How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Academic TermTerm DatesApplication Deadline
Full Year 2024-2025August 2024 – April 2025February 12, 2024 (Monday)
Fall 2024August 2024 – December 2024February 12, 2024 (Monday)
Spring 2025 (Early Decision)January 2025 – April 2025February 12, 2024 (Monday)
Spring 2025 (Regular Decision)January 2025 – April 2025September 16, 2024 (Monday)

Application Process

Eligibility

AKP is open to college juniors and first-semester seniors in good standing at consortium and non-consortium institutions within the US.

Academic Requirements

  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Average Japanese GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Applicants for the Fall 2024 and 2024-2025 full-year programs must have at least one year of Japanese language study at their home institution by June 2024. Applicants for the Spring 2025 program must have at least three semesters of Japanese language study at their home institution by December 2024.

If one or more of the above requirements are not met, applicants should send an email to AKP to discuss their situation.

Applicants are also encouraged, when possible, to prepare for their experience by taking one or more Japan-related classes (other than Japanese language) at their home institution prior to departure.

Passport Requirements

Applicants must have a passport that will remain valid through the end of the program period they are applying to. For example, a Fall 2024 applicant must have a passport that expires no earlier than January 2025.

Completing Your Application

  1. Click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
  2. Click “sign up” to create an account for AKP’s application portal.
  3. Log in to the portal.
  4. Find “Associated Kyoto Program” under the Programs tab. On the next page, click “Apply now” to start your application.
  5. Gather and submit your application materials. 
  6. Once you turn in all materials and all recommendation letters are received, AKP will reach out to schedule an interview between you and an AKP staff member.
What to Submit

The items mentioned below as well as additional instructions are available after creating an application on the AKP application portal.

 

Personal Statement/Essay

 

Questionnaires

  • Academic Information
  • Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience
  • Passport Information for Visa Application

Letters of Recommendation

  • 2 academic letters of recommendation from faculty members at your home institution.
  • 1 Japanese language recommendation/assessment from your most recent Japanese language instructor. May be written in either English or Japanese. (Note: this must be a different faculty member from the 2 providing academic recommendations)

Other Materials

  • Home Institution Approval Form
  • Family Photo
  • Letter Addressed to Host Family
  • Official Transcript 

Fees and Enrollment

  • Application Fees

    All applicants must submit an application fee. This fee is $25 for consortium students or $50 for non-consortium students.

  • Comprehensive Program Fee

    For students from consortium member colleges, the program fee is covered by their home institution’s comprehensive fee. Exact charges and billing procedures depend on each consortium institution’s policies and may include an off-campus study fee separate from the program fee. Students should consult with their study abroad office for further details. For students from non-consortium institutions, the program fee is $36,000 per semester. Please refer to Costs and Financial Aid for further information.

  • Enrollment and Academic Standing

    Enrollment is contingent upon the applicant’s maintenance of good academic standing.