Kyoto beginning in Spring 2025. Architecture students will complement their required courses with a selection of additional courses offered at TUJ-Kyoto.

    Location and Facilities

    The new TUJ campus will be housed in a multi-building complex on the campus of Seibo Jogakuin (Seibo) school. Seibo’s campus in Kyoto is less than 1 kilometer from the famous Fushimi Inari shrine and is close to public transportation for easy access to nearby towns and the train to Tokyo.  

    Housing

    Students will be able to take advantage of TUJ-arranged housing, or can choose to find their own housing in Kyoto or nearby Osaka. 

    Eligibility Requirements

    Temple programs are open to qualified students matriculated at any U.S. or Canadian college or university.

    You are eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements.

    Are enrolled fulltime and will have completed 2 semesters before studying abroad
    • You are enrolled as a full-time matriculated student at the time of application as well as during the semester prior to studying abroad.
    • You will have completed at least two (2) semesters of college-level study by the program start.
    Are in good academic standing and meet minimum GPA requirement for the program

    You meet minimum cumulative GPA requirement, on a 4.0 scale from all colleges/universities attended. The requirement varies by program:

    • Temple Semester Programs: 2.75 (Internships: 3.0)
    • Temple Summer Programs: 2.5
    • Exchange Programs: 2.75
    • External Programs: 2.5

    You remain in good academic standing from the time of application until the start of your term abroad; students on academic warning are not eligible to participate.

    Have a valid passport

    You will need a passport, valid well beyond the length of your program, by the application deadline.

    View deadlines and validity requirements for your host country.

     

    Are in good disciplinary standing

    You are in good disciplinary standing at the time of application and remain so through the start of your term abroad. Students who have been found responsible for a code of conduct violation and will not be in good disciplinary standing (including disciplinary probation) may submit a petition for review.

    Meet the minimum age requirement

    You are at least 18 years old at the time of application.

    For Temple Japan Semester in Kyoto, there are no additional eligibility requirements.

    Application Requirements

    The standard application requirements pertain to all students applying to Temple programs.

      Admissions Timeline

      • Admissions is rolling (early applications encouraged).
      • Once you submit your application, you should expect a decision within two (2) weeks.

      How to apply for Summer 2025

      • Apply to Temple University, Japan Campus for Summer 2025 and indicate your preferred campus location with your program application.
      • If you have already applied and would like to switch your location, please contact the program management team at program.manager@temple.edu.

      Apply now!