AKP is open to college juniors and first-semester seniors who are 18 years or older by their desired term’s application deadline and in good standing at consortium and non-consortium institutions within the US.

Academic Requirements

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 2025 applicant must have a passport that expires no earlier than January 2026.

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.

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 (professors) at your home institution who have taught you in a classroom setting.
• 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