Tokyo is a city that needs little to no introduction. The vibrant city and nightlife attract an international crowd.
Tokyo is often the first choice for foreign students and residents when moving to Japan. The lifestyle and convenience of the city often attract foreign audiences from around the world, making it one of the busiest hubs in Japan. The streets and food attract many.
When it comes to universities in Tokyo, the University of Tokyo is no stranger to the list. In fact, it is ranked as one of the best universities in Tokyo. Its highly recognized name is known around the world.
You can also compare the acceptance rates of other well-known and prestigious Japanese universities in Tokyo such as the Waseda University, Keio University and others. Please see our recommendations below:
Read also:
The Acceptance Rate of Sophia University
The Acceptance Rate of Keio University
10 Most Popular International Universities in Tokyo
Contents
A Brief Introduction about Tokyo University
Ranked as one of the top universities in Japan with a reputation for low and hard to get in acceptance rates among universities in Japan, is Tokyo University. It has a rather strong and reputable reputation, making it one of the universities known to have a rather strict acceptance rate.
Located in the heart of Tokyo, founded back in imperial times (year 1877) with more than 100 years of history, this prestigious, world-renowned university is home to many international and domestic students.
Now to the main question: how do you get into Tokyo University?
The Admission Programs in Tokyo University
The Undergraduate Programs held in English
Tokyo University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, especially in English. Please look at the following lists:
(1) Programs in English at Komaba (PEAK)
The PEAK program is taught entirely in English and is an initiative of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prospective students can choose from two programmes, the “International Programme on Japan in East Asia” and the “International Programme on Environmental Sciences”. These programmes are open to students who have completed their secondary education in a language other than Japanese.
Prospective students spend the first two years studying liberal arts and then move on to two years of specialised study (Japan in East Asia or Environmental Sciences) in the Senior Division.
This programme is ideal for students with little or no Japanese background who wish to study at the University of Tokyo.
(2) Global Science Course (GSC)
The other English option would be the Global Science Course, which is an all-English undergraduate transfer programme. Prospective students would have completed 2 years of undergraduate studies at their local university and would then be admitted to their 3rd year in the Faculty of Science. Students will then be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tokyo.
(3) Non-English Undergraduate courses
There are a total of 10 faculties at the University of Tokyo for prospective students to choose from. For more information on these courses, please click on the link below:
The Graduate Programs
The University of Tokyo also offers a wide range of graduate programmes in English for prospective students. The University of Tokyo has a total of 15 graduate schools for prospective students to choose from, ranging from law and politics to mathematical sciences.
Student Exchange Programs
Are you thinking of spending a year or less studying abroad in Tokyo? The University-wide Student Exchange Programme (USTEP) is a great way to experience life in Japan.
The University of Tokyo accepts exchange students from partner universities. Depending on the partnership agreement with your home university, an exchange programme may be set up in your faculty so that you can enjoy studying in Tokyo and transfer credits to complete your degree.
For more information, check below to see if your home university is on the list.
How to Get into the University of Tokyo?
Undergraduate programs in English
(1) PEAK Program
The PEAK admissions process begins in late November or late December. The first screening of submitted documents (e.g. transcripts, official examination, etc.) takes place in January. The second screening takes place in February or early March. Admission decisions are made in April, with admissions starting in September.
(2) GSC
Applications are accepted from January to March. Similar to the PEAK process, there is a first screening and a second screening, with admission decisions made in May. Admissions begin in October.
Non-English Undergraduate Courses
Applications begin in mid-March. The first screening consists of a review of Grades, EJU, TOEFL/IELTS, Statement of Purpose and scores from the applicant’s home country (optional).
The second screening is divided into two parts: written tests in February and interviews in March. Admission decisions are made in March, and admission to the University of Tokyo takes place in April.
Graduate programs
Each postgraduate school has its own independent entrance exam, which is usually held between June and December, depending on the school.
Student Exchange Programs
Please contact your home university to find out how to apply for the Student Exchange Programme.
The Acceptance Rate of Tokyo University
As mentioned above, the University of Tokyo is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. The acceptance rate may seem low and difficult to achieve, but in general the acceptance rate for the University of Tokyo is around 25%.
The University of Tokyo does not disclose its acceptance rates, and the 25% figure is a vague understanding and guideline for prospective international students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of Tokyo. The acceptance rate also varies depending on the faculty and programme you wish to pursue.
Despite the seemingly low acceptance rate, there are still a number of international students from all over the world such as Singapore, China, America and others currently studying at this university.
Acceptance to the University of Tokyo still depends on the overall quality of the applicant. Each applicant’s situation is different and it is not just about getting good grades.
Tuition Fees at Tokyo University
Admission to the University of Tokyo requires an examination fee of approximately ¥17,000 (one-time fee). The annual tuition fee for an undergraduate programme is approximately ¥535,800 per year, paid in two instalments during the academic year.
In addition, the tuition fee for a graduate student is the same as for an undergraduate, with a slightly higher examination fee of ¥30,000. For a university located within the University of Tokyo, the tuition and admission fees are similar to Osaka University and not too exorbitant.
The University of Tokyo is famous for accepting MEXT scholarship students. If tuition fees are an issue, there is the government intuition of the MEXT scholarship that may be an area of interest and exploration.
Cost of living at Tokyo University
According to our experience, living in Tokyo is quite expensive compared to other cities in Japan.
The University of Tokyo provides housing assistance and halls of residence for its domestic and international students travelling from overseas. Private accommodation is also available for prospective students.
Applicants can apply through the school’s website. This option definitely helps to eliminate any stress for prospective students looking for accommodation before their visit to Tokyo.
The average cost of living for international students in Tokyo is estimated to be around ¥138,000 (excluding tuition fees). This is a steep increase indeed. If budget is an issue, students on student visas are allowed to work part-time (no more than 28 hours per week).
Student Support at Tokyo University
The University of Tokyo also offers Japanese language courses for students. Not only that, but the university also has an on-campus service for international students to help them settle into their new life here in Tokyo. It can be scary to move to a new country with a completely different lifestyle and culture, but don’t worry, the university’s student support services can be a great help.
Summary
This is the end of our discussion on the acceptance rate of Tokyo University and all the information related to the cost of living at Tokyo University that is very important for you to know. Now, let’s review our topic with some points below!
- The acceptance rate at the University of Tokyo is around 25%, which can be quite intimidating.
- A prestigious and world-renowned university in Japan has high expectations of prospective students. Admission is based on the overall quality of the applicant, not just grades.
- There are two English Programs as the options for international students studying at the University of Tokyo.
- The cost of living in Tokyo can be quite high, but there are student support services provided by the university. It may seem intimidating, but there are quite a few international students currently studying at the University of Tokyo.
- It is not impossible to get into the University of Tokyo.
- Graduate from one of the most prestigious universities in Japan and Tokyo! Open the door to unlimited opportunities.
- Student exchange programs are available for students to experience life in Tokyo. Meet international students from around the world at the University of Tokyo and share your culture with them.
- A great way to get to know Japan and experience the fun and exciting cultures that Tokyo has to offer.
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