Frequently Asked Questions

A | IDE is a single degree program based on multidisciplinary approaches, adopting curriculum from various fundamental engineering fields, e.g., Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Sciences and Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, etc. The aim of this program is to make highly qualified graduates so that they can become global human resources, capable of understanding and analyzing issues in various cross-disciplinary engineering fields. And thus, can contribute to realizing the next-generation smart society where Electronics, Nanotechnology, Energy, IoT, ICT, AI etc. will play major roles.

A | Yes, as a part of the curriculum of IDE program, students must take several courses related to computer science or programming language.

A | This program is not a conventional single-discipline program that focuses on a specific academic field. Instead, it is a cross-disciplinary engineering program that provides you with broad engineering knowledge ranging from the microscopic to the macroscopic engineering education. From the third year of this program, students choose two laboratories from different fields to do undergraduate research and are instructed using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method.

A | Please refer to our webpage here: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admissions/fees-tuition/. In addition, there is an examination fee for the screening process, which is 4,000 yen for the first-stage screening and 13,000 yen for the second-stage screening, as of March 2023.

A | Although the IDE program is a completely English-taught program, as a part of the curriculum, students are required to take one course as their second foreign language course. Thus, students whose native language is not Japanese must take a 4-credit Japanese language course as their second foreign language courses. In addition, any interested students can take non-credit supplementary Japanese courses. If interested, please visit https://www.cegloc.tsukuba.ac.jp/page/page000474.html. Furthermore, it is also possible to earn credits by taking fundamental courses in Japanese in other schools & colleges of University of Tsukuba. These credits can be counted as credits required for graduation. 

A | Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

A | After graduation, students have a range of options available to them, including advancing their studies at the graduate level and starting their career in suitable Japanese companies. 

For further information, please visit https://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/undergraduate/interdisciplinary-engineering/graduate-prospects/. 

A | The application guidelines are scheduled to be uploaded on our website at the end of July, for admission in the following year.

A | Please check the application guidelines for the application schedule. The application system is "The Admission Office (TAO)," which can be found at https://admissions-office.net/en/portal. You can find the program button when the application period begins. 

A | Please refer to the application guidelines for information on eligibility requirements.

A | We will announce the number of available slots for the accepted students in the class of 2024 through the application guidelines.

For your reference, you can find the number of students accepted in past screenings here: https://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IDE_-Past_Entrance_Exam_Results_2019-2021_1.pdf 

A | We cannot provide a definitive answer at this moment.

A | Proficiency in Japanese is not necessarily required at the entrance examination. However, having some knowledge of the language can enrich your experience in Japan after enrollment.

A | All required documents must be submitted during the application period. We cannot accept any documents submitted after the deadline.

A | We do not have a minimum score requirement for SAT/ACT.

A | Yes, as of March 2023, we accept scores from TOEFL iBT Home Edition as an English proficiency test score.

A | We only accept scores from the tests specified in the application guidelines.

A | "My Best Scores" from TOEFL iBT cannot be accepted.

A | If the medium of instruction at your high school/upper secondary school for three years was English, you are exempt from submitting test scores. If not, submitting test scores is necessary.

A | We don’t accept transfer of AP credits.

A | You need to undergo an eligibility check before applying. Please contact us using the contact form by the deadline indicated in the application guidelines.

A | Please submit a document that includes an overview (official name, location, number of students, number of teachers, accreditation, etc.). For further inquiries, please contact us using the contact form.

A | Please submit all the transcripts that you can submit at the time of application.

A | Please contact us using the contact form to discuss alternative arrangements.

A | Please consult with your school to find an appropriate person who knows you well in regard to your academic life.

A | No, we don’t accept transfer students from other universities at this time.

A | Please submit those documents of your high school.

A | You need to submit academic transcripts for all three years of high school/upper secondary school as well as the transcript from your university.

A | You should ask one of the persons from your last high school (secondary education) listed below to write a reference letter.

• home-room teacher 

• counselor 

• school principal 

• someone who knows you well and who has been involved in your educational activities.

A | Credits earned from previous universities may be considered for transfer as a part of the required credits for graduation. The curriculum committee will carefully review the syllabus and course materials to take the final decision.

A | As of 2023, we can offer a few slots for the MEXT scholarship through university recommendation. For details, please see here: https://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/undergraduate/interdisciplinary-engineering/#tuition. We also have several other scholarships for which the university can nominate candidates. Please visit the website here (https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admissions/financial-scholarships/index.html) for more details. These scholarships will be awarded after enrollment through a selection process. 

A | In addition to scholarships, we also provide an entrance fee exemption and tuition waiver for those who meet the criteria. Please click here to visit our website for more information: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admissions/financial-exemption/index.html 

A | In addition to admission fees, tuition, and monthly dormitory fees, the general living cost in Tsukuba is around 80,000 yen (appx. $605 at 1$ = 132 yen) including food, clothing and study materials.

The reference of average living costs in Japan can be found here: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/livingcost-price/ (External website "Study in Japan Official Website" run by JASSO) 

A | There are some options such as several types of student residence halls and off-campus housing.

For details, please visit the webpage here: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/campuslife/support-healthlife/accommodation/index.html 

A | Yes, international students can do a part-time job for up to 28 hours a week under the condition that they apply for permission at the Immigration Services Agency and receive permission to work.

A | Yes, if you’d like, you can take internship courses and participate in any internship programs on your own. These activities will be credited as free elective courses toward graduation.

A | We do not currently offer short-term programs.

A | There is a possibility of accepting exchange program students. Please contact the office for exchange programs at your university to learn about the application procedures.

A | Yes, we regularly hold online information sessions. Please check the website (https://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/webinar-contact/) for upcoming sessions.

A | We do not offer campus visit programs or open house events, other than online information sessions.