Degree Program in Comprehensive Human Sciences

Application Guidelines for Doctoral Programs (Informatics)

Informatics

Examinations for 2027 academic year will be conducted ONLINE.

  • July Selection Process (Special Selection Process for Recommended Applicants)
    Note: The Web Entry System for July Selection Process is available only in Japanese.
  • 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/ Special Selection Process of Global Individuals in English)

All applicants need to contact and obtain confirmation from your prospective academic advisor before the application.

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, part of the provision of sensitive technology to graduate students is now subject to control under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law, and all applicants to our graduate school are required 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
    July Selection Process August Selection Process January to February Selection Process Notes
    Deadline for application for eligibility screening and inquiries regarding eligibility May 20, 2026 July 3, 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 May 22, 2026 – June 1, 2026 July 9, 2026 – July 22, 2026 November 30, 2026 – December 10, 2026 See “5. Examination Fee.”
    Web entry May 22, 2026 (from noon JST) – June 1, 2026 (by 3:00 p.m. JST) July 9, 2026 (from noon JST) – July 22, 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)    		 May 22, 2026 – June 2, 2026 July 9, 2026 – July 23, 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” June 12, 2026 July 31, 2026 January 7, 2027 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 July 21, 2026 (from 10:00 a.m. JST) September 10, 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) July 21, 2026 September 10, 2026 February 15, 2027
    *Those who are October entrants are scheduled to be sent around late June 2027.
  • 2. Number of Students to Be Admitted

    July Selection Process

    Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
    Special Selection Process for Recommended Applicants 3 Applicant must guarantee enrollment if accepted.

    ※Fulfillment of the recommendation requirements does not guarantee the acceptance.
    ※Informal consent from the desired academic advisor does not guarantee the acceptance.

    August Selection Process

    Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
    General Selection Process 6
    Special Selection Process for Working Individuals Few

    ※Informal consent from the desired academic advisor does not guarantee the acceptance.

    January to February Selection Process

    Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
    General Selection Process 4
    Special Selection Process for Working Individuals Few
    Special Selection Process of Global Individuals in English Few Month of enrollment is in October.

    ※Informal consent from the desired academic advisor does not guarantee the acceptance.

  • 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 Recommended Applicants

    The applicant who meets either of the following requirements and can guarantee enrollment if the applicant is accepted.

    (1) Individuals who are enrolled in a Master’s course and have earned in approximately 70% or more A (excellent) grades among the total credits earned in graduate school by the time of application

    (2) Individuals who have accepted peer-reviewed academic papers (journal articles or international conference papers)

    Special Selection Process for Working Individuals

    Individuals who have more than 3 years of work experience as of April 1, 2027

  • 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 Library, Information and Media Science Area (See “14. Contact Us.”)

    How to Submit:

    Download the following documents and send it to us by e-mail with required documents.

    Required Documents of Eligibility Screening:
    1. (a) Applicant Information
    2. (b) Curriculum Vitae
    3. (c) Graduation Certificate
    4. (d) Academic Transcript
    5. (e) List of Research Results
  • 4. Supervisor Assignment

    Obtaining Consent from Faculty Members before Applying

    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). Please see the List of Academic staff for the list of faculty members and their research fields and keywords.
    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.

      • icon
        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.

      • icon
        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

    You must submit the application online via our Web Entry system. Read this section carefully before applying.
    Don’t use generative AI for application.
    You must obtain the consent of faculty member who will be your academic advisor after admission. Please refer https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/academic-staff-en/.

    Don’t place space characters of the beginning of the first line in any fields, including the Research Plan.

    After the application period ends, you cannot change degree program and enrollment date.

    Required information for Web Entry

    Information Required for Remarks
    1. Applicant’s Information / Program of Your Choice All applicants You are required to upload the JPEG file (max 500KB and 2,000 pixels in both width and height) of your photo for the Reference Card. The photo must be taken within three months with no hats, masks or other head adornments.
    2. Supervisor of Your Choice All applicants The consent is needed.
    3. Eligibility All applicants
    Research Plan All applicants Summarize plans in Japanese in 2000 characters or English in 1000 words or less.
    Be sure to write in the SAME language as the oral examination.
    If you write in different language, your application will be rejected.

    You may use the prescribed form downloadable from the Web Entry system only if it is essential for you to use mathematical formulae, Greek letters, or special symbols, which cannot be entered into the system. Fill it out and send it together with the other required documents by mail. The format of the form must not be changed. Any texts may not be written outside the box. Also, tables and figures cannot be included.
    Research and Practice Overview All applicants Summarize your research overview in Japanese in 2000 characters or English in 1000 words or less.
    Be sure to write in the SAME language as the oral examination.
    If you write in different language, your application will be rejected.

    All applicants describe either their research or work experiences.
    You may use the prescribed form downloadable from the Web Entry system only if it is essential for you to use mathematical formulae, Greek letters, or special symbols, which cannot be entered into the system. Fill it out and send it together with the other required documents by mail. The format of the form must not be changed. Any texts may not be written outside the box. Also, tables and figures cannot be included.
    List of Research Results All applicants Categorize your academic results into thesis, academic articles, conference presentations, patents, projects, etc. and number them serially in each category. Put circles at the beginning of the academic results you chose to submit as your major Research Results.

    1. (1) For the academic articles, fill in the author(s) including the co-author(s), the title, the name of the journal, the volume, the number, the year of publication and the first and last page numbers. If the article is written in language other than Japanese and English, please add the abstract for the article in Japanese or English.
    2. (2) For conference presentations, fill in the author(s) including the co-author(s), the title, the name of the conference and the date.
    3. (3) For project participation, fill in the name of the project, the term, outline and your role.
    4. (4) Conform the style above for other categories.
    4. Educational Background All applicants If you have graduated from a foreign university, please upload your degree certificate in JPEG format (max 3MB and 2,000 pixels in both width and height).
    Research Activities Applicants who have research history
    Employment Records Applicants who have employment history
    5. Examination Fee All applicants
    (Excluding Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho：MEXT) Scholarship student and those who have completed the University of Tsukuba Master’s Program and will continue on to the University Doctoral Program within one year of the completion date)    		 Examination Fee is 30,000 JPY.
    Follow the instructions given on the last page of the Web Entry system and pay your fee.
    The following payment methods are available.
    By Credit Card (recommended):
    Pay your fee online. After the payment, enter the receipt number into the box on the Web Entry system.
    At Convenience Store (only domestic applicants):
    Pay your fee at a convenience store in Japan. After the payment, enter the information below into the box on the Web Entry system.
    ・Number given by the store
    ・Date of payment
    ・Name of the convenience store
  • 7. Documents to Be Submitted, Reference Card etc.

    Paper certificates and other documents required for application (See below) should be mailed (using registered mail). 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.
    Our program does not accept documents submitted in person at the support office.
    Please be sure to send your documents by a traceable method, as we will not respond to inquiries regarding the arrival status of the application documents.
    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. The deadlines are strictly observed.

    Place to Submit:

    Graduate Admissions, Academic Service Office for the Library, Information and Media Science 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.
    If you are unable to obtain a photocopy that meets our requirement, enclose the request memo that you want us to return the original copies and the way of returning. Applicants are responsible for the cost of returning.

    Regardless of the above, the External English Test Score Sheet will NOT be returned.

    Documents to be sent

    Please print-out in A4 or Letter size the PDF files generated after completing your application.
    The original copies of the following documents need to be submitted to us by registered mail. All documents must be in English or in Japanese.
    When submitting a translation of the original documents as a certificate, the translation must be certified by an embassy or a notary public office.
    Submit the original copies issued by a university or another official institution. We will not accept photocopies as the application documents.

    Documents Who must submit Instructions
    (Expected) Graduation Certificate
    Note1, Note2    		 All applicants Submit a graduation certificate (or an attested document certifying that you will graduate) issued by a university or another educational institution.

    If the certificate (original) is issued online by the university outside Japan, a “copy of the page and the URL accessible to third parties where that information can be verified” of the official website of the issuing institution (university) that describes how to apply for the online certificate must be attached to the certificate to confirm that the online certificate is recognized as original by the institution (university).
    However, those that cannnot be accessed from outside (e.g., those that require the use of the VPN of your university or cannot be accessed without an account at your university) are not acceptable.
    (Expected)
    Degree Certificate
    Note1, Note2    		 Applicants who graduated from a graduate school outside Japan Submit the graduation certificate for your master’s degree.

    If the certificate (original) is issued online by the university, a “copy of the page and the URL accessible to third parties where that information can be verified” of the official website of the issuing institution (university) that describes how to apply for the online certificate must be attached to the certificate to confirm that the online certificate is recognized as original by the institution (university).
    However, those that cannnot be accessed from outside (e.g., those that require the use of the VPN of your university or cannot be accessed without an account at your university) are not acceptable.
    Academic Transcript
    Note1, Note2    		 All applicants Submit an academic transcript (the official transcript) issued by a university or another educational institution. If any credits were transferred from another school, submit an original academic transcript from the former school.

    If the certificate (original) is issued online by the university outside Japan, a “copy of the page and the URL accessible to third parties where that information can be verified” of the official website of the issuing institution (university) that describes how to apply for the online certificate must be attached to the certificate to confirm that the online certificate is recognized as original by the institution (university).
    However, those that cannnot be accessed from outside (e.g., those that require the use of the VPN of your university or cannot be accessed without an account at your university) are not acceptable.
    Letter of Recommendation Applicants of Special Selection Process for Recommended Applicants and Special Selection Process of Global Individuals in English A Letter of Recommendation from your academic advisor is required. There is no designated format for the recommendation. Please submit the original signed document in A4/letter size. Electronic signature is not accepted.
    Be sure it contains the signature, title and affiliation of the recommender.
    Peer-reviewed academic paper Applicants who are applying through criteria (2) of the “Special Selection Process for Recommended Applicants” After submitting documents, you will receive an email with the subject “Submission Instruction of Research Results” from tosyoss-daigakuin@un.tsukuba.ac.jp. Follow the instructions and upload a single PDF file including your research paper.
    Research Results
    (Peer-reviewed academic paper, excluding master’s theses)    		 Applicants who want to submit them After submitting documents, you will receive an email with the subject “Submission Instruction of Research Results” from tosyoss-daigakuin@un.tsukuba.ac.jp. Follow the instructions and upload a single PDF file including your research articles (not more than 5 items).
    Research Plan Only applicants whose “Research Plan”, “Research and Practice Overview” includes mathematical formulae, Greek letters, or special symbols that cannot be entered in the Web Entry system Fill out your research plan, research and practice overview on the designated format in page each and submit them.
    The fixed format must not be changed. Any texts may not be written outside the box.
    Research and Practice Overview
    Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) of Examination Fee Statement Applicants who made a convenience store payment Detach the Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) from the Examination Fee Statement given at the convenience store and paste it onto the “Form for Submission of the Certificate of Payment of Application Fee”.
    Copy of “Application Completed” Page of Examination Fee Payment by Credit Card Applicants who made a credit card payment Include a copy of the “Application Completed” page.
    Letter of Approval for Entrance Exam and Admission Applicable applicants

    1. Applicants who currently attend a university or graduate school as a full-time student (except those who are expected to graduate by March, 2027, for Special Selection Process of Global Individuals in English applicants, September, 2027)
    2. Applicants who currently work full-time
    1. Need to submit a letter of approval issued by the head of their university or graduate school (or the head of their department) allowing them to take the entrance examination and admission, or submit a letter of application stating that the applicant will withdraw from the university before enrollment. Any format is acceptable, but the letter must be printed on A4 or letter size paper. It must be signed.
    2. Need to submit a letter of approval issued by a superior allowing them to take the entrance examination and admission, or a written self-declaration stating that attending the entrance examination and admission will not adversely affect their duties. Any format is acceptable. Please use A4/letter size. It must be signed.
    Certificate of Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho:MEXT) Scholarship student Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship student who are enrolled in another university in Japan Submit a “Certificate of Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho:MEXT) Scholarship student” issued by the university that you are currently enrolled in.
    Address Sheet All applicants Attach the address sheet to your envelope when you submit the required documents to us by registered mail.

    Note1: In case your current name is different from that on the documents you submit (e.g., because of marriage), submit 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 enrollment procedure.

    Note2: For graduates of Chinese universities, 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.

    Bring on the day of the Examination

    Documents Who must bring Remarks
    Reference Card All applicants Please print it out and bring it with you at the oral examination.

    Results from the entrance examination, as well as personal information obtained by the University of Tsukuba from the application documents, will be used for affairs concerning admission and screening, and may also be used for research and study to improve the admission procedure and university education after generating non-personally identifiable data. Also, we will use the data to screen students for scholarships from the Japan Student Services Organization, which are offered to individuals who have completed the enrollment procedures.

  • 8. Screening Criteria

    We will determine the students to be admitted by comprehensively evaluating the submitted documents and the result of the examination.

    Examination Schedule and the Subjects

    Examinations for 2027 academic year will be conducted online.

    July Selection Process (Special Selection Process for Recommended Applicants)

    Subject Application Review
    (100 points)    		 Oral Examination
    (300 points)
    Date – July 3 (Fri) or July 6 (Mon)
    Language used in the oral examination – Japanese or English
    Language used in Research Plan/ Research and Practice Overview Same language as the oral examination –
    Content Application form, Academic Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Research Plan, Research and Practice Overview, Peer-reviewed paper and Research Results will be evaluated. It takes 30 minutes per person. You will be expected to give a presentation about your research result and research plan (approximately 7 minutes, in the same language as the oral examination). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the content of the presentation and basic knowledge in related fields.
    1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Friday, June 12, 2026
      at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admission-information-en/admission/examination/

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

    Subject Application Review
    (100 points)    		 Oral Examination
    (300 points)
    Date – August 20 (Thu) or August 21 (Fri)
    Language used in the oral examination – Japanese or English
    Language used in Research Plan/ Research and Practice Overview Same language as the oral examination –
    Content Application form, Academic Transcript, Research Plan, Research and Practice Overview and Research Results will be evaluated. It takes 45 minutes per person. You will be expected to give a presentation about your research result and research plan (approximately 15 minutes, in the same language as the oral examination). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the content of your presentation and basic knowledge in the related fields.
    1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Friday , July 31, 2026
      at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admission-information-en/admission/examination/

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

    Subject Application Review
    (100 points)    		 Oral Examination
    (300 points)
    Date – January 26 (Tue) or January 27 (Wed)
    Language used in the oral examination – Japanese or English
    Language used in Research Plan/ Research and Practice Overview Same language as the oral examination –
    Content Application form, Academic Transcript, Research Plan, Research and Practice Overview and Research Results will be evaluated. It takes 45 minutes per person. You will be expected to give a presentation about your research result and research plan (approximately 15 minutes, in the same language as the oral examination). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the content of your presentation and basic knowledge in the related fields.
    1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Thursday, January 7, 2027
      at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admission-information-en/admission/examination/

    January to February Selection Process (Special Selection Process of Global Individuals in English)

    Subject Application Review
    (100 points)    		 Oral Examination
    (300 points)
    Date – January 26 (Tue) or January 27 (Wed)
    Language used in the oral examination – English
    Language used in Research Plan/ Research and Practice Overview English –
    Content Application form, Academic Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Research Plan, Research and Practice Overview and Research Results will be evaluated. It takes 45 minutes per person. You will be expected to give a presentation about your research result and research plan (approximately 15 minutes, in English). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the content of your presentation and basic knowledge in the related fields.
    1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Thursday, January 7, 2027
      at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admission-information-en/admission/examination/
  • 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.
    We will post the “Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination” on our website（https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admission-information-en/admission/examination/）.

    【Estimated Release Dates】

    See “1. Schedule”

  • 11. Testing Location, Acceptance Announcement and Admission Procedure

    Testing Location

    Examinations for 2027 academic year will be conducted online.
    [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. 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
      admission.grad#@#un.tsukuba.ac.jp (replace #@# with @)
  • 13. Previous Examinations and Inquiry

    No written examinations are available.

  • 14. Contact Us

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

    Academic Service Office for the Library, Information and Media Science Area
    tosyoss-daigakuin at un.tsukuba.ac.jp (Please change “ at ” to @.)
    1-2, Kasuga, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken, 305-8550, Japan
    Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday except national holidays.
  • 15. Register Extending System

    Register Extending System allows students to complete a doctoral program in a period longer than usual.
    The period can be extended from the standard 3 years to 4 or 5 years.
    Extended applicants pay discounted tuition allocated per registered period. The total amount of tuition is the same as that of students who finish the program in the standard 3 years. This system is for students who prefer to complete the program over a longer period of time. Applicants are reviewed individually after the application.

    For details, please refer to our website
    (https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/programs-courses-en/long-term/).