Applying To Tokyo University: A Guide For International Students

If you're an international student hoping to attend Tokyo University, you'll need to take a Special Screening Test to prove your proficiency in Japanese as most undergraduate programs are taught in the language. This test is for students without Japanese nationality or permanent residency who have graduated from high schools outside of Japan. Once you've passed the test, you can proceed to the Senior Division faculty and department of your choice, as long as you meet the requirements of the Junior Division.

Screening tests: There are two types, the General Screening Test and the Special Screening Test

The University of Tokyo, Japan's oldest national university, offers a variety of programs for international students. The undergraduate admissions process has two types of screening tests: the General Screening Test and the Special Screening Test.

The General Screening Test is for students who graduated from high schools in Japan. The test is designed to assess the student's suitability for the university's traditional undergraduate programs, which are mostly taught in Japanese. Therefore, a high level of proficiency in the language is required for enrollment.

The Special Screening Test is for international students who graduated from high schools outside of Japan. This test is specifically for non-Japanese nationals without permanent residency in Japan. Similar to the General Screening Test, students who pass the Special Screening Test will proceed to the Senior Division faculty and department indicated on their university application form, provided they fulfill the requirements of the Junior Division. A high level of proficiency in Japanese is also required for enrollment in the traditional undergraduate programs.

The University of Tokyo also offers undergraduate programs taught in English, such as the Programs in English at Komaba (PEAK) and the Global Science Course (GSC). International students applying to these programs must meet certain admission requirements, including submitting official transcripts, meeting English language proficiency requirements, and providing letters of recommendation.

In addition to the undergraduate admissions process, the University of Tokyo has a separate admissions process for graduate programs. The Graduate School of Science, for example, conducts individual entrance screenings to assess applicants' academic qualifications. International applicants for graduate programs must also undergo pre-enrollment security screenings in accordance with Japan's "Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act."

Language requirements: A high level of proficiency in Japanese is required to enrol

As the majority of undergraduate courses at Tokyo University are taught in Japanese, a high level of proficiency in the language is required to enrol. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the standard way to demonstrate your language ability. The test is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan, and overseas by the Japan Foundation.

The JLPT is offered in five levels, with N1 being the highest level of proficiency and N5 the lowest. To enrol at Tokyo University, you will likely need to achieve at least an N1 or N2 level, demonstrating advanced proficiency in Japanese. N1 represents "the ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances", while N2 indicates a person can understand Japanese used in everyday situations and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.

The test covers three main sections: "Characters and Vocabulary", "Listening Comprehension", and "Reading Comprehension and Grammar". It measures comprehensive Japanese language communicative competence, focusing on both language knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge in practical, everyday tasks. While there is no specific speaking or writing component, the test does assess your ability to use the language in real-world contexts.

The exam consists of kanji lists, expression lists, vocabulary lists, and grammar lists. While there is no official study guide, these lists can serve as a reference for your preparation. The Japan Foundation does not provide an official comparison table between the JLPT and other language exams, but textbooks and university-level courses often use a table to compare JLPT results with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. From December 2025, JLPT score reports will include an official indication of corresponding CEFR levels.

Eligibility: Non-Japanese nationals without permanent residency in Japan can apply through the Special Screening Test

To be eligible for admission to Tokyo University as an international student without permanent residency in Japan, you must apply through the Special Screening Test (Class-1). This test is designed for non-Japanese nationals who graduated from high schools outside of Japan.

The Special Screening Test is one of two admission pathways for undergraduate programs at Tokyo University, with the other being the General Screening Test, which is for students who graduated from high school in Japan. The Special Screening Test allows admitted students to proceed to the Senior Division faculty and department they indicated in their university application, provided they fulfill the requirements of the Junior Division.

As the majority of courses in the traditional undergraduate programs at Tokyo University are taught in Japanese, a high level of proficiency in the language is required upon enrollment. This means that applicants through the Special Screening Test must demonstrate strong Japanese language skills as part of their application.

It is important to note that the Special Screening Test is a highly competitive entrance examination. Applicants are expected to have excellent academic credentials and meet the specific requirements of their chosen faculty and department. These requirements may include additional tests or interviews, so it is essential to review the application guidelines provided by Tokyo University carefully.

Application process: Applicants indicate their preferred faculty and department, provided they fulfil the requirements

The University of Tokyo offers two types of screening tests for international students: the General Screening Test, for applicants who graduated from high school in Japan, and the Special Screening Test, for applicants who graduated from high schools abroad. The Special Screening Test is further divided into two categories: Class-1 and Class-2.

Class-1 is intended for non-Japanese nationals without permanent residency in Japan. Applicants who pass this screening will proceed to the Senior Division faculty and department they indicated in their university application form, assuming they meet the requirements of the Junior Division.

When applying, applicants must indicate their preferred faculty and department. The University of Tokyo offers a range of undergraduate programs, the majority of which are taught in Japanese. Therefore, a high level of proficiency in Japanese is required upon enrolment.

The PEAK program is a Bachelor of Arts program based on a traditional liberal arts curriculum. After two years of liberal arts education, PEAK students can choose to specialise in the International Program on Japan in East Asia or the International Program on Environmental Sciences.

Undergraduate programs: The University of Tokyo offers traditional undergraduate programs taught in Japanese and a Bachelor of Arts program based on liberal arts

The University of Tokyo offers two types of undergraduate programs for international students: traditional undergraduate programs taught in Japanese, and a Bachelor of Arts program based on liberal arts.

The traditional undergraduate programs offer a wide range of courses taught mainly in Japanese. Therefore, a high level of proficiency in the Japanese language is required for enrollment. There are two admission pathways: the General Screening Test for students who graduated from high schools in Japan, and the Special Screening Test for those who graduated from high schools abroad. The Special Screening Test is specifically for non-Japanese nationals without permanent residency in Japan. Students who pass this test will proceed to the Senior Division faculty and department indicated in their university application, provided they meet the requirements of the Junior Division.

The University of Tokyo's Bachelor of Arts program, known as PEAK, is based on a traditional liberal arts curriculum. In this program, students receive two years of liberal arts education before advancing to one of two specialized programs: the International Program on Japan in East Asia or the International Program on Environmental Sciences.

As an international student, you would need to meet the specific admission requirements for your chosen undergraduate program. This may include submitting standardized test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of language proficiency. It is important to carefully review the application process and requirements for your desired program before submitting your application.

The University of Tokyo, as Japan's top-ranked university, provides a world-class education and a unique cultural experience for international students. By offering both traditional undergraduate programs in Japanese and a liberal arts-based Bachelor of Arts program, the university ensures that international students have a range of options to pursue their academic goals in Japan.

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