The following are combined application guidelines for all the programs above.
In recent years, generative AI has been widely used as a tool to support tasks such as writing and information organization. However, it is important to fully understand its characteristics and limitations and to use it appropriately. In particular, please pay careful attention to the following points:
When applying for admission, applicants must carefully review the application guidelines and the “Admission Policy (Tsukuba STANDARDs for Graduate Schools and Programs)” for each Doctoral Program, Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences. Applicants are required to prepare and submit all application documents based on their own judgment and responsibility, ensuring that inappropriate use of generative AI does not lead to suspicions of misconduct or hinder their academic work after enrollment.
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.
Please refer to 3-1. Eligibility for Application for details of eligibility. For individuals who are required the Eligibility Screening, please check the deadline of the Eligibility Screening in 1. Schedule and the application method in 3-2. Details of Eligibility Screening.
Depending on the program, applicants need to obtain a consent from prospective supervisor in advance. For details, please check 4. Supervisor Assignment.
If you require special assistance due to a disability, please check the deadline of the application in 1. Schedule and the application method in 9. Applicants Who Need Assistance.
You can apply to the program through Web Entry System during the application period.
Please check 1. Schedule for each application period. For the application process, please refer to 6. Details of Web Entry.
Application is complete upon submitting the web entry and all required documents such as certificates. Please check 7. Documents to Be Submitted and Reference Card etc. for details and 1. Schedule for deadline. Necessary documents must be received no later than each deadline.
We will post “Information and Instructions for Examinees” in the “information” section on our website at least one week in advance.
Please check 8. Screening Criteria for examination date etc. and 11. Testing Location, Acceptance Announcement & Enrollment Procedure for acceptance announcement.
The information on Admission Procedures will be sent to successful applicants to the email address registered for the application. For details, please check 11. Testing Location, Acceptance Announcement & Enrollment Procedure.
Successful applicants who complete the prescribed admission procedures are admitted.
| August Selection Process | January to February Selection Process | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadline for application for eligibility screening and inquiries regarding eligibility | 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.” | ||
| Deadline for submitting Dual Degree Program Application Form | See “17. Dual Degree Program.” | ||
| Payment of examination fee | July 9, 2026 – July 22, 2026 | November 30, 2026 – December 10, 2026 | See “5. Examination Fee.” |
| Web entry | 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) | 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” | 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 | 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) | September 10, 2026 | February 15, 2027 *Those who are October entrants are scheduled to be sent around late June 2027. | |
| Program | Number of Students to be Admitted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Agricultural Sciences | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. | |
| Life and Agricultural Sciences | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. | |
| Bioindustrial Sciences | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. | |
| Geosciences | 9 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Environmental Studies | 6 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
*In AY2027, the University is scheduled to establish a new graduate educational organization, the Graduate School of Integrative and Global Multidisciplinary Arena (G-SIGMA), under the system of a “basic organization for the delivery of inter-graduate school programs.” Entrance examinations for programs under G-SIGMA are scheduled to be held in the autumn and winter of AY2026. Under this system, enrollment quotas for the new organization will be allocated from existing degree programs, and accordingly, the number of students to be admitted to the relevant programs for the current academic year is scheduled to be revised as indicated above.
Please note that the details are subject to change. Should any changes occur, the University will update the admissions guidelines in the autumn and publish a notice on the “Information” page of the University of Tsukuba Graduate Admissions website.
https://eng.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/
| Program | Number of Students to be Admitted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 4 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Agricultural Sciences | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Life and Agricultural Sciences | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Bioindustrial Sciences | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Geosciences | A few | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Environmental Studies | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Program | Number of Students to be Admitted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology* | 13 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Agricultural Sciences | 6 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Life and Agricultural Sciences | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Bioindustrial Sciences | 4 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Geosciences* | 10 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Environmental Studies | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Program | Number of Students to be Admitted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology* | 3 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Agricultural Sciences* | 4 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Life and Agricultural Sciences | 3 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Bioindustrial Sciences | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Geosciences* | A few | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
| Environmental Studies | 2 | The number includes students who apply for the Cooperative Graduate School System and foreign students. |
Applicants will be deemed eligible if they meet one of the above requirements and have or expect to have at least one year of full-time or part-time working experience by the month prior to enrollment. (This includes employment at a company, public office, educational institution, other organizations, and housework.)
Graduate Admissions, Academic Service Office for the Life and Environmental Sciences Area (See “14. Contact Us.”)
Please ensure that the documents listed below under “Documents Required for Application for Eligibility Screening” are sent by post to Graduate Admissions, Academic Service Office for the Life and Environmental Sciences Area no later than the deadline for “application for eligibility screening and inquiries regarding eligibility” as specified in “1. Schedule.”
(*1) 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).
(*2) If any credits were transferred from another school, please also submit an academic transcript issued by that school which contains grade information for the transferred credits (e.g. A student who transferred to the current university must submit transcripts issued by the current university and the previous university).
(*3) There is no prescribed format for the research plan; however, please ensure that the following information is included at the beginning of the document: “Degree Program,” “Applicant Name,” and “Prospective Academic Advisor.” The proposal should be written in English and be approximately 1,000 words in length.
(*4) Required documents vary depending on the degree program to which you are applying. For details, please contact the Graduate Admissions, Academic Service Office for the Life and Environmental Sciences Area (see “14. Contact Us”).
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 Faculty Research Field for the list of faculty members and their research fields and keywords.
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.
International students will be notified of a “reference number” for Security Export Control by the faculty member who agreed to become their prospective supervisor. The reference number must be entered in the Web Entry System at the time of application. Since it will take some time to obtain a reference number, please contact your desired faculty member as soon as possible.
30,000 Japanese Yen (non-refundable)
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.
Submit your application data through Web Entry System during the designated period (See “1. Schedule”).
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.
Please ensure your PC's internet connection. (Smartphones and tablets are not recommended.)
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.
Please have a printer ready as there are documents that need to be printed.
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.
Click the “Application Form” button on “My Page” to start web entry. You can edit your login information or reset password on “My Page.”
Please enter the required information (See “6-2. Details of Information You Need for Web Entry”).
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.
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.
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.
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.
With our Web Entry system, you can submit the application online. Read this section carefully before applying online.
In addition, the original certificates and other documents required for application must be submitted by registered mail.
Please note that applications will not be accepted for any reason if web entry is not completed within the application period, or if the required documents are not submitted to the designated address by the deadline.
| Information | Required for | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Program of Your Choice / Applicant’s Information | 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, you cannot change degree program and enrollment date. | ||
| 2. Supervisor | All applicants | Follow the instructions on the Web Entry system. | ||
| Confirmation of External English Exam Scores 【Validity Period of Test Score】 | August Selection Process/January to February Selection Process : [General Selection Process] Applicants for Doctoral Program in Biology | Please follow the web input procedure and enter the information of a valid score report during the application period. Valid score reports:
(Please refer to “note” in Doctoral Program in Biology section in “ 8. Screening Criteria” .) | ||
| 3. Eligibility | All applicants | Follow the instructions on the Web Entry system. | ||
| Research Plan | August Selection Process/January to February Selection Process: [General Selection Process] Applicants for Doctoral Program in Biology / Agricultural Sciences(Subprogram in Agricultural Technology and Sciences cooperated with NARO) / Bioindustrial Sciences / Environmental Studies August Selection Process/January to February Selection Process： | Summarize your research plan in English (about 1,000 words) following the instructions on the Web Entry system. | 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, special symbols, or diagrams which cannot be entered into the system. Fill it out and submit 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. | |
| Summary of Thesis | Applicants who submit a thesis written in a language other than Japanese or English | Enter the summary written in English (about 1,500 words) in the Web Entry system. | Only in cases where it is essential to include mathematical expressions or diagrams containing characters or symbols that cannot be entered into the form, applicants may submit them in any format, provided that the “Desired Degree Program,” “Reference Number,” and “Name” are clearly indicated. | |
| Research Outline | August Selection Process/January to February Selection Process: [General Selection Process] Applicants who expect to complete a master’s program or a program equivalent to or higher than a master’s program | Enter the outline of the ongoing research with its expected results in English (about 1,500 words) in the Web Entry system. | ||
| Activity/ Research Achievement Record | August Selection Process/January to February Selection Process: [Special Selection Process for Working Individuals] Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies | Enter list and details of previous activities and research achievements in the specified column in the Web Entry system. | ||
| 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 * However, the examination fees are exempted for those who are 1. The Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship). 2. 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. (*Refer to “5. Examination Fee.”) | 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. | ||
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.
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.
Graduate Admissions, Academic Service Office for the Life and Environmental Sciences Area (See “14. Contact Us.”)
In principle, all documents submitted will not be returned to you.
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.
(The original copies need to be submitted to us by registered mail, such as EMS.)
※The submission in person to the office counter is not acceptable.
| Documents | Who must submit | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| (Expected) Graduation Certificate *1 | All applicants | Submit a graduation certificate (or an official document certifying that you are expected to graduate) issued by a university or other type of educational institution that awarded or will award you a master’s degree, professional degree or their equivalent. The document must be in English or Japanese.
|
| Degree Certificate *1 | Those who graduated from a graduate school outside Japan | If you have graduated or expected to graduate from a university or other type of educational institution in a country other than Japan, submit a degree certificate (or an official document certifying that you are expected to earn a degree). The documents must be in English or Japanese.
|
| Academic Transcript *1 | All applicants | Submit an academic transcript issued by a university or other type of educational institution that awarded or will award you a master’s degree, professional degree or their equivalent. The document must be in Japanese or English. If any credits were transferred from another school, please also submit an academic transcript issued by that school which contains grade information for the transferred credits (e.g. A student who transferred to the current university must submit transcripts issued by the current university and the previous university).
|
| Thesis | All applicants (Except those who expect to complete a master’s program or a program equivalent to or higher than a master’s program, and who expect to earn a degree equivalent to a master’s degree) | Submit one of the following to the office of each program (Refer to “13. Thesis Submission and Inquiry”) by the end of the application period. Attach a Thesis Title Sheet to the front page of your thesis. The envelope (prepared by the applicant) for submitting the thesis must have an Address Sheet for Thesis Submission attached. Make sure to send it by registered mail from a post office in Japan or by Express Mail Service from overseas.
|
| Research Plan | Only applicants for whom it is essential to include mathematical expressions or diagrams containing characters or symbols that cannot be entered into the form. | Please complete the prescribed form of this University (which can be downloaded after submitting your application information) within the designated space and submit it. (Modification of the form is not permitted.) |
| Summary of Thesis | Write in a format of your choice (with your desired program, your reference number and your name mentioned) and submit to us. | |
| Research Outline | ||
| External English Exam Scores (Please refer to the ‘details’ in the right to confirm the types of valid score reports.) *4 【Validity Period of Test Score】 | August Selection Process/January to February Selection Process: [General Selection Process] Applicants for Doctoral Program in Biology | ＜Valid score reports＞
Please make sure to submit the “original” score report when applying. * For submission procedure of Digital Official Score Certificate for the TOEIC, TOEFL iBT® Home Edition, and TOEFL iBT® Test Score Reports, please refer to the information section of the Application Guideline. |
| 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. |
| 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. The Receipt Portion must be attached to the designated form that can be created online and printed out after completing the Web Entry procedure. |
| Letter of Approval for Entrance Exam and Admission (Form of Your Selection) | If applicable
|
|
| Certificate of Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Foreign Student | If applicable |
|
*1 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.
*2 If you submit certificates issued online, they must include measures that allow third parties to objectively verify their validity and authenticity, such as a verifiable QR code, a verification website URL, or a verification code. If such measures are not in place, please submit a printed copy that has been certified as a true copy by the issuing institution (e.g., your home university).
*3 Submission of the following original English-language verification reports issued by the China Higher-education Information and Student Information (CHSI (Japan)) is accepted in lieu of the original documents :
・Verification Report of China Higher Education Qualification Certificate (English version)
・Verification Report of China Higher Education Student’s Academic Transcript (English version)
・Verification Report of China Higher Education Degree Certificate (English version)
*4 If we have any questions concerning your certificate, we will verify them with the TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS institution.
※You can download them from the Web Entry system only during the application period
| Documents | Created for | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Card | All applicants | 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 registered mail, such as EMS. 【Due Dates】 |
| Address Sheet for Thesis Submission | If applicable | 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.) |
| Form for Submission of English Proficiency Test Score | Applicants who need to send an English test score | Attach an original copy of the Official Score Certificate or Examinee (Test Taker) Score Report which was sent to the TOEFL examinee from ETS. * For details on the submission method, please refer to the information section of the Application Guideline. |
| 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. |
Results from the entrance examination, as well as personal information obtained by the University of Tsukuba from the applicants’ documents, will be used for affairs concerning admission and screening, or may be used to improve the way of admission and university education keeping each identity confidential. Also, they will be used as part of the materials for screening students for tuition exemption or scholarships from the Japan Student Services Organization, which are offered to individuals who have completed the enrollment procedures.
We will determine the students to be admitted by evaluating the submitted documents and their academic skills as a whole:
Refer to the schedule below:
| Date | Thursday, August 20 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Foreign Language (100 points) | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 13:00 – 17:00 | |
| Doctoral Program in Biology | English Evaluate the score on the TOEIC, TOEFL or TOEFL iBT® Home Edition. See (Note) 1 – 3. | Individual Interview Presentation on the applicant’s master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plans after enrollment (15 minutes), followed by an interview (15 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. No materials or computer can be brought in. An LCD projector is available for use on site. See (Note) 4. | |
| Date | Wednesday, January 27 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Foreign Language (100 points) | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 | |
| Doctoral Program in Biology | English Evaluate the score on the TOEIC or TOEFL or TOEFL iBT® Home Edition. See (Note) 1 – 3. | Individual Interview Presentation on the applicant’s master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plans after enrollment (15 minutes), followed by an interview (15 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. No materials or computer can be brought in. An LCD projector is available for use on site. See (Note) 4. | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application. (Refer to https://www.mbs.life.tsukuba.ac.jp/e/index.html.)
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Biology will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| TOEIC L&R | TOEFL-iBT |
|---|---|
| 879 | 100 |
| Date | Thursday, August 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 13:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Biology | Individual Interview Presentation on the applicant’s master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plans after enrollment (15 minutes), followed by an interview (15 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. No materials or computer can be brought in. An LCD projector will be available for use on site. See (Note) 1 | |
| Date | Wednesday, January 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Biology | Individual Interview Presentation on the applicant’s master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plans after enrollment (15 minutes), followed by an interview (15 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. No materials or computer can be brought in. An LCD projector will be available for use on site. See (Note) 1 | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application. (Refer to https://www.mbs.life.tsukuba.ac.jp/e/index.html.)
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Biology will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. You may conduct the interview in English. * Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. | |
| Date | Tuesday, January 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. You may conduct the interview in English. * Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 15:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, experience, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. You may conduct the interview in English. | |
| Date | Tuesday, January 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 15:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, experience, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. You may conduct the interview in English. | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. You may conduct the interview in English. * Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. | |
| Date | Tuesday, January 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. You may conduct the interview in English. * Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 15:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, experience, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. You may conduct the interview in English. | |
| Date | Tuesday, January 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 15:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences | Conducted individually, approximately 20 minutes for each applicant. Approximately 10 minutes of presentation using presentation software on the previous research, experience, motivation for the application, and research plans after enrollment, followed by about 10 minutes of interview. You may conduct the interview in English. | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences | Language and interview on details and plans of research * Language: Evaluation of communication skills in English or Japanese Details and plans of research: 15 minutes of presentation on the applicant’s master’s thesis, research experience, and research plans after enrollment (using PowerPoint), followed by 15 minutes of interview | |
| Date | Tuesday, January 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences | Language and interview on details and plans of research * Language: Evaluation of communication skills in English or Japanese Details and plans of research: 15 minutes of presentation on the applicant’s master’s thesis, research experience, and research plans after enrollment (using PowerPoint), followed by 15 minutes of interview | |
* Overseas residents are allowed to take an oral examination using remote communication system if there is probable cause.
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
Refer to the website https://nc-bsys.tsukuba.ac.jp/member/ for the e-mail address of the faculty member of your desired research area.
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Geosciences | Individual Interview Presentation on the master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plan after enrollment (15 minutes) using an LCD projector, followed by an interview (10 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. | |
| Date | Wednesday, January 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Geosciences | Individual Interview Presentation on the master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plan after enrollment (15 minutes) using an LCD projector, followed by an interview (10 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
For further details, please refer to the following website: https://www.geosci.tsukuba.ac.jp/e_index.html
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Geosciences will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | ||
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 | |
| Doctoral Program in Geosciences | Individual Interview Presentation on the master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plan after enrollment (15 minutes) using an LCD projector, followed by an interview (15 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. | ||
| Date | Wednesday, January 27 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | ||
| Program | Time | 10:00 – 17:00 | |
| Doctoral Program in Geosciences | Individual Interview Presentation on the master’s thesis (or other previous research) and research plan after enrollment (15 minutes) using an LCD projector, followed by an interview (15 minutes). The interview can be conducted in English. | ||
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
For further details, please refer to the following website: https://www.geosci.tsukuba.ac.jp/e_index.html
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Geosciences will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 9:15 – 13:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies | Individual Interview 10-minute presentation about past research achievements and activities, doctoral research topic and proposal. The presentation is followed by a comprehensive interview (15 minutes). | |
| Date | Tuesday, January 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 9:15 – 13:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies | Individual Interview 10-minute presentation about past research achievements and activities, doctoral research topic and proposal. The presentation is followed by a comprehensive interview (15 minutes). | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
| Date | Wednesday, August 19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 9:15 – 13:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies | Individual Interview 10-minute presentation about past work and civic activities, thoughts on the environment based on the experience, motivation for application and research plan after enrollment. The presentation is followed by a comprehensive interview (15 minutes). | |
| Date | Tuesday, January 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Oral Examination (100 points) | |
| Program | Time | 9:15 – 13:00 |
| Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies | Individual Interview 10-minute presentation about past work and civic activities, thoughts on the environment based on the experience, motivation for application and research plan after enrollment. The presentation is followed by a comprehensive interview (15 minutes). | |
* Contact the faculty member of your desired research area in advance of the application.
The entrance examination for the Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies will be held at the “University’s examination venues”.
However, the entrance examination will be conducted online for those who reside overseas and wish to take it.
Applicants must submit the “Application form to take exam online” and “Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination” within the application period.
・Application form to take exam online PDF
・Written Agreement Regarding Undertaking Online Examination PDF
・Online Admission Examination Schedule PDF
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.]
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.
For those who fail the admission examination, the result of the examination will be disclosed as follows.
| Program | Address for Submission of Thesis | Contact | Direct Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki-ken 305-8572 Japan | Office of Doctoral Program in Biology | +81-29-853-6600 |
| Agricultural Sciences | Graduate Program Office for Agricultural Sciences (F306) | +81-29-853-7228 | |
| (Subprogram in Advanced Agricultural Technology and Science cooperated with NARO) Office of Doctoral Program in Advanced Agricultural Technology and Sciences, Office for the Life and Environmental Sciences Area | +81-29-853-2418 | ||
| Life and Agricultural Sciences | Graduate Program Office for Agricultural Sciences (F306) | +81-29-853-7228 | |
| Bioindustrial Sciences | Office of Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences | +81-29-853-4846 | |
| Geosciences | Office of Doctoral and Master’s Program in Geosciences (Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Sciences Field and Human Geosciences Field) | +81-29-853-6884 | |
| Office of Doctoral and Master’s Program in Geosciences (Solid Earth Sciences Field and Biogeosciences Field) | +81-29-853-4510 | ||
| Environmental Studies | Office of Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies | +81-29-853-4751 |
If you have any questions about the application guidelines, contact us at:
Along with the progress of science technology and the sophistication of society, there are increasing demands for the return of working individuals to graduate schools. In response to these demands, Article 14 of the Standards for Establishment of Graduate Schools stipulates that graduate schools may, if necessary from an educational standpoint, provide education through appropriate means, which include conducting classes or research guidance in the evening and other certain hours and periods.
This stipulation provides more working individuals with opportunities to receive graduate school education while in employment and to develop the knowledge and skills to assume leadership roles in educational research and practices. Under Article 14 of the Standards for Establishment of Graduate Schools, Master’s and Doctoral Programs in the University of Tsukuba Graduate Schools, which have achieved in fostering skilled professionals and re-educating working individuals, have introduced a day/evening course system to enhance education and research activities.
Requirements to complete the programs
| Program | Requirement to Complete the Program |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences | Dissertation I, II, III provided in each program, field (1 credit per course) |
| Program | Credits Required to Complete the Program |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences | A total of 4 credits in 「Advanced International Bioindustrial Sciences」and 「Bioindustrial Sciences SeminarⅢA、ⅢB」 and a minimum of 4 credits in a course from specialized basic and specialized courses each |
| Category | Course (Number of credits) |
|---|---|
| Common Course | Advanced International Bioindustrial Sciences (2 credits) |
Consult the Chair of Doctoral Programs in Geosciences to arrange depending on your situation.
Doctoral Program in Biology, Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences, Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences, Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences, Doctoral Program in Geosciences, Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies, at the University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Science and Technology, Degree programs in Life and Earth Sciences, have introduced a system to support working individuals who wish to complete the doctoral programs in a shorter period of time. The Early Completion Program applies to working individuals with a certain degree of research achievements and competency, and provides them with opportunities to complete a three-year doctoral program in a minimum of one year.
| Program | Peer-Reviewed Paper |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Program in Biology | A minimum of 2 first author original papers (published or in press in international peer-reviewed journals) |
| Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences | A minimum of 2 first author English papers, a minimum of 4 first author Japanese papers, or 1 first author English paper and a minimum of 2 first author Japanese papers (published or accepted in international peer-reviewed journals) |
| Doctoral Program in Life and Agricultural Sciences | A minimum of 2 first author original papers (published or in press in international peer-reviewed journals) |
| Doctoral Program in Bioindustrial Sciences | A minimum of 2 first author English papers, a minimum of 4 first author Japanese papers, or 1 first author English paper and a minimum of 2 first author Japanese papers (published or in press in international peer-reviewed journals) |
| Doctoral Program in Geosciences | A minimum of 2 first author original papers (published or in press in international peer-reviewed journals) |
| Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies | A minimum of 2 original papers including 1 first author original paper (published or in press in international peer-reviewed journals) |
Dual Degree Programs provide doctoral students with opportunities to obtain skills and knowledge in areas outside but related to their specialty, which are necessary to engage in research or highly professional occupations. The purpose of the Dual Degree Programs is to foster students to become professionals with advanced skills and wide knowledge as well as high adaptability.
The term “Dual Degree” is used to refer to students who belong in a Doctoral Program at the University of Tsukuba Graduate School and are also enrolled in the university’s Master’s Program or a Professional Degree Program (except Law School Program at the Graduate School of Business Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences. Hereinafter referred to as “master’s program”) and earning both degrees.
The Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences has introduced Dual Degree Programs in the following Doctoral Programs and Consecutive Doctoral Program.
It is not easy to earn two degrees within a limited period of time. If you wish to apply, contact the faculty member of the each program (see the Application Guide for the contact information) for consultation in advance.
Obtain a Dual Degree Program Application Form, have it signed by your prospective advisor, and submit it to the Graduate Academic Affairs, Academic Service Office for the Life and Environmental Sciences Area by the deadline for the eligibility screening specified in the Application Guide.
If you are approved through the screening process, a Dual Degree Program Admission Permit will be issued. Attach a copy of the permit to your application form and submit it to the Academic Service Office for the Systems and Information Engineering Area. (If you are applying for a Doctoral Program and a Master’s Program at the same time, attach a copy to each application form.) You will be exempt from the examination fee for the Master’s Program.
To be admitted to the Dual Degree Program, you need to pass the entrance examination and complete the enrollment procedures. According to the aims of the Dual Degree Program, if you apply for a Doctoral Program and a Master’s Program at the same time and fail the entrance examination for the Doctoral Program, you will not be admitted to the Master’s Program either.
If you pass the entrance examinations, you will be exempt from the admission fee and tuition fee for the Master’s Program during the period you are enrolled in the Dual Degree Program.
For more information on the Cooperative Graduate School System, click here.