Exchange guide University of Tokyo
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan.
Snapshot
A major Japanese research university with demanding academics and exchange routes through USTEP and faculty-level agreements.
Why students shortlist it
A major Japanese research university in Tokyo with university-wide and faculty-level exchange routes. It is best for students who want a rigorous academic environment and can match language level, department access, and campus location carefully.
Teaching languages: Japanese (primary); English in PEAK, USTEP, and ISEP exchange programmes
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Undergraduate Type U typically requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent, plus English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5, or equivalent) or Japanese proficiency (JLPT N1/N2) depending on courses. Graduate Type G requirements vary by specific Graduate School and supervisor pre-approval.
Nomination Process
Home university coordinator submits nomination details via UTokyo's online portal (TAO). Nominated students are then invited to complete the formal application by submitting all required documents.
Orientation Week
Recommended arrival: One week before classes start (mid-September for Autumn Semester, late March for Spring Semester).
Mandatory orientations are held in late September and late March by the International Education Support Office.
Events hub: https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/exchange.html
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| February 14 | February 28 | |
| September 16 | September 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Obtain your College Student Visa from the Japanese embassy or consulate before arrival.
- Register your address and enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI) at the local ward office.
- Open a JP Post Bank account if receiving scholarship payments.
- Attend the mandatory UTokyo orientation and activate your student account (UTokyo Account).
Academics
Course Registration
USTEP Type U students register for courses during the online registration period at the start of the semester via the UTAS (UTokyo Academic System) portal. Type G students register through their respective Graduate School's administration.
Credit System
UTokyo credit system. Most semester-long lecture courses are worth 2 credits (representing 90 hours of total study time, including preparation and review). Visa regulations require international students to register for at least 10 hours of class time per week (usually 6-7 courses).
Grading System
A letter grading system is used: A+ (90-100%, Excellent), A (80-89%, Good), B (70-79%, Pass), C (60-69%, Pass), F (Below 60%, Fail). ECTS conversions (typically 1 UTokyo credit ≈ 1.5 - 2 ECTS) are done by the home institution.
Exam Culture
Strict attendance rules apply, and active participation is expected. Assessment is continuous and includes mid-term/final exams, presentations, and term papers.
Tuition & Fees
Annual Tuition
EUR 3,200
Waived for exchange students.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | JPY 0 tuition + ~JPY 3,000–5,000/mo NHI | Tuition fully waived for reciprocal exchange under bilateral or university-wide agreements. National Health Insurance (NHI) mandatory once you register at wa… |
| Full degree – international | JPY 535,800/year | UTokyo national university standard tuition JPY 535,800/year (~$3,500) — same for domestic and international students. Entrance fee JPY 282,000 (one-time). E… |
JPY 0 tuition + ~JPY 3,000–5,000/mo NHI
Tuition fully waived for reciprocal exchange under bilateral or university-wide agreements. National Health Insurance (NHI) mandatory once you register at wa…
JPY 535,800/year
UTokyo national university standard tuition JPY 535,800/year (~$3,500) — same for domestic and international students. Entrance fee JPY 282,000 (one-time). E…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
No
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
National Health Insurance (NHI) - covers 70% of medical costs
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Gakkensai (Accident Insurance)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Inbound Futsubai (Liability Insurance)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
International Student Support Room (ISSR)
Peer advising, intercultural events, language exchange sessions, and general support for living in Japan.
UTokyo Library System
Access to the General Library at Hongo, Komaba Library, and Kashiwa Library, with millions of volumes and digital resources.
Student Counseling Center (UTokyo)
UTokyo counseling centers at Komaba, Hongo, and Kashiwa campuses. Psychiatrists and psychologists for mental health support, study difficulties, and adjustment challenges.
Career Support (UTokyo)
UTokyo career support: employment information, career counseling, seminars, and industry events. Faculty-level career offices plus central career support office.
Student Support (Komaba)
Komaba campus student support division: academic guidance, disability services, health, counseling, and practical student life assistance for the undergraduate campus.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- UTokyo International Student Association (TISA)
- UT-i international exchange circle
- Kendo, Archery, and Judo clubs
- Traditional Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy circles
Buddy Program
UTokyo Tutor System: each exchange student is paired with a local student assistant for academic and linguistic support.
Sports & Recreation
- Gotenshita Memorial Arena (Hongo campus gym and pool)
- Komaba Campus Athletics Field
- Tennis courts and martial arts dojos
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
UTokyo International Students (TISA)
Official community page for the UTokyo International Student Association, hosting trips, parties, and guidance.
UTokyo USTEP Program Group
Community and connection group for UTokyo-wide exchange student alumni and current cohorts.
UTokyo International Student Support Room
Official university support office with counseling, language exchange, and visa guidance resources.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Purchase a Suica/Pasmo card and set up mobile data at the airport.
- Visit your local ward office to register your address and sign up for NHI.
- Attend the mandatory UTokyo orientation and activate your student account.
- Visit the iconic Akamon (Red Gate) on Hongo campus and check out the General Library.
Key Dates
Autumn/A Semester admission cycle
January - February
Applications for October enrollment must be submitted by late February.
Spring/S Semester admission cycle
August - September
Applications for April enrollment must be submitted by late September.
Application window (Autumn intake)
January – February
Nominations by home uni then host portal application. Visa processing 2–3 months.
Application window (Spring intake)
August – September
Same flow for April arrival. JLPT proof or English score required by most programmes.
Orientation & welcome week
Early October (Autumn) or Early April (Spring)
Mandatory immigration + insurance registration; ward office address registration within 14 days of arrival.