If you want to know how to get into University of Tokyo, start with one fact: there is no single application. UTokyo (also called Todai) has different routes for different students. Which one you use depends on where you went to school, your passport, and whether you want to study in Japanese or English. This guide covers each route for 2027 entry, with tests, dates, fees and scholarships from official pages.
Key takeaways
- UTokyo has several routes: the general exam, special screening for international students, the new College of Design, and the GSC transfer.
- PEAK, the old English-taught program at Komaba, has closed. Its last intake was September 2026.
- Privately financed international students who want Japanese-taught degrees need the EJU plus TOEFL iBT or IELTS, then an essay and interview in Japanese.
- The College of Design (English, starts September 2027) accepts SAT, ACT, IB, A-Levels and more, and the 2027 application window closed on November 5, 2026 (2028 dates not yet announced).
- Tuition is JPY 642,960 per year (planned) and the admission fee is JPY 282,000 (planned). Scholarships include MEXT and UTokyo's own awards.
How to get into University of Tokyo in 2027?
Quick answer: Pick the route that fits you. Japanese high school graduates take the Common Test and UTokyo's second-stage exam. International students taking Japanese-taught degrees apply with EJU scores, TOEFL iBT or IELTS, then sit an essay and interview in Japanese. English-speaking students can apply to the new College of Design with SAT, ACT, IB or A-Levels.
What are the University of Tokyo entry routes?
UTokyo's official admissions page for international applicants lists the undergraduate options for 2027.
UTokyo undergraduate entry routes for 2027 and the main tests for each.
The general route is for Japan high school graduates and uses the Common Test plus a second exam.
Type 1 special screening is for non-Japanese students schooled abroad and uses the EJU plus TOEFL iBT or IELTS.
Type 2 is for returnees, with an essay and an academic test.
College of Design Route A uses the Common Test and an English test; Route B uses SAT, ACT, IB or A-Levels plus English.
GSC is a science transfer route (check the GSC site for tests), and PEAK has no new intake.
Is PEAK still open?
No. The PEAK site says: "The Admission for September 2026 Enrollment will be the last student recruitment for the PEAK" (PEAK notice). PEAK ran the English-taught Japan in East Asia and Environmental Sciences programs.
How do international students get into University of Tokyo in Japanese?
This route is Special Screening Type 1 for privately financed international students. Rules come from the official 2027 application guidelines (Japanese PDF) and the special screening page.
Who can apply for Type 1?
You must meet all of these:
- You do not hold Japanese nationality or Japanese permanent residence.
- You finished 12 years of school abroad, or hold IB, Abitur, French Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate or GCE/International A-Levels.
- International school graduates must come from schools accredited by bodies such as WASC, CIS, ACSI, NEASC, Cognia or COBIS.
- You spent at least one year (in principle) at your final school while living abroad.
- You took all required EJU subjects in June 2026 or November 2026.
- You took TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic within two years before the application start (December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2026).
UTokyo admits "a small number" of students to each of six streams: Humanities and Social Sciences I, II and III (Bunka) and Natural Sciences I, II and III (Rika). Everyone spends two years in the College of Arts and Sciences first.
Which EJU subjects does UTokyo need?
| Stream | Required EJU subjects |
|---|---|
| Humanities (Bunka I, II, III) | Japanese, Japan and the World, Mathematics Course 1 |
| Sciences (Rika I, II, III) | Japanese, Science (two of physics, chemistry, biology), Mathematics Course 2 |
You may take the EJU questions in Japanese or English. Be careful: the guidelines say that if you choose the wrong math course, your application will not be accepted. See our EJU guide.
What documents do you need?
- Statement of purpose in Japanese (one A4 page, handwritten or typed)
- High school transcripts (three years) and graduation certificate, or your IB/A-Level/Abitur results
- Recommendation letter from a teacher, in Japanese or English
- Copy of your EJU admission ticket
- TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores sent directly to UTokyo (TOEFL Test Date scores only, not MyBest; no IELTS One Skill Retake)
What happens after you apply?
The first screening is a review of your documents. If you pass, you sit a 150-minute essay with two questions, answered in Japanese, on February 25, 2027. Then you have an individual interview in Japanese on March 4, 2027 at Hongo Campus. So you need strong Japanese.
What are the key dates for 2027 entry?
All times are Japan Standard Time.
Key University of Tokyo dates for 2027 entry, checked November 5, 2026.
College of Design applications ran from October 15 to November 5, 2026 (now closed).
The Common Test is on January 16-17, 2027, and the general second-stage exam is on February 25-27, 2027.
Type 1 international documents must arrive between December 1 and 7, 2026.
The Type 1 essay is on February 25 and the interview on March 4, 2027.
Results for the general route and Type 1 come out on March 10, 2027. PEAK has ended.
| Event | Date (2027 entry) |
|---|---|
| College of Design application window | Oct 15, 2026 (9:00) to Nov 5, 2026 (17:00) |
| Type 2 (returnee) documents arrive | Nov 9-13, 2026 |
| Type 1 online form | About noon Nov 16 to 17:00 Dec 7, 2026 |
| Type 1 documents must arrive | Dec 1-7, 2026, by 17:00 |
| Common Test (main) | Jan 16-17, 2027 |
| General route application | Jan 25 to Feb 3, 2027 |
| General route first-stage results | Feb 10, 2027 |
| General second-stage exam | Feb 25-26, 2027 (Feb 27 for Rika III) |
| Type 1 essay / interview | Feb 25 / Mar 4, 2027 |
| Final results (general and Type 1) | Around 12:00, Mar 10, 2027 |
| Type 1 enrollment procedures | Mar 11-15, 2027 |
| PEAK | Ended; last intake Sept 2026 |
| GSC 2027 dates | Not yet announced by year |
Sources: UTokyo Design admissions, UTokyo general selection, the Type 1 guidelines, the National Center for University Entrance Examinations and the GSC schedule.
For the general route, if applicants exceed a set ratio, UTokyo uses Common Test scores to choose who sits the second-stage exam.
How do you apply to the UTokyo College of Design?
The UTokyo College of Design is a new five-year combined Bachelor's and Master's program, taught in English, starting September 2027. UTokyo says it is "now under development, details are subject to change." The 2025 overview planned 100 places (50 per route).
Route A is for students who take the Common Test in January 2027. The guidelines say applicants are expected to score about 80% or higher. You also need an English test and an interview mostly in English.
Route B is for students worldwide. You need one of these (from the Route B guidelines):
| Test or qualification | Expectation in the guidelines |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1480 or above (no superscore) |
| ACT | Composite 33 or above (no superscore) |
| IB Diploma | 38 out of 42 for six subjects, plus at least 2 for TOK and EE |
| International A-Level | At least three grades of A or above |
| India CBSE Class XII | Top-five average of 93 or above |
Predicted grades are allowed, but then any offer is conditional. Final grades are due by August 16, 2027. Read our SAT vs ACT comparison and IB Diploma Programme guide if you are choosing a test path.
English expectations include TOEFL iBT above 80 (for tests before January 21, 2026), IELTS Academic above 6.0, or Duolingo above 110. Route B applicants are exempt if they had English-medium schooling for at least three of their final four school years.
The Route B process: application and essays by November 5, 2026, a video task on November 13-16, 2026, first screening results on December 22, 2026, a 30-minute online interview between January 13 and 22, 2027, and decisions on February 20, 2027. One rule matters a lot: College of Design applicants cannot apply to other UTokyo programs for April 2027.
Missed this window? Dates for September 2028 entry are not yet announced.
What is the University of Tokyo application process, step by step?
The four main stages of applying to UTokyo, whichever route you pick.
First, pick your route and check you are eligible.
Second, take the tests your route needs: EJU, the Common Test, or SAT/ACT/IB, plus English.
Third, apply online and mail or upload your documents before the deadline.
Fourth, sit the essay and interview, then wait for results.
Tip: for Type 1, papers must arrive by 17:00 on December 7, 2026, not just be posted.
What does an EJU math question look like?
EJU Mathematics is scored 0-200 and lasts 80 minutes (JASSO EJU 2026 guidelines). Here is a simple question in the style of Course 1, written by us.
Question: Find the minimum value of f(x) = x^2 - 6x + 11, and the value of x where it happens.
Completing the square, step by step, for an EJU-style quadratic question.
Start with f(x) = x^2 - 6x + 11.
Half of -6 is -3, and (-3)^2 = 9.
Rewrite as (x^2 - 6x + 9) + 2, which is (x - 3)^2 + 2.
A square is never negative, so it is smallest (zero) at x = 3.
So the minimum value is 2, at x = 3.
Quick check: f(3) = 9 - 18 + 11 = 2. Correct.
Book a free demo class to practice EJU or SAT math with a 1-on-1 mentor, or see our plans and fees.
How much does the University of Tokyo cost?
From the official 2027 guidelines:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (Type 1 and College of Design) | JPY 17,000 |
| Admission fee | JPY 282,000 (planned) |
| Tuition per year | JPY 642,960 (planned) |
Type 1 applicants who fail the first screening get JPY 13,000 back (Japanese bank account only). For the general route fee and any changes, check the official page.
EJU fees in Japan are JPY 12,000 for one subject or JPY 23,000 for two or three.
What scholarships can you get at the University of Tokyo?
MEXT scholarship for University of Tokyo
The Japanese government's MEXT scholarship for undergraduates pays JPY 117,000 per month and covers tuition, according to Study in Japan. Through embassy recommendation, it lasts five years including Japanese training (seven years for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science). You apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country, before coming to Japan.
Be aware: UTokyo's MEXT page says MEXT undergraduates first do a one-year preparatory course, then go to a MEXT-designated university. Students who want UTokyo "may not necessarily be able to take the entrance examinations."
College of Design scholarships
- Needs-based: JPY 2,400,000 per year, plus an amount equal to the admission fee in year one and one-way travel for overseas residents. The 2027-entry deadline was November 5, 2026.
- Merit-based: JPY 600,000 per year, chosen from admission results.
- About 20% of students receive one each year (scholarships page).
What is the UTokyo GSC?
The Global Science Course is an all-English transfer route into the third year of the Faculty of Science. You must have finished at least two years of undergraduate study at a university outside Japan. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science. Students get a monthly scholarship of JPY 150,000 and accommodation with supported rent. The GSC schedule shows applications from late January to late March, decisions by early June, and October entry. It is marked tentative.
What should you do in Grade 9 and Grade 10?
- Grade 9: choose a direction. English-taught (College of Design) or Japanese-taught (Type 1)?
- Grade 9: build math foundations. Algebra, quadratics, functions and geometry show up in the EJU, the SAT and the Common Test.
- Grade 10: start Japanese seriously if you want the Type 1 route. You will write an essay and sit an interview in Japanese.
- Grade 10: pick your school exam path. IB, A-Levels or CBSE.
- Grade 10: try a practice English test. TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores must be recent (within two years for Type 1).
- Grade 11: sit the real tests. EJU in June or November of the year before entry; SAT or ACT by autumn.
Comparing Asian universities? See our guides to NUS, NTU and Tsinghua.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Planning for PEAK. It has closed.
- Choosing the wrong EJU math course. Humanities needs Course 1; sciences need Course 2. A wrong choice is not accepted.
- Sending TOEFL MyBest scores. UTokyo uses Test Date scores only. The College of Design also refuses SAT and ACT superscores.
- Applying to two routes at once. College of Design applicants cannot apply to other UTokyo programs for April 2027.
- Thinking English is enough for Type 1. The essay and interview are in Japanese.
- Counting on MEXT to place you at UTokyo. MEXT does not guarantee a UTokyo place.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with University of Tokyo admission
- One dedicated mentor, live online 1-on-1, who follows your own syllabus (IB, A-Level, CBSE or other) and your exam dates for the EJU, SAT, ACT or Common Test.
- Method-first math and science. Your mentor watches each step of your working, so mistakes like a wrong sign when completing the square get fixed early.
- Personalised homework with feedback and short parent updates. Every class is recorded so you can rewatch it. For Japanese, essays and interviews, the mentor helps with planning and method.
- A free demo class to see if it fits before you commit.
Facts checked against official sources on 5 November 2026.
FAQ
Can international students study at the University of Tokyo in English?
Yes, through the College of Design (starting September 2027) or the GSC transfer route for science students. PEAK, the older English program, took its last students in September 2026.
Is the EJU required for University of Tokyo?
Yes, for the Type 1 special screening for privately financed international students. You must take all designated subjects in June 2026 or November 2026 for April 2027 entry. The College of Design Route B does not accept the EJU in place of SAT or ACT.
What is the University of Tokyo tuition fee?
The 2027 guidelines list tuition of JPY 642,960 per year and an admission fee of JPY 282,000, both as planned amounts. The application fee for Type 1 and the College of Design is JPY 17,000. Fees can change, so check the official page.
What SAT or IB score do I need for the UTokyo College of Design?
The Route B guidelines list expectations of SAT 1480 or above, ACT 33 or above, or IB 38 out of 42 plus at least 2 points for TOK and EE. These are expectations, not guarantees.
Does the MEXT scholarship let me choose the University of Tokyo?
Not directly. MEXT undergraduates do a one-year preparatory course and then go to a MEXT-designated university. UTokyo says applicants who want UTokyo may not necessarily be able to take its entrance exams.
When is the University of Tokyo entrance exam in 2027?
The Common Test is on January 16-17, 2027. The general second-stage exam is on February 25-26, 2027 (February 27 for Rika III), with results around noon on March 10, 2027.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- UTokyo admissions for international applicants
- PEAK: last student recruitment notice
- UTokyo Special Screening Type 1/Type 2 (2027)
- UTokyo 2027 Special Screening guidelines (PDF)
- UTokyo General Selection 2027
- Common Test 2027 (National Center for University Entrance Examinations)
- UTokyo College of Design admissions
- UTokyo College of Design Route B guidelines 2027 (PDF)
- UTokyo College of Design scholarships
- Global Science Course application schedule
- UTokyo programs in English (GSC)
- JASSO Guidelines for 2026 EJU
- Study in Japan: scholarship types (MEXT)
- UTokyo MEXT scholarship page