Doctoral Programs (Informatics) | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

Degree Program in Comprehensive Human Sciences

Doctoral Programs (Informatics)

Informatics
  • September (Special Selection of Recommended Applicants)*
  • October (General Admission/ Special Selection of Working Individuals)
  • February (General Admission/ Special Selection of Working Individuals/ Special Selection of Global Individuals in English)

* The application guidelines for Special Selection of Recommended Applicants is provided only in Japanese. https://www.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/course/chs/slis_latter/

All applicants need to contact and obtain confirmation as your prospective academic advisor.

[Important] Information on Change in Method of
Implementing Future Entrance Examinations, Etc.,
in Response to the COVID-19 Infections

There is a possibility that there will be changes in the method of the entrance examinations for the University of Tsukuba Graduate School for academic year 2021, depending on the situation regarding the spread of the infections of the COVID-19, such as changes to online entrance examinations, etc., after these application guidelines have been published. Also, there is a possibility that entrance examination days will be added, in connection with the changes in the examination method. The latest information on the entrance examinations is published on the Information page of the Graduate Admissions site, so it can be checked at any time.
In particular, when applying and before taking the examination, be sure to check the latest information in the Information page of the Graduate Admissions site.

Information page of the Graduate Admissions site URL https://eng.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/

Information Environment, Etc., Necessary if there is a Change to Online Entrance Examinations

At present the schedule, etc., envisaged for entrance examinations in the university (Tsukuba area) has been announced. However if there has to be a change to online entrance examinations at short notice, it will be announced on this site when the decision has been taken (as a guide, by August 7 in the case of September entrance examinations, and 1 month before the examination date for entrance examinations in October or later). Also if the examinations are to be held online, the following is advance notification of the preparations that must be made by those taking the examinations.

  1. Have a bright quiet private room environment
  2. Have a network environment capable of sending and receiving video
  3. Have a personal computer with a camera and microphone
    (using a speaker for voice output. The use of earphones or headphones, etc., that are fitted to the body are prohibited)
  4. Have a smartphone (with a camera) * Item 4 on the left is for emergency use in case of occurrence of network problems

Note that if you have questions regarding the examination environment or if you would like to do a communication test as preparation in advance for the possibility of online examinations, contact the inquiry desk of your program.

*Treatment of Private Sector English Proficiency Tests is described in the Information page of the Graduate Admissions site, so those intending to apply for programs that require a score report to be submitted should be sure to check this page.

Application Process Overview Chart

Check your qualifications!

 
(A) No Eligibility Screening is required:
  • Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a master’s degree until end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021)
  • Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a specialized degree until end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021)
  • Individuals who have earned or expect to earn a degree equivalent to a master’s degree or a specialized degree in a country other than Japan until end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021)
  
(B) Eligibility Screening is required:
  • Individuals who have graduated from a junior college or a high school as latest academic background
  • Individuals who have graduated from a vocational school or a similar school as latest academic background
  • Individuals who have graduated from a four-year university as latest academic background
  • Others
    (If you have any questions about your eligibility, ask by an e-mail.)
 
 
 
Assessment of Eligibility for Application

Individuals who are expected to undergo the Eligibility Screening should contact Academic Service Office for the Library, Information and Media Science Area in advance.
Submit the documents for the assessment by e-mail. If you are deemed eligible for admission, you will be given a passcode required for the “Educational Background” page of the Web Entry system.
(* Individuals who have been deemed eligible should also apply for the Eligibility Screening again.)

    【Due Dates】

  • October： August 28, 2020
  • February： November 27, 2020
 
Applicants who Need Special Assistance

If you need special assistance due to disability, submit a designated application form, a medical certificate, and a copy of their disability certificate to the Division of Admission, Department of Educational Promotion by the following dates:

    【Due Dates】

  • October： August 28, 2020
  • February： November 27, 2020
Web Entry

You must apply to the University of Tsukuba through our Web Entry system. Read the guidelines carefully before applying.

    【Application Period】

  • September： 12:00 p.m., July 21 – 5:00 p.m., July 30 , 2020 (JST)
  • October： 12:00 p.m., September 1 – 5:00 p.m., September 18, 2020 (JST)
  • February： 12:00 p.m., December 1 – 5:00 p.m., December 18, 2020 (JST)
Sign Up
You need to create your own account using your e-mail address. Once you have created an account, you may save the data you entered and log back in later to continue.
Activation
An activation URL will be sent to your registered e-mail address. Click the URL to activate your account.
Login
For the first time after you activate your account, you will be automatically logged in. Just click the “Login” button to begin. When you visit the Login page again, you will need to enter your e-mail address and password.
My Page
On “My Page,” you need to select the “Application Form” button for the appropriate program.
On this page, you can edit your information or reset your password.
Application Form

There are four sections in the Application Form:

  1. Applicant’s Information / Program of Your Choice
  2. Supervisor of Your Choice
  3. Eligibility
  4. Educational Background

The fields marked with “*” in each section are required contents. If the content is empty or enter incorrectly, an error message will be displayed, and you will not be able to proceed to the next section.

Input data will be saved when you click the “Proceed” button on each confirmation page. After saving, you can continue from where you left off when you login again. Use one-byte alphabets and numbers to input all the information.
For “1 Applicant’s Information / Program of Your Choice”, upload the ID photo in JPEG format (500KB or smaller).
For “4 Educational Background”, if you have graduated from a foreign university, please upload your degree certificate in JPEG format (3MB or smaller, and 2000×2000 pixels or smaller). Because it is different from the Japanese education system, we will check the eligibility in advance.
Payment

You must pay 30,000 JPY the examination fee before submitting your application. The university accepts:

  1. –Online credit card payments (recommended)
    https://e-shiharai.net/english/?schoolcode=OPU5100850000000
  2. –Convenience store payments for domestic applicants

Credit Card Payment: Follow the instructions given at the last stage of the Web Entry system and pay your fee by credit card. After the payment, you will be notified of a receipt number. Enter the number into the “Receipt Number” box on the Web Entry system and click the “Submit” button to proceed. After completing the payment, click “Print this Page” to print the payment completion screen. This copy is needed as a submitted document.
Convenience Store Payment: Follow the instructions given at the last stage of the Web Entry system and pay your fee at a convenience store in Japan. When you apply for Convenience Store Payment online, you will receive the Examination Fee Statement with an 11-digit or a 13-digit code. After the payment, enter the code, payment date and convenience store name into the boxes on the Web Entry system and click the “Submit” button to proceed.

(*The examination fee are exempted for those who are the Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship) foreign students and who continue to doctoral program after completing a master’s program of graduate schools of University of Tsukuba in March 2021 or September 2021.)

Submission

After the payment is confirmed, you can submit your application by clicking the “Submit to Apply” button. Once you click on the button, the information you have entered will be sent to the university, and you will not be able to make any changes. Check carefully before submitting.
After you submit your application, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the registered e-mail address. Check it.
(*Check and adjust the spam filter settings in your e-mail account so that you can receive an e-mail from the “entry.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp” domain.)

Download and Print PDF

After submitting your application through Web Entry system, follow the instructions given at the last stage of the Web Entry system and download a PDF file. You make a print out from the PDF file during the Application Period. Please bring the printed Reference Card with you.

    【Application Period】

  • September： 12:00 p.m., July 21 – 5:00 p.m., July 30 , 2020 (JST)
  • October： 12:00 p.m., September 1 – 5:00 p.m., September 18, 2020 (JST)
  • February： 12:00 p.m., December 1 – 5:00 p.m., December 18, 2020 (JST)

Web Entry
Submission of Documents

Original documents listed in “3. Web Entry and Documents to be Submitted” in this guideline must be sent by registered mail and be received during Application Period no later than the deadline mentioned below.

    【Due Dates】

  • September： 5:00 p.m., July 30, 2020 (JST)
  • October： 5:00 p.m., September 18, 2020 (JST)
  • February： 5:00 p.m., December 18, 2020 (JST)
Release Dates of Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination

“Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination” will be posted on our website.

  • September： 10:00 a.m., August 18, 2020 (JST)
  • October： 10:00 a.m., September 29, 2020 (JST)
  • February： 10:00 a.m., January 12, 2021 (JST)
Examination Dates
  • September： September 1 or 2, 2020 (Conduct online)
  • October： October 15 or 16, 2020 (Conduct online)
  • February： February 1 or 2, 2021 (Conduct online)
Announcement of Admission Results
  • September： 10:00 a.m., September 11, 2020 (JST)
  • October： 10:00 a.m., November 6, 2020 (JST)
  • February： 10:00 a.m., February 17, 2021 (JST)

A list of examinee’s number of successful applicants will be posted at the website below:
https://entry.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/
A letter of acceptance will be sent to successful applicants by registered mail.
Procedure for Enrollment
  • By March 5, 2021
【Entry to the Graduate School】
  • April 1, 2021
  • October 1, 2021　(Special Selection of Global Individuals in English)

1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan

Copyright © 2019 University of Tsukuba All Rights Reserved.

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1. Number of Students to be Admitted and 2. Eligibility for Admission | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

1. Number of Students to be Admitted

September (Special Selection of Recommended Applicants)

Program Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
Doctoral Program in Informatics 3

October (General Admission / Special Selection of Working Individuals)　

Program Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
Doctoral Program in Informatics 6

February (General Admission / Special Selection of Working Individuals)　

Program Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
Doctoral Program in Informatics 3

February (Special Selection of Global Individuals in English)

Program Number of Students to be Admitted Remarks
Doctoral Program in Informatics Several Entrance is October

2. Eligibility for Admission

General Admission/ Special Selection of Working Individuals/ Special Selection of Global Individuals in English

  1. (1) Individuals who have obtained a Master’s degree or are scheduled to obtain it by the end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021) in course.
  2. (2) Individuals who have completed a Professional Degree Program and have been granted the special Degree recognized by the Minister of Education (the “Professional Degree”), or who are scheduled to complete the program and obtain the degree by the end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021) in course, according to Article 104, Paragraph 1 of the School Education Law.
  3. (3) Individuals who have been granted a degree corresponding to a Master’s Degree or a Professional Degree in a foreign country, or who are scheduled to obtain it by the end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021) in course.
  4. (4) Individuals who, while residing in Japan, have been granted (or are scheduled to obtain by the end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021) in course) a degree corresponding to a Master’s Degree or a Professional Degree, from a graduate program abroad offering correspondence courses.
  5. (5) Individuals who have completed the courses of a foreign country’s graduate school located in Japan, recognized by the Japanese Minister of Education as a foreign country’s educational facility, and who have been granted (or are scheduled to obtain by the end of March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021) in course) a degree corresponding to a Master’s Degree or a Professional Degree.
    : Temple University, Japan Campus (M.S.Ed. in TESOL, Law School, Executive MBA Program)
    2-8-12 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo (M.S.Ed. in TESOL, Law School, Executive MBA Program)
    1-1-3-2100 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (M.S.Ed. in TESOL)
    Kyowa-Building 9F 2-8-38 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka (M.S.Ed. in TESOL)
    : Alliant International University/California School of Professional Psychology Masters in Clinical Psychology Japan (Clinical Psychology)
    1-2-3 Kandasudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
    : McGill MBA JAPAN (MBA)
    8-4-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
    : Carnegie Mellon CyLab Japan (Information Security)
    1-3-3 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
    : Teacher’s College Columbia University in Japan (M.S.Ed. in TESOL)
    3-15-4 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

    * As for Japanese schools of foreign graduate schools other than the above designated schools, please contact us as you may not qualify for the application.

  6. (6) Individuals who, according to the Ordinance for Enforcement of the School Education Acr, Article 156 item 4, have completed the course at the United Nuhons University and have received a degree equivalent to a master’s degree or are prospective candidates for receiving the degree in the same year.
  7. (7) Individuals who have taken the examination and passed through the screening process, according to the Graduate School Standards of Establishment, Article 16 Paragraph 2, at a foreign country’s university defined in the Enforcement Regulation of the School Education Law, Article 156 Paragraph 5, and recognized as having an ability equivalent or superior to a Master Degree recipient or are scheduled to obtain a degree.
  8. (8) Individuals who are qualified to take Doctoral Programs in Informatics by the Eligibility Screening described in “14. Requirements for Eligibility”.

Target of Special Selection of Working Individuals

(General)

  • Individuals who have more than 3 years working experience as of April 1, 2021
    Applicant needs not to be incumbent worker.

(Dispatch from Employer)

  • Individuals whose employer makes that person to apply.
    There are no requirements for the working experience.

1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan

Copyright © 2019 University of Tsukuba All Rights Reserved.

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3. Web Entry and Documents to be Submitted | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

3. Web Entry and Documents to be Submitted

With our Web Entry system, you must submit the application online. Read this section carefully before applying.
Please print PDF files to be generated after completing application. Please paste original copies of the documents listed below into printed form and submit by registered mail.

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 (500KB or smaller) of your ID photo for the Reference Card. The ID photo must be taken within three months with no hats, masks or other head adornments.
2. Supervisor of Your Choice All applicants
3. Eligibility All applicants
Research Plan All applicants Summarize plans in Japanese in 2000 words or English in 1000 words or less. (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.)
Research and Practice Overview All applicants Summarize your research overview in Japanese in 2000 words or English in 1000 words or less.
Applicants of Special Selection of Working Individuals need to refer to a practical performance. All applicants can refer to both the researches and the practical performances.
List of Research Results All applicants

Categorize your academic result into thesis, academic articles, conference presentations, patents, projects, etc. and number them serially in each categories.

  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. For conference presentations, fill in the author(s) including the co-author(s), the title, the name of the conference and the date.
  3. For project participating, fill in the name of the project, the term, outline and the charge of your work.
  4. On the other categories, conform the style above.
  5. Put circles at the beginning of the academic results you chose to submit as your major Research Results
4. Educational Background All applicants
Research Activities Applicants who have research history
Employment Records Applicants who have employment history
Examination Fee All applicants
(Excluding Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship student and who continue to doctoral program after completing our master’s program in March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021). 		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

Documents Needed to Send
Please print the PDF file to be generated after application in A4 or Letter size. 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.

Documents Who must submit Instructions
(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.
(Expected)
Degree Certificate*		 Those who graduated from a graduate school outside Japan Submit a graduation certificate for your master’s degree.
Academic Transcript* All applicants Submit an academic transcript (the official transcript of your programs history) issued by a university or another educational institution. If any credits were transferred from another school, submit an academic transcript from that school.
Letter of Recommendation Applicants of Special Selection of Global Individuals in English A Letter of Recommendation from your previous academic advisor (or the Head of the Department, Dean of the Faculty, etc.) is required for the application. It must be signed by your academic advisor. You can use any format on this document. Please use A4/letter size paper.
Research Result Applicants who have research history Submit 5 or less copies of your major research result. You need to prepare 5 handouts of each research result.
Research Result Title Sheet Applicants who have research history Fill out this form for each copies and put them in front of every research results.
Research Plan Only applicants whose “Research Plan”, “Research Outlines” or “Other Papers and Publications” includes mathematical formulae, Greek letters, or special symbols that cannot be entered in the Web Entry system If applicable, check the box in the Web Entry system to download the form from the last page. Fill out and submit it.
The fixed format of the form 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
(*Refer to “4.Examination Fee.”)		 Detach the Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) from the Examination Fee Statement given at the convenience store and attached to a “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
(*Refer to “4.Examination Fee.”)		 Include a copy of the “Application Completed” page.
Letter of approval for Entrance Examination If applicable
  1. The letter must be submitted by mail.
    Individuals who are General Admission applicants and currently attend a university or graduate school as a full-time student (except those who are expected to graduate by March 2021, for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English applicants, September 2021) need a letter of approval allowing them to take the entrance examination, issued by the head of their university or graduate school (or the head of their department).
    You can use any format on this document.
  2. Individuals who currently working in full-time need a letter of approval allowing them to take the entrance examination, issued by your superior. You can use any format on this document.
    For applicants who will quit at the time of entry to Graduate School or who cannot prepare a letter of your supervisor, a letter of your declaration stating that studying in graduate school cause no harm to your work is acceptable as an alternative. Applicants who will quit at the time of entrance will need a certificate of retirement at the entrance.
Certificate of Government-Sponsored Foreign Student Applicants who enrolled in the other university in Japan The certificate of the government-sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) foreign student who enrolled in the other university at the time of application must need this certificate issued by the university.
Address Sheet All applicants

Attach the address sheet to your envelope when you submit the required documents to us by mail.

*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).

What to bring with you on Examination Dates

Documents Who must bring Remarks
Reference Card All applicants Please print and bring.

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. 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.


4. Examination Fee | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

4. Examination Fee

30,000 Japanese Yen (nonrefundable)

* The examination fee are exempted for those who are the Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship) foreign students and who continue to Doctoral Program after completing a Master’s Program of graduate schools of University of Tsukuba in March 2021 (for Special Selection of Global Individuals in English, September 2021).

* University of Tsukuba have the special measures of examination fee exemption for the victims of disasters in Japan. For more details, please confirm this website.
This applies only to the victims of disasters in Japan.

Please pay by one of the following.

Payment Period

  • September： July 21 – 30, 2020
  • October： September 1 – 18, 2020
  • February： December 1 – 18, 2020

Procedure

Credit Card Payment (recommended):

Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and American Express are accepted.
You can make a payment by using your credit card at the last stage of the Web Entry system or at this website (https://e-shiharai.net/english/?schoolcode=OPU5100850000000). You can also pay before you enter the Web Entry system.

After the payment, you will be provided with a receipt number; enter the number into the box on the Web Entry system.
Print out the application completed page after the payment and submit it together with other required documents to us by mail.

For details, see the payment instructions.
The applicant need to cover administration fee by oneself.

Convenience Store Payment (for domestic applicants only):

Payments can be made at LAWSON, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or MINISTOP.
To pay your fee at a convenience store, follow the instructions given at the last stage of the Web Entry system or at this website (available only on stores in Japan).

After the payment, enter the name of the convenience store that you used, the date of payment, and the number given by the store into the box on the Web Entry system.

  1. 7-Eleven: 13 digits
  2. LAWSON, FamilyMart, MINISTOP: 11 digits

Detach the Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) from the Examination Fee Statement given to you at the convenience store and affix it to the “Form for Submission of the Certificate of Payment of Application Fee”. Submit it together with other required documents to us by mail.
For details, see the payment instructions.
The applicant need to cover administration fee by oneself.


5. Application Procedure | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

5. Application Procedure

  1. Visit the Web Entry system to apply. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any changes. Check carefully. Please pay examination fee before sending your application data.

      【Application Period】

    • September： 12:00 p.m., July 21 – 5:00 p.m., July 30, 2020 (JST)
    • October： 12:00 p.m., September 1 – 5:00 p.m., September 18, 2020 (JST)
    • February： 12:00 p.m., December 1 – 5:00 p.m., December 18, 2020 (JST)
  2. After you complete the application procedure on the Web Entry system include payment, you are not allowed to change the program of your choice. Please download the PDF and print documents. Please bring the printed Reference Card on Examination Dates.

  3. All necessary documents must be sent the university by registered mail in application period, and these must be received by due date. When you submit your application online, the system will ask you to create an Address Sheet in PDF format. Stick the printed Address Sheet to the envelope for sending required documents.
    If your documents are not received by the due date, you will not be able to take the exam.

      【Due Date】

    • September： 5:00 p.m., July 30 , 2020 (JST)
    • October： 5:00 p.m., September 18, 2020 (JST)
    • February： 5:00 p.m., December 21, 2020 (JST)

    【Necessary documents】

      General Admission / Special Selection of Working Individuals

    • All applicants: (Expected) Graduation Certificate, Academic Transcript
    • Applicants who concerned: Degree Certificate, Research Plan*, Research and Practice Overview, List of Research Results, Research Result, Copy of “Application Completed” Page of Examination Fee Payment by Credit Card, Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) of Examination Fee Statement, Letter of Approval for Entrance Exam, Certificate of Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Foreign Student
      Special Selection of Global Individuals in English

    • All applicants: (Expected) Graduation Certificate, Academic Transcript, Letter of Recommendation
    • Applicants who concerned: Degree Certificate, Research Plan*, Research and Practice Overview, List of Research Results, Research Result, Copy of “Application Completed” Page of Examination Fee Payment by Credit Card, Receipt Portion (Certificate of Payment) of Examination Fee, Letter of Approval for Entrance Exam, Certificate of Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Foreign Student

    * If it is essential for you to use mathematical formulae, Greek letters, or special symbols, which cannot be entered into the system.

  4. All documents submitted will not be returned to you.
    Examination fee which have been paid are non-refundable.

    Before you apply, you are expected to contact a prospective supervisor (a faculty member from whom you wish to receive academic instruction) in advance.

    Note) If you have any questions about the application, contact the administration office.


6. Screening Criteria | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

6. Screening Criteria

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

Examination Schedule and the Subjects

September (Special Selection of Recommended Applicants)

September Tuesday, September 1 or September 2
Subject Oral Examination
(500 points)
Time 9:00-17:00
Informatics It takes 30 minutes per person. You will be expected to give a presentation about your research, and the reasons for applying for the program, based on the research plan which you have submitted (within 7 minutes). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the contents of the presentation. And you will be tested your basic academic skills in the related subject fields.
  1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Tuesday August 18, 2020
    at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/?lang=en
  2. The oral examination is in Japanese or in English.

October (General Admission / Special Selection of Working Individuals)

October Thursday, October 15 or Friday, October 16
Subject Oral Examination
(500 points)
Time 9:00-17:00
Informatics It takes 60 minutes per person. You will be giving a presentation about the outline of your previous research and the future research plan (within 15 minutes). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the content of your presentation. And you will be tested about basic academic skills in the related subject fields.
  1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Tuesday, September 29, 2020
    at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/?lang=en
  2. 2. The oral examination is in Japanese or in English.

February (General Admission / Special Selection of Working Individuals)

February Monday, February 1 or Tuesday, February 2
Subject Oral Examination
(500 points)
Time 9:00-17:00
Informatics It takes 60 minutes per person. You will be giving a presentation about the outline of your previous research and the future research plan (within 15 minutes). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the content of your presentation. And you will be tested about basic academic skills in the related subject fields.
  1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Tuesday, January 12, 2021
    at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/?lang=en
  2. The oral examination is in Japanese or in English.

February (Special Selection of Global Individuals in English)

February Monday, February 1 or Tuesday, February 2
Subject Oral Examination
(500 points)
Time 9:00-17:00
Informatics It takes 60 minutes per person. You will be giving a presentation about the outline of your previous research and the future research plan (within 15 minutes). After the presentation, you will be questioned about the content of your presentation. And you will be tested about basic academic skills in the related subject fields.
  1. The time and place of the oral examinations are open to public with Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination on Tuesday, January 12, 2021
    at: https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/?lang=en
  2. The oral examination is in Japanese or in English.
  3. If you want to take Interview via online video conference (e.g., Skype, Zoom), please contact us after completing the application.


7. Testing Location, Announcement of Acceptance, and Enrollment Procedure | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

7. Testing Location, Announcement of Acceptance, and Enrollment Procedure

Testing Location

University of Tsukuba Kasuga Area (1-2 Kasuga, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken)
October entrance examination is conducted online.
Refer to “10. Information and Regulations for Examinees” for details.

Announcement of Acceptance

  • September： 10:00 a.m., September 11, 2020 (JST)
  • October： 10:00 a.m., November 6, 2020 (JST)
  • February： 10:00 a.m., February 17, 2021 (JST)

The examinee numbers of the successful applicants will be posted on the website.
An acceptance letter will be sent to successful applicants by registered mail.

Enrollment Procedure

  1. Enrollment Procedure Guidelines (which include documents to be submitted before entrance) will be sent out to successful applicants on Monday, February 17, 2021. Follow the direction in the Guidelines.
      【Shipping Date】

    • February 17, 2021

    Note: The successful applicants need to notify us in advance if they are moving house permanently before the date above or travelling when the documents are expected to be delivered.

  2. The documents should be mailed using a designated envelope (which will be sent to you along with the Enrollment Procedure Guidelines) by March 5, 2021.
  3. Estimated Expenses Upon Entrance
    1. (a)Entrance fee are 282,000 Japanese Yen (nonrefundable).
    2. (b)Tuition: The tuition for the first semester of the 2021 academic year (April – September) is 267,900 Japanese Yen. The tuition for the second semester (October – March) is 267,900 Japanese Yen. (Yearly Amount: 535,800 Japanese Yen)
        (Note)

      1. (1)If fees are revised before entrance or while enrolled in this Graduate School, the revised tuition fees will be applied.
      2. (2)The entrance fees are exempted for those who are the Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship) foreign students or who completes our Master’s program in March 2021 or September 2021 and continues to take our Doctoral Program.
  4. All applicants with a full-time job need a document or a letter (e.g., an order for a training course, a letter for a leave of absence, or an approval letter) from the employer to prove that they are available to complete the program. If you enroll after retirement, please submit a retirement certificate.
  5. International applicants must acquire a Status of Residence suitable for entrance to a graduate school, in accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No. 319 of 1951), before beginning the enrollment procedures. Those who wish to enter this Graduate School as an international student must acquire Status of Residence as a “Student”.


8. Example of Previous Examinations | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

8. Example of Previous Examinations

No written examination is provided.


9. Applicants Who Need Special Assistance, 10. Information and Regulations for Examinees and 11. Contact Us | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

9. Applicants Who Need Special Assistance

If you need special assistance due to disability, submit a designated application form, a medical certificate, and a copy of their disability certificate to the Division of Admission (1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken) by following dates:

    【Due Dates】

  • September： July 16, 2020
  • October： August 28, 2020
  • February： November 27, 2020
Examples of special considerations:
  • 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 their condition.

10. Information and Regulations for Examinees

We will post the “Information and Regulations for the Oral Examination” on our website (https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/?lang=en).

    【Estimated Release Dates】

  • September： August 18, 2020 (JST)
  • October： September 29, 2020 (JST)
  • February： January 12, 2021 (JST)

11. Contact Us

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

Academic Service Office for the Library, Information and Media Sciences Area
1-2, Kasuga, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki-ken 305-8550 Japan
tosyoss-daigakuin at un.tsukuba.ac.jp (Please change “at” to @.)
Tel: +81-29-859-1120/1121
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

12. Security Export Control

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


Register Extending System | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

13. 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 standard 3 years to 4 or 5 years.
Extended applicants pay discounted tuition allocated per registered period. Total amount of tuition is as same as that of students who are in graduate school standard 3 years. This system aims at studying scheduled in a long term. Applicants are reviewed individually after the application.

For details, please refer to our website
(https://informatics.tsukuba.ac.jp/admission/long-term/?lang=en).


Requirements for Eligibility | University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions 2021

14. Requirements for Eligibility

In the case of applicants falling in category (1)-(4) of the Requirements for Eligibility shown below, eligibility screening* is necessary. Please contact us.

  1. (1) Individuals recognized by the Japanese Minister of Education as having an ability equivalent or superior to a Master’s Degree or Professional Degree recipient in what concerns the admission to a graduate program, according to the Enforcement Regulation of the School Education Law, Article 156 Paragraph 5.
    1. ① Individuals who have graduated from a four-year university, and have been engaged in research at a university or research institute for more than two years.

      2. ② Individuals who have completed in course a 16-year program of school education in a country other than Japan or who, while residing in Japan, completed in course a 16-year program of school education abroad, through correspondence courses, and have been engaged in research at a university or research institute for more than two years.

  2. (2) Individuals who have been recognized by Doctoral Programs in Informatics in their individual qualification screening process as having an ability equivalent or superior to a Master’s Degree or Professional Degree recipient and who are 24 years old or will be 24 years old by the end of March 2021 (September 2021, Special Selection of Global Individuals in English).
    Qualified person: Individuals who have graduated from a junior college or an upper secondary school as latest academic background, individuals who have graduated from a vocational school or a similar school as latest academic background, individuals who have graduated from a university of a foreign country that implements less than 16 years of a school curriculum
【How to apply】

Please get the prescribed style from the following and send it to us by mail or e-mail with required certificates, your address, telephone number and e-mail address. Deadline is August 28, 2020 (October) or November 27, 2020 (February). Contact us before sending, please.
If you send your graduation certificate and academic transcript by e-mail, please convert it JPEG format or PDF file. After the eligibility screening, your application qualification is approved, please send the original these. We will tell you certification number.

(*) Eligibility screening means we will examine whether the applicant has more academic ability than who have completed the master’s course.

【Required Documents of Eligibility Screening】
  1. (a) Applicant Information
  2. (b) Curriculum Vitae
  3. (c) Resume
  4. (d) Graduation Certificate
  5. (e) Academic Transcript
  6. (f) List of Research Results

If you have any questions, please contact us.