University of Tokyo
Rankings, tuition, the English-taught routes that are still open, the MEXT scholarship and visa funds, checked against UTokyo’s own pages.
Check my chances at UTokyoLast updated 4 October 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
University of Tokyo: highlights
The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) is Japan’s leading national university, ranked 39th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Tuition is far lower than at universities of similar rank in the UK, US or Australia. The hard part for Bangladeshi students is the route in: there is very little English-taught study at bachelor’s level, so most successful applicants come for a master’s or PhD.
- After HSC: there is no open English-taught bachelor’s entry. The PEAK programme took its last students in fall 2026, and Japanese-taught degrees need high-level Japanese.
- After 2 years of university: the Global Science Course lets you transfer into the third year of a science degree taught in English.
- For a master’s or PhD: many graduate programmes are taught in English, and some need no Japanese at all.
- Tuition: ¥642,960 a year for a bachelor’s, ¥535,800 for a master’s and ¥520,800 for a doctorate.
- Scholarship: MEXT, applied for through the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka, is the main fully funded route.
Key facts
Most international students at UTokyo are in graduate programmes. Each graduate school runs its own admissions, with its own dates, exams and documents.
University of Tokyo rankings
| Ranking | Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 39 in the world, 1st in Japan |
Tuition and fees
National universities in Japan charge the same tuition to Japanese and international students, and the same amount across subjects.
| Level | Tuition a year | One-time admission fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | ¥642,960 | ¥282,000 |
| Master’s | ¥535,800 | ¥282,000 |
| Doctorate | ¥520,800 | ¥282,000 |
UTokyo runs exemption schemes for the admission fee and tuition, which students apply for after enrolling. MEXT scholars do not pay tuition.
Routes for Bangladeshi students
| Route | Who it suits | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese-taught bachelor’s | Students fluent in Japanese | High-level Japanese, usually with the EJU exam, and the university’s own selection |
| Global Science Course | Science students already at university | 2 or more years completed at a university outside Japan; you transfer into the third year, taught in English |
| English-taught master’s and PhD | Graduates | A bachelor’s degree (or master’s for a PhD) and the graduate school’s own selection. Programmes exist in engineering, science, medicine, agriculture, economics, public policy and more |
| MEXT research student | Graduates seeking full funding | Selection through the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka, then placement at a university |
The PEAK undergraduate programme ended admissions with the fall 2026 intake, so older lists that mention it are out of date. For graduate study, contact a prospective supervisor early: many programmes expect you to have one before you apply.
University of Tokyo: yearly intakes
The Japanese academic year starts in April. Many English-taught graduate programmes at UTokyo also, or only, start in September or October. Each graduate school sets its own dates.
| Intake | Classes start | Apply by | Open for |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | April | Set by each graduate school, often the previous summer or autumn | Japanese-taught degrees and many graduate programmes |
| September or October | September or October | Set by each graduate school, often the previous winter | Many English-taught master’s and PhD programmes |
| MEXT scholarship | April or October of the following year | April to May, through the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka | Research students, master’s and PhD |
Check the application guide of your graduate school for the exact window. They are published a year ahead and are not extended.
How to apply and key dates
- Pick a graduate school and programme
Use UTokyo’s list of graduate degree programmes offered in English, and read that school’s own application guide.
- Contact a supervisor where required
Send a short research plan and your transcripts well before the application window.
- Apply for MEXT in April or May
The Embassy of Japan in Dhaka and the Ministry of Education, Bangladesh recruit in April and May of the year before you start.
- Submit the school’s application
Dates differ by school. Many English programmes select on documents and an online interview.
- Get the Certificate of Eligibility
The university applies for it. Your supporter’s financial documents are checked at this stage.
- Apply for the student visa
Applications from Bangladesh go through VFS in Gulshan-2, Dhaka.
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students
MEXT Scholarship (embassy recommendation)
Government of Japan
- Covers
- Tuition and a monthly allowance
- Apply through
- Embassy of Japan, Dhaka
- When
- April to May, the year before
- Level
- Research, master’s, PhD, bachelor’s
The main fully funded route to UTokyo. Selection includes document screening, written tests and an interview at the embassy.
View on official site ↗JASSO Honors Scholarship
Japan Student Services Organization
- Value
- ¥48,000 a month
- Length
- 6 or 12 months
- For
- Privately funded students in Japan
- Apply through
- Your university
A top-up for students who are already enrolled and paying their own way.
View on official site ↗What one year costs
For the visa, your supporter is expected to show about ¥2,000,000 for tuition and living costs, with 6 months of bank statements and tax records for 3 years. Part-time earnings cannot replace the funds shown.
A first master’s year costs ¥817,800 in university charges: ¥535,800 in tuition plus the ¥282,000 admission fee. Rent in Tokyo usually comes with move-in charges such as key money and a deposit, so keep extra cash for your first month.
Work and careers after UTokyo
Reputation
- Japan’s highest-ranked university and 39th in the world in QS 2027.
- Graduate programmes are closely tied to research labs and industry partners.
Work while you study
- Up to 28 hours a week with a work permission stamp.
- Longer hours are allowed during long vacations.
Stay after graduating
- A Designated Activities status lets you look for work for 6 months, extendable to 1 year.
- Most graduate jobs in Japan expect working Japanese.
University of Tokyo: FAQs
Can I get into the University of Tokyo after HSC?
Only through the Japanese-taught route, which needs high-level Japanese and usually the EJU exam. The English-taught PEAK bachelor’s programme took its last intake in fall 2026.
Can I study at UTokyo in English?
Yes, at graduate level. UTokyo lists master’s and PhD programmes taught in English across engineering, science, medicine, agriculture, economics, public policy and other schools. At bachelor’s level the Global Science Course is a third-year transfer route in English.
How much is tuition at the University of Tokyo?
¥642,960 a year for a bachelor’s, ¥535,800 for a master’s and ¥520,800 for a doctorate, plus a one-time admission fee of ¥282,000.
How do I apply for the MEXT scholarship from Bangladesh?
Through the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka and the Ministry of Education, Bangladesh. Recruitment runs in April and May of the year before you start, with document screening, written tests and an interview.
What is the Global Science Course?
A transfer programme in the School of Science for students who have completed 2 or more years at a university outside Japan. You join in the third year and study in English.
Do I need Japanese to work in Japan afterwards?
For most jobs, yes. You can stay for up to a year to look for work after graduating, but employers usually expect working Japanese, so start learning early.
Plan the rest
Official sources
- UTokyo: admission fee and tuition ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UTokyo: fee exemptions ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UTokyo: English routes for undergraduates ↗Checked 2026-09-26 · next review 2026-10-26
- UTokyo: graduate degree programmes offered in English ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UTokyo: Global Science Course ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- UTokyo by the numbers ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- QS World University Rankings 2027 ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh: MEXT ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- JASSO: Honors Scholarship ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 4 October 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.