In short
The University of Tokyo is Japan's premier public research institution, offering a wide range of programs and consistently ranking among the world's top universities. It provides support and scholarships for its approximately 4,000 international students annually.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1877
- Students
- 28,218
- International students
- 4,000
- Acceptance rate
- 33%
- Tuition (intl)
- €5–5k/yr
- Languages
- JA, EN
- Location
- Tokyo, Japan
The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) is Japan's leading public research university, founded in 1877 and consistently ranked among the top 30 universities globally. It comprises ten faculties and 15 graduate schools spread across three campuses — Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa — in metropolitan Tokyo. UTokyo is the primary destination for Japan's top domestic students and attracts around 4,000 international students annually. Its research output spans natural sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and the humanities, with alumni including 10 Nobel laureates and numerous national leaders.
Why study here
- Ranked in the global top 30 (QS 2025), UTokyo is the undisputed No. 1 university in Asia.
- Growing portfolio of English-taught graduate programmes and the PEAK undergraduate curriculum.
- Government MEXT and university scholarships available for international students.
- Located in Tokyo, one of the world's safest and most dynamic global cities.
- Research collaborations with industry giants and cutting-edge national laboratories.
Student life
UTokyo's campuses combine historic architecture with modern research facilities. The leafy Hongo campus hosts most faculties, while Komaba is home to first and second-year undergraduates and the Arts and Sciences curriculum. Student clubs, cultural festivals including the prestigious May Festival (Gogatsusai), and the Komaba Festival draw tens of thousands of visitors each year. Tokyo offers unmatched cultural, culinary, and professional experiences, while the university's International Liaison Office runs robust support services for international students including orientation, housing assistance, and language courses.
Fees
InternationalNational university tuition in Japan is standardised at approximately ¥535,800 per year (~€3,200–€3,500 at recent exchange rates). Enrollment fees of ¥282,000 apply on entry.
HomeJapanese domestic students pay the same standardised national university tuition: ¥535,800 per year.
LivingMonthly living costs in Tokyo are estimated at ¥100,000–¥150,000 (~€600–€950), covering accommodation (university dormitories available), food, and transport.
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship recipients have tuition waived and receive a monthly stipend. UTokyo also offers Graduate Fellowship for Advanced Human Resource Development grants for doctoral students.
Admissions
Undergraduate (domestic)National Center Test (Kyotsu Test) + UTokyo second-stage examinations. Highly competitive.
Undergraduate (international - PEAK)Application via UTokyo's PEAK portal; requires academic transcripts, essays, and English test scores.
GraduateGraduate school-specific entrance examinations and/or document screening; some schools admit via the International Graduate Program (IGP) using English only.
DocumentsTranscripts, degree certificates, research statement, letters of recommendation, and passport.
IELTS AcademicTypically 6.5–7.0 for English-taught graduate programmes
TOEFL iBTTypically 79–100 for English-taught graduate programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 202528
THE World University Rankings 202558
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 202424
University scholarships
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) ScholarshipFull tuition waiver + monthly stipend ~¥117,000–143,000
JASSO Honours Scholarship¥48,000/month
UTokyo Fellowship (doctoral)¥200,000/month stipend for up to 3 years
Accreditation
The University of Tokyo is a national university corporation established under the National University Corporation Act; all degree programmes meet the standards of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Tokyo · Japan
Aristotle's Theory of Akrasia: Understanding the 'Incontinent Person'
This research delves into Aristotle's concept of 'akrasia,' or incontinence, as presented in his Nicomachean Ethics. Akrasia describes the tendency to act against one's better judgment due to desire. The paper aims to interpret Aristotle's arguments on this topic and explore its philosophical significance. The central question is how akratic actions occur, particularly given the assumption that rational agents do not willingly perform actions they know to be bad. Aristotle's approach involves a linguistic analysis of terms like 'knowing' and 'being ignorant' to understand the state of knowledge of an incontinent person at the moment of action. The research distinguishes between different types of incontinent individuals and clarifies the role of desire in temporarily clouding rational judgment. Ultimately, the study argues that Aristotle's focus on the character of the incontinent person, rather than solely on the act itself, offers valuable insights into the 'entrenchment of bad character.' It suggests that repeated actions against one's principles can lead to a loss of self-control, highlighting the importance of consistent virtuous behavior.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Tokyo · Japan
Deep Generative Models Seminar
This is a 10-session, practical seminar focused on "Deep Generative Models," the core technology behind generative AI. The course starts with fundamental knowledge of generative models and progresses to cover various advanced topics, including the latest diffusion models. Each session includes hands-on exercises to deepen understanding through practical application. The content is supervised and developed by the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, which has over 10 years of experience running Data Scientist training and Deep Learning courses, fostering over 55,000 individuals. The seminar is conducted entirely online.
Certificate
Level
Free
Tuition
3 mo
Duration
University of Tokyo · Japan
Department of Multidisciplinary Sciences - Basic Science
The Department of Multidisciplinary Sciences at the University of Tokyo, within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, offers a specialized sub-department in Basic Science. Established in 1994, it integrates research from physics, chemistry, and the history and philosophy of science. The department is structured to foster transdisciplinary research, bridging traditional academic divides. It aims to nurture problem-solvers capable of advancing scientific understanding while considering the symbiotic relationship between science and society. The Basic Science group focuses on natural sciences, covering a broad spectrum from elementary particles to complex systems and material sciences. Concurrently, a group dedicated to the history and philosophy of science examines the societal context of scientific advancements. This interdisciplinary approach encourages mutual interaction and stimulation among researchers, promoting cutting-edge research. The department maintains a close-knit educational and research environment with a favorable student-faculty ratio. It welcomes students with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, or the history and philosophy of science who are eager to gain specialized knowledge and engage in proactive research.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Tokyo · Japan
Electrical Engineering and Information Systems (EEIC)
The Electrical Engineering and Information Systems (EEIC) program at the University of Tokyo offers a Master's degree focusing on advanced studies in electrical engineering, information systems, and related fields. It aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to address complex challenges in technology and society. The program integrates theoretical foundations with cutting-edge research, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in industry, research, and academia. Students will engage with faculty members who are leaders in their respective research areas, contributing to a dynamic learning environment. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and innovative approaches, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging collaboration and exposure to various facets of engineering and information science.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Tokyo · Japan
GCI Basic: Data Science from Scratch
This is a 7-session online course designed for students (from junior high to graduate level) who want to learn data science from the beginning. The curriculum covers fundamental Python programming (4 sessions) and an introduction to data science with practical exercises (3 sessions). You will learn Python syntax, data visualization, and how to build predictive models using multiple regression analysis. The course content is supervised and developed by the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, drawing on over a decade of experience in AI talent development. Lectures are delivered live, followed by hands-on exercises. A basic understanding of high school level mathematics is sufficient.
Certificate
Level
Free
Tuition
2 mo
Duration
University of Tokyo · Japan
Graduate Degree Programs Offered in English
The University of Tokyo offers a variety of graduate degree programs taught entirely in English, catering to international students seeking advanced studies. These programs span diverse fields including engineering, science, medicine, economics, and public policy, providing specialized knowledge and research opportunities. The university aims to foster global leaders and researchers equipped to address complex global challenges. Many programs offer both Master's and Doctoral degrees, with flexible intake periods to accommodate international applicants.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Japan
full fundingNational Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
GRIPS Fully Funded Scholarships (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)
Open to international students applying to GRIPS master's and PhD policy programs taught in English. Master's and five-year PhD applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent; three-year PhD applicants need a master's degree or equivalent. Specific scholarships (MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, JICA, Japan-IMF) each carry their own nationality, age and work-experience conditions tied to the program selected.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNational Institute of Genetics (NIG)
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will obtain it before the start date) and have the research skills to pursue a genetics project. Applicants who were previously enrolled at NIG as postdocs, technical staff or SOKENDAI graduate students are not eligible.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
-27d left
Deadline
living only fundingNishimura Foundation
Nishimura Foundation Japan International Scholarship
Open to Indonesian citizens who are graduates of UGM, ITB, UI or UNAIR and who will apply for S1 (undergraduate), S2 (master's) or S3 (doctoral) study at an eligible Japanese university. Applicants must self-fund their study programme (the scholarship covers living expenses, not tuition), meet the minimum GPA (3.0 for undergraduate, 3.5 for master's), demonstrate financial need, and have or be willing to learn Japanese with an interest in Japanese culture and Indonesia-Japan relations.
living only
Funding
€22k
Max
Dec 10, 2026
Deadline
full fundingOsaka University (funded by MEXT, Japanese Government)
Osaka University MEXT Scholarship for Robotics and Bioengineering
Open to non-Japanese citizens with a strong academic background in a relevant field such as robotics, bioengineering or mechanical science, who meet the MEXT programme conditions, present a focused research proposal, and obtain a supporting supervisor at Osaka University before applying.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term Scholarships)
For young government officials and professionals from partner developing countries who are nominated/selected through their country's JICA programme (such as JDS) to pursue a master's (and some doctoral) degree in Japan. Applicants apply through the in-country JICA/JDS process during the partner country's call.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full fundingKyoto University (funded by the Bai Xian Asia Institute)
Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Kyoto University
Citizens of eligible Asian countries who meet Kyoto University's academic and admission requirements, are committed to completing the two-year programme and participating in AFLSP leadership activities, and are admitted to a qualifying undergraduate programme. Open to students of all academic disciplines.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Apr 10, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Tokyo?
+
The tuition for national universities in Japan, including the University of Tokyo, is standardized at approximately ¥535,800 per year. An enrollment fee of ¥282,000 also applies upon entry.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Tokyo?
+
Monthly living costs in Tokyo are estimated to be between ¥100,000 and ¥150,000. This estimate covers accommodation, food, and transportation, with university dormitories being an option.
Does the University of Tokyo offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the University of Tokyo offers several scholarships for international students. These include the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship, which waives tuition and provides a stipend, and the UTokyo Fellowship for doctoral students.
What are the English language requirements for graduate programs?
+
For English-taught graduate programs, international students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5–7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score between 79–100.
How does the University of Tokyo rank globally?
+
The University of Tokyo is consistently ranked among the top global universities, recently listed at 28th by QS World University Rankings 2025, 58th by THE World University Rankings 2025, and 24th by Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024.
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