About the Laboratory
Kyoto Institute of Technology, Engineering Design Domain, Master’s Program of Mechanodesign (京都工芸繊維大学 大学院 工芸科学研究科 機械工学課程 機械設計工学専攻), Unified Morpho Engineering Laboratory (Ume-Lab).
Step 1: Contact Us in Advance
Before applying, please contact Prof. Umedachi to discuss your research interests. If you apply without prior consultation, there is a possibility that you will not be assigned to your preferred laboratory.
Contact: umedachi[at]kit.ac.jp
Step 2: Read the Application Guidebook
Please apply through the Special Entrance Examination for International Students.
Download the application guidebook here:
👉 Application Guidebook for International Students (KIT)
There are two admission periods: April admission and Fall admission (Term II). Please refer to the guidebook above for application periods, examination dates, announcement of results, and enrollment procedures.
Approximate Annual Schedule
April Admission
| Approximate Timing | Action |
|---|---|
| Spring–Summer of the year prior to enrollment | Contact Prof. Umedachi for consultation / Take TOEIC and obtain your score |
| Summer–Autumn of the year prior to enrollment | Review the application guidebook / Prepare application documents / Write your research proposal |
| Early November of the year prior to enrollment | Application period (approx. one week) |
| Early December of the year prior to enrollment | Entrance examination (oral examination) |
| Mid-December of the year prior to enrollment | Announcement of results |
| Mid-February of enrollment year | Enrollment procedures |
| February–March of enrollment year | Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) / Obtain visa |
| April of enrollment year | Enrollment |
Fall Admission (Term II)
| Approximate Timing | Action |
|---|---|
| Prior year–Spring of enrollment year | Contact Prof. Umedachi for consultation / Take TOEIC and obtain your score |
| June–July of enrollment year | Review the application guidebook / Prepare application documents / Write your research proposal |
| Mid-July of enrollment year | Application period (approx. one week) |
| Mid-August of enrollment year | Entrance examination (oral examination + written examination) |
| Early September of enrollment year | Announcement of results |
| Early–mid September of enrollment year | Enrollment procedures / Apply for COE / Obtain visa |
| October of enrollment year | Enrollment |
* Exact dates vary each year. Always confirm with the latest application guidebook.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Full details are in the application guidebook. Please pay particular attention to the following.
TOEIC Score
- A TOEIC Listening & Reading Digital Official Score Certificate is required.
- “Score Reports” are not accepted.
- The test date must be within two years of the final day of the application period.
- TOEFL and IELTS scores are not accepted.
- We recommend taking the TOEIC test well in advance.
Research Proposal
- Please prepare your research proposal in consultation with Prof. Umedachi.
Step 4: Prepare for the Examination
Foreign Language (100 points)
No written examination. Your TOEIC score submitted with your application will be used for evaluation.
Oral Examination (300 points)
You will be asked questions on fundamental topics in mechanical engineering.
Recommended areas to study:
- Strength of Materials
- Mechanics and Dynamics of Machines (including vibration)
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mechanism Design
You will also be asked questions about your research proposal.
For reference, past examination questions for the general entrance examination (in Japanese) are available here:
👉 Past Examination Questions (KIT)
Note for Fall Admission (Term II) Applicants
Unlike April admission, Fall admission (Term II) includes a written examination (90 minutes) in addition to the oral examination. You will choose two questions from four fields: Strength of Materials, Kinematics and Dynamics of Mechanical Systems, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics. Due to the higher level of preparation required, April admission is recommended.
Estimated Costs
| Item | Amount (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 30,000 |
| Admission fee | 282,000 |
| Tuition (annual) | 535,800 |
* Fees are subject to change. Please confirm with the latest application guidebook.
A tuition fee exemption system is available. If you wish to apply, you must submit the exemption application together with your admission application documents. See the application guidebook for details.
After Admission: Visa Procedures
After your admission is confirmed and enrollment procedures are completed, KIT will provide instructions on applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once you receive the COE, please apply for your student visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. The COE process typically takes one to two months, so please contact the International Affairs Office promptly after receiving your admission offer.
International Affairs Office, Student Exchange Services:
ses@jim.kit.ac.jp TEL: +81-75-724-7132
Inquiries (KIT Admissions Office)
Graduate Admissions Office
Email: innyushi@kit.ac.jp
TEL: +81-75-724-7162