Academic documents
Q1. I have not written my thesis yet. What should I do?
A1. You may not have written a thesis yet. In that case, your recent
research paper or project paper can be substituted.
- If you
are applying for a Master’s degree program, please send us a brief
statement about your graduation thesis for your Bachelor’s degree.
- If you are applying for a Doctoral degree program, please send us a
brief statement about your Master’s degree thesis.
- If you
are applying for a Doctoral degree program and have not yet started
writing the Master’s degree graduation thesis, please send us a
summary of your Bachelor’s degree graduation thesis instead.
- If you have not written a graduation thesis, please provide the
title of an essay or project which is related to your research field.
Q2. What should I write about under “Research Field”? Do I need to mention the name of a faculty member?
A2. Firstly, please refer to the website of your chosen course and select your preferred research field. The study area must fall within a field acceptable to one of the faculty members of the course.
If you have any specific research fields you would like to focus on, please write them down within 40 words. You can write precise information such as the detailed research topic, laboratory name, and so on. If your preference is still vague, please write the general research field you would like to focus on at the University of Tokyo. If you have the specific name of a laboratory and/or faculty member, please also write them down.
Please note that your preference/s cannot be guaranteed due to the limited number of places available in the laboratories of faculty members.
Q3. How should I write about my Study Plan/Research Proposal?
A3. The study plan can be divided into five parts: motivation, objective, methodology, expected results, and schedule.
Please specify your field of study at your home institution. For instance, specify your study plan at the University of Tokyo's School of Engineering by outlining your academic goals and the reason why you wish to take the courses listed in your “Field of Study”. Please also outline how they relate to your study at your prior institution.
When outlining your study plan, please briefly explain the research topic and research question. Also explain how you intend to approach the research topic through reference to the methodology. If possible, make note of any particular data sets, sources of information or fieldwork that you consider to be necessary.
This statement needs to be written on one or two separate sheets of paper in English in no more than 1,000 words.
Q4. I am applying for the G30 program. Is it true that I should upload my Statement of Purpose as AF2_Statement of Study Plans?
A4. Yes. The G30 program applicants (only) need to downlaod the specified file, statementof purpose, from T-cens, fill it in, and upload this file as AF2_Statement of Study Plans.docx..
Q5 What should I write in the fields at 1) Cumulative Grade Point Average and 4) Percentages under Form 2 at the APPLY page? My university's transcript does not include any one of them.
A5. Please provide, if applicable, your academic grades as stated officially in your transcript. If none of them are stated in your transcript, you can just leave these fields blank.
Q6. How can I upload my transcript and the gradying system in the File Upload page under the Applying tab? My full transcript shows the grading system on the backside of my transcript.
A6.Use academic_transcript_Bachelor, academic_transcript_Master and grade_and_grading_system effectively, and show us all grades given to you as well as the grading system of the universities you attended.
Q7. What is the JAPANESE GPA?
A7. Applicants for the Global 30 program, (International Technology Management Program in the Department of Technology Management for Innovation (TMI)), need to calculate their grade point average (GPA) as per the Japanese standard. We call this Japanese way of calculation “the Japanese GPA” in order to distinguish it from the one you may get from the university you have or will graduate from. Obviously, this is not the grade for Japanese language. For more details, please refer to the file uploaded at File Submission 1.
Q8. I have some work experience at an architect's office as an intern while at university. Can I submit the design work produced during my internship in my portfolio?
A8. You can submit your own design work produced during your previous office and/or professional work experience. In the case of a team effort, the name(s) of the project(s) you participated in and your role in the project(s) must be clearly indicated.
Q9. I am an applicant for the G30UDA (Architecture) and want to know the detailed requirements on portfolio.
A9. As mentioned in the Submission Checklist which you can dowload from T-cens, the size of prints should not be larger than A4. There is no limitation on numbers of pages, but please try to consider the volume. We believe approximately ten (10) pages are appropriate. For more detailes, please confirm it with the Submission Checklist.
Q10. I do not have a valid passport now. What should I do?
A10. As mentioned in this Guidance Information, a photocopy of your valid passport is the most preferable. However, if you do not have it now, a photocopy of census register, or pther proof of citizenship, an identification card with your photo is preferable. Please do not send the original.
Personal Identification:Q11. I do not have a valid passport right now. What should I write in the field about "passport name"?
A11. If you do not have a valid passport, please write your officially registered name registered in a census register, or other proof of citizenship.
Q12. My name is officially written in the order of [Family Name] [Middle Name] [First Name] in my home country. Is it inconvenient if I write my name in my home country's style while filling in application documents?
A12. Please note that your name will appear on all documents at the
University of Tokyo in the order of [Family Name],
[First Name] [Middle Name]. The spelling of your name on all
documents must be the same as the one on your official personal
identification certificates, such as your valid passport (most
preferred spelling).
For your information, some department
offices may try to write your name in the way it should be in your
home country; for example [Family Name] [Middle Name] [First Name].
After enrolment at the University of Tokyo, you can consult directly
with the department office you are allocated to about this issue.
Q13. My name written in Kanji (Chinese simplified charactors) is not displayed correctly on T-cens. What should I do?
A13. T-cens can only output regular Japanese charactors but not Chinese simplified charators. Please just leave them as it is or blank.
Academic Information
Q1. Where can I find a syllabus?
A1. Please refer to the "Useful Links" page for academic information such as the syllabus, lectures in English, academic calendar, and so on.
Useful LinksApplication Process
Q1. Can I apply to two or more courses in the Graduate School of Engineering at the same time?
A1. No you cannot.
If you want to apply for another department, you should once withdraw from the course you are currently applying for, and then select the other course during its application period. For more detailed, please refer to the following web page. Eligibility Requirements
Q2. Why do I have to write two faculty members' names?
A2. The University of Tokyo, as the top university in Japan, has a research-oriented culture. Therefore, it is in competition with other top universities around the world as a research-oriented university.
At the School of Engineering and Faculty of Engineering, all students, including undergraduate students, must belong to a laboratory under a supervising professor and spend substantial time on research. Therefore, by providing various kinds of lab programs with a rich research environment and high quality facilities, students are afforded abundant opportunities to cultivate their creativity.
You may be assigned to a faculty member within your chosen program/course.
Your preferred research field and faculty members are taken into account during the selection process. However, your preference cannot be guaranteed due to limited places being offered in the laboratory by faculty members.
Please refer to the website of your chosen course before you fill in their names.
Application Tips
Q3. Must I find a prospective supervisor by myself and get a letter of acceptance from him/her?
A3. The selection procedures and policies vary among the international graduate programs at the School of Engineering; you therefore need to follow the instructions given from each relevant office.
As an applicant for all courses except the IME Graduate Program*, it is not necessary for you to contact a prospective supervisor in advance. Instead, after evaluating your application documents, we will allocate you to a field of study/faculty member which will be most appropriate for your research and research interests.
*Applicants for the IME Graduate Program must refer to the following website for detailed information. the Prospectus for IME Graduate program .
Q4. Where can I find the APPLICATION FORM 1 (AF1) ?
A4.
Q5. In addition to the online application, do I need to send my documents by post?
A5. Applicaiton process varies depenging upon the course you apply for.
Please go to the Course Summary of your chosen course and confirm its requirements.
Q6. What will happen if I do not send some required application documents by post?
A6. If your chosen course requires its applicant to send applicaiton documents, your application will be incomplete and will not be considered for evaluation.
Please go to the Course Summary of your chosen course and confirm its requirements.
Q7. Where can I find the address to send my documents by post?
A7. You need to send your application documents to your ICT Admissions Desk. The address is mentioned on the Submission Checklist, which you can download from the FileUpload page of your T-cens account and/or the Course Summary.
Please go to the Course Summary of your chosen course and check the Submission Checklist, where you can find the address of your ICT Admissions Desk.
Q8. My friends have received notifications of their results but I have not received anything. Can you provide me with information if I contact you directly?
A8. We will announce the results of the academic evaluation to all applicants by e-mail from each program as scheduled. We will not reply to any direct enquiries.
Eligibility
Q1. My total years of schooling are less than that of the Japanese standard. What should I do?
A1. In the Japanese education system, the requirements for time spent in schooling are 16 years for enrolment in a Master's degree program, and 18 years for a PhD degree program. If your total number of years schooling is less than the Japanese standard, please refer to the following website for more details. Individual Screening of Application Eligibility on the Eligibility page
For example:
If you have completed only 15 years of education
because you were streamed into a fast-track syllabus through junior
high school due to your excellent performance, please submit the
certified documentation along with the other application documents.
Q2. I recently start my T-cens application, and realized the deadline for individual screening of application eligibility before application submission (if applicable) was over. Can I still request the Individual Screening of Application Eligibility even AFTER its deadline?
Q2. No, you cannot.
Please continue your T-cens online application and submit your documents by the postal submission deadline. Your ICT Admissions Desk will review your documents in terms of the eligibility (e.g. has a shorter academic record than the required number of years in education) as well.
Please note that this individual screening is to determine application eligibility only. You must still complete your T-cens online application even if requesting this individual screening.
Individual
Screening of Application Eligibility on the Eligibility
page
Enrolment Procedures
Q1. When do I apply for UTokyo dormitories and visa?
A1. The International Coordination Team (ICT) Admissions Desk will assist you in completing these procedures via our online system, the T-cens system, AFTER you get admissions to the Graduate School of Engineering.
HousingQ2. Do I need to have a Health Check before going to Tokyo?
A2. The School of Engineering encourages all applicants to realize the importance of maintaining good health while studying at the University of Tokyo.
Every October and April, the University of Tokyo provides you with an opportunity for a physical and medical check-up after enrolment. Please be responsible for your physical health and take advantage of this opportunity.
If there are any physical health matters you need to discuss with us, please feel free to contact us by e-mail.
*Applicants for the IME Graduate Program must refer to the following website for detailed information. the Prospectus for IME Graduate program .
Q3. Do I have to undergo a chest X-ray examination before going to Tokyo?
A3. No, you do not have to undergo a chest X-ray examination before
your enrolment at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo), because every
October and April, the University of Tokyo provides you with an
opportunity for a physical and medical check-up after
enrolment.
We would like you to realize it is your
own responsibility to be in good health during your study at the
University of Tokyo.
If there are any physical
health matters you need to discuss with us, please feel free to
contact us by e-mail.
*Applicants for the IME Graduate Program must refer to the following website for detailed information. the Prospectus for IME Graduate program .
Family
Q1. Can my family members come to Japan with me in September/April?
A1. In general, we recommend that you initially come on your own, and
then invite your spouse and children after you have become accustomed
and settled down to life in Japan.
The School of
Engineering believes that it is very natural for you to live with
your spouse and children while in Tokyo. However, before inviting
your family, we recommend you think carefully about the current
living conditions in Tokyo.
During the first couple of
months in Tokyo, you will be extremely busy both as a student, and in
getting used to life in Japan. You should consider the extra expense
incurred by the presence of dependents. In addition to more expensive
living quarters, you will also be obliged to arrange legal
documentation such as a Certificate of Eligibility for your family
members.
Q2. Could you tell me how to obtain my family's visa AFTER my arrival in Tokyo?
A2.
Please refer to the following URL about family's visa.
Obtaining Family Visas
Finance
Q1. How can I work with the Finance page. Must I fill in this page?
A1.
Please check the following URL for further instruction. Application Tips for Finance
Q2. I am planning to apply for the MEXT scholarship through the Japanese Embassy in my home country. What should I do?
A1. You need to access T-cens for Graduate Research students (non-degree program) for application. Click the above and follow the instructInviting Family Members | Website for International Students (u-tokyo.ac.jp)ion.
- →If you HAVE BEEN GRANTED a MEXT [Embassy] scholarship, you must submit a certificate verifying your preliminary selection from the embassy. http://ois.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/admission/embassy_EngineeringTcens.html
- →If you INTEND to apply for a MEXT [Embassy] scholarship, you need to contact the Japanese embassy in your own home country for further consultations.
- →If you are a MEXT [Embassy] scholarship applicant for Dept. of Civil Engineering, or the Indian Railways Course, you need to contact the Office of International Students (OIS) for further consultations.
Language Requirements and the GRE Test Scores
Please confirm each course's own policy on English language test scores through its own website and its the Submission Checklist under the Course Summary.
For general policies on test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE), please visit the following pages. English Language Proficiency GRE Test Scores
Recommendations
Q1. I cannot send a request to my referee#2 through T-cens. What should I do?
A1. Maybe you have not clicked the SEND button of the referee#1 yet. Please send a request to your referee#1, and then send next one to your referee#2.
Q2. Can I cancel my recommendation request AFTER the referee's status has changed into "In Process"?
A2. No, you cannot.
Q3. My referee complains that he does not receive a request from T-cens. What should I do?
A3. If your referees claim that they do not receive your requests from T-cens, please once again check the followings. Then most of their problems will be solved.
1) The email addresses are correct?: any typos? capital letters/small letters? (e.g. T-cens considers Abc@xyg.com and abc@xyg.com are different emails.)
2) Accessing with a mobile phone or a tablet?: please do not access T-cens via mobile phones, tablets, or other browsers.
3) Severe and/or tight security on their mail accounts?
: T-cens system email is kicked out due to the severe security blocks before reaching your referee's spam/junk mailbox.
Q4. Can I press the "Submit" button before my referee complete his online recommendation?
A4. Yes, you can. You can press the Submit button by the deadline even if your referees do not submit their online recommendations. Please note, however, it is your responsibility to confirm that your referees have submitted their recommendations online even after you finalize your T-cens online application.
Submission Deadline
Q1. I cannot send all the required documents by the deadline. Can you accept them after the due date?
A1. We only accept a few specific documents if they satisfy the
conditions mentioned in each courses Course Summary. All other documents must be sent by the
application deadline.
In addition, you MUST press the Submit button in order
to complete your online application, otherwise your application is incomplete and you will not be considered for entry.
Click the Course Summary button under the Courses List page. You can then find further application information, such as application schedule, required documents, course's guidelines, etc.
In addition, please confirm the URLs below.
the Language Requirements
GRE Test Scores
Recommendations
System Problems
- Q1. What are the system requirements for application through T-cens? Can I use my tablet?
- Q2. I cannot upload my files on T-cens. What should I do? ?
- Q3. I cannot upload my files which are over 3 MB. What should I do?
- Q4. I cannot see the T-cens website page properly. What should I do? I am using Google Chrome and Safari web browsers.
- Q5. My photograph is not printed on my ACADEMIC APPLICATION form (AF1). What should I do?
- Q6. I have trouble opening files downloaded from T-cens. What should I do?
Q1. What are the system requirements for application
through T-cens?
Can I use my tablet?
A1. No you cannot. Please do not access the T-cens system via mobile phones, tablets, or other browsers.
Please refer to the following site for more details.
Recommended System Requirements for the T-cens System
Q2. I cannot upload my files on T-cens. What should I do?
A2. First please read the following section and follow the instructions. If you still have the same problem, please contact us by a separate e-mail.
Q3. I cannot upload my files which are over 3 MB. What should I do?
A3. Each uploaded file must be less than 2 MB except for
your master thesis.
Note only for doctoral degree program
applicants for the Department of Civil Engineering:
The
maximum size for your master thesis file is 10 MB.
Q4. I cannot see the T-cens website page properly. What should I do? I am using Google Chrome and Safari web browsers.
A4. We assume this is because of the browser setting on your side.
Apparently, the page is not displayed properly. Please click on “compatibility view”, which is located on the top part of your display. It may solve the problem.
Compatibility View button.
If not, please try to use
another browser such as “Firefox or Google Chrome”. T-cens sometimes
does not work well with IE. Recommended System Requirements for the T-cens System
Q5. My photograph is not printed on my ACADEMIC APPLICATION form (AF1). What should I do?
A5. Please glue your photograph directly onto your ACADEMIC APPLICATION Form (AF1).
Q5. I have trouble opening files downloaded from T-cens. What should I do?
A5. For IE uses, this may happen because these files are opened in
Protected View.
Please refer to What is Protected View? by
Microsoft Office Support to solve the problem. (AF1).