University of Tokyo

Studying in the capital of one of the main developed countries in the world is a unique opportunity. Tokyo’s economy moves quickly, which will give you the opportunity to learn how to navigate such an up-to-date country.

The University of Tokyo is a public university , so its costs are not that high compared to private institutions. Annual tuition at this university is usually around $4,874 USD . While the costs of accommodation, depending on the area and the type of housing, vary between $612 and $1,392 USD per month.

The cost of living in Tokyo is one of the highest in the country, in fact it is the 3rd most expensive in all of Japan. The annual cost of food reaches $3,600 USD, while transportation costs, only in public transportation, can be around $970 USD per year.

How to study at the University of Tokyo? What do you need?

UTokyo receives a large number of students from all over the world every year. It offers different programs that are adapted to each type of applicant.

The University of Tokyo has the Komaba program that offers classes completely and English, as well as two types of admission for classes taught in Japanese: for students with Japanese nationality, and foreign students who are fluent in the language.

Undergraduate programs are characterized by being divided into two parts. The first two years students are in the Junior Division , where they devote themselves to the study of the liberal arts and acquire the fundamental skills necessary for the next stage, and the Senior Division , where they specialize in their chosen area.

However, you should keep in mind that an undergraduate degree in Japan lasts 3 to 4 years depending on the specialty and postgraduate studies 2 years.

Requirements to study at the University of Tokyo as a foreign student

In order to complete the registration process at UTokyo you must meet the following requirements:

• Online application. You must fill out the online application that you find on the university website .
• Ratings. Attach proof of high school grades earned.
• Statement of purpose. It is a letter where you explain why you want to study at this university and what career you would like to pursue.
• Language test. You must attach your TOEFL or IELTS test result. There is no minimum score required.
• Admission Test. The EJU is the Japanese university entrance exam for international students.

How to apply for the University of Tokyo?

In order to be accepted into the University of Tokyo you must complete the following steps:

1. Application. The first part of the process is carried out between the months of October and November, where the online application is filled out and the requested requirements are sent.
2. Rehearsal. The next step is to attach a short written essay. This takes place in the month of February.
3. Interview. The last step before being accepted is to go to an interview that usually happens in March.
4. Decision . The response from the admissions office will be approximately at the end of March.

Tips for Studying at the University of Tokyo

1. Improve your knowledge of the language. Even if you’re already fluent in Japanese, if it’s not your native language, one of the best tips is to keep practicing and constantly improving it, whether formally or informally. Since this will give you greater opportunities in the country.
2. Experience the culture. Studying in a country as culturally rich as Japan, you should make sure that you get to know and experience its customs as closely as possible. It is an opportunity that you certainly cannot miss.
3. Take care of the time lapses. Something that will be very useful to you is to always keep in mind the time frames for the admission process, registrations, deliveries, and all the academic commitments that you must fulfill. This will help you not to fall behind and prevent you from missing out on important opportunities.
4. Take extra classes. One of the best parts of studying at university is being able to take extra classes that allow you to develop your skills and potential in your area of study, as well as join sports or artistic clubs.

What can you study at the University of Tokyo?

At the University of Tokyo the educational quality is superior. You will be able to find a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees and courses in more than 9 different areas of study .

Study at the University of Tokyo – What you need to know

The University of Tokyo is a university recognized worldwide for its excellence and quality. The professionals who are dedicated to teaching at this prestigious institution are carefully selected to guarantee an optimal education.

The facilities that make up the UTokyo are modern and perfectly constituted, to offer students and teachers a comfortable space equipped with all the necessary implements and tools for each of the study areas available.

The University of Tokyo has a housing and residence service for students, it has an office that is in charge of offering different accommodation options near the campus where they study to students who request it, applications for these residences are open twice a year.

Can you work while studying?

The University of Tokyo does not offer its students a job bank or the opportunity to have jobs within the institution while they are still studying. However, the country gives everyone who has a student visa the opportunity to get a part-time job.

It is important that the student master the language perfectly in order to obtain a job while studying, in addition to taking care to always comply with the activities that the university demands on the established date.

Studying and working at the same time is a possibility in Japan , however it is the student’s full responsibility to distribute their time between both commitments. If you want more information about the permits granted by the student visa in Japan, you can visit this article .

Learn Japanese at the University of Tokyo

Fluency in Japanese is required for admission to the University of Tokyo (except for students applying through the English-only programs), so the university does not offer any stand-alone programs that teach only the Japanese language, neither is Japanese as a foreign language.

However, thinking of all the foreign students who enter UTokyo every year, around 10 different Japanese courses are offered . The various courses focus on improving students’ language proficiency skills depending on their chosen area of study.

The courses are available to any student who has passed the admission process at the University of Tokyo, free of charge, however each student must purchase their necessary textbooks and materials.

There are different modalities, either a general course, an intensive Japanese course, or a short-term Japanese course . It is important to note that you can take any of the available Japanese courses.

How to go on an academic exchange to the University of Tokyo?

The University of Tokyo has an academic exchange program that allows students from other universities to come and study one or two semesters at this institution. It is important that your home university is associated with UTokyo through the exchange MOU in order to be eligible.

You can attend as an exchange student either through the G-type program, which is for graduates, or the U-type program, for university students. It is important that you have completed at least 1.5 years at your home university in order to apply to the exchange program.

Requirements

• Application. Online application form.
• Form. You must attach a consent form with your signature and the date.
• Passport data. It is important that you provide the passport information, and that it is valid until the end of the period of time that you will spend in UTokyo.
• Language. Proof of proficiency in the language in which you will take the course, either English or Japanese, must be submitted. In English, a minimum score of 90 is accepted on the TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS. In Japanese an N1 level of the JLPT.
• Photo. An ID photo taken within the last 6 months.
• Reference. Exchange coordinators must send a reference letter written by a professor of the specialty of the applied student.
• Academic record. Exchange coordinators must also attach the student’s transcript reflecting all grades from each college or university the student has attended.

It is important to consider that all these documents must be sent in Japanese or English.

Scholarships and Grants offered by the University of Tokyo

At the University of Tokyo, various grants and scholarships are awarded to students, particularly foreigners. Many of the scholarships are offered by external organizations, but there are some that are awarded directly by UTokyo.

Depending on the type of scholarship, there are some that must be applied for before arriving in Tokyo , while there are others that can be applied for while in Japan. Some of the most requested scholarships are:

• Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship. It is a government program in which international students are awarded a scholarship to study at UTokyo.
• University of Tokyo Fellowship. This scholarship is intended for postgraduate students who show a high level of performance in their studies.
• University of Tokyo Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to the most outstanding students, and covers 100% of the admission and registration costs, as well as a monthly contribution for maintenance.

Campus

The University of Tokyo is made up of three main campuses : Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa.

Facilities and Extra Academic Offer

The University of Tokyo stands out for offering students and visitors a modern infrastructure , which in turn adds traditional touches with different cultural elements that are typical of the region, and creates a very interesting and innovative contrast.

You can see different very well organized spaces , and whose marked purposes are fully fulfilled. From fields, cafeterias, large parking lots, impressive halls and laboratories, the structures are worthy of admiration, which makes it a pleasure to live in these spaces.

Libraries and digital classrooms

• UTokyo Repository.
• Ask to free.
• University of Tokyo Library System.
• MyOpac.
• Literacy.

Laboratories

• Ishikawa Group Laboratory.
• Shinoda & Makino Lab.
• International Project Laboratory.
• Tsukada Laboratory.
• Mizushima Laboratory.
• Chembio UTokyo.

Sports facilities

• Gotenshita Memorial Arena.
• Kemigawa Athletic Grounds and Kemigawa Seminar House.
• Health and Athletic Accommodations (Sportia).

Cafes and recreation centers

• Shiru Cafe.
• MLB Cafe Tokyo Dome City.
• Fungus Campus Cafeteria #2.
• Wired Cafe Atre Ueno Store.
• REC Coffee Suidobashi.
• Pokemon Cafe.
• ROCKET e-café.
• BANH MÍ XIN CHÁO Cafe Asakusa.

If after reading the entire article you dare to carry out your application process for the University of Tokyo, here at EstudiarEn you will find a team of experts who can help you, guide you and advise you at each step so that you can make the most of your studies.

University of Tokyo Photos