Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences

Application Guidelines for Doctoral Programs (Human Sciences)

Education
  • October 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)
    • Psychology
    • January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process)
    Disability Sciences
    • January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process)

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

    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

    • 0. Application Process Overview Chart
    • 1. Schedule
      October Selection Process January to February Selection Process Notes
      Deadline for application for eligibility screening and inquiries regarding eligibility August 25, 2026 November 24, 2026 See “3-2. Details of Eligibility Screening.”
      Deadline for requesting assistance due to disability See “9. Applicants Who Need Assistance.”
      Payment of examination fee August 31, 2026 – September 10, 2026 November 30, 2026 – December 10, 2026 See “5. Examination Fee.”
      Web entry August 31, 2026 (from noon JST) – September 10, 2026 (by 3:00 p.m. JST) November 30, 2026 (from noon JST) – December 10, 2026 (by 3:00 p.m. JST) See “6. Details of Web Entry.”
      Documents submission
      (The documents must arrive at our office by the last day of the submission period)      		 August 31, 2026 – September 11, 2026 November 30, 2026 – December 11, 2026 See “6. Details of Web Entry” and “7. Documents to Be Submitted, Reference Card etc..”
      Planned publication date of “Information and Instructions for Examinees” We will post “Information and Instructions for Examinees” in the “information” section on our website at least one week in advance. See “10. Information and Instructions for Taking the Examination.”
      Examination Dates The date and time differ depending on the desired program and selection process.
      See “8. Screening Criteria” for details.
      Announcement of acceptance October 30, 2026 (from 10:00 a.m. JST) February 15, 2027 (from 10:00 a.m. JST) See “11. Testing Location, Acceptance Announcement and Admission Procedure.”
      Sending of Admission Procedure Guide to successful applicants (email) October 30, 2026 February 15, 2027
    • 2. Number of Students to Be Admitted

      October Selection Process

      Doctoral Program Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
      Education 16 students The number includes 4 students who apply for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals.
      • Students enroll in April.

      January to February Selection Process

      Doctoral Program Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
      Education 4 students The number includes 2 students who apply for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals.
      Psychology 6 students The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System.
      Disability Sciences 10 students
      • Students enroll in April.
      • For more information on the Cooperative Graduate School System, click here.
      • Students applying to the Doctoral Program in Disability Science should look at the URL below.
        https://www2.human.tsukuba.ac.jp/ids/disability-dp/en/for-applicants
      • Please note that as faculty on some research field of Psychology may not recruit students for the January to February Selection Process, applicants required to refer the “List of Faculty Research Field” before application.
    • 3-1. Eligibility for Application

      [Eligibility Screening is NOT required]

      • Individuals who have obtained a master’s degree or a professional degree in Japan or who are expected to obtain it by the month prior to enrollment. (Eligibility requirement (1))
      • Individuals who have been granted a degree equivalent to a master’s degree or a professional degree in a foreign country or who are expected to grant the degree by the month prior to enrollment. (Eligibility requirement (2))

      [Eligibility Screening is required]

      *See “3-2. Details of Eligibility Screening.”
      • Individuals who have graduated from a university and have been engaged in research at a university, research institute, etc. for two years or more, and who are recognized as having academic ability equivalent or superior to a master’s degree or a professional degree based on the results of their research. (Eligibility requirement (6-1); eligibility screening required)
      • Individuals who have completed 16 years of school education in a foreign country or 16 years of correspondence courses provided by a foreign school in Japan, and who have been engaged in research at a university or research institute for 2 years or more, and who are recognized as having academic ability equivalent or superior to a master’s or professional degree based on the results of said research. (Eligibility requirement (6-2); eligibility screening required)
      • Individuals who have reached 24 years of age or will reach 24 years of age by the month prior to enrollment, after being admitted to the university’s graduate school with academic ability equivalent or superior to a master’s degree or a professional degree through an individual admission eligibility screening conducted by the graduate school of the university. (Eligibility requirement (7); eligibility screening required)

      [Other eligibility requirements]

      Special Selection Process for Working Individuals

      If applying for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals, it is necessary that the applicant comes under one of the requirements above (provided however, that except those who are expected) and has or is expected to have social experience (including work in business, civil service, educational institution, etc. and experience in engaging in household labor, etc.) for 2 years or more irrespective of being full-time and part-time by the month prior to enrollment.

    • 3-2. Details of Eligibility Screening

      How to Apply for Eligibility Screening

      The eligibility screening is conducted by the University of Tsukuba to confirm that the applicant has academic ability equivalent or superior to of those who earned a master’s degree or professional degree prior to application. Please check the details of Eligibility for Application at the official website of University of Tsukuba. Even if you have passed the eligibility screening in the past, you will need to undergo the screening again when you wish to apply for another selection process.

      If you pass the screening, you will receive a passcode to be entered into the Web Entry System.
      Please note that applicants must submit their original graduation certificate and academic transcript at the time of application even if they submit the PDF or JPEG files at the time of the screening for eligibility (See “Notes” of “7. Documents to Be Submitted, Reference Card etc.”).
      Deadlines:
      See “1. Schedule.”
      Place to Submit:

      Graduate Admissions, Academic Service Office for the Human Sciences Area (See “14. Contact Us.”)

      How to Submit:

      See “Graduate Eligibility for Admission – University of Tsukuba.”

    • 4. Supervisor Assignment

      All the applicants must obtain prior consent from their supervisor.
      Before applying, you must contact a faculty member and obtain consent to become your prospective supervisor (the person who gives you academic instructions after enrollment). You may select up to a second choice of supervisor at the time of application, but the second choice is not mandatory. If applicants have the second choice, they should contact that faculty member and obtain consent as well.

      Please check the faculty members supervising the research areas via the following link.

      If you have any questions about research field, contact your desired program (See “13. Previous Examinations and Inquiry”).
      Applicants for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals should inform their prospective supervisor that they wish to apply for the Special Selection Process for Working Individuals when obtaining consent.

    • 5. Examination Fee

      Examination Fee

      30,000 Japanese Yen (non-refundable)

      Exemptions of Examination Fee

      • The examination fees will not be charged for Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship students.
      • Those who completed the University of Tsukuba Master’s Program and will continue on to the University Doctoral Program within one year of the completion date.

      The University of Tsukuba have the special measures of examination fee exemption for the victims of disasters in Japan. For details, see https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/news/20200710152909.html.

      Payment Methods

      The examination fee can be paid by either of the following methods. In either case, administration fees are to be borne by the applicant.
      (1) Credit Card Payment (for all applicants)
      https://e-shiharai.net/english/ We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB or AMERICAN EXPRESS.
      Credit card payment can be made at the final step of the Web Entry System or by visiting the website linked above. After the payment, you will be provided with the receipt number. Enter the receipt number in the input field displayed on the Web Entry System.
      Print out the payment complete screen and submit it along with other application documents.
      For details, see the payment instructions.
      (2) Convenience Store Payment (for applicants residing in Japan only)
      https://e-shiharai.net/ Payment can be made at convenience stores in Japan: LAWSON, SEVEN-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, or MINISTOP.
      Follow the instructions given at the final steps of the Web Entry System or at the website linked above (available in Japanese only) to apply for the convenience store payment.

      After going to the selected store and completing payment, please enter the required information into the Web Entry System: name of the convenience store that you used, the date of payment, and the payment number (The number of digit and the Japanese name of the payment number differ according to the store you used. See the description below).
      • SEVEN-ELEVEN: “払込票番号” 13 digits
      • LAWSON, FamilyMart, MINISTOP: “お客様番号” 11 digits
      Download the “Form for Submission of the Certificate of Payment of Application Fee” from the Web Entry System and print it out. Paste the receipt (certificate of payment) you received from the convenience store on the form. Submit the completed form along with other application documents.
      For details, see the payment instructions.
    • 6. Details of Web Entry

      6-1. Web Entry Flow

      Submit your application data through Web Entry System during the designated period (See “1. Schedule”).

      • Preparation
        • icon
          Email Settings

          Please verify your email settings to ensure you can receive emails from “entry.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp”.
          *We have confirmed instances emails to the “@au.com” and “@ezweb.ne.jp” domains are not being delivered. Please register a different email address or check your “Recipient List Settings” and “Spam Filter Settings” in advance.
          Also, please avoid using SMS and MMS as attachments may not be delivered.

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          Internet Environment

          Please ensure your PC's internet connection. (Smartphones and tablets are not recommended.)

        • icon
          ID Photo Data

          Please prepare your photo data. (only JPEG file, the file size must be 500 KB or less and less than 2,000 pixels in both width and height.)
          Please do not change the image of the person by editing or processing the image to make the eyes look larger, whitening the skin, or modifying facial features, moles, wrinkles, etc. Such modifications may prevent us from verifying the applicant’s identity using the photo on the reference card on the examination day.

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          Printer

          Please have a printer ready as there are documents that need to be printed.

      • Sign Up / Activation

        Create your own account on the Web Entry System. When you sign up, activation email will be sent to your registered email address. Click the activation URL on the email to activate your account.

      • My Page

        Click the “Application Form” button on “My Page” to start web entry. You can edit your login information or reset password on “My Page.”

      • Application Form

        Please enter the required information (See “6-2. Details of Information You Need for Web Entry”).

      • Payment

        Complete payment of the examination fee before submitting your application. The examination fee can be paid by either credit card or convenience store. For details, please check 5. Examination Fees.
        *The examination fee already paid is non-refundable.

      • Submission

        Once you click on the “Submit to Apply” button, the information you have entered will be sent to the university, and you will not be able to go back to edit. Please check carefully before proceeding. After submission, please make sure to check the confirmation email that will be sent to your registered email address.

      • Create PDF and Print Reference Card etc.

        After submitting the application data, you will be able to download the documents such as “Reference Card” and “Address Sheet” until the end of the application period. These files must be brought to the venue or mailed to the university. You must print your Reference card and bring it on the day of the examination. Please note that the files no longer be available for download after the end of the application period.

      Notes:
      • The Web Entry System does not allow you to apply to more than one programs from a single account. Also, it is not possible to register multiple accounts with one e-mail address. Therefore, for example, if applicants for the Dual Degree Program wish to apply to both the doctoral Program and the master’s Program at the same time, they must prepare two e-mail addresses, create accounts using each, and apply to each program from separate accounts.
      • The payment screen will not be displayed for students who do not have to pay the examination fee, i.e., the Japanese Government Scholarship students and students applying for a secondary program (master’s program) under the Dual Degree Program.
      • After the application period ends, you cannot change degree program and enrollment date.

      Handling of Personal Information

      Applicants’ personal information obtained from the application documents and the results of the entrance examination will be used for the affairs concerning admission and screening. The university may also process the information so that it is not personally identifiable and use it for research and study aimed at improvement of the admission procedure and the university education. If a successful applicant who has completed the admission procedures has applied for a JASSO scholarship, the information will be used as screening material in the scholarship selection process.

      6-2. Details of Information You Need for Web Entry

      With our Web Entry system, you can submit the application online. Read this section carefully before applying online.

      Information You Need for Web Entry

      Information Required for Remarks
      1. Applicant’s Information / Program of Your Choice All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry system.
      You are requested to upload a photograph for your Reference Card in JPEG format. The photograph must be taken within the last three months and must not include hats or other head adornments.
      After the application period ends, changes to your program preference and enrollment term cannot be made.
      2. Supervisor of Your Choice All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry system.
      English Score (For January to February Selection Process: Score of a test taken after Jan 2025) January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process) Disability Sciences Follow the instructions on the Web Entry system. Enter one of the following tests as the score of English examination.

      -TOEIC L&R Test (Digital Official Score Certificate), or
      -TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (Official Score Report or Test Taker Score Report with photo) , or
      -IELTS Academic Test Report Form (with photo)

      If you have yet to receive your score at the time of application, fill in “Taken on (Year/Month): 2026 12; Your score: 0” on the Web Entry system. Please enter the URL of the TOEIC official website’s homepage in the URL field.

      *The following test scores are not accepted.
      TOEIC Institutional Program(IP) Score Report 、TOEFL Institutional Test Score Record, and Test Report Form of IELTS (General Training Module)

      3. Eligibility All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry system.
      Thesis Title All applicants Enter the title of the paper you will submit.
      Research Theme All applicants Enter the title as written in your research proposal.
      4. Educational Background All applicants Follow the instructions on the Web Entry system.
      Research Activities All applicants who have research history
      Employment Records All applicants who have employment history
      Examination Fees All applicants
      (*Excluding Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship students, etc.)      		 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 the payment, enter the receipt number into the box on the Web Entry system.
      Convenience Store (for domestic applicants only):
      Pay your fees at a convenience store in Japan. After the payment, enter the name of the convenience store, the date of payment, and the number given by the store into the box on the Web Entry system.
      The examination fee is non-refundable.
    • 7. Documents to Be Submitted, Reference Card etc.

      Paper certificates and other documents required for application (See below) should be mailed (using registered mail) or brought in person. All required documents must be put in an envelope which fits unfolded A4 size paper with an Address Sheet attached. You can download your Address Sheet in PDF from the Web Entry System.
      The documents must arrive to our office by the deadline (See “1. Schedule”). If your documents fail to arrive by the deadline or any of the required documents is incomplete, invalid or missing, you will not be allowed to take the exam. Documents brought in after 5:00 p.m. JST on the last day of the submission period will not be accepted. The deadlines are strictly observed.
      In case of delays caused by the carrier, submit a written notice from the carrier indicating the situation.

      Place to Submit:

      Graduate Admissions, Academic Service Office for the Human Sciences Area (See “14. Contact Us.”)

      Note:

      In principle, all documents submitted will not be returned to you. For certificates that cannot be reissued, please submit a copy certified by the issuer or an official institution (See below).
      If you are unable to obtain a photocopy that meets our requirement, please submit the original document with a return request.

      Regardless of the above, the External English Test Score Sheet will NOT be returned. Also, we will not provide you with a photocopy after submission. Please make your own copy and keep them before submission if necessary.

      Documents Needed for Application

      (The original documents must be submitted by registered mail or in person. These documents need to be received no later than the deadlines.)
      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.

      Documents Who must submit Instructions
      1. (Expected) Graduation Certificate* All applicants Submit a graduation certificate (or an attested document certifying that you will graduate) issued by a university or another educational institution that meets the application requirements for the Doctoral Programs of this Graduate School.
      2. Degree Certificate* Those who graduated from a graduate school outside Japan If you graduated from a graduate school outside Japan, submit a degree certificate for your master’s degree. All documents must be in English or in Japanese.
      ※Due to a difference with the Japanese education system, for those who graduated university overseas, eligibility for admission will be checked so upload an image in JPEG format of the certificate to be submitted on the Web system in advance.
      3. Academic Transcript* All applicants Submit an academic transcript (the official transcript of your programs history) issued by a university or another educational institution that meets the application requirements for the Doctoral Programs of this Graduate School. If any credits were transferred from another school, submit an academic transcript from that school. (All documents must be in English or in Japanese.)
      4. Thesis Education/ Psychology
      (Three copies of any one of the theses in ① to ④ should be submitted.)
      Disability      		 Any one of the following ① to ④ should be submitted as follows by the deadline to submit the application for admission.
      Attach the “Address Sheet for Thesis Submission” to the envelope (your envelope). The “Thesis” with the “Thesis Title Sheet” should be included in this envelope and submitted to the following address. It should be sent by “registered mail” at the post office. (It should not be enclosed in the envelope for the submission of the application.)

      【Place of submission】Office concerned in the Contact field in “13. Previous Examinations and Inquiry”

      ①　Master’s Thesis (copy possible) If it is impossible to submit the thesis above with your application, a thesis equivalent to that (a thesis with the predictions about the conclusion to the findings by submission).
      ②　Those who completed a course in or before the last academic year may replace with a new thesis (copy possible; for the Doctoral Program in Disability Sciences, a recently published peer-reviewed paper).
      ③　For those who were not assigned a master’s thesis, a thesis equivalent to that (for the Doctoral Program in Disability Sciences, a recently published peer-reviewed paper)
      ④　For those designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (eligibility (8)) who are applicants, the graduation thesis (copy possible) (For those who were not assigned a graduation thesis, a thesis equivalent to that)

      ※If examinees of the Doctoral Program in Education Science submit their thesis in a language other than Japanese or English, also submit three copies of the complete translation of their thesis in Japanese or English.

      5. Research Plan Disability Sciences (An electronic file of one thesis selected from ① to ④ should be submitted.) ①　Master’s Thesis (copy possible) If it is impossible to submit the thesis above with your application, a thesis equivalent to that (a thesis with the predictions about the conclusion to the findings by submission).
      ②　Those who completed a course in or before the last academic year may replace with a new thesis (copy possible; a recently published peer-reviewed paper).
      ③　For those who were not assigned a master’s thesis, a thesis equivalent to that (a recently published peer-reviewed paper)
      ④　For those designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (eligibility (8)) who are applicants, the graduation thesis (copy possible) (For those who were not assigned a graduation thesis, a thesis equivalent to that)
      ※Upload your thesis to URL below by the deadline for documents needed for application. Upload instructions will be notified on the web entry completion screen.

      https://utos.tsukuba.ac.jp/public/NAJpAPBAuNAHLjRLShbP8A52zfpatsVcXIdTxAr4ak4I

      NOTES:
      ・Name the PDF with your examinee number and name.
      ・First page of the thesis are required to put “Thesis Title Sheet (please use PDF format to be created after completing web entry)” and fill in the information on the sheet.
      ・Compress the PDF to maximum around 50MB.

      ※If examinees of the Doctoral Program in Disability Science submit their thesis in a language other than Japanese or English, also upload the electrical file of the complete translation of their thesis in Japanese or English.
      Education The research plan (in Japanese, within 2000 characters, or in English, within 900 words up to two A4 sized sheets (including the references) in portrait orientation and written horizontally, and one-side printing) should be submitted describing the following items in relation to your previous works (master’s thesis, etc.). 1) name,Research theme, area of study of your choice, and academic advisor of your choice, 2) purpose of research, 3) research content, 4) research methods and planning (for 3 years), 5) rationale of the study based on the literature reviews, and 6) references. Furthermore, the references are not counted within the 2,000 characters in Japanese or 900 words in English, however, it shall be adduced in the text.
      Psychology Applicants are required to submit a research plan outlining the intended research content following admission. The plan must clearly indicate the applicant’s name, proposed research topic, and preferred academic advisor. The document should be prepared on no more than two A4-sized pages (portrait orientation, horizontal writing, single-sided printing), and must not exceed 2,000 characters, excluding figures, charts, and references. The research plan may be written in English （no more than two A4-sized pages (portrait orientation, horizontal writing, single-sided printing)）.
      Furthermore, attach a separate sheet (one A4 paper) with a list of accomplishments and affiliated academic societies in addition to the research plan.
      Disability Sciences The content and　the plan of your research after admission (should also include your name, research subject, academic advisor of your choice), must be written using A4 sized paper in portrait orientation, written horizontally, and be printed one-side (any format can be used). The document must be within 2 pages (including figures, tables and references). If writing in Japanese, the document must be within 2,000 Japanese characters (Figures, charts and references are not included in the word count.). English is also accepted. The document must be within 2 pages (including figures, tables and references).
      6. Summary of Thesis If applicable If submitting a thesis written in a language other than Japanese or English, submit the abstract in Japanese (4,000 characters) or English (1,500 words) enclosed in the envelope for thesis, etc.
      7．The original English Score
      ＜The submitted test scores must be:＞
      For January to February Selection Process: taken after January 2025      		 January to February Selection Process (General Selection Process) Disability Sciences Submit one of the following test scores. Submitted score report must be original.

      -TOEIC L&R Test (Digital Official Score Certificate), or
      -TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (Official Score Report or Test Taker Score Report) (with photo) , or
      -IELTS Academic Test Report Form (with photo)

      If the original copy cannot be submitted at the time of application, the applicant must bring the original copy by the examination date.
      Failure to submit the original document, regardless of the reason, will result in the student being marked absent from the foreign language examination and will not be considered for selection. Please note that the original copy submitted will not be returned.

      * If there isn’t sufficient time to send in the official Score Report of TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, or if paper score reports are no longer issued (as of January 2026), you may carry out the procedure for the official score reports to be sent directly from ETS to University of Tsukuba (DI code : 9995, Department code : 99). The Official score report of TOEFL iBT must be received by the university no later than 3 days before the examination date.　Also send the printed out version of the test score.

      *Please request so that your IELTS Test Report Form will arrive to our university from the institution by no later than 3 days before the examination date. Please select “Electronically” for the sending method. At the same time, please submit a copy of the Test Report Form.

      Official scores of TOEIC SW Test and TOEIC Bridge Test, TOEIC Institutional Program (IP) Score Report, TOEFL Institutional Test Program (ITP) Score Report, IELTS General Training Test Report Form are not accepted. Submitted certificates must be original.

      8. Copy of “Application Completed” Page of Examination Fee Payment by Credit Card Applicants who made a credit card payment
      (*Refer to “5. Examination Fee.”)      		 After the payment, print out the “Application Completed” page, and submit it to us by airmail.
      9. Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) of Examination Fee Statement Applicants who made a convenience store payment
      (*Refer to “5. Examination Fee.”)      		 After the payment, detach the Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) from the Examination Fee Statement given at the convenience store and submit it to us by airmail.
      The Receipt Portion needs to be attached to the form that can be created online and printed out after you complete the Web Entry procedure.
      10. Letter of Approval for Entrance Exam and Admission (Form of Your Selection) If applicable

      1. Individuals who are currently attending a university or graduate school
        *Except for April entry applicants who are expected to graduate by March 2027 and October entry applicants who are expected to graduate by September 2027
      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 for entrance exam and admission issued by the head of their university or graduate school (or the head of their department) allowing them to take the entrance examination or, submit a letter of application the applicant (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 for entrance exam and admission issued by a superior allowing them to take the entrance examination or a written self-declaration 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.
        〔Individuals who are planning to resign and enter the university may replace the letter of approval for entrance exam and admission with a letter clearly stating to that effect, provided however, that in this case, a “letter of resignation” at admission procedures should be submitted.〕
      11. Certificate of Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Foreign Student If applicable The certificate must be submitted by airmail.
      If you are enrolled in another university at the time of application, submit the certificate of the government-sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) foreign student issued by the university.

      *In case your current name is different from that on the documents you submit (e.g., because of marriage), submit with the 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

      PDF to Be Created After Completing Web Entry

      Documents Created for Remarks
      Reference Card All applicants The Web Entry system instructs you to supply a photograph for your Reference Card in JPEG format. The photograph must be taken within the last three months and must not include hats or other head adornments.
      Print out the Reference Card with your photograph and bring a copy of the card to the venue with you on the examination day.
      Address Sheet All applicants Attach the address sheet to your envelope when you submit the required documents to us by airmail or in person.

      【Due Dates】
      See “1. Schedule.”

      If you submit the documents in person, you have to submit them by 5 p.m. JST.

      Address Sheet for Thesis Submission If applicable (Except Disability Sciences) Fill in the required items on this sheet and attach it to an envelope for submitting your thesis or paper.
      Thesis Title Sheet If applicable Fill in the required items on this sheet and attach it to the front page of each thesis or paper to be submitted. (This sheet may be photocopied.)
      Disablitity Sciences: submit electrically by the deadline.
      Form for Submission of the Certificate of Payment of Application Fee Applicants who made a convenience store payment Attach the Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) of the Examination Fee Statement to the form and submit it to us by airmail.

      Results from the entrance examination, as well as personal information obtained by the University of Tsukuba from the application documents, will be used not only for affairs concerning admission and screening, but also research and study aimed at improvement of the admission procedure and the university education. We will carefully take care of the data not to be disclosed as a specific person.

    • 8. Screening Criteria

      We will determine the students to be admitted by evaluating the submitted documents and their academic skills as a whole.

      Examination Schedule and the Subjects

      Refer to the schedule below:

      Education (General Selection Process and Special Selection Process for Working Individuals) Doctoral

      October Selection Process / January to February Selection Process
      October Selection Process Friday, October 9
      January to February Selection Process Tuesday, January 26
      Subject Oral Examination (100 points)
      Program Time 10:00-17:00
      Education

      Individual Interview

      An oral assessment about specialized issues on education, the thesis submitted with your application (master’s thesis, etc.), and research plan will be held.
      (Refer to Note 4.)

      1. For the application, you should establish preliminary contact with a faculty member in the area of study of your choice.
      2. The Doctoral Program in Education consists of the following areas of study.　
        Philosophy of Education, History of Japanese Education, Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, Sociology of Education, Educational System and Organization, Educational Policy and Planning, Comparative and International Education, School Management, Higher Education Study, Educational Policy, Teacher Education, Teaching Method, Moral Education, Career Education, Social Studies Education, Education in School Subjects, Mathematics Education, Science Education, Special Activities, Curriculum Studies
      3. The point allocation is on a 200-point scale with the entry of the submitted “thesis (master’s thesis, etc.) which is 100 points.
      4. The research plan (in Japanese, within 2000 characters, or in English, within 900 words up to two A4 sized sheets in portrait orientation and written horizontally, and one-side printing) should be submitted describing the following items in relation to your previous works（master’s thesis, etc.). 1) Research theme, area of study of your choice, and academic advisor of your choice, 2) purpose of research, 3) research content, 4) research methods and planning (for 3 years), 5) rationale of the study based on the literature reviews, and 6) references. Furthermore, the references are not counted within the 2,000 characters in Japanese or 900 words in English, however, it shall be adduced in the text.
      5. For details on this doctoral program, refer to the website at https://www.education.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/doctoral-program/

      Psychology Doctoral

      January to February Selection Process
      January to February Selection Process Thursday, January 28 Friday, January 29
      Subject English (200 points) Oral Examination (200 points)
      Program Time 10:00-12:00 10:00-17:00
      Psychology

      English

      (Check the reading comprehension and expressiveness in English. Dictionaries cannot be used.)

      		 It will be given based on the research plan and master’s thesis and/or related researches submitted with your application.
      The examination will be administered individually.
      1. For the application, you should establish preliminary contact with a faculty member of your choice.
        For more information on the Cooperative Graduate School System, click here.
      2. Attendance will be confirmed at 9:50 on the day of the oral examination so gather in the waiting room for the oral examination at that time. If your attendance is not confirmed, you cannot take the oral examination.
      3. For the oral examination, there is a presentation of previous major research (master’s thesis, etc.) and future research plan (15 minutes), followed by a 15 minutes question and answer session. Examinees will make a Power Point presentation. Prepare the file of the Power Point presentation and bring it in a USB flash drive. Furthermore, we will have an operation check after the end of the foreign language examination on the first day. We have a projector and PC available for use. Moreover, if you have backup material for the oral presentation, print 20 copies in A4 sized paper and bring it to the oral presentation site.
      4. An applicant who is currently a working individual should address inquiries to and consult in regard to course registration and research guidance after admission with a faculty member of one’s choice in advance.
      5. For details on this doctoral program, refer to the following website.
        https://www.human.tsukuba.ac.jp/psychology/program-en/

      Disability Sciences Doctoral

      January to February Selection Process
      January to February Selection Process Tuesday, January 26
      Subject Foreign Language (200 points) Oral Examination (500 points) Thesis (300 points)
      Program Time – 9：30～17：00 –
      Disability Sciences Converted from the following scores: TOEIC L&R Test or TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or IELTS Academic Scores After a 15-minute oral presentation (refer to notes 1 and 2) on the research plan submitted with your application was given, an oral assessment will be held. Evaluation of the thesis (e.g., master’s thesis) submitted at the time of application.
      1. The oral presentation and oral assessment in the oral examination will be held in Japanese.
      2. 2. The oral presentation will be held based on the documents (handout) prepared by the examinee. Six copies of the handout (should be made using the PowerPoint, print one slide per page on an A4 landscape sheet, single-sided, and stapled together) that reflect the assertions in the presentation sheet should be prepared and brought to the oral examination location.
      3. Conversion rule of English score
        Scores listed below will be converted as a full score (200 points) .

        TOEIC TOEFL-iBT, TOEFL iBT
        Home Edition        		 IELTS
        830
        89
        6.5
      4. For the application, you should establish preliminary contact and consultation with a faculty member (refer to the list of areas of study ) who you wish to have guidance.
        If making contact, refer to the address of the Doctoral Program in Disability Sciences (dsdc#@#human.tsukuba.ac.jp; delete “#” before the e-mail is sent).
      5. For details on this doctoral program, refer to the following website.
        https://www2.human.tsukuba.ac.jp/ids/disability-dp/en
    • 9. Applicants Who Need Assistance
      Applicants who need assistance due to disability must submit a designated application form, a doctor’s certificate, and a copy of their disability certificate to the Division of Admission, Department of Educational Promotion (1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki) by the following dates:
      * We may not be able to accommodate your request for consideration.
      【Due Dates】
      See “1. Schedule.”
      Examples of Assistance:
      • Extended exam time, separate testing room, preferred seating location, etc.
      • Braille and other accessible formats
      • Use of a computer for writing, vision aid, hearing aid, and other aids
      • Sign language interpreter and other assistants
      To request these accommodations, applicants must submit documents to prove the necessity.
    • 10. Information and Instructions for Taking the Examination
      Read through and follow the instructions in the “Information and Instructions for Examinees” to take the examination.
      “Information and Instructions for Examinees” will be posted on the top page of this website at least one week in advance.
    • 11. Testing Location, Acceptance Announcement and Admission Procedure

      Testing Location

      University of Tsukuba (1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken)
      [Refer to the “Information and Instructions for Examinees” in “10.Instructions for Taking the Examination” for details.]

      Acceptance Announcement

      Date of Acceptance Announcement:

      See “1. Schedule.”

      The examinee numbers of the successful applicants will be posted on the website.
      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.
      *It may take up to an hour from the announcement to receive the email.

      In some cases, additional admissions will be offered to applicants who took the entrance examination administered in January to February Selection Process. Applicants will be notified by phone (or e-mail in exceptional cases) around mid-March 2027 for April 2027 admissions.

      Admission Procedure

      1. Notice of Admission Procedure Guide
        The information on Admission Procedure will be provided to successful applicants to the email address registered for the application.
        Please follow the instructions in that email to conduct the admission procedure. Admission will be permitted upon completion of the prescribed admission procedure.
        Date to send email:
        See “1. Schedule.”
      2. Expenses Required upon Entrance
        1. (a)Admission fee
          282,000 Japanese yen (non-refundable)
        2. (b)Tuition fee
          **the payment made after enrollment.
          You will need to register a Japanese bank account.
          Please note that tuition fee is different depending on whether you are an international student or not.
            Tuition fee（Except international students)
          • The first term (April – September): 267,900 Japanese yen
          • The second term (October – March): 267,900 Japanese yen (Annual: 535,800 Japanese yen)
            Tuition fee（For international students)
          • The first term (April – September): 304,400 Japanese yen
          • The second term (October – March): 304,400 Japanese yen (Annual: 608,800 Japanese yen)
          * International students refer to individuals residing in Japan under the ‘Student’ residence status as specified in Table (4) of Appended Table I of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No. 319 of 1951).
        3. *1：If fees are revised before admission or while enrolled in thee university, the revised amount of fees will apply.
        4. *2：Tuition exemption applications will be processed after enrollment.
      3. All applicants who have a full-time job must submit a document or a letter (e.g. an order to attend a training course, a letter of leave of absence or an approval letter) issued by the employer to prove that you are approved to enroll in the university.
      4. Applicants with foreign nationality must acquire a status of residence which is suitable for admission, in accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No. 319 of 1951), before beginning enrollment procedures. Those who wish to enroll in the university as an international student must obtain a “Student” visa and enter Japan with a residence status of “Student.”
    • 12. Disclosure of Admission Examination Results

      For those who fail the admission examination, the result of the examination will be disclosed as follows.

      1. Information to Be Disclosed
        Total score of the applicant who failed the examination
        However, the following information will not be disclosed:
        1) Individuals who missed at one or more subject(s)
        2) Individuals who took the Online Entrance Examinations for Those Living Abroad
        3) Individuals who failed the first round of the two-stage selection process

      2. Who Can Apply
        The applicant himself/herself
      3. How to Request
        Please send the following by mail. If you live abroad, please contact the office in charge via e-mail before submitting your request.
        1) Request Form for Disclosure of Admission Information
        2) Reference Card (To be returned to the applicant at the time of disclosure. If you have lost the Reference Card, submit a photocopy of your student ID card, driver’s license or other identification documents.)
        3) Return envelope (Use 120 mm x 235 mm size envelope. Write your full name and address on the envelope with 460 yen postal stamp affixed.)
        However, if you are an Overseas Resident, Please Inquire by E-mail to the Billing Office.
      4. Request Acceptance Period
        May 1, 2027 – May 31, 2027
      5. Disclosure Method
        Information to be disclosed will be mailed to the requestor after the request acceptance period closed.
      6. Office in Charge
        1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
        Graduate Admission Office, Division of Admission, University of Tsukuba
        dai.daigakuinka#@#un.tsukuba.ac.jp (replace #@# with @)
    • 13. Previous Examinations and Inquiry
      Program Browsing Photocopy Postal Delivery Contact Direct Phone Number
      Education (Note 1) × × × General Affairs Office for Human Sciences
      Graduate School Academic Affairs Office for Doctoral Programs in Education      		 +81 29.8536619
      Psychology (Note 2) General Affairs Office for Human Sciences
      Graduate School Academic Affairs Office for Doctoral Programs in Phycology      		 +81 29.8534597
      Disability Sciences (Note 1) General Affairs Office for Human Sciences
      Graduate School Academic Affairs Office for Doctoral Programs in Disability Sciences      		 +81 29.8534595
        Notes:

      1. For the oral examination, there are no examination questions to be released.
      2. 2. For English questions, previous questions are not released because of copyright issues.
    • 14. Contact Us

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

      Academic Service Office for the Human Sciences Area, University of Tsukuba
      1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki-ken 305-8572 Japan
      e-mail ningen-dnyushi＃@＃un.tsukuba.ac.jp (Delete “#” before the e-mail is sent.)
      Hours: 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday except national holidays
    • 15. Register Extending System

      Eligible Applicants

      Working students or those who need to take care of family members, such as children or the elderly.

      Overview

      Register Extending System allows students to complete a master’s or a doctoral program in a period longer than usual.
      Master’s programs: The period can be extended from standard 2 years to 3 or 4 years.
      Doctoral programs: The period can be extended from standard 3 years to 4 or 5 years.

      Application Period

      Consult your academic advisor, etc. for approval of application. Submit required documents to the Executive Dean of the Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences.
      Those who wish to start from the second year after entering the school shall perform the same procedure by January of the first year.

      How to apply

      Details of the register extending system will be published in website of the Graduate School of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba (http://www.chs.tsukuba.ac.jp/) at the middle of January 2027. If you are interested in the register extending system, apply until the designated date after confirming the details published in the website.