International Visiting Scholars

Who are International Visiting Scholars?

The expression “International Visiting Scholar” refers to both non-Japanese and Japanese researchers, with the latter restricted to long-term Japanese national residents of countries overseas, who perform research at Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) with the aim of helping KIT promote international exchange in the field of academic research and who also meet one of the following requirements:

（1）Be subsidized through a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) program.
（2）Be subsidized through a Japan Foundation program.
（3）Be awarded a Follow-up Research Fellowship program offered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO).
（4）Be subsidized through a program of a foreign government, international organization, or other public organization.
（5）Be visiting KIT based on one of KIT’s International Exchange Agreements.
（6）Be otherwise approved by the KIT President to promote KIT international academic exchange.

The acceptance period is one year at a maximum and renewable. International Visiting Scholars can have access to KIT facilities upon receipt of permission from heads of relevant facilities.

(Reference) Kyoto Institute of Technology’s Regulations on the Acceptance of International Visiting Scholars

Procedures required before visiting

Acceptance requests

To request to have a researcher accepted as an International Visiting Scholar or have an acceptance period renewed based on one of the above (1)-(5) reasons stipulated in the Regulations on the Acceptance of International Visiting Scholars, please submit the following items to the International Affairs Office three months in advance of the potential acceptance period starting date (or one month in advance if the potential International Visiting Scholar plans to visit Japan on a short-term stay visa).

1. Application for Kyoto Institute of Technology International Visiting Scholars
2. Documents indicating funding sources for covering travel and living expenses (copies accepted)
3. Copy of his/her passport　*If he/she have already entered Japan and possess a resident card, include a copy of his/her resident card
4. Security Pre-confirmation Check Sheet (Attachment 1-2)　*Please download from the website of the Research Promotion and Industry-University Collaboration Division (for internal use only)

Even if the researcher does not fall under any of the above (1)-(5) descriptions, he/she could still be accepted by becoming recognized by the KIT President as a scholar who can help KIT promote international exchange. To be accepted for this sixth reason, the hosting academic staff must receive advance consent from the President. Therefore, if interested in exploring this possibility, please contact the International Affairs Office as soon as possible and submit the following items four months in advance of the potential acceptance period starting date (or two months in advance if the potential International Visiting Scholar plans to visit Japan on a short-term stay visa).

1. Application for Kyoto Institute of Technology International Visiting Scholars
2. résumé
3. Proof of employment
4. Final degree certificate
5. Copy of his/her passport　*If he/she have already entered Japan and possess a resident card, include a copy of his/her resident card
6. Security Pre-confirmation Check Sheet(Attachment 1-2)　*Please download from the website of the Research Promotion and Industry-University Collaboration Division (for internal use only)
7. Documents proving the source of travel and accommodation expenses　*Only if any part of the expenses are to be paid by someone other than the hosting academic staff
8. References (Certificate regarding the given award, newspaper article containing an evaluation of the researcher, etc.)　*Not required

Change of acceptance

If the need to request change, extension, or cancellation of an acceptance arises, please contact the International Affairs Office as soon as possible since additional procedures will need to be performed.

Obtaining visas

International Visiting Scholars must carry out all procedures relating to their travel by themselves, including obtaining visas, and the hosting academic staff is expected to help them. If an International Visiting Scholar needs a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to obtain his/her visa, the International Affairs Office applies for one at the Immigration Bureau.

Housing & Accommodations

International Visiting Scholars can stay at College House Matsugasaki, KIT International House (Marikoji Kaikan), Villa KIT (Kosen Kaikan) or Gakudo Kaikan (Guesthouse), if rooms are available. KIT can also assist International Visiting Scholars in finding housing. For further details, please see Housing & Accommodations.

Procedures required after arrival

Arrival confirmation

After arriving in Japan to visit KIT, please stop by the International Affairs Office on the starting date of your acceptance period or as soon as possible. A copy of following pages of your passport are taken, and his/her residence card (if he/she has one), and he/she will be asked to sign a pledge regarding security export control.

• The page with your photo
• The page with your landing permission sticker or entry stamp
• The page with your visa (if issued one)

Changing your residence status and extending your period of stay during your visit

Copies of the above pages of your passport are also needed if you change your status of residence or extend your period of stay while visiting KIT as an International Visiting Scholar.

Using the University Library as an International Visiting Scholar

International Visiting Scholars can use the University Library by receiving permission from the Director of University Library. To have a library card issued, please bring a copy of your International Visiting Scholar Acceptance Approval to the library counter and perform necessary procedures.

Guidebook for International Researchers