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JAPAN · TSUKUBA

University of Tsukuba

public · Founded 1872 · Languages: Japanese, English

In short

The University of Tsukuba is a leading national research university in Japan's science and technology hub, offering English-taught programs with affordable tuition and living costs. It provides a vibrant campus life and is conveniently located near Tokyo.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1872
Students: 16,507
International students: 2,600
Acceptance rate: 40%
Tuition (intl): €3–3k/yr
Languages: JAPANESE, ENGLISH
Location: Tsukuba, Japan

The University of Tsukuba is Japan's pioneering national research university, established in 1872 and restructured in 1973 to foster interdisciplinary inquiry in Tsukuba Science City, 60 km from Tokyo. It brings together colleges of humanities, science, engineering, medicine, and physical education under one campus, sharing resources with more than 200 surrounding research institutes. The university actively recruits international students through English-taught degrees and exchange partnerships with over 300 universities worldwide. Alumni include Nobel laureates and Olympic medallists, and the institution consistently ranks among Japan's top national universities.

Why study here

Access cutting-edge labs and institutes in Tsukuba Science City, Japan's largest concentration of public and private R&D organisations.
Choose from a growing portfolio of fully English-taught undergraduate and graduate programmes across science, engineering, and social sciences.
Benefit from annual tuition significantly lower than most global research universities, with MEXT scholarship opportunities available.
Reach central Tokyo in 45 minutes via the Tsukuba Express, combining a safe, affordable campus city with Japan's capital for internships and culture.
Join a multilingual campus community where roughly 1 in 6 students is international, supported by dedicated visa, housing, and counselling services.

Student life

The University of Tsukuba offers a vibrant campus life in a rich natural environment. The university provides various student support services including accommodation, catering, and health services. International students benefit from dedicated support for visa, registration, scholarship information, living assistance, multilingual counselling, career services, and Japanese language and cultural training. Students can engage in numerous activities, including competitive sports and research collaborations, contributing to a dynamic and diverse community.

Fees

InternationalAnnual tuition for undergraduate and graduate students is approximately EUR 4,500 (around JPY 535,800). A one-time admission fee of approximately EUR 1,700 is payable at enrolment. MEXT scholarship holders are fully exempt from all fees.

HomeDomestic students pay the same standard national university tuition of JPY 535,800 per year.

LivingEstimated monthly living costs in Tsukuba are EUR 420-600, well below Tokyo rates. On-campus dormitory rooms are available from around EUR 90/month.

Tuition is paid semi-annually in May and November. Figures are subject to annual revision by MEXT.

Admissions

Undergraduate (EJU route)Pass the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) plus the university's own entrance examination.

Graduate schoolHold or expect a bachelor's degree. Some backgrounds require a pre-screening eligibility check before the formal application.

Research studentContact a prospective supervisor directly before applying as a non-degree research student.

TOEFL iBT72+ (programme-dependent)

IELTS Academic6.0+

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2024350

THE World University Rankings 2024601-800

National ranking JapanTop 12 national universities

University scholarships

MEXT (Monbukagakusho) ScholarshipFull tuition waiver plus JPY 117,000-145,000/month stipend

University of Tsukuba International Student ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction, competitive selection

JASSO Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International StudentsJPY 48,000/month

Accreditation

The University of Tsukuba is a National University Corporation accredited by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE) under Japan's Ministry of Education (MEXT).

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Tsukuba · Japan

Degree Programs in Education, College of Education

The College of Education at the University of Tsukuba offers comprehensive undergraduate programs focused on learning and education within broader societal contexts. The curriculum integrates theory and practice, examining educational issues from individual to international levels through an interdisciplinary lens. Students gain a deep understanding of social and cultural aspects of education, preparing them to become specialists in addressing diverse educational challenges.

University of Tsukuba · Japan

Doctoral Program in Education

The Doctoral Program in Education at the University of Tsukuba is designed for individuals aspiring to become professors and researchers in various fields of education sciences. It builds upon Japan's long-standing tradition in educational research since 1872, addressing contemporary educational challenges within a global context. The program comprises 17 academic fields, offering specialized doctoral thesis guidance through a collaborative system that respects individual expertise. Students benefit from opportunities for research exchange with distinguished scholars and academic organizations across Japan. The program aims to equip students with the skills to critically analyze and solve complex educational issues through advanced research and study.

University of Tsukuba · Japan

Master’s Program in Education - Subprogram in International Education

The Master’s Program in Education at the University of Tsukuba offers a Subprogram in International Education, designed for students who wish to study in English. This program aims to cultivate highly professional researchers, administrators, and practitioners in various fields of education with an international focus. The curriculum requires students to earn a minimum of 30 credits over at least two years of study. This includes foundational courses in graduate studies and specialized subjects within the major. Students must also complete a master's thesis or a report on practical research, followed by an assessment and final examination. Exceptionally, students with outstanding academic performance may be eligible to complete the program in one year. This subprogram provides pathways to advanced academic careers and professional roles in international education settings.

Scholarships

for Japan

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full funding

National 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.

National 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.

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.

Osaka 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.

Japan 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.

Kyoto 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Tsukuba?

Annual tuition for international undergraduate and graduate students is approximately EUR 4,500 (around JPY 535,800). There is also a one-time admission fee of approximately EUR 1,700. MEXT scholarship holders are exempt from all fees.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Tsukuba?

Estimated monthly living costs in Tsukuba are EUR 420-600. On-campus dormitory rooms are available from around EUR 90 per month, making it more affordable than Tokyo.

Does the University of Tsukuba offer English-taught programs?

Yes, the University of Tsukuba actively recruits international students and offers a growing portfolio of fully English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields.

What are the English proficiency requirements for admission?

For English-taught programs, applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 72+ or an IELTS Academic score of 6.0+, though requirements can be programme-dependent.

What scholarship opportunities are available for international students?

The university offers several scholarships, including the MEXT Scholarship (full tuition waiver and stipend), the University of Tsukuba International Student Scholarship (partial tuition reduction), and the JASSO Honors Scholarship for privately-financed students.

How far is the University of Tsukuba from Tokyo?

The University of Tsukuba is located in Tsukuba Science City, approximately 60 km from central Tokyo. It is accessible via the Tsukuba Express, with travel time to central Tokyo around 45 minutes.

Last updated 30 June 2026