For questions not addressed below, please contact us via the contact form.
Until the new application guidelines are available, please refer to the previous year’s guidelines.
Last Updated : August 2026
◆ About Bachelor's Program in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Q1| What will I learn in this program?
A | The program is a single degree program based on a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating curricula from various fundamental engineering fields, including Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and more. The program aims to develop highly qualified graduates who can become global professionals capable of understanding and addressing challenges across diverse, interdisciplinary engineering fields. Through this multidisciplinary approach, graduates will be equipped to contribute to the realization of a next-generation smart society, where technologies such as electronics, nanotechnology, energy, IoT, ICT, and AI will play key roles.
Q2| Does the program offer courses in computer science or programming?
A | Yes, as a part of the curriculum of the program, students must take several courses related to computer science or programming language.
Q3| What are the key features of the program?
A | The program is not a conventional single-discipline program focused on a specific academic field. Instead, it is an interdisciplinary engineering program that provides students with broad engineering knowledge, ranging from the microscopic to the macroscopic scale. From their third year, students select two laboratories from different fields to conduct undergraduate research, receiving guidance through a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach.
Q4 | How much does it cost to study in the program?
A | Please refer to the website (https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admissions/fees-tuition/) for details. 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 July 2026.
Q5 |Are Japanese language courses available to program students?
A | Although the program is fully taught in English, students are required to take courses in a second foreign language as part of the curriculum. Therefore, students whose native language is not Japanese are required to take a 4-credit Japanese language course as their second foreign language.
In addition, students who are interested in learning Japanese can take non-credit supplementary Japanese language courses. For more information, please visit the University of Tsukuba website. (https://www.cegloc.tsukuba.ac.jp/page/page000474.html
Students may also earn credits by taking fundamental Japanese-taught courses offered by other schools and colleges at the University of Tsukuba. These credits can be counted toward the credits required for graduation.
Q6 | What degree will I receive?
A | Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Q7 | What career paths are available after graduating from the program?
A | After graduation, students have a range of options, including pursuing further studies at the graduate level or starting their careers with Japanese or international companies in relevant fields.
For further information, please visit the website. (https://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/undergraduate/interdisciplinary-engineering/graduate-prospects/).
◆ Entrance Examination
Q8 | When will the application guidelines be available?
A | The application guidelines are scheduled to be uploaded on our website at the end of July, for admission in the following year.
Q9 | When and where can I submit my application?
A | Please check the application guidelines for the schedule. Applications must be submitted online through the University of Tsukuba English Programs Online Application system, which is available at https://admissions-office.net/en/portal. The program application will appear on the portal when the application period begins.
Q10 | What are the eligibility requirements?
A | Please refer to the latest application guidelines for detailed information on the eligibility requirements.
Q11 | How many students will be admitted to the program?
A | The number of students to be admitted will be announced in the Application Guidelines.
For reference, you can find the number of students admitted in previous application cycles in the “News” section on the homepage of this website.
Q12 | Is there a waiting list for applicants who are not selected?
A | We are unable to provide a definitive answer at this time.
Q13 | I only completed 11 years of formal education — can I still apply?
A | Applicants who have completed an 11-year course of formal education are required to complete MEXT-designated preparatory education courses first. Please see the list of preparatory education courses (preparatory course guidance PDF) for details.
Q14 |What should I do if I cannot prepare all the required documents by the application deadline?
A | All required documents must be submitted within the application period. We cannot accept any documents submitted after the application deadline.
Q15 | What is the minimum score required for SAT/ACT?
A | We do not have a minimum score requirement for the SAT or ACT.
Q16 | Can I use TOEFL iBT Home Edition scores to meet the English proficiency requirement?
A | Yes, we accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition scores as proof of English proficiency.
Q17 |Are TOEIC scores accepted as proof of English proficiency?
A | No, we only accept scores from the English proficiency tests specified in the application guidelines.
Q18 | Can I use TOEFL iBT "MyBest Scores"?
A | TOEFL iBT "MyBest Scores" are not accepted.
Q19 | I do not have an English proficiency test score. Am I still eligible to apply?
A | Applicants who have completed at least three years of secondary education in which English was the language of instruction are exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, we strongly recommend submitting an English proficiency test score to demonstrate your English language proficiency. If you do not submit a test score, you will be expected to demonstrate near-native English communication skills during the admission interview.
Q20 | Can AP credits be transferred after enrollment?
A | No, AP credits cannot be transferred to the program.
Q21 |I graduated from or expect to graduate from a homeschool. Am I still eligible to apply?
A | You must undergo an eligibility check before applying. Please contact us through the contact form by the deadline specified in the application guidelines.
Q22 | My high school does not have a school brochure. What should I submit instead?
A | Please submit a document providing an overview of the school, including its official name, location, number of students and teachers, accreditation, and other relevant information. For further inquiries, please contact us through the contact form.
Q23 | My final-year academic transcript will not be available by the application deadline. Can I submit transcripts for my first and second years instead?
A | Please submit all academic transcripts that are available at the time of application.
Q24 My school does not provide predicted grades to students. Can the school send them directly to the University of Tsukuba?
A | Please contact us through the contact form to discuss possible alternative arrangements.
Q25 | I do not have anyone who can write a recommendation letter for me. What should I do?
A | Please consult with your school to find an appropriate person who knows you well and can comment on your academic background and performance.
◆ Transfer Students
Q26 |I am currently a university student. Can I transfer to the Interdisciplinary Engineering Program as a second- or third-year student?
A | No, we do not accept transfer students from other universities.
Q27 |I am currently a university student. Should I submit the school information sheet and school brochure from my high school (upper secondary school) or my university?
A | Please submit the school information sheet and school brochure from your high school.
Q28 | I am currently a university student. Do I need to submit my high school (upper secondary school) academic transcript, or is it sufficient to submit only my university transcript?
A | You must submit academic transcripts for all three years of high school (upper secondary school) as well as your university academic transcript.
Q29 |I am currently a university student. Do I need to ask someone at my high school to write my recommendation letter, or can I ask my academic advisor at my current university?
A | You should ask one of the following individuals from your most recent high school (upper secondary school) to write your recommendation letter.
homeroom teacher
counselor
school principal
someone who knows you well and who has been involved in your educational activities.
Q30 | Can credits earned at my previous university be transferred after enrollment?
A |Yes, credits earned at your previous university may be transferred, but only after they successfully pass a credit transfer review following enrollment. The curriculum committee will carefully review the course syllabus and other relevant materials before making a final decision.
◆ Scholarships & Financial Support
Q31 | Does the program offer the MEXT Scholarship? How can I apply for it?
A | Yes, the program offers a limited number of MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship slots. The scholarship covers the full admission and tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend of JPY 117,000, and includes round-trip airfare. No separate application is required. Scholarship recipients are selected from among the top-performing successful applicants through the program’s regular two-stage entrance examination process. Further details will be provided directly to successful applicants.
Q32 | How many MEXT Scholarship slots are available each year?
A | The exact number of MEXT Scholarship slots cannot be disclosed in advance. The number of slots tends to remain relatively consistent from year to year, but it is not guaranteed.
Q33 | Are there any other financial aid or tuition fee waiver options available?
A | We also offer several other scholarships for which the University can nominate eligible candidates. Please visit the website (https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/campuslife/support-international/) for more information. These scholarships are awarded after enrollment through a selection process.
In addition to scholarships, entrance fee exemptions and tuition fee waivers are available to students who meet the eligibility criteria. Please visit the website (https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/campuslife/support-scholarship/) for more information.
Q34 | What is the general cost of living in Tsukuba?
A | Excluding admission fees and tuition, the general cost of living in Tsukuba is approximately JPY 100,000 per month, including housing, food, utilities, and other living expenses.
For more information on average living costs in Japan, please visit the "Study in Japan" official website, operated by JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization). https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/livingcost-price/
◆ Student Life & Other Information
Q35 | Does the program accept students for short-term study?
A |No, the program does not accept students for short-term study.
Q36 | Are there any internship opportunities available while studying in this program?
A | Yes, students can take internship courses and participate in internship programs of their choice. These activities can be counted as free elective credits toward the credits required for graduation.
Q37 | Does the program offer online information sessions for prospective students?
A | Yes, we regularly hold online information sessions. Please check the website (https://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/webinar-contact/) for upcoming sessions.
Q38 | Does the program accept exchange students?
A | There is a possibility of accepting exchange students. Please contact the exchange program office at your university for information on the application procedures.
Q39 | Does the program offer campus visits or open house events for prospective applicants?
A | We do not offer campus visit programs or open house events, other than online information sessions.
Q40 | What accommodation options are available for international students?
A | There are several accommodation options available, including different types of student residence halls and off-campus housing.
For more details, please visit the University of Tsukuba website (https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/campuslife/support-healthlife/accommodation/) .
Q41 | Can international students work part-time?
A | Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week, provided that they obtain permission to engage in part-time work from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.