SPECIAL ADMISSION FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

Application Guidelines only for
Master's Course (Integrated MS/PhD Program)
Doctoral Course

This is a special program which offers non-Japanese students an opportunity to work toward a Doctor degree.
Master's Course (Integrated MS/PhD Program) has been set up for students who wish to obtain a Doctor degree after Master's program. Program students are given special opportunities to focus on cutting-edge research and they will receive preferential treatment in the process of acquiring scholarships. Program students will be required to sit a Qualifying Examination (QE) one year after admission. The QE will determine which students will be offered a place on the Integrated MS/PhD Program as doctoral students (Students need procedures to step up to the doctoral program). The applicants are advised to discuss further details, such as application timelines and require documents, with expected supervisors before applying.
Doctoral Course is a course that aims for students who have completed a master's course to obtain a Doctor degree.

These application guidelines include all of the requirements for students applying for the Master's Course (Integrated MS/PhD Program) and Doctoral Course of International Graduate Program in Chemistry and Biotechnology. Applicants must read the specific application guidelines found below before applying.

For April 2024 Entry (Taking an onsite exam in Tokyo)

This special admission examination is for applicants without a Japanese citizenship applying for the Master's Course (Integrated MS/PhD Program) and Doctoral Course. Applicants must also have received a master’s (for Doctoral Course) or bachelor's (for Integrated MS/PhD program) degree certificate (or are expecting to graduate by March 31, 2024) from an overseas university.

Please note:
Candidates interested in applying must contact potential supervisors before submitting their application.

See also
the page for preparing an application form (ChemBio)

Please check our website for the latest information.


Special Admission to Master’s Course (Integrated MS/PhD Program)

1. Important Dates

Application Period November 27 - December 1, 2023
Deadline of Acceptance of TOEFL Scores You do not need to submit the documents for this exam.
Examination December 13, 2023
Notification of Results January 11 February 15, 2024

2. Application Documents


3. Subjects of Entrance Examination

(1) Written Examination: Description examination on basic chemistry and biotechnology.

Examination Date: December 13, 2023
Examination Time: To be announced
Location: To be announced


(2) Oral Examination for 20 minutes: General questions concerning chemistry and biotechnology including your research for bachelor’s thesis.

Examination Date: December 13, 2023
Examination Time: To be announced
Location: To be announced

During the oral examination, applicants will be asked to answer general questions in the field of chemistry and/or biotechnology, and to describe their current or past research experiences, such as a bachelor's thesis project. Applicants who received an undergraduate degree without a research component (lab-based or library-based) will also be considered.


Special Admission to Doctoral Course

1. Important Dates

Application Period November 27 - December 1, 2023
Deadline of Acceptance of TOEFL Scores You do not need to submit the documents for this exam.
Examination December 13, 2023
Notification of Results January 11 February 15, 2024

2. Application Documents


3. Subjects of Entrance Examination

(1) Written Examination: Description examination on specialized subjects.

Examination Date: December 13, 2023
Examination Time: To be announced
Location: To be announced


(2) Oral Examination for 40 minutes: Applicants present their master's thesis (20 minutes), followed by discussion (20 minutes). For presentation, use a projector prepared in the exam room. Bring your own laptop. Some laptops may require an adapter, so be sure to bring it with you.

Examination Date: December 13, 2023
Examination Time: To be announced
Location: To be announced

For April / October 2024 Entry (Document and interview screening)

Important Deadline:
Schedule 1: September 29, 2023   for April 2024 entry
Schedule 2: November 24, 2023   for October 2024 entry
Schedule 3: February 23, 2024   for October 2024 entry


The following information applies only for the applicants for April or October 2024 Entry. Read the information and contact the potential supervisor of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology.

Statement of Educational and Research Purpose

The education and research goals at this graduate school are to develop talented individuals who, with a basis in engineering, boldly take up the challenge of exploring unexplored fields and new technological innovations, contribute to the sustainability and development of human society, and who are able to acquire systematic knowledge regarding science and technology as well as an engineering-based thinking, and have the ability to solve social problems with an understanding of diversity and a broad perspective.

Profile of a Desired Student

1) Strongly motivated to study in accordance with the educational research goals of the Graduate School.
2) In addition to advanced expertise in one’s major field of study, possesses engineering and logical thinking skills as well as creativity, and has a strong desire to solve social problems.
3) Possesses excellent communication skills, foreign language proficiencies, and sound ethics, respects diversity, and aspires to contribute to the international community.

Eligibility (Master’s Course (Integrated MS/PhD Program))

The applicant must satisfy all the eligibility requirements for the Master’s Special English Program which are mentioned below in articles (1) and (2). At the same time, applicants must also fulfill at least one of the eligibility requirements described in articles (3) to (5). Those who have graduated or who are expecting to graduate from undergraduate universities in Japan (including The University of Tokyo), or who are enrolled in universities in Japan (including the non-regular students such as research students) are not eligible for these special English graduate programs. (Note 1)

(1) A person who neither has Japanese nationality nor resides in Japan during the period of time from the online application’s start date until its deadline. (※ 1,2,3 )
※1 Individuals with Japanese nationality and nationality from another country (or countries) will, if unable to provide proof of relinquishment of Japanese nationality by the time of arrival in Japan, be regarded as ineligible for the program.
※2 Although a person who resides in Japan (meaning a person who has a status of residence provided for by the “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Law No. 319, 1951)” of Japan) at the time of application is not eligible, the following students may be allowed to apply as an exception.
Foreign international students who have been temporarily enrolled in the University of Tokyo at the time of application through an exchange or short-term program with a partner school, by proving they are based out of another country, may be allowed to apply. In this event, they must submit documents proving that they are participating in a program implemented by the office of this university.
※3 Those who neither have Japanese nationality nor reside in Japan at the time of Application but have “permanent resident”, “long-term resident”, or “special permanent resident” residence status in Japan are in principle ineligible to apply. However, individuals who correspond to Eligibilities (4) and (5) below may be allowed to apply. For details, please contact the office of each program no later than 2 weeks prior to the deadline for online application via T-cens. Those who have graduated from universities with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in Japan (including The University of Tokyo) are not eligible.

(2) A person with the linguistic skill level required to take classes and receive research guidance in English.
(3) A person who has completed, or is expected to complete by the day before the admission date in April or October 2024, 16 years of school education in a country other than Japan. (Notes 2)
(4) A person upon whom a degree equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree has been conferred, or is expected to be conferred by the day before the admission date in April or October 2024, from a foreign university or other foreign institution (limited to those whose comprehensive status of education and research activities have been assessed by the government of said foreign country or a related organization), having completed a program with a completion period of 3 years or more. (Notes 2)
(5) A person who is 22 or more years old on the day before the admission date in April or October 2024, whom this graduate school has recognized, through individual screening of entrance qualifications, as having abilities that are at least equivalent to those who have graduated from a Japanese university. (Notes 2,3,4,5)

Note 1: Japanese universities mentioned above are universities within the boundaries of Japan and are as prescribed in Article 83 of the School Education Law.
Note 2: Although the admission date is scheduled to be on April 1, 2024 or October 1 (tentative), 2024, it may be subject to change. The confirmed admission date will be put on our website later.
Note 3: Those mentioned in Eligibility (5) above are those who do not fall into Eligibilities (3) or (4) , but who have graduated from an educational institution equivalent to a 4-year university, and whom this graduate school has recognized, through individual screening of entrance qualifications, as having abilities that are at least equivalent to those who have graduated from a Japanese university.
Note 4: Those who wish to apply based on Eligibility (5) must contact the office of each program no later than 2 weeks prior to the deadline for online application via T-cens, as the eligibility for application is confirmed individually.
Note 5: Those who are recognized as having abilities that are at least equivalent to those who have graduated from a Japanese university (through screening of entrance qualifications) will be permitted to apply and take the entrance examination.

Eligibility (Doctoral Course)

The applicant must satisfy all the eligibility requirements for the Doctor’s Special English Program which are mentioned below in articles (1) and (2). At the same time, applicants must also fulfill at least one of the eligibility requirements described in articles (3) to (6). Those who have graduated from undergraduate universities in Japan (including The University of Tokyo), or who are enrolled in universities in Japan (including the non-regular students such as research students) are not eligible for these special English graduate programs. (Note 1)
(1) A person who neither has Japanese nationality nor resides in Japan during the period of time from the online application’s start date until its deadline. (※ 1,2,3 )
※ 1 Individuals with Japanese nationality and nationality from another country (or countries) will, if unable to provide proof of relinquishment of Japanese nationality by the time of arrival in Japan, be regarded as ineligible for the program.
※2 Although a person who resides in Japan (meaning a person who has a status of residence provided for by the “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Law No. 319, 1951)” of Japan) at the time of application is not eligible, the following students may be allowed to apply as an exception.
Foreign international students who have been temporarily enrolled in the University of Tokyo at the time of application through an exchange or short-term program with a partner school, by proving they are based out of another country, may be allowed to apply. In this event, they must submit documents proving that they are participating in a program implemented by the office of this university.
※3 Those who neither have Japanese nationality nor reside in Japan at the time of Application but have “permanent resident”, “long-term resident”, or “special permanent resident” residence status in Japan are in principle ineligible to apply.
However, individuals who correspond to Eligibilities (4) through (6) below may be allowed to apply. For details, please contact the office of each program no later than 2 weeks prior to the deadline for online application via T-cens. Those who have graduated from universities with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in Japan (including The University of Tokyo) are not eligible.

(2) A person with the linguistic skill level required to take classes and receive research guidance in English.
(3) A person who has been conferred, or is expected to be conferred by the day before the admission date in April or October 2024, a degree equivalent to a master’s, doctoral or a professional degree in a country other than Japan. A person who has graduated or who is expecting to graduate from universities in Japan (including The University of Tokyo) with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree is not eligible. (Notes, 2 & 3)
(4) A person who has passed or is expected to pass by the day before the admission date in April or October 2024, a screening for fundamental ability for doctorate dissertation research as specified in Article 16-2 of the Standards for Establishment of Graduate Schools at a school abroad, shall be recognized by this graduate school as having abilities at least equivalent to those who have a master’s degree. (Notes 3 & 5)
(5) A person who has completed at least 16 years of academic education in a country other than Japan, and has been engaged in research at a university, research institute or other institution in a country other than Japan for at 2 years, or is expected to have been engaged in research for at least 2 years by the date before the admission date in April or October 2024, and shall be recognized by this graduate school as having abilities at least equivalent to those who have a master’s degree or a professional degree as a result of said research. (Notes 3, 5)
(6) A person who is 24 years or older as of the day before the admission date in April or October, 2024, whom this graduate school has recognized, through individual screening of entrance qualifications, as having abilities that are at least equivalent to a Master’s degree or a professional holder. (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6)

Note 1: Japanese universities mentioned above are universities within the boundaries of Japan and are as prescribed in Article 83 of the School Education Law.
Note 2: Those who have obtained a master’s, a professional degree, or its equivalent from other Japanese universities and who reside outside Japan at the time of application are eligible to apply to this program at the discretion of the department they are applying to. Even in this case, those who have graduated from undergraduate universities in Japan (including the University of Tokyo) are not eligible to apply.
Note 3: Although the admission date is scheduled to be on April 1 or October 1, 2024, it may be subject to change. The confirmed admission date will be put on our web site later.
Note 4: Those covered under Eligibility (6) above include those who are not covered under Eligibility (3) through (5) above shall be recognized by this graduate school through individual screening of entrance eligibility as having abilities at least equivalent to that of a master’s degree or a professional degree holder.
Note 5: Those who wish to apply based on Eligibility (4), (5) or (6) must contact the office of each program no later than 2 weeks prior to the deadline for online application via T-cens, as the eligibility for application is confirmed individually.
Note 6: Those who are recognized as having abilities that are at least equivalent to a master’s degree or a professional degree holder through screening of qualifications will be permitted to apply and take the entrance examination.

How to Apply and Application Period

(1) How to apply
1) Contact the potential supervisor before applying.
2) Download and fill the document files.
- Application form (ChemBio Int. Prog.)
- Notes for Applicants to the International Graduate Program in Chemistry and Biotechnology
3) Send a pdf copy of the documents to the potential supervisor by email at the request of the potential supervisor.
4) Send the documents to the office of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology via express mail after interview (See below).
5) Contact Information: Ask the potential supervisor in Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology.

(2) Application Period
Schedule 1, From July 3 to September 29 in 2023
Schedule 2, From September 4 to November 24 in 2023
Schedule 3, From December 4 in 2023 to February 23 in 2024
Prepare carefully to ensure your documents arrive before the deadline.

Send to:
The office of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology,
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Bldg #5 of the School of Engineering,
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan

Documents for Submission

- Application form (ChemBio Int. Prog.) (Filled by Applicant)
- Notes for Applicants to the International Graduate Program in Chemistry and Biotechnology (Signed by Applicant)
- CV including the list of papers, scholarships, honors and other recognitions, if any
- Summary of thesis research (if possible)
- Academic Transcript (Bachelor's degree for Master's Course (Integrated MS/PhD Program) applicants; both Bachelor's degree and Master's degree for Doctoral Course applicants) <Original only>
- Certificate of Graduation or Certificate of Enrollment (Certificate of Enrollment is only necessary to submit if you cannot submit the Certificate of Graduation at the time of application. The Certificate of Graduation must be submitted at the time of admission procedures. The Certificate of Graduation must indicate the name of degree and the date it was conferred.) <Original only>
- Copy of the test score of TOEFL or IELTS (Score validity: 2 years)
- Copy of passport
- Examination Fee (10,000 yen)
Payment must be made by credit card, or China Union Pay. Payment fees are the responsibility of the applicant to pay. For details on payment methods, refer to ‘How to make Payment of Examination Fee at E-shiharai.net.’
* This fee is not required for MEXT scholarship candidates who have passed the primary selection at the Japanese embassy in their home countries.
* After the examination, MEXT scholarship candidates who are selected via recommendation by the University will receive a refund of the examination fee directly to their account upon enrollment.
* It is possible to use a credit card, or China Union Pay which carries a name different from that of the applicant. Those who are not able to make a payment using credit cards, or China Union Pay must contact the potential supervisor in Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology no later than 2 weeks prior to the deadline for application.
There may be additional requirements from the potential supervisor.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on interview and the contents of the application documents.

Selection Period and Result Announcements

(1) Selections are scheduled to be made: Schedule 1, from October to December 2023; Schedule 2, from December 2023 to the beginning of February 2024; Schedule 3, from March to the beginning of May 2024.
(2) Result announcements are planned for December 2023 for Schedule 1, March 2024 for Schedule 2 and June 2024 for Schedule 3.

Admission Procedures

(1) Successful applicants must complete the necessary admission procedures within admission procedure period. Please note, if admission procedures are not completed by the deadline, the applicant will be considered as not entering the school. The time period for admission procedures is scheduled as follows, but may be subject to change.
        For April Entry: Mon., March 11, 2024 (tentative)
        For October Entry: Fri., September 20, 2024 (tentative)
(2) Admission authorization notification PDFs will be sent to successful applicants by the admission date. A hard copy of this paper will be provided to the applicant after they arrive in Japan.
(3) Admission Fee, Tuition and Exemptions
Successful applicants must pay the following fees during the time period for admission procedures (Note1). It is possible to apply for Admission Fee Exemption and Tuition Exemption at the admission desk of the University during the time period for admission procedures. Applying for admission fee exemption and/or tuition exemption will allow for deferring the payment of admission fee and/or tuition until the results of the screening are determined (Note 2).
    1) Admission Fee: 282,000 yen (estimated amount)
    2) Tuition for first half semester:
        <Master's Course> 267,900 yen (Annual Amount: 535,800 yen) (estimated amount)
        <Doctoral Course> 260,400 yen (Annual Amount 520,800 yen) (estimated amount)
(Note 1) MEXT Scholarship Students (Students are awarded Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships) are excluded.
(Note 2) Please be aware that the chances of getting an admission fee and/or tuition exemptions are low. Also, as the University only offers partial exemption, it is not possible to receive a full exemption.
(Note 3) The payment amount listed above is an estimation. After enrollment or during attendance, the payment amount will be revised, and the new payment amount will be applied from the time of this revision.
For further details, please refer the following URL.
https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/tuition_fees.html

Admission Date

Admission date is scheduled for April 1 or October 1, 2024, but it may be subject to change.

Contact

Please ask the potential supervisor in Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology.