[FY2027 (Reiwa 9) Latest] A Thorough Guide to Bachelor's Admission (3rd-Year Transfer) at Kyoto University Faculty of Letters (Department of Humanities) | Complete Coverage of Eligibility, Exam Subjects, Oral Exams, Schedules, and Difficulty
To you who are considering a "transfer" to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters. In this article, based on the latest bachelor's admission application guidelines published by Kyoto University, I have organized everything from the structure of the system, eligibility, exam subjects, and schedules to costs, in a way that is easy to understand even for beginners.
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First, I will tell you the most important thing. The "transfer" to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters is different in structure from the 3rd-year transfer (a system where you re-enter as a 3rd-year student after completing a junior college, technical college, or 2 years of university) found at many national and public universities and is a system called "Bachelor's Admission." This is a system where someone who has already graduated from a university (i.e., holds a bachelor's degree) re-enters the Faculty of Letters as a 3rd-year student. In other words, "having graduated from a university (or being expected to graduate this fiscal year)" is a prerequisite for application. If you grasp this one point first, your preparation strategy will change significantly.
In this article, I will convey the overall picture of the system and how to approach preparation based only on the "facts" actually stipulated by the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters in their guidelines. The number of students to be accepted, exam subjects, and schedules are confirmed from the official guidelines, and items that are not disclosed (such as score distribution and competition ratios) are not filled in with guesses but are clearly stated as "not disclosed".
Note that the latest guidelines available at the time of writing this article are for FY2026 (Admission in 2026). The exams for this fiscal year have already been conducted in March 2026 (i.e., already finished), and the next cycle you can apply for is FY2027 (Admission in 2027; exams are expected to be around February-March 2027 if they follow the usual schedule). The guidelines for FY2027 are expected to be released around November 2026 if they follow the usual schedule (they are not yet published at the time of writing this article). Therefore, this article explains in detail the overall picture of the system, subjects, qualifications, and schedule based on the FY2026 guidelines, and for those aiming for FY2027, it is structured so that you must check the details such as the specializations conducting the selection and the schedule in the latest guidelines as soon as they are released.
[30-Second Summary | Based on FY2026 Results]
System: "Bachelor's Admission," not 3rd-year transfer. If you pass, you transfer as a 3rd-year undergraduate student (the term of study is 2 years)
Eligibility: University graduates (including those expected to graduate this fiscal year) or those holding a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite (graduating from a junior college or technical college alone is not sufficient)
Planned number of students to be accepted: A small number (a small quota where the exact number is not specified)
Selection method: Written exam (foreign language + specialized subjects) + oral exam (i.e., interview/oral questioning)
Specializations that conducted selection in FY2026: 3 specializations in the Western Cultural Studies department (Slavic Language and Literature / German Language and Literature / Italian Language and Literature). Which specializations recruit students changes depending on the fiscal year
Foreign Language: For all three specializations above, English (Japanese for international applicants)
Score Allocation/Competition Ratio: Not publicly disclosed (undisclosed)
Schedule (Reiwa 8 results): Application Must arrive by 2/6–2/16 → Exam 3/2 (Mon) → Results Announcement 3/10 (Tue)
Examination Fee: 30,000 yen (plus 650 yen payment fee) / Applications are by mail (registered) only
The guidelines for the 2027 academic year (Reiwa 9) are expected to be released around November 2026 if they follow the usual schedule (not yet released)
About the author of this article | Online Transfer Academy
This article is supervised and written by Online Transfer Academy, a preparatory school specializing in university transfer exams. Information regarding systems, recruitment numbers, exam subjects, and schedules is based on checking the application guidelines and requirements published by the university, as well as insights accumulated through guidance for transfer and bachelor's admission. Items not published by the university are not supplemented with speculation and are clearly marked as "undisclosed".
What kind of exam is the "transfer" for the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters?
In short, the "transfer" for the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters is an exam for those who have already graduated from university to re-learn a specialized field as a 3rd-year student. The official name of the system is Bachelor's Admission, and the prerequisites differ from general 3rd-year transfer admission.
First, let's clarify the most important difference.
General 3rd-year transfer admission: A system for re-entering a different university as a 3rd-year student after completing a junior college, technical college, or 2 years of university (62 credits or more). A bachelor's degree (university graduation) is often not required.
Bachelor's Admission to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters: A system where individuals who have already graduated from a university (or are expected to graduate this fiscal year/hold a bachelor's degree) re-enter as 3rd-year students. A bachelor's degree (= proof of university graduation) is a prerequisite.
This distinction is directly linked to whether or not you are eligible to apply. For example, if you are a student at a junior college or technical college and want to transfer to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters as a 3rd-year student, you cannot apply as is under this bachelor's admission quota (you must first graduate from a four-year university and obtain a bachelor's degree). Conversely, for working professionals who have already graduated from a university or those who wish to seriously study the humanities after graduating from a university in a different field, this system serves as the exact gateway.
Another feature is that you apply by specifying a 'major' (senshu). The Kyoto University Faculty of Letters has a system where students divide into specific research fields (= majors) after enrollment, and bachelor's admission takes the form of entering that specific major as a 3rd-year student. That is precisely why the exam also tests you on the 'specialized subjects of that major' (details will be provided later).
[For those aiming for FY2027 (Reiwa 9)] Key points to grasp now
This article is based on the bachelor's admission application guidelines for 'FY2026 (Reiwa 8) Enrollment,' which are the latest official guidelines at this time. The FY2026 exam itself was already conducted on March 2, 2026 (= already finished), and the next cycle you can apply for is FY2027 (Reiwa 9) Enrollment.
What you should be particularly careful about with bachelor's admission is that 'which majors recruit for bachelor's admission in a given year' changes depending on the fiscal year. In FY2026, three majors in the Western Cultural Studies department (Slavic Language and Literature / German Language and Literature / Italian Language and Literature) conducted selections, but this does not mean 'these same three majors every year.' It is possible that different majors will recruit in other years. Therefore, the first thing those aiming for FY2027 should check is 'whether the major you want to study is recruiting for bachelor's admission that year'.
The first thing to check is 'which majors are recruiting this year'
Bachelor's admission does not mean all majors in the Faculty of Letters recruit at once every year. The majors conducting selections for that year are indicated in the guidelines. The guidelines for FY2027 (Reiwa 9) are expected to be published on the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters website around November 2026, as is customary (not yet published at the time of writing this article). Please be sure to check the latest guidelines as soon as they are published to see if your desired major is recruiting, what the foreign language requirement is, and when the exam date is. On the other hand, since the framework of the system, such as 'bachelor's degree prerequisite,' 'written + oral exam,' 'mail-in application,' and 'transfer to 3rd year,' does not change significantly, there is no problem starting your preparation now based on the FY2026 guidelines.
1. Structure of the Faculty of Letters' departments, divisions, and majors (where you enter)
The Kyoto University Faculty of Letters has a single-department system of the 'Department of Humanities'. Furthermore, it is divided into the following 6 divisions based on research fields, and under those, there are a total of 31 majors.
Division of Eastern Cultural Studies
Western Cultural Studies
Thought and Cultural Studies
Historical and Cultural Studies
Behavioral and Environmental Cultural Studies
Basic Contemporary Cultural Studies
Current students participate in a preference survey in the autumn of their first year, are divided into "streams" in their second year, and begin full-scale specialized education by being assigned to a "specialization" in their third year as the standard flow. Those entering via bachelor's admission start from this "third-year = stage of being assigned to a specialization and deepening expertise" phase. In other words, it is helpful to understand that bachelor's admission is a system where you immerse yourself in your specialized field from the very beginning rather than "starting from general education" (which is why specialized subjects are also tested in the entrance exam).
The specializations that conducted bachelor's admission selection in the 2026 academic year were the following three specializations within the Western Cultural Studies stream.
Slavic Linguistics and Slavic Literature (Research on Slavic languages and literature, focusing on the Russian-speaking world)
German Linguistics and German Literature (Research on the German language and literature of German-speaking regions)
Italian Linguistics and Italian Literature (Research on the Italian language and Italian literature)
"Which specializations are recruiting" changes by academic year
To reiterate, the three specializations above were "specializations that recruited in the 2026 academic year" and are not fixed every year. There are many other specializations in the Faculty of Letters, such as history, philosophy, psychology, and linguistics, and the specializations that conduct bachelor's admission change depending on the academic year. The more certain you are about your desired field, the more you should prioritize checking the latest application guidelines to see if that specialization is recruiting this year.
(2) Planned Number of Admissions and Selection Method
Department: Department of Humanities
Year of Transfer: 3rd-year undergraduate
Planned Number of Admissions: A small number
Selection Method: Written Exam + Oral Exam
Duration of Study: 2 years (Enrollment cannot exceed 4 years)
The planned number of admissions is "a small number". This means "a small-scale quota without a specified number of people," and the specific number of successful applicants varies by year and specialization. While this is a common format for transfers and bachelor's admissions, it is accurate to approach it with the understanding that there is no fixed, clearly defined quota.
The selection method consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The oral exam corresponds to what is known as an interview or oral assessment (an exam where you answer questions verbally in front of interviewers). A major feature of bachelor's admission to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters is that you are evaluated not only on your writing but also on your oral performance.
(3) The "Correct Way to View" Competition Ratios and Difficulty
Many people want to know the difficulty level, so I will be honest with you here.
Regarding bachelor's admission to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters, the competition ratio (number of applicants, number of examinees, and number of successful applicants) is not published (undisclosed). The planned number of admissions is also "a small number," and no specific figure is provided. Therefore, there is no official data that can definitively state, "The competition ratio for Kyoto University Faculty of Letters bachelor's admission is X times." Even if you see competition ratio figures, you must be cautious about whether they are officially backed.
So, how should you think about the difficulty level in the absence of official data? The clue lies in the structure of the system itself.
"A small number" = limited recruitment. Since this is not an exam that produces many successful applicants, it is natural to assume that you must be clearly evaluated based on the expertise of that specialization.
Comprehensive evaluation of written exams (foreign language + specialized subjects) and oral exams. It is not a one-shot deal based on a single subject; rather, language proficiency, specialized knowledge, and aptitude for research are evaluated from multiple perspectives.
The entry point is '3rd year = the gateway to specialized education'. Based on the premise of having already reached university graduation level, the design tests whether you have the foundation to deepen your expertise in your chosen field.
Look for compatibility with the specialization rather than 'chasing numbers' for the acceptance rate
Since the acceptance rate for bachelor's admission is not public, the idea of 'I will or will not pass because the rate is X' is not very meaningful. Instead, the essence is 'whether you can provide answers and responses that are properly evaluated in the specialized subjects and foreign language of that specialization'. If you want to gauge the difficulty, it is more reliable to grasp the depth of language proficiency and specialized knowledge required by your desired specialization concretely from the application guidelines and research content, rather than looking at the acceptance rate numbers.
④ Eligibility (Who can apply?)
The eligibility requirements for FY2026 were for those who met any of the following:
Those who have graduated from a university (including those expected to graduate by March 31, 2026)
Those who have been awarded a bachelor's degree under the provisions of the School Education Act (including those expected to be awarded one by March 31, 2026)
To break down the key points—
The prerequisite is a 'bachelor's degree (university graduation)'. This applies to working professionals who have already graduated from university and are looking to study again, as well as those expected to graduate from university this fiscal year.
You cannot apply for this bachelor's admission with 'only' a junior college or technical college degree. This is because you lack a bachelor's degree (this is where it differs decisively from general 3rd-year transfer). However, if you graduated from a junior college or technical college and then graduated from a four-year university to obtain a bachelor's degree, you are naturally eligible.
Those who have graduated from a foreign university must undergo an eligibility screening before the application process. For FY2026, eligible individuals were required to contact the Faculty of Letters Academic Affairs Office by Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Please note that for graduates of overseas universities, the deadline for this preliminary screening is earlier than the application itself.
For those applying while 'expected to graduate from their current university'
Students currently in their fourth year who are 'expected to graduate this fiscal year' can also apply, but this is a system for starting a new course of study (specialization in humanities) after graduating. Along with the fact that enrollment will not be permitted if you remain employed or enrolled in another university after passing (described later), make sure to confirm the arrangements for graduation and enrollment early.
Note that foreign applicants will take the Japanese language test for the foreign language exam (however, foreigners who have graduated from a Japanese university are treated the same as Japanese applicants).
⑤ Exam subjects and oral exams (this is the most important part)
The selection process consists of a written exam (foreign language + specialized subjects) and an oral exam. The three specializations that conducted selection in FY2026 all used the following combination.
Foreign Language: English (common to all 3 specializations)
Specialized Subjects: Field of the desired specialization (specialization in the field applied for, among Slavic Linguistics/Slavic Literature, German Linguistics/German Literature, or Italian Linguistics/Italian Literature)
Oral Exam: Yes (conducted for all 3 specializations)
In other words, for the three Western Cultural Studies specializations in FY2026, you must pass three hurdles: the written exams for "English" and "specialized subjects of the specialization," plus an oral exam (interview/oral questioning).
Here, I will clarify points that beginners often misunderstand.
(1) The foreign language was English, not "the language of that specialization" (FY2026)
You might think, "Since it's German Linguistics/German Literature, is there a German exam?" but the foreign language exam for all 3 specializations in FY2026 was English. The language handled by the specialization (German, Italian, Russian, etc.) itself is designed to be tested on the specialized subjects side. However, which foreign language is required can change by year and specialization, so be sure to check the latest application guidelines.
(2) Specialized subjects cover "the entire research field of that specialization"
Specialized subjects test your knowledge, reading comprehension, and writing ability regarding the field (linguistics/literature) of your desired specialization. Since this is a system for 3rd-year students = entering the start of specialized education, it is considered a specialized exam to see if you have the foundation to study that field deeply from now on.
(3) There is always an oral exam (interview/oral questioning)
It does not end with the written exam; an oral exam is required. This is considered a venue to confirm your interest in research, motivation for applying, and understanding of the specialized field through verbal interaction. In addition to written exam preparation, preparation to explain in your own words "why you want to study in this specialization" is essential.
The point allocation is "not disclosed (undisclosed)"
The breakdown of point allocation (how many points each is worth, total points, etc.) for foreign language, specialized subjects, and the oral exam is not specified in the guidelines (undisclosed). What can be said for certain is that it is a comprehensive selection process evaluated by both written (foreign language + specialized) and oral exams. Since the point allocation is undisclosed, the safe strategy is not to think, "I will pass if I aim for a perfect score in one area," but rather to perfectly prepare for all areas: foreign language, specialized subjects, and the oral exam.
⑥ Points for preparation by subject
Specialized subjects (language/literature of the desired specialization)
The specialized subjects for bachelor's admission cover the research field of the desired specialization itself. The starting point for preparation is to accurately grasp "what that specialization researches and what it intends to teach".
Read through the research content of the specialization: Each specialization in the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters has unique characteristics in the languages, eras, authors, and theories it handles. Check the introduction page for your desired specialization and the research themes of the affiliated faculty members to identify the "basics that one should naturally know in that field."
Consult original and fundamental texts: For language and literature majors, reading literary works and basic research books in that language forms the foundation. Reading comprehension in the language handled by your chosen specialization (German, Italian, Russian, etc.) is the core of the specialized subjects.
Be able to explain in writing: You are required not only to possess knowledge but also to be able to write out arguments logically in your own words. Do not stop at memorizing terms; practice explaining 'why things are the way they are'.
Foreign Language (English for the 2026 academic year)
For the 2026 academic year, the foreign language for the three specializations was English. English questions in humanities bachelor's admissions tend to focus on reading comprehension skills to accurately interpret specialized texts.
Academic English reading comprehension is the axis, and the standard approach is to raise your level to where you can grasp the main point even without a dictionary.
By regularly engaging with English literature related to your desired field (introductory research books, overviews, etc.), you can train your specialized knowledge and English proficiency simultaneously.
* There may be specializations or years where the foreign language is not English, so be sure to check the latest guidelines to confirm 'what the foreign language is for your specialization'.
Oral Examination (Interview/Oral Questioning)
In the oral examination, it is expected that you will be asked about your motivation for applying, the theme you wish to research, and your understanding of the specialized field.
'Why this specialization, and what do you want to research?' Prepare to be able to talk about this in depth, down to specific authors, works, and themes.
Since it is a continuation of the written specialized subjects, deepening your specialized studies will directly serve as preparation for the oral exam.
💡 Bachelor's admission is an exam that selects 'people who come to deepen their expertise.' That is precisely why grasping the research content of your desired specialization in concrete terms at an early stage becomes the foundation for all preparations in foreign language, specialized subjects, and oral exams. Instead of just 'vaguely wanting to go to Kyoto University Faculty of Letters,' increasing the resolution to 'I want to research this language and this author (theme) in this specialization' will significantly increase the persuasiveness of both your written answers and oral responses.
⑦ Differentiate yourself by verbalizing your motivation and research theme
Because bachelor's admission includes an oral examination, the content of your application—such as 'why this specialization at Kyoto University Faculty of Letters' and 'what you want to research there'—directly leads to your evaluation.
Prepare a consistent story: 'Current situation -> Reason for wanting to relearn -> Therefore, this specialization'.
Delve into specific themes: For example, instead of stopping at "I want to study German literature," articulate it down to "which era, which author, and what specific research interest."
Have one reason that is "unique" to Kyoto University: By preparing reasons such as the research traditions of that specific major or faculty members and research themes close to your interests, you can convey the strength of your desire to study here rather than anywhere else.
Since this is a system for those who have already graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a university,being able to explain how you will connect your past studies and experiences with what you want to learn from now onwill add depth to your oral examination.
💡 The oral examination is a place where the "depth of preparation" is easily revealed. In parallel with your specialized studies, it is recommended to summarize your research interests on a single sheet of notes. Do not make assumptions about "factual matters" such as author names, work titles, or research themes; always verify them with your own eyes before speaking.
⑧ Practical Application Guide (Based on 2026 Academic Year Results)
From here on, we will cover the specific procedures for actually applying. The following is based on the results for the 2026 academic year (enrollment in 2026), so please be sure to check the latest guidelines for the 2027 academic year schedule and deadlines. As for the overall picture, the "types of documents to prepare" do not change significantly even when the academic year changes.
Schedule (2026 Academic Year Results)
Examination Fee Payment Period: February 5 (Thu) – February 16 (Mon), 2026
Application Acceptance Period: February 6 (Fri) – February 16 (Mon), 2026, must arrive by 5:00 PM
Examination Date: March 2 (Mon), 2026, from 9:00 AM (Kyoto University Faculty of Letters)
Announcement of Successful Applicants: March 10 (Tue), 2026, around 10:00 AM
※ Bachelor's admission is characterized by the fact that the exam is held in "February–March," unlike general 3rd-year transfers held in the autumn. If the 2027 academic year follows the usual pattern, applications are expected to be in the new year and exams around February–March, but please check the latest guidelines for specific dates.
Required Documents (2026 Academic Year)
Application for Admission: Fill in the desired major, etc., on the prescribed form (double-sided print). All items are mandatory.
Academic Transcript: Submit the original (not required for graduates or expected graduates of the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters).
Certificate of Graduation (or Expected Graduation): Submit the original copy (not required for graduates or prospective graduates of the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters).
Examination Admission Ticket and Photo Card: Affix photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm, 2 copies) taken within 3 months prior to application to the prescribed forms.
Certificate of Payment for Entrance Examination Fee: Pay the examination fee and affix the payment certificate to the designated mount.
Envelopes for Correspondence (2 envelopes): Clearly write your address and name on Nagagata No. 3 envelopes and affix a 410-yen stamp (for express delivery).
(International students only) Copy of Residence Card, etc..
Application Method and Examination Fee
Applications must be submitted by mail only. Place all "Application Documents, etc." together in an envelope, write "Bachelor's Admission Application Enclosed" in red ink on the front of the envelope, and be sure to send it via registered mail.
Mailing Address: Kyoto University Faculty of Letters Academic Affairs Section, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501.
Entrance Examination Fee: 30,000 yen (a separate payment fee of 650 yen is required). Payment is made via Kyoto University's EX payment service (convenience store, credit card, ATM, or internet banking).
The examination fee will not be refunded after the application has been accepted.
Those who graduated from overseas universities or require special accommodations should note the "Advance Inquiry Deadline"
For the 2026 academic year, an early deadline of January 6, 2026 (Tuesday) was set for eligibility screening for graduates of foreign universities and requests for examination or study accommodations. Since this is before the actual application deadline (February), those who fall into these categories must act immediately after the New Year. Please be sure to check the latest guidelines for the 2027 academic year deadline as well.
⑨ After Acceptance (Rules on Credits, Expenses, and Enrollment)
Admission Fee: 282,000 yen (planned)
Tuition (Annual): 535,800 yen (First semester: 267,900 yen / Second semester: 267,900 yen / planned)
Standard Period of Study: 2 years (Enrollment cannot exceed 4 years; total leave of absence is limited to 2 years)
Here are three rules unique to bachelor's admission that will be relevant after you are accepted.
University-wide common subjects (general education) are considered completed before enrollment: Since it is assumed that you have already graduated from a university, the university-wide common subjects required for graduation are treated as having been completed before enrollment. Because of this, the program is designed so that you can focus on specialized subjects after enrollment.
You cannot enroll while remaining employed or dually enrolled: Individuals who are employed or enrolled in another university, etc., as of April 1, Reiwa 8, will not be permitted to enroll. After acceptance, you must settle your previous affiliation before enrolling.
Costs are "planned" amounts: Admission and tuition fees may be revised at the time of enrollment. Be sure to check the latest information at the time of enrollment procedures.
💡 Bachelor's admission is not a system for "starting over from liberal arts," but a system for entering as a 3rd-year student to deepen your specialization. Since general education is waived, if you have an image of how you will use your limited two years for research in your desired major before you enroll, you will be able to get started more quickly once you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I apply to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters via "3rd-year transfer"?
A. The "transfer" system at the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters is officially called "Bachelor's Admission". It is a mechanism where individuals who have graduated from a university (or are expected to graduate/hold a bachelor's degree) re-enter as 3rd-year students, and the premise differs from general 3rd-year transfer (a system for entering from junior colleges, technical colleges, or after completing 2 years of university, etc.).
Q. Can junior college or technical college students apply?
A. A bachelor's degree (university graduation) is a prerequisite, so you cannot apply for this bachelor's admission with only a junior college or technical college diploma. However, if you graduated from a four-year university and earned a bachelor's degree after graduating from a junior college or technical college, you are eligible.
Q. I am a working professional and have already graduated from university. Can I apply?
A. Yes. Those who have graduated from a university (hold a bachelor's degree) meet the application requirements. This system serves as a gateway for working professionals who wish to re-enter the field of humanities for further study. Please note, however, that you will not be permitted to enroll if you remain employed or dually enrolled at another institution after admission.
Q. Can I apply for any specialization?
A. No. Only specializations that conduct bachelor's admission that year are eligible. In the 2026 academic year, these were three specializations in the Western Cultural Studies field (Slavic Language and Literature / German Language and Literature / Italian Language and Literature). Which specializations are recruiting changes by year, so please check the latest application guidelines.
Q. What are the exam subjects?
A. A written exam (foreign language + specialized subjects) and an oral exam. For the three specializations in the 2026 academic year, the foreign language was English, the specialized subjects were the field of the desired specialization, and there was an oral exam.
Q. Is the foreign language the language of the desired specialization (e.g., German)?
A. For the three specializations in the 2026 academic year, the foreign language exam was English. The languages handled by the specialization (German, Italian, Russian, etc.) are designed to be tested within the specialized subjects section. However, since the type of foreign language can change depending on the year and specialization, please check the latest application guidelines.
Q. Is there an interview (oral exam)?
A. Yes, there is. All three specializations in the 2026 academic year conducted oral exams. You should expect to be asked orally about your motivation for applying, the theme you wish to research, and your understanding of the specialized field.
Q. Are the point allocations or competition ratios published?
A. Neither is published (not disclosed). The planned number of admissions is also listed as "a small number," and no specific figures or competition ratios are provided. Even if you see competition ratio numbers, please be cautious about whether they are officially verified.
Q. When is the exam?
A. In the 2026 academic year, it was held on March 2, 2026 (Monday) (applications had to be received between February 6 and 16, and results were announced on March 10). A feature of bachelor's admission is that the exam is held in February or March, not in the autumn. Please check the latest application guidelines for the 2027 academic year schedule.
Q. When will the guidelines for the 2027 academic year be released?
A. If it follows the usual pattern, they are expected to be released around November 2026 (they are not yet published as of the time this article was written). As soon as they are released, please check whether your desired specialization is recruiting, what the foreign language is, and when the schedule is.
Q. What happens to the credits I earned at my previous university?
A. For bachelor's admission, among the credits required for graduation, credits for university-wide common subjects (general education) are considered to have been earned before enrollment. This allows you to focus on specialized subjects after enrollment.
Q. Can I apply online?
A. For the FY2026 (Reiwa 8) academic year, it was by mail (registered mail) only. You must write "Bachelor's Admission Application Enclosed" in red on the front of the envelope (though you can use convenience stores or credit cards to pay the application fee itself).
Summary | "Transfer" to Kyoto University's Faculty of Letters is an exam where you "compete with your expertise" based on your bachelor's degree
The "transfer" to Kyoto University's Faculty of Letters is officially called bachelor's admission— a system where people who have already graduated from university can re-learn a specialized field as a 3rd-year student. The premise is different from a general 3rd-year transfer, as a bachelor's degree (university graduation) is the starting point. That is precisely why the strategy is clear.
First, check if you are eligible to apply: A bachelor's degree (university graduation, expected graduation, or bachelor's degree) is a prerequisite. Graduates of junior colleges or technical colleges alone are not eligible.
Next, check if your desired specialization is recruiting this year: The specializations that conduct bachelor's admission change by academic year. In FY2026, it was three specializations in the Western Cultural Studies department.
Comprehensive selection consisting of written exams (foreign language + specialization) and an oral exam: The score distribution is not disclosed. Do not rely on just one area; balance your preparation across foreign language, specialization, and the oral exam.
The specialized subject covers the entire research field of your desired specialization: Quickly grasp what that specialization researches and read the original texts and basic literature.
Because there is an oral exam, articulate your motivation and research theme: Prepare to specifically explain "what you want to research in this specialization."
And, the fact that the competition ratio and score distribution are not disclosed means, in turn, that it is an exam where "those who have polished their expertise in their desired specialization and their language skills head-on are evaluated." For those who want to deepen their expertise in earnest once again, building on the experience they already gained at university, bachelor's admission to the Kyoto University Faculty of Letters is a major challenge and a great opportunity to re-learn. Furthermore, if you are aiming for FY2027 (2027), be sure to check the specializations conducting the selection, foreign languages, and schedules in the latest application guidelines, which are usually released around November 2026.
"Can I apply with my educational background?" "Where should I start with specialized preparation for my desired specialization?" "How should I talk about my aspirations in the oral exam?" — In such cases, please use the free consultation at the Online Transfer Academy. We will design the shortest route to the actual exam together, tailored to your situation. We do not intend to pressure you. Please feel free to tell us about your current situation and questions first.
About the author of this article
Online Transfer Academy(University Transfer Information Bureau)
This article is supervised and written by Online Transfer Academy, a preparatory school specializing in university transfer exams.
University transfer and bachelor's admission systems, including the departments recruiting, exam subjects, and application qualifications, vary by university and change from year to year. For this reason, the systems, number of students to be admitted, exam subjects, and schedules included in this article are always verified against the application guidelines and requirements published by the university, and are written based on the knowledge accumulated through guidance on transfers and bachelor's admissions. Items not published by the university are not supplemented by speculation but are clearly stated as "Not Disclosed" as they are.
▶ Online Transfer Academy Official Website
*Note: The systems, schedules, subjects, and fees in this article are based on the "2026 Academic Year Kyoto University Faculty of Letters Bachelor's Admission Application Guidelines." The latest guidelines (for the 2027 academic year) are expected to be released around November 2026, as is customary. Please be sure to check the latest official guidelines before applying.*
*Sources: Kyoto University Faculty of Letters "2026 Academic Year Kyoto University Faculty of Letters Bachelor's Admission Application Guidelines," About Bachelor's Admission to the Kyoto University Graduate School of Letters/Faculty of Letters (Official), 2026 Academic Year Kyoto University Faculty of Letters Bachelor's Admission Application Guidelines (PDF), Education and Curriculum of the Faculty of Letters (Official), Kyoto University Transfer Admission Exam/Bachelor's Admission Exam (Official)*
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