Graduate School of Science and Technology
Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences

Application Guidelines for Master’s Programs

Mathematics
Chemistry
Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Applied Physics)
Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Materials Science)
  • August Selection Process (General Selection Process/Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
  • January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process/Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
Physics
  • August Selection Process (General Selection Process/Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
  • January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process/Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)

    • ＊Please note that some research fields do not recruit students for the January to February Selection Process.

Materials Innovation
  • July Selection Process (General Selection Process/Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
  • October Selection Process (General Selection Process/Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)

The following are the combined application guidelines for all of the programs listed above.

Important Notice:
To Foreign Nationals and Applicants from Overseas

Security Export Control

The University of Tsukuba has established the University of Tsukuba Rules on Security Export Control in accordance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), and conducts strict examinations for acceptance of international students etc. International applicants who fall under any of the conditions set out in said regulations may be unable to enter their desired program.

[IMPORTANT] Procedures for “Deemed Export” for Security Export Control

In order to strengthen the prevention of leakage of sensitive technology related to security, “deemed export control” was clarified and related laws and regulations were revised (effective May 1, 2022).
As a result, our university has decided to require all applicants to our graduate school to confirm the applicability of Specific Categories.
Please review the link below and check the corresponding items on the web application system.

・Procedures for “Deemed Export” for Security Export Control

  • 1. Schedule

    Master’s Program in Mathematics

    August January to February
    Eligibility Screening Application (Applicable applicants only. For details, see “3.Eligibility for Admission“) July 3, 2024 November 26, 2024
    Payment July 9, 2024–July 22, 2024 December 2, 2024–December 12, 2024
    Web Entry July 9, 2024 (noon JST)–July 22, 2024 (3 p.m. JST) December 2, 2024 (noon JST)–December 12, 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    Documents Submission July 9, 2024–July 23, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than July 23, 2024) December 2, 2024–December 13, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than December 13, 2024)
    Examination Period August 22, 2024–August 23, 2024 January 28, 2025–January 29, 2025
    Announcement of Admission Results September 12, 2024 February 14, 2025

    Master’s Program in Physics

    August January to February
    Eligibility Screening Application (Applicable applicants only. For details, see “3.Eligibility for Admission“) July 3, 2024 November 26, 2024
    Payment July 9, 2024–July 22, 2024 December 2, 2024–December 12, 2024
    Web Entry July 9, 2024 (noon JST)–July 22, 2024 (3 p.m. JST) December 2, 2024 (noon JST)–December 12, 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    Documents Submission July 9, 2024–July 23, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than July 23, 2024) December 2, 2024–December 13, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than December 13, 2024)
    Examination Period August 22, 2024–August 23, 2024 January 28, 2025–January 29, 2025
    Announcement of Admission Results September 12, 2024 February 14, 2025

    Master’s Program in Chemistry

    August January to February
    Eligibility Screening Application (Applicable applicants only. For details, see “3.Eligibility for Admission“) July 3, 2024 November 26, 2024
    Payment July 9, 2024–July 22, 2024 December 2, 2024–December 12, 2024
    Web Entry July 9, 2024 (noon JST)–July 22, 2024 (3 p.m. JST) December 2, 2024 (noon JST)–December 12, 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    Documents Submission July 9, 2024–July 23, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than July 23, 2024) December 2, 2024–December 13, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than December 13, 2024)
    Examination Period August 22, 2024–August 23, 2024 January 28, 2025–January 29, 2025
    Announcement of Admission Results September 12, 2024 February 14, 2025

    Master’s Program in Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Applied Physics)

    August January to February
    Eligibility Screening Application (Applicable applicants only. For details, see “3.Eligibility for Admission“) July 3, 2024 November 26, 2024
    Payment July 9, 2024–July 22, 2024 December 2, 2024–December 12, 2024
    Web Entry July 9, 2024 (noon JST)–July 22, 2024 (3 p.m. JST) December 2, 2024 (noon JST)–December 12, 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    Documents Submission July 9, 2024–July 23, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than July 23, 2024) December 2, 2024–December 13, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than December 13, 2024)
    Examination Period August 22, 2024–August 23, 2024 January 28, 2025–January 29, 2025
    Announcement of Admission Results September 12, 2024 February 14, 2025

    Master’s Program in Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Materials Science)

    August January to February
    Eligibility Screening Application (Applicable applicants only. For details, see “3.Eligibility for Admission“) July 3, 2024 November 26, 2024
    Payment July 9, 2024–July 22, 2024 December 2, 2024–December 12, 2024
    Web Entry July 9, 2024 (noon JST)–July 22, 2024 (3 p.m. JST) December 2, 2024 (noon JST)–December 12, 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    Documents Submission July 9, 2024–July 23, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than July 23, 2024) December 2, 2024–December 13, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than December 13, 2024)
    Examination Period August 22, 2024–August 23, 2024 January 28, 2025–January 29, 2025
    Announcement of Admission Results September 12, 2024 February 14, 2025

    Master’s Program in Materials Innovation

    July October
    Eligibility Screening Application (Applicable applicants only. For details, see “3.Eligibility for Admission“) May 22, 2024 August 29, 2024
    Payment May 24, 2024-June 3, 2024 September 2, 2024-September 12, 2024
    Web Entry May 24, 2024 (noon JST)–June 3 , 2024 (3 p.m. JST) September 2, 2024 (noon JST)–September 12, 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    Documents Submission May 24, 2024–June 4, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than June 4, 2024) September 2, 2024–September 13, 2024 (necessary documents must be received no later than September 13, 2024)
    Examination Period July 4, 2024–July 9, 2024 October 9, 2024–October 16, 2024
    Announcement of Admission Results July 18, 2024 October 31, 2024
  • 2. Number of Students to Be Admitted

    Mathematics Physics Chemistry Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Applied Physics) Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Materials Science)

    (1-1) August Selection Process (General Selection Process)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Mathematics 24
    Physics 43 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    Chemistry 35 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Applied Physics    		 41 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    Engineering Science
    Subprogram in Materials Science    		 47 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    • Refer to “16. Cooperative Graduate School System” for details on the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    • The Materials Science and Engineering Class is a master’s program course that allows you to receive academic instruction from a faculty member for the doctoral program in “Engineering Sciences: Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering” (founded on the National Institute for Materials Science [NIMS]).
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 or October, 2025 (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).
    (1-2) August Selection Process (Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Mathematics 1
    Physics 2 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    Chemistry A few This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Applied Physics    		 2 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    Engineering Science
    Subprogram in Materials Science    		 2 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    • Refer to “16. Cooperative Graduate School System” for details on the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    • The Materials Science and Engineering Class is a master’s program course that allows you to receive academic instruction from a faculty member for the doctoral program in “Engineering Sciences: Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering” (founded on the National Institute for Materials Science [NIMS]).
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).
    (2-1) January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Mathematics 2
    Physics A few This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    No applications will be accepted in the Particle physics Theory, Astrophysics Observation fields.
    Chemistry 6 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Applied Physics    		 7 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    Engineering Science
    Subprogram in Materials Science    		 5 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    • Refer to “16. Cooperative Graduate School System” for details on the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    • The Materials Science and Engineering Class is a master’s program course that allows you to receive academic instruction from a faculty member for the doctoral program in “Engineering Sciences: Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering” (founded on the National Institute for Materials Science [NIMS]).
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 or October, 2025. (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).
    (2-2) January to February Selection Process (Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Mathematics A few
    Physics A few This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    No applications will be accepted in the Particle physics Theory, Astrophysics Observation fields.
    Chemistry A few This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Applied Physics    		 1 This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    Engineering Science
    Subprogram in Materials Science    		 A few This number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and the Materials Science and Engineering Class.
    • Refer to “16. Cooperative Graduate School System” for details on the Cooperative Graduate School System.
    • The Materials Science and Engineering Class is a master’s program course that allows you to receive academic instruction from a faculty member for the doctoral program in “Engineering Sciences: Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering” (founded on the National Institute for Materials Science [NIMS]).
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).

    Materials Innovation

    (1-1) July Selection Process (General Selection Process)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Materials Innovation 4
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).
    (1-2) July Selection Process (Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Materials Innovation A few
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).
    (2-1) October Selection Process (General Selection Process)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Materials Innovation 4
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 or October, 2025 (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).
    (2-2) October Selection Process (Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)
    Program No. of Students to Be Admitted Remarks
    Materials Innovation A few
    1. Students enroll in April, 2025 (Refer to「3.Eligibility for Admission」).

  • 3. Eligibility for Admission

    (1) Entry in April 2025

    (General Selection Process, Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)

    Individuals will be deemed eligible if they meet one of the following requirements:

    1) No Eligibility Screening is required for the following individuals:

    • Individuals who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a four-year university by March 2025.
    • Individuals who have earned or are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree by March 2025.
    • Individuals who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a university in a foreign country that provides at least 16 years of school education up to university graduation and have earned or are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree by March 2025.
    • Individuals who have been designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

    2) Eligibility Screening is required for the following individuals:

    • Individuals who will be 22 years of age or older as of March 2025 and possess a qualification that is recognized as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in our eligibility screening.

    3) Others:

    • Please refer here for the details of eligibility.
    【Eligibility for Special Selection Process for Working Individuals】

    Individuals will be deemed eligible if they meet one requirement indicated from 1) to 3) above and have also worked or will have worked full-time or part-time at a company, a government office, or an education-related organization for at least one year by March 2025. (Housework experience is also accepted.)

    (2) Entry in October 2025

    Individuals will be deemed eligible if they meet one of the following requirements:

    1) No Eligibility Screening is required for the following individuals:

    • Individuals who are expected to graduate from a four-year university between April and September 2025.
    • Individuals who are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree between April and September 2025.
    • Individuals who are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree between April and September 2025 from a university in a foreign country that provides at least 16 years of school education up to university graduation.
    • Individuals who have been designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

    2) Eligibility Screening is required for the following individuals:

    • Individuals who will be 22 years of age or older as of September 2025 and possess a qualification that is recognized as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in our eligibility screening.

    3) Others:

    • Please refer here for the details of eligibility.

    If you have any questions about your eligibility, contact us by email.

  • 4. Admissions Information and Tips

    Obtaining consent from Faculty members before submitting your application

    You must contact your desired faculty advisor and obtain his/her consent to your application prior to submitting your application for the examination.

    List of faculty members and specialization areas
    If you have any questions about a research field, refer to “10. Previous Examinations & Contact Details.”

    Security Export Control

    Having established the University of Tsukuba Rules on Security Export Control in accordance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, the University of Tsukuba conducts strict examinations for the acceptance of international students, etc.

    Important Notice:
    To International Students and Applicants Residing Abroad
    International applicants who fall under any of the conditions set forth in said rules may be unable to enroll in their desired course or program.

  • 5. Examination Fees

    * Government-sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship) foreign students are exempt from paying examination fees.

    * The University of Tsukuba has introduced special measures to provide exemption from examination fees for victims of disasters in Japan. For details, please visit this website.
    These measures apply only to victims of disasters in Japan.

    30,000 Japanese yen (nonrefundable)

    ① Payment Period

    Please make sure that you pay in time for the web entry.

    • July Selection Process：May 24 (Fri.), 2024 (noon. JST)–June 3 (Mon.), 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    • August Selection Process： July 9 (Tue.), 2024 (noon. JST)–July 22 (Mon.), 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    • October Selection Process： September 2 (Mon.), 2024 (noon. JST)–September 12 (Thu.), 2024(3 p.m. JST)
    • January to February Selection Process： December 2 (Mon.), 2024 (noon. JST)–December 12 (Thu.), 2024 (3 p.m. JST)

    ② Payment Methods

    Please use one of the following methods to make payment.

    Credit Card Payment (for all applicants)

    We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and American Express.
    You can make payment using your credit card in the final stage of the Web Entry System or on this website.

    After you have made the payment, you will be provided with a receipt number. Enter this number in the applicable box on the Web Entry System.
    Print out the “Application Completed” page after you have made the payment and then submit it to us together with the other necessary documents by registered mail or in person.
    For details, see the payment instructions.
    The administration fees must be paid by the applicant.

    Convenience Store Payment (for domestic applicants only)

    You can make payment at LAWSON, Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, or MINISTOP.
    To pay your fees at a convenience store, follow the instructions given in the final stage of the Web Entry System or on
    this website (available in Japanese only).

    After you have made the payment, enter the name of the convenience store that you used, the payment date, and the number issued by the store in the applicable boxes on the Web Entry System.

    1. Seven-Eleven: 13 digits
    2. LAWSON, FamilyMart, MINISTOP: 11 digits

    Detach the “Receipt (Certificate of Payment)” from the “Examination Fee Statement” given to you at the convenience store and affix it to the “Form for Submission of the Certificate of Payment of Application Fee.” You can create the form as a PDF and print it out from the Web Entry System. Submit it to us together with the other necessary documents by registered mail or in person.
    For details, see the payment instructions.
    The administration fees must be paid by the applicant.

  • 6. Application Procedure
    1. Visit the Web Entry system to apply. Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make any edits. Be sure to double-check your application before submitting it.
        Application Period

      • July Selection Process： May 24 (Fri.), 2024 (noon. JST)–June 3 (Mon.), 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
      • August Selection Process： July 9 (Tue.), 2024 (noon. JST)–July 22 (Mon.), 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
      • October Selection Process： September 2 (Mon.), 2024 (noon. JST)–September 12 (Thu.), 2024(3 p.m. JST)
      • January to February Selection Process ： December 2 (Mon.), 2024 (noon. JST)–December 12 (Thu.), 2024 (3 p.m. JST)
    2. Original documents for all of the necessary certificates, etc., have to be submitted by registered mail or in person, and we must receive them by the deadline. When you submit your application online, the system will ask you to create an “Address Sheet” as a PDF. Print out the sheet, affix it to your envelope and then submit the documents to us.

      If you fail to submit the original documents by the deadline or the documents are insufficient (including cases where a certificate is not the original), your application will not be accepted and you will be unable to take the examination.

        Due Dates

      • July Selection Process： June 4 (Tue.), 2024
      • August Selection Process： July 23 (Tue.), 2024
      • October Selection Process： September 13 (Fri.), 2024
      • January to February Selection Process： December 13 (Fri.), 2024

      If you submit the documents to our office in person, bring them by 5:00 pm on each deadline.

      Address for Application Submission

      Academic Service Office for the Pure and Applied Sciences Area
      3rd Floor, 1A Building, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
        Necessary documents

      • All applicants: “(Expected) Graduation Certificate,” “Academic Transcript,” and “List of Documents to Be Submitted.”
      • If applicable: “(Expected) Degree Certificate,” “Research Plan,” “Summary of Research and Future Research Plans,” “ Reference Letter”, “Form for Submission of English Score” (with the original document of the official score certificate for your chosen English proficiency test attached), “Form for Submission of the Certificate of Payment of Application Fee” (with the “Receipt (Certificate of Payment)” from the “Examination Fee Statement” attached), a copy of the “Application Completed” page for the “Examination Fee Payment by Credit Card,” “Letter of Approval for Entrance Examination,” and “Certificate of Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Foreign Student.”
    3. You must provide the original documents for all certificates. If you fail to provide the original documents, your application will not be accepted.
      In principle, none of the documents that you submit will be returned to you. Please add a note indicating your desire to return documents like a diploma or any other document that only has one copy issued, if you want it to be returned.
    4. Examination fees that have been paid are non-refundable.
    5. After you have completed the application procedure on the Web Entry System, you are not allowed to change your program of choice.
    6. If any false or forged statements are found in the application documents, or if　there is any obvious examination misconduct, the acceptance or admission may be revoked.
    7. If you have any questions about a research field (Faculty Members, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences: Master’s Programs), contact the department that runs your desired program. (refer to “10. Previous Examinations & Contact Details”).
  • 7. Web Entry and Documents to Be Submitted

    With our Web Entry System, submit your application online. Read this section carefully before applying.

    You must submit the original documents for the certificates, etc., needed for your application by registered mail or in person. (We must receive the original documents no later than the deadline.)

    If you fail to submit the original documents by the deadline or the documents are insufficient (including cases where a certificate is not the original), your application will not be accepted and you will be unable to take the examination.

    Information You Need for Your Web Entry

    Information Required by Remarks
    1. Degree Program / Applicant’s Information All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System.
    You will need to upload a photograph in JPEG format for your Reference Card. The photograph must have been taken within the last three months and show your shoulders and entire head. You must not be wearing a hat or other head covering.
    Be sure to enter your phone number and email address so that we can contact you regarding the application.
    2. Materials Science and Engineering Class If applicable Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System.
    3. Field of Interest/Supervisor of Choice All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System and enter the name of your supervisor of choice.
    4. Form for Submission of English Proficiency Test Score (*Check the “Remarks” on the right for valid score sheet types)

    【Validity Period of the Test Score】
    August Selection Process： test taken after July 2022

    January to February Selection Process： test taken after January 2023

    		August： All applicants

    October： None

    January to February： All applicants

    		Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System and enter the information provided on the valid score report to be submitted during the application period.
    A valid score sheet is one of the following.

    • TOEIC Listening & Reading Test ： Official Score Certificate, Official Score Report　or Digital Official Score Certificate
    • TOEFL iBT： Test Taker Score Report
    • TOEFL iBT Home Edition： Test Taker Score Report
    • IELTS： Test Report Form of IELTS (Academic Module) (However, IELTS Online results are not acceptable.）

    Note: English proficiency test score certificates such as the following are NOT acceptable: “TOEIC Institutional Program (IP) Score Report,” “TOEFL Institutional Test Score Record,” or “Test Report Form of IELTS (General Training Module).”

    5. Cooperative Graduate School System If applicable Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System.
    6. Assistance If applicable Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System.
    7. Eligibility All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System.
    8. Educational Background All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry System.
    Research Activities All applicants who have a research history
    Employment Record All applicants who have an employment history
    9. Examination Fees All applicants except for foreign government- sponsored students, etc.
    (*Refer to “5.Examination Fees.”)    		 Follow the instructions given on the last page of the Web Entry System and pay your fees.
    The following payment methods are available.
    Credit Card (for all applicants):
    Pay your fees online. After you have made the payment, enter the receipt number in the applicable box on the Web Entry System.
    Convenience Store (for domestic applicants only):
    Pay your fees at a convenience store in Japan. After you have made the payment, enter the name of the convenience store, the payment date, and the number issued by the store in the applicable box on the Web Entry System.

    Documents Needed for Your Application

    You must submit the original documents by registered mail or in person by the deadline.
    All documents must be in English or Japanese.

    • July Selection Process： June 4 (Tue.), 2024
    • August Selection Process： July 23 (Tue.), 2024
    • October Selection Process： September 13 (Fri.), 2024
    • January to February Selection Process ： December 13 (Fri.), 2024

    If you fail to submit the original documents by the deadline or the documents are insufficient (including cases where a certificate is not the original), your application will not be accepted and you will be unable to take the examination.

    Documents To be submitted by Remarks
    (Expected) Graduation Certificate (*1) All applicants Submit a graduation certificate (or an attested document certifying that you will graduate) issued by a university or other educational institution that meets the application requirements for the Master’s Programs offered by this Graduate School (basically, a university [faculty/school] from which you have earned a bachelor’s degree). The graduation certificate (or the attested document certifying that you will graduate) must include both your enrollment date and your (expected) graduation date. All documents must be in English or Japanese.
    If this certificate is not available at your university, please ask them to issue one using the form below.

    (Expected) Graduation Certificate (Sample)

    Note: Even if you have already earned a master’s or doctoral degree, you need to submit a graduation certificate issued by the university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree.

    Upload a JPEG file for the “(Expected) Graduation Certificate,” “(Expected) Degree Certificate,” and “Academic Transcript” to the Web Entry System. Since the education system experienced by those who have graduated from a university overseas is different from the Japanese education system, we will confirm the eligibility of applicants in advance.

    If the certificate is issued online, please attach a screenshot and URL from the university’s official website confirming that the online certificate is considered the original.

    For graduates of Chinese universities, see *2 below.

    (Expected) Degree Certificate (*1) (i) Individuals who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a university or other educational institution outside Japan
    (ii) Individuals who will be accredited by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education     		(i) If you have graduated or are expected to graduate from a university or other educational institution outside Japan, submit a graduation certificate for your (expected) bachelor’s degree. All documents must be in English or Japanese. The “(Expected) Degree Certificate” must include the (expected） date of degree awarded.
    If this certificate is not available at your university, please ask them to issue one using the form below.
    (Expected) Degree Certificate (Sample)

    Note: Even if you have already earned a master’s or doctoral degree, you need to submit a degree certificate issued by the university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree.
    (ii) Individuals who will be accredited by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education must submit all certificates related to the acquisition of their degree, such as the “Certificate for Conferment of Degree” (“Certificate for Acceptance of Application for Conferment of Degree”) and the “Academic Transcript.”

    Upload a JPEG file for the “(Expected) Graduation Certificate,” “(Expected) Degree Certificate,” and “Academic Transcript” to the Web Entry System. Since the education system experienced by those who have graduated from a university overseas is different from the Japanese education system, we will confirm the eligibility of applicants in advance.

    If the certificate is issued online, please attach a screenshot and URL from the university’s official website confirming that the online certificate is considered the original.

    For graduates of Chinese universities, see *2 below.
    Academic Transcript (*1) All applicants Submit an academic transcript (i.e., the official transcript for your program’s history) issued by a university or other educational institution that meets the application requirements for the Master’s Programs offered by this Graduate School (basically, a university [faculty/school] from which you have earned a bachelor’s degree).
    Note: Even if you have already earned a master’s or doctoral degree, you need to submit an Academic Transcript issued by the university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree. All documents must be in English or Japanese.
    If any credits were transferred from another school, submit an academic transcript from that school.
    If you have completed or are expected to complete a program at a graduate school, submit an academic transcript (i.e., the official transcript of your program record) issued by the graduate school, as well. All documents must be in English or Japanese.
    Upload a JPEG file for the “(Expected) Graduation Certificate,” “(Expected) Degree Certificate,” and “Academic Transcript” to the Web Entry System. Since the education system experienced by those who have graduated from a university overseas is different from the Japanese education system, we will confirm the eligibility of applicants in advance.

    If the certificate is issued online, please attach a screenshot and URL from the university’s official website confirming that the online certificate is considered the original.

    For graduates of Chinese universities, see *2 below.
    English Proficiency Test Score (*Check the “Remarks” on the right for valid score sheet types) (*3)

    【Validity Period of the Test Score】
    August Selection Process： test taken after July 2022

    January to February Selection Process： test taken after January 2023

    		August： All applicants

    October: None

    January to February： All applicants

    		 A valid score sheet is one of the following.

    • TOEIC Listening & Reading Test * (1)： Official Score Certificate, Official Score Report or Digital Official Score Certificate
    • TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition * (2)： Test Taker Score Report
    • IELTS： Test Report Form of IELTS (Academic Module) (However, IELTS Online results are not acceptable.）

    Please be sure to submit one of the above originals at the time of application. If you fail to submit the original document, you will be regarded as having been absent from the foreign language examination and excluded from the selection process.

    * (1): Print-out of the official digital certificate of the TOEIC Test conducted after April 2023 is acceptable.
    *(2): If you plan to submit the official Score Report of TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home edition, please carry out the procedure for it to be sent directly from ETS to the University of Tsukuba. At the same time, submit a printed copy of the Test Taker Score Report downloaded from your ETS account page.

    Note: English proficiency test score certificates such as the following are NOT acceptable: “TOEIC Institutional Program (IP) Score Report,” “TOEFL Institutional Test Score Record,” or “Test Report Form of IELTS (General Training Module).”

    Research Plan August:
    All applicants who wish to apply for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals (except for the Master’s Program in Physics)

    October: None

    January to February
    All applicants who wish to apply for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals
    (except for the Master’s Program in Physics)

    		 Submit a plan for the research that you will conduct if you are enrolled in your chosen master’s course.
    *Print out the designated form that is created after you have completed the Web Entry procedure.
    Charts and diagrams cannot be included.
    Summary of Research and Future Research Plans All applicants for the Master’s Program in Materials Innovation Submit the “Summary of Research and Future Research Plans” by the application deadline. Write the summary in English using the designated form.
    〈Please use either of the designated forms below.
    (PDF)/(Word) 〉
    Reference Letter All applicants for the Master’s Program in Materials Innovation
    (Except for the applicants of Special Selection for Working Individuals.)    		 Submit the “Reference Letter” by the application deadline. Write in English using the designated form.
    〈Please use either of the designated forms below.
    (PDF)/(Word) 〉
    Copy of “Application Completed” Page for “Examination Fee Payment by Credit Card” Applicants who have made a credit card payment
    (*Refer to “5.Examination Fees.”)    		 After you have made the payment, click the button for the “Application Completed” page, print out the page, and then submit it to us by registered mail or in person.
    “Receipt (Certificate of Payment)” from the “Examination Fee Statement” Applicants who have made a convenience store payment
    (*Refer to “5.Examination Fees.”)    		 After you have made the payment, detach the “Receipt (Certificate of Payment)” from the “Examination Fee Statement” given at the convenience store and then submit it to us by registered mail or in person.
    The receipt must be attached to this form, which can be created online and printed out after you have completed the Web Entry procedure.
    Letter of Approval for Entrance Examination
    (Any format is acceptable)    		 If applicable

    1. Individuals who are currently attending a university or graduate school
      *Except for applicants who are expected to complete by the admission.
    2. Individuals who are currently working for a government agency, school, or company (except for part-time workers)
    1. Need to submit a letter of approval issued by the head of their university or graduate school (or the head of their department) with their official seal or signature allowing them to take the entrance examination or submit a letter from the applicant with his/her seal or signature stating that he/she will withdraw from the university before enrolment. Any format is acceptable, but the letter must be printed on A4 paper.
    2. Need to submit a letter of approval issued by a superior with their official seal or signature allowing them to take the entrance examination or a letter from the applicant with his/her seal or signature stating that attending the entrance examination will not adversely affect their duties. Any format is acceptable, but the letter must be printed on A4 paper.

    〔Applicants who plan to leave their company to enroll in a master’s course may instead submit a written self-declaration (with their seal or signature affixed). In this case, the applicants must submit a “Certificate of Resignation” at the time of the enrollment procedure.〕

    Certificate of Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Foreign Student
    (Any format is acceptable)    		 If applicable If you are enrolled in another university at the time of your application, submit the “Certificate of Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Foreign Student” issued by your current university.
      (Note)

    1. If your current name is different from the one given in the documents that you will be submitting (e.g., because of marriage), submit your documents together with appropriate proof (e.g., copy of your marriage license).
      If the student wishes to register under his/her maiden name, he/she can apply for the use of his/her maiden name during the enrolment procedure.
    2. Substitution of the original English version of the Academic Credentials verification report issued by the ‘China Higher education Information and Student Information (CHSI (Japan))’ is acceptable.
    3. If we have any questions concerning your certificate, we will verify them with the TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS institution.

    Files to Be Created on Completion of the Web Entry Procedure

    You can download these documents from the Web Entry System only while the system is open. Please be sure to print out all of the documents.

    Documents Created by Remarks
    Reference Card All applicants Print out the Reference Card showing your photograph and bring a copy of the card to the venue on examination day.
    Address Sheet All applicants Attach the “Address Sheet” to your envelope when you submit us the necessary documents.
    Form for Submission of English Proficiency Test Score If applicable Attach the original valid score sheet to this form. ( Print-out of the official digital certificate of the TOEIC Test conducted after April 2023 is acceptable.)
    Research Plan If applicable Fill out the research plan after your enrollment on one page.
    Form for Submission of the Certificate of Payment of Application Fee Applicants who have made a convenience store payment Attach the “Receipt (Certificate of Payment)” detached from the “Examination Fee Statement” to the form.
    List of Documents to Be Submitted All applicants Fill in the required details and submit it with other application documents.

    The results from an applicant’s entrance examination as well as the personal information obtained by the University of Tsukuba from the applicant’s documents and entrance examination will be used for matters concerning admission and screening. Such information may also be used for research and studies aimed at improving the admission procedure and university education, with the identity of each applicant kept confidential. In addition, this information will be used as part of the criteria for screening students for tuition exemptions or scholarships which are offered to individuals who have completed the enrollment procedure.

  • 8. Screening Criteria

    We will decide on the students to be admitted by evaluating the documents that they submit and their overall academic skills.

    Examination Schedule and Subjects

    Refer to the schedule below.

    July Selection Process (General Selection Process / Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)

    Materials Innovation
    July July 4 (Thu.)–9 (Tue.), 2024
    Subject Oral Examination (200 Points)
    Program Time 10:00-17:00 JST
    Materials Innovation Individual Interview in English regarding research plans, academic skills, and knowledge of specialized fields.
    Evaluation is based on English ability (50 points) and research execution ability (150 points).
    (Note)
    1. Before applying, you will need to contact a prospective supervisor (i.e., a faculty member from whom you wish to receive academic instruction) in advance (see Faculty Members, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences: Master’s Programs).
    2. Points to note about individual interviews:
      We will hold your online interview using Zoom.
      For information on the schedule for your oral examination, we will be sent to you by email.

      If it is difficult to arrange the day of the oral examination within the examination schedule, we will set the schedule by individual adjustment.

    August Selection Process (General Selection Process / Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)

    MathematicsPhysicsChemistryEngineering Sciences (Subprogram in Applied Physics)
    Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Materials Science)
    August August 22 (Thu.), 2024 August 23 (Fri.), 2024
    Subject Specialized Subject (Point Allocation) Foreign Language (Point Allocation) Oral Examination (Point Allocation)
    Program Time 10:00-13:00 – 10:00-17:00
    Mathematics Mathematics
    (600 points)     		English〈1〉 (100 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    Physics Physics
    (600 points)
    Including questions about mathematics     		English〈1〉 (100 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    Chemistry Chemistry
    (600 points)
    The examination for the specialized subject includes questions on inorganic /analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and organic chemistry. You must answer all the questions.     		English〈1〉 (200 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (400 points)
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Applied Physics    		 Applied Physics
    (500 points)
    You must answer mathematics questions. In addition, you must answer three questions from mechanics, electromagnetics, quantum mechanics, optics, and semiconductor engineering (you need to choose either mechanics or electromagnetics).     		English〈1〉 (200 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Materials Science    		 Materials Science
    (500 points)
    You must answer two questions from the basic specialized subject and one question from the specialized subject (three questions in total).     		English〈1〉 (200 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    (Note)
    1. Before applying, you will need to contact a prospective supervisor (i.e., a faculty member from whom you wish to receive academic instruction) in advance (see Faculty Members, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences: Master’s Programs).
    2. Points to note about the assessment of English proficiency:
      1. 〈1〉Please submit a valid score sheet at the time of application. The score sheet is valid that taken after July 2022.
        A copy of the original or a PDF copy downloaded from the Internet are NOT acceptable.

    3. Please use the following standard scores as a point of reference for scores in foreign language (English) proficiency tests. If your TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS score is higher than the relevant score given below, it is considered to be equivalent to a perfect score for our English test.
      4. TOEIC TOEFL iBT,
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition      		 IELTS
      860 98 7.0

    October Selection Process (General Selection Process / Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)

    Materials Innovation
    October October 9 (Wed.)–16 (Wed.), 2024
    Subject Oral Examination (200 Points)
    Program Time 10:00-17:00 JST
    Materials Innovation Individual Interview in English regarding research plans, academic skills, and knowledge of specialized fields.
    Evaluation is based on English ability (50 points) and research execution ability (150 points).
    (Note)
    1. Before applying, you will need to contact a prospective supervisor (i.e., a faculty member from whom you wish to receive academic instruction) in advance (see Faculty Members, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences: Master’s Programs).
    2. Points to note about individual interviews:
      We will hold your online interview using Zoom.
      For information on the schedule for your oral examination,we will be sent to you by email.
      If it is difficult to arrange the day of the oral examination within the examination schedule, we will set the schedule by individual adjustment.

    January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process / Special Selection Process for Working Individuals)

    Mathematics PhysicsChemistry Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Applied Physics)
    Engineering Sciences (Subprogram in Materials Science)
    January to February January 28 (Tue.), 2025 January 29 (Wed.), 2025
    Subject Specialized Subject (Point Allocation) Foreign Language (Point Allocation) Oral Examination (Point Allocation)
    Program Time 10:00-13:00 – 10:00-17:00
    Mathematics Mathematics
    (600 points)     		〈1〉
    English
    (100 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC,TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    Physics Physics
    (600 points)
    Including questions about mathematics    		 〈1〉
    English
    (100 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC,TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    Chemistry Chemistry
    (600 points)
    The examination for the specialized subject includes questions on inorganic /analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and organic chemistry. You must answer all the questions.     		〈1〉
    English
    (200 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC,TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (800 points)
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Applied Physics    		 Applied Physics
    (500 points)
    You must answer mathematics questions. In addition, you must answer three questions from mechanics, electromagnetics, quantum mechanics, optics, and semiconductor engineering (you need to choose either mechanics or electromagnetics).     		〈1〉
    English
    (200 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC,TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    Engineering Sciences
    Subprogram in Materials Science    		 Materials Science
    (500 points)
    You must answer two questions from the basic specialized subject and one question from the specialized subject (three questions in total).     		〈1〉
    English
    (200 points)
    We will evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency based on their official score of TOEIC,TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS (Academic Module).     		Individual Interview
    Questions about your special field (300 points)
    (Note)
    1. Before applying, you will need to contact a prospective supervisor (i.e., a faculty member from whom you wish to receive academic instruction) in advance (see Faculty Members, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences: Master’s Programs).
    2. Points to note about the assessment of English proficiency:
      1. 〈1〉Please submit a valid score sheet at the time of application. The score sheet is valid that taken after January 2023.
        A copy of the original or a PDF copy downloaded from the Internet are NOT acceptable. The University of Tsukuba does not conduct English tests.
    3. Please use the following standard scores as a point of reference for scores in foreign language (English) proficiency tests. If your TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS score is higher than the relevant score given below, it is considered to be equivalent to a perfect score for our English test.
      4. TOEIC TOEFL iBT,
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition      		 IELTS
      860 98 7.0

  • 9. Testing Location, Acceptance Announcement & Enrollment Procedure

    (1) Testing Location

    University of Tsukuba (1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki)
    Refer to “12. Information and Instructions for Examinees” for details.

    (2) Acceptance Announcement

    • July Selection Process： July 18 (Thu.), 2024 (10 a.m. JST)
    • August Selection Process： September 12 (Thu.), 2024 (10 a.m. JST)
    • October Selection Process： October 31 (Thu.), 2024 (10 a.m. JST)
    • January to February Selection Process ： February 14 (Fri.), 2025 (10 a.m. JST)

    The examinee numbers for successful applicants will be posted on our website. (https://webentry.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/).
    Letter of Acceptance will be issued online.
    An email will be sent to the email address registered for the application from 10:00 a.m.on the day of acceptance announcement sequentially.
    Please follow the instructions in that email to download Letter of Acceptance.

    (3) Enrollment Procedure

    1. An enrollment packet (which contain documents to be submitted before entrance) will be sent to successful applicants.
      The details of the dispatch of the enrollment packet will be announced on the day of the acceptance announcement.

        【Date of dispatch: for entrants in April 2025】
        The documents will be dispatched in two separate shipments depending on the examination.

      • October 31 (Thu.) 2024
        (Successful applicants for the July, August and October Selection Process)
      • February 14 (Fri.) 2025
        (Successful applicants for the January-February Selection Process)
        【Date of dispatch: for entrants in October 2025】

      • Late June 2025

      Note:
      Successful applicants need to notify us (Academic Service Office for the Pure and Applied Sciences Area) of their new address at least a few days in advance if they will be moving home permanently before the above date or travelling when the documents are expected to be delivered.
      In the event of a long-term absence due to a return home, etc., applicants should take measures such as changing their address to that of a person who can receive deliveries on their behalf.
      All applicants with a full-time job must submit a document or letter from their employer proving that they are available to complete the program (e.g., an order for a training course, a letter for a leave of absence, or an approval letter).

    2. Estimated Expenses on Enrollment
      1. Entrance fees: 282,000 Japanese yen (nonrefundable).
          (Note)

        • If the entrance fees are revised before or during your enrollment in this Graduate School, the revised fees will be applied from the time of revision.
        • Government-sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship) foreign students are exempt from paying entrance fees.
    3. Before beginning the enrollment procedure, international applicants must acquire a Status of Residence suitable for enrollment in a graduate school in accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No. 319 of 1951). Individuals who wish to enroll in this Graduate School as an international student must acquire the Status of Residence of “Student.”
  • 10. Previous Examinations & Contact Details
    Program Previous Examinations Contact Direct Phone Number/
    Email address
    Browsing Photocopy Postal Delivery
    Master’s Program in Mathematics (*3) － － Administration Office for Mathematics +81-29-853-4235
    Master’s Program in Physics (*4) － － Administration Office for Physics +81-29-853-4277
    Master’s Program in Chemistry － － (*5) Administration Office for Chemistry +81-29-853-6505
    chkyomu_at_chem.tsukuba.ac.jp
    Master’s Program in Engineering Sciences Subprogram in Applied Physics ◯ ◯ ◯ Administration Office for Applied Physics +81-29-853-5443
    suuri_kougaku_at_un.tsukuba.ac.jp
    Subprogram in Materials Science ◯ ◯ ◯ Administration Office for Materials Science +81-29-853-5443
    suuri_kougaku_at_un.tsukuba.ac.jp
    Master’s Program in Materials Innovation － － － Administration Office for Materials Innovation tsukuba-materials_at_un.tsukuba.ac.jp
    1. To browse past examination questions or obtain photocopies, contact the relevant office at the direct phone number or email address above in advance.
    2. For information on how to get past examination questions by post and the cost, contact the relevant office at the direct phone number or email address above.
    3. Refer to the website (https://program.math.tsukuba.ac.jp/?lang=en).
    4. Refer to the website (https://grad.physics.tsukuba.ac.jp/?lang=en).
    5. For information on how to get past exam questions, please email the supervisor of the lab you wish to enroll in.
    6. Replace (_at_) with @.
  • 11. Applicants Requiring Assistance

    If you require assistance due to a disability, submit the designated application form, a doctor’s certificate, and a copy of your disability certificate to the Division of Admission (1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki) by the following dates.

      Due Dates

    • July Selection Process： May 22 (Wed.), 2024
    • August Selection Process： July 3 (Wed.), 2024
    • October Selection Process： August 29 (Thu.), 2024
    • January to February Selection Process ： November 26 (Tue.), 2024
    Examples of special considerations
    • Extended examination time, separate testing room, preferred seating location, etc.
    • Braille and/or other accessible formats
    • Use of a computer for writing, vision aid, hearing aid, and/or other aids
    • Sign language interpreter and/or other assistants

    To request any or all of the above special considerations, applicants must submit documentation proving their condition.

  • 12. Information and Instructions for Examinees

    We will post “Information and Instructions for Examinees” on our website. Please read the documents carefully and follow their instructions when taking the examination.

      Estimated Release Dates

    • July Selection Process： June 17 (Mon.), 2024
    • August Selection Process： August 2 (Fri.), 2024
    • October Selection Process： September 24 (Tue.), 2024
    • January to February Selection Process： January 9 (Thu.), 2025
  • 13. Contact Us

    If you have any questions about these application guidelines, contact us at:

    Academic Service Office for the Pure and Applied Sciences Area
    3rd Floor, 1A Building, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki 305-8571, Japan
    nyushi-pas_at_un.tsukuba.ac.jp
    Replace (_at_) with @.
    Hours: 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday except for on national holidays and during our summer break and winter break.
  • 14. Disclosure of Admission Examination Results

    The following disclosure is made in relation to the performance of a candidate who was
    unsuccessful in the entrance examination for the Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences (Master’s Program).

    1. Contents of Disclosure
      Total Score of the Candidate Who Failed the Examination
      ※However, the Following Results Will not be Disclosed
      (1) Absentee from One or More Courses
    2. Applicant
      The Examinee Himself /Herself
    3. How to Request
      Please Send Your Request by Mail, Enclosing the Following
      (1) Request Form for Disclosure of Admission Information
      (2) Examination Voucher (to be returned at the time of disclosure)
      (If you have lost the Examination Voucher, a copy of your Student ID, Driver’s License, etc.)
      (3) Reply Envelope (long size #3) with your Name and Address written on it and a 460 Yen Stamp Affixed.
      However, if you are an Overseas Resident, Please Inquire by E-mail to the Billing Office.
    4. Request Period
      May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025
    5. Disclosure Method
      Disclosed Information will be mailed to the Person in Question Sequentially after the Deadline of the Request Period.
    6. Billing Office
      1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
      Division Graduate Admissions Office, University of Tsukuba
      E-mail: dai.daigakuinka_at_un.tsukuba.ac.jp (*Replace (_at_) with @.)
  • 15. Special Provision on Educational Methods Stipulated in Article 14 of the Standards for the Establishment of Graduate Schools

    This section applies to applicants for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals.

    Education provided under the special provision

    1. As science and technology progress and society becomes increasingly sophisticated, there are increasing demands for working individuals to resume their studies at graduate schools. In response to these demands, Article 14 of the Standards for the Establishment of Graduate Schools stipulates that graduate schools may, if necessary from an educational standpoint, provide education through appropriate means, which include conducting classes or research guidance in the evening and other certain hours and periods.
      This stipulation provides a greater number of working individuals with opportunities to receive a graduate school education while in employment and to develop the knowledge and skills required to assume leadership roles in educational research and practices. In accordance with Article 14 of the Standards for the Establishment of Graduate Schools, the master’s and doctoral programs offered by the University of Tsukuba Graduate Schools, which have made significant achievements in fostering skilled professionals and helping working individuals to further their education, have introduced a system for offering day and evening courses to enhance their education and research activities.
    2. Requirements for completing master’s and doctoral programs
      To qualify for the special provision, follow the instructions provided below.

      Pure and Applied Sciences (Master’s programs)
      1. 1) Earn 30 or more credits to complete the program for subjects conducted in the daytime (including the compulsory subjects studied in Colloquium on Pure and Applied Sciences) and the evening within the stipulated period of study (2 years).
        The credits awarded for compulsory subjects (Colloquium on Pure and Applied Sciences) can be obtained from other subjects instead. Consult with your supervisor for details.
      2. 2) After enrollment, make a study plan (including time allocated for taking courses and writing your thesis) at the beginning of every school year according to your work schedule. Be sure to consult with your supervisor and the chair of your program (or subprogram) before registering for a course.
      3. 3) The credits required to complete the program are as follows.
        4. Program Credits required to complete the program
        Pure and Applied Sciences (Master’s programs) One credit for Colloquium on Pure and Applied Sciences (compulsory) and 29 credits for other subjects designated by the relevant program.
      4. 4) To implement the special provision on educational methods, we will, in principle, be offering evening classes in addition to daytime classes from Monday through Friday every semester. Ask your supervisor in advance about subjects that apply the special provision.
  • 16. Cooperative Graduate School System

    The Cooperative Graduate School System is a graduate education system that allows students to access facilities and resources in cutting-edge research institutes to conduct their research by employing researchers from these institutes as professors and associate professors at the University of Tsukuba.
    For developed countries, the training of researchers who will serve as the main providers of knowledge creation is regarded as a high-priority issue. Due to the rapid progress and further sophistication of science and technology, research fields have become more departmentalized and specialized. At the same time, there has been an emergence of new interdisciplinary fields that go beyond the boundaries of traditional academic systems, prompting the need for interdisciplinary research.
    In particular, interdisciplinary research that requires a wide range of knowledge, from the basics to the application areas, has attached greater importance to cooperation between researchers from different fields. In addition, there has been increased demand for new interdisciplinary and integrated methods of fostering researchers.
    The Cooperative Graduate School System was established in response to these academic and social needs. We have cooperated with a large number of research institutes run by the government, incorporated administrative agencies (including national research and development agencies), and private companies located in and outside of Tsukuba Science City. We employ researchers from these institutes as professors (Cooperative Graduate School) and associate professors (Cooperative Graduate School) and have them supervise the research conducted by our students at research institutes equipped with the latest research facilities and features. Our aim is to diversify and expand the educational and research domain to further enhance graduate school education and develop new research areas by promoting exchanges with these research institutes.

    The Cooperative Graduate School System can be classified into the following two types.

    1st Cooperative Graduate School System

    Researchers at external research institutes join the degree programs as teaching staff and provide research guidance for the university’s graduate students by utilizing the cutting-edge facilities of these institutes. Under the 1st Cooperative Graduate School System, one of the university’s full-time faculty members is appointed as a co-supervisor to provide each student with support in both their academic and student lives. In addition to the research supervision provided at the research institutes, students should take the coursework offered at the university.

    2nd Cooperative Graduate School System

    Launched in 2004, the 2nd Cooperative Graduate School System allows researchers from an external research institute to organize the entire curriculum. The university employs these researchers as teaching staff and incorporates the relevant subprogram within the university’s degree program. Full-time university faculty members cooperate with the researchers in the provision of academic and student life support. Students registered in the subprograms benefit from the cutting-edge research guidance provided by the researchers at research institutes equipped with the latest facilities and features while taking the necessary coursework offered at the university.
    At present, the following subprogram have been incorporated in the Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences under the 2nd Cooperative Graduate School System.

    Subprogram Partner Institute
    Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering (Doctoral Program in Engineering Sciences, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences) National Institute for Materials Science
  • 17. System for Extending the Period of Registration

    Eligible Applicants

    A student who meets any of the following criteria and wishes to complete a degree program in a planned manner over a period longer than the standard two years due to the associated difficulties.

    (1) The student is employed
    (2) The student needs to take care of a family member, such as a child or an elderly person
    (3) The student has a disability
    (4) The student is considered to have another justifiable reason to apply for an extension

    Aim of the System for Extending the Period of Registration

    With the aim of increasing the opportunities for a diverse range of students to learn, the system allows students to complete a degree program in a planned manner if they apply to complete the program over an extended period of time (three or four years) rather than the standard two years and pass an individual review.

    Payment of Tuition Fees

    The annual tuition fees for individuals who have had their application to extend their period of registration approved shall be equal to the amount obtained by multiplying the annual tuition fees that would be paid over the standard period of registration by the number of years in the standard period of registration for the relevant program and dividing that amount by the number of years in the extended period of registration. This calculation will apply only during the period approved for such registration.

    Application Procedure

    Consult the chair of your program as well as your supervisor to obtain their approval for your application.
    Regarding the necessary documents, please request to us. Be sure to check the “Q&As on Extending the Period of Registration” (available only in Japanese) before applying.