Kyoto Notre Dame Women’s University will stop admissions from 2026, reflecting a larger trend of declining women’s colleges in Japan.
Kyoto, Japan – April 25, 2025
In a surprising announcement, Kyoto Notre Dame Women’s University revealed that it will halt new student admissions from the 2026 academic year. The decision, confirmed during a press conference and official release at 10 a.m. today, marks a significant turning point in the institution’s 64-year history.
A Legacy Institution in Transition
Founded in 1961, Kyoto Notre Dame Women’s University has long stood alongside Kyoto Women’s University and Doshisha Women’s College as one of the top women’s universities in the Kansai region. It has played a vital role in shaping the educational and career paths of women in Japan for over six decades.
Recent Curriculum Reforms Not Enough
In recent years, the university attempted to revamp its offerings:
The Social Information Program was launched in 2023 (set to be renamed in 2025).
A new Women’s Career Design Program is scheduled for 2025.
The Faculty of International Language and Culture was set to be abolished and merged into a reorganized humanities department by 2026.
Despite these changes, falling enrollment numbers and shifting societal trends appear to have forced the institution to reconsider its long-term viability.
The Bigger Picture: Decline of Women’s Universities in Japan
The closure is not an isolated case. In the past decade, six women’s universities in the Kansai region alone have shut down or merged. Japan’s declining birthrate and the growing preference for coeducational institutions have made it difficult for single-gender universities to sustain operations.
This reflects a broader issue within Japan’s higher education system—how to remain relevant and competitive in an era of rapid demographic and cultural change.
What This Means for Students and Parents
Current students will not be affected immediately, and the university has stated that it will ensure existing students are able to graduate. However, prospective students and parents should take note of this development and consider the long-term stability of institutions when planning educational futures.
Conclusion
The decision by Kyoto Notre Dame Women’s University to cease admissions marks the end of an era. As Japan continues to face population challenges, more universities may be forced to adapt or close. This case is a clear example of how even well-established institutions are not immune to these shifts.
