Kyoto University Expected to Receive State Research Aid as Third Recipient

Kyoto University is expected to become the third Japanese institution certified for state aid aimed at producing world-class research, according to a government panel report released by the education ministry on Friday. The education minister is projected to grant the designation as a University for International Research Excellence by the end of summer 2026.

Certification would give the university access to a government-financed ¥10 trillion ($62.2 billion) fund already supporting Tohoku University and the Institute of Science Tokyo.

The panel recommended initial support of ¥20 billion once Kyoto University submits and receives approval for an improvement plan. Certified universities can receive annual subsidies of about ¥10 billion for up to 25 years. ” Kyoto University and the Institute of Science Tokyo were selected as candidates in the second round of screenings.

The main element of Kyoto University’s plan is to replace its system of small, independent research units with a department-based structure to strengthen research capabilities. As of December 2025 the panel found the plan still required refinement but concluded that certification criteria had been met because the implementation schedule was fixed.

The ministry and panel will monitor progress to ensure the plan is carried out.

The panel plans to reach a decision by the end of 2026 on the University of Tokyo, another second-round candidate that has faced bribery and other scandals. A decision on whether to open a third round of screenings will depend in part on the outcome for the University of Tokyo.