Tokyo Metropolitan University Admission Guide for International Students

Tokyo Metropolitan University at a glance

Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) is a public university operated by the Tokyo metropolitan government. It is distinct from the University of Tokyo — a separate national university — so make sure you are applying to the right institution. TMU's main campus is in the Minami-Osawa area of western Tokyo, with additional campuses in the city.

TMU offers faculties and graduate schools across the sciences, systems design, urban environmental sciences, humanities and social sciences, law, economics and business administration, and health sciences. Confirm the current schools and programs on the official TMU site, as offerings are updated regularly.

Special selection for international students (undergraduate)

For undergraduate study, TMU runs a special selection for international students. Applicants on this route typically take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and then TMU's own entrance examination, which may include subject tests and an interview. Most undergraduate teaching is in Japanese, so advanced Japanese proficiency is expected.

The eligible faculties, required EJU subjects, and whether an applicant applies from inside or outside Japan can differ by department and by year. Check the current special-selection guidelines for your target faculty on the official pages.

• Undergraduate special selection = EJU + TMU's own entrance exam (and interview where required)
• Separate application guidelines often apply for applicants inside vs outside Japan
• Eligible faculties and subjects vary — verify on the official site each cycle

English-taught graduate options and research students

At graduate level, TMU offers Master's and Doctoral programs, including some that can be studied or supervised in English, especially in science and engineering fields. Entrance-exam formats and intakes are set by each graduate school.

Many international applicants first join as a non-degree research student: you contact a prospective supervisor, secure acceptance, then apply and later sit the graduate entrance examination. Use each graduate school's official page for the current schedule and required documents.

Scholarships and fees

TMU offers scholarships for privately financed international students and participates in the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, alongside tuition-reduction or exemption schemes for eligible students. Amounts, eligibility and deadlines are set by the awarding body and change each year.

Tuition and fees at TMU are set by the university and metropolitan government and can change. Do not rely on unofficial figures, and treat any third party promising a 'guaranteed' scholarship or admission as a warning sign — no one can guarantee either.

• Awards include a TMU scholarship for privately financed students plus MEXT participation (verify current terms)
• Tuition-reduction or exemption may be available for eligible students — confirm on the official site
• Scholarship eligibility is secular and merit/need-based — verify the criteria officially

Language tests and how to apply

Which proficiency test you need depends on the language of instruction: English-taught programs typically accept TOEFL or IELTS, while Japanese-medium programs expect Japanese proficiency (often shown via the EJU Japanese section and/or JLPT). Minimum scores and accepted tests are program-specific and revised periodically.

As practical next steps: confirm your faculty's route and language; note the official application window; prepare documents and the required test; and, for graduate research, contact a supervisor early. After an offer, TMU generally assists with the Certificate of Eligibility for the student residence status — this is general information, not immigration advice, so verify current visa rules with official immigration and embassy sources.