The University of Tokyo

About the The University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo, founded in 1877, is Japan’s leading institution for higher education and research. Renowned for its academic excellence and contributions to science, Todai is committed to advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges. With a diverse community of students and scholars, we provide a dynamic academic environment in Tokyo, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Join us to explore your potential and make a lasting impact on the world.

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A brief history

The University of Tokyo, situated in Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan, is a public research institution with its roots dating back to 1877. It holds the distinction of being Japan’s first Imperial University. Its foundation resulted from the amalgamation of Tokyo Kaisei School and Tokyo Medical School, giving rise to faculties encompassing law, science, letters, medicine, and a university preparatory division. Over time, the University of Tokyo embarked on a journey of consolidation, incorporating various specialized schools like the Imperial College of Engineering and Tokyo School of Agriculture and Forestry. This transformative process propelled it into the status of a comprehensive research university. Throughout its history, the university underwent several name changes, and following the integration of all national universities in 2004, it became officially known as the National University Corporation, the University of Tokyo.

General information

The University of Tokyo encompasses 10 faculties, 15 graduate schools, 11 affiliated research institutes, four University Joint Education and Research Institutes, three Institutes for Advanced Study, four Interdisciplinary Research Institutes, three National Joint-Use Institutes, and a roster of over 40 Collaborative Research Organizations. Its academic divisions encompass agriculture, economics, education, engineering, law, letters, medicine, pharmacology, and science. Additionally, the university hosts a college of arts and sciences as well as a graduate school. The institution is also home to specialized institutes dedicated to the study of fields like molecular and cellular biology, earthquakes, nuclear studies, solid-state physics, cosmic radiation, and more. The University of Tokyo boasts an impressive network of international partnerships, boasting over 450 exchange agreements with universities spanning the globe. Throughout its history, the university has been instrumental in nurturing prominent Japanese political figures, including multiple prime ministers. It holds the distinction of being regarded as Japan’s most prestigious and highly selective educational institution.

Quick facts about Kyoto

  • Established in 1877 as Japan’s first national university.
  • Previously named Imperial University in 1866.
  • Receives the largest national grants for research institutions in Japan.
  • Has 46 varsity sports teams.
  • Birthplace of Japanese baseball and maintains a close relationship with sports.
  • Ranked 19th in the world in the 2023 EduRank.
  • Ranked 27th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
  • In 2019, ranked 26th among the world’s best universities and 1st in Asia and Japan according to the Top 500 Global Universities.
  • Holds 9th and 11th ranks for Natural Sciences and Engineering respectively in the QS World University Rankings.
  • Regional Rankings: Ranked 2nd in Japan in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
  • Other Achievements: Boasts eight Nobel Prize winners, 15 Japanese prime ministers, and five astronauts among its alumni

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FAQs

The University of Tokyo provides undergraduate programs in both English and Japanese. To find specific program details and admission requirements, refer to the PEAK and GSC programs for English courses and the Faculty pages for Japanese programs.

The University of Tokyo provides a range of housing options, including dormitories and off-campus apartments.

Dormitories
The University of Tokyo extends various dormitory options to students, including the International Lodge, Komaba Lodge, and Kashiwa Lodge.

  • The International Lodge caters exclusively to international students, presenting both single and twin room choices. Monthly rent varies from 30,000 to 50,000 JPY based on room type.
  • The Komaba Lodge and Kashiwa Lodge are open to both domestic and international students. They offer single and twin rooms with monthly rent ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 JPY, determined by room type.

Off-Campus Apartments

For students who seek independent living, the University of Tokyo provides details about off-campus apartments. Monthly rent for these apartments can fluctuate based on factors like location, size, and condition of the unit.
The university advises students to allocate around 50,000 to 100,000 JPY monthly for off-campus housing expenses.

  • University of Tokyo Special Scholarship for International Students (University of Tokyo Fellowship)This scholarship is specifically for international students enrolled in a degree program at the University of Tokyo. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
  • University Scholarship for PEAK StudentsThis scholarship is available for international students enrolled in the PEAK program at the University of Tokyo.It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses.The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
  • Scholarships Offered by Private OrganizationsThere are approximately 80 private organizations that offer scholarships throughout the year.These scholarships may have different eligibility criteria and application processes.Students can check the university’s website for more information on these scholarships.

The cost of living in Tokyo varies based on factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. A rough estimate is around 150,000 to 200,000 JPY per month.

Absolutely, the University of Tokyo offers support services for international students. This includes orientation programs, academic guidance, counseling, and help with visa-related matters through the International Student Support Office.

Yes, the University of Tokyo offers undergraduate English programs through the PEAK and GSC initiatives, tailored for international students seeking English-language education.

International applicants need a Certificate of Eligibility and a College Student visa. Proof of financial support during the stay might also be necessary. Refer to the university’s website or the International Student Support Office for precise details.

Yes, students with a valid College Student visa can work part-time in Japan, adhering to specific regulations. Refer to the university’s guidelines and the Immigration Bureau of Japan for details.

Yes, the University of Tokyo offers exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide, enabling students to study abroad and gain exposure to different academic and cultural environments.

Non-Japanese applicants to the Graduate School of Science must fulfill specific qualifications, such as completing 16 years of education abroad or receiving approval from the Graduate School of Science for equivalency to a college graduate. Additional requirements may apply to certain programs or scholarship applications.

Popular Courses

English Language

Forming a part of the Foreign Language (Kishu) foundation course, this aims to enhance students’ English language skills.

International Relations

As a component of the Area Studies course, this delves into the analysis of international relations between nations.

Comparative Culture

Integrated within the Culture and Representation course, this investigates cultural similarities and distinctions.

Zoological Science

A segment of the Life Sciences course, this comprehensively covers animal study and behavior analysis.

Socio-information and Communication Studies

Within the Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, this concentrates on social and communication system research.

British Studies

Aligned with the Sub-Department of Area Studies, this focuses on British culture, history, and society exploration.

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Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum IB score of 37

For students interested in courses taught in English:

  • Language Proficiency Tests: A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90, IELTS overall band score of 6.5, or Cambridge English Qualifications “C1 Advanced” are required. TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, and IELTS Online are acceptable. TOEFL iBT “MyBest scores” are not accepted. Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores remain valid within two years of the USTEP application deadline.
  • University/High School Medium of Instruction: Alternatively, applicants can fulfill the requirement by attending a university or graduating from a high school where the primary language of instruction is English. For such cases, certification affirming that the degree program is taught entirely in English is needed. This step applies unless the applicant studies at a university in an English-speaking country or is a native speaker of the language (defined here as someone who graduated from an English-medium high school).

For students aiming to take courses in Japanese:

  • Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): A JLPT Level N1 is necessary.
  • High School Medium of Instruction: An alternative way to satisfy this requirement is by graduating from a high school where the primary language of instruction is Japanese.
  • For students who graduated from high schools in Japan (General Screening Test), a high level of proficiency in Japanese is required upon enrollment.
  • For students who graduated from high schools abroad (Special Screening Tests), a high level of proficiency in Japanese is also required upon enrollment.
  • No prior knowledge of Japanese is required for the Programs in English at Komaba Campus (PEAK) .
  • For the Type U program, which is designed for undergraduate exchange students, students must be able to provide an official proof that they will have a minimum of 120,000 JPY per month
  • In addition to the above requirements, international students must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility and a College Student visa to study at the University of Tokyo. To obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, students must provide an official proof that they will have a minimum of 120,000 JPY per month during their stay

Fee Structure

  • Admission fee: ¥84,600 (for the 2023 school year)
  • Tuition fee: ¥535,800 per year (for the 2023 school year)
  • Examination fee: ¥9,800
  • Application fee: ¥17,000

Admission Deadlines

  • Application submission for Masters and Doctoral programs summer examination: 9th June 2022
  • Application submission for Masters and Doctoral programs winter examination: 22nd November 2022
  • Entrance examination briefing; 21st May 2022
  • Application for Undergraduate program: Late December

Notable alumni

Masatoshi Koshiba was a Japanese physicist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2002 for his work in neutrino astronomy. He graduated from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, the University of Tokyo, and went on to graduate school. He continued his studies at the University of Rochester in the United States, where he set a record as the student who earned a doctoral degree in the shortest period of time.
Masatoshi Koshiba
Masatoshi Koshiba
Yoichiro Nambu was a Japanese-American physicist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008 for his work on the spontaneous breaking of symmetry in subatomic physics. He was born in Tokyo and completed his primary and secondary education at Fukui City Shimpo Elementary School, Fukui Junior High School, and First Higher School (now the University of Fukui). He graduated from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, the University of Tokyo, and went on to the graduate school
Yoichiro Nambu
Yoichiro Nambu

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