Have you ever been fascinated by Japan’s distinct culture and technology? If so, the University of Tokyo might be the ideal place for you to further your education. Established in 1877 as Japan’s first national university, the University of Tokyo is the oldest and largest of Japan’s national universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is ranked =36 worldwide and is the highest-ranked Japanese university. UTokyo reports 5,234 international students.
However, for international students, the educational expenses of attending the University of Tokyo can be a major concern. The cost of living and studying can be high, from tuition to housing costs. To help you decide whether to pursue your goals of studying in Japan, we’ll go over the various expenses you can anticipate at the University of Tokyo in this article.
Study Costs at the University of Tokyo
While the cost of studying at the University of Tokyo as an international student can seem daunting at first glance, careful planning and budgeting can help you make the most of your experience without breaking the bank. To help you prepare, we’ll break down the various academic costs you can expect to incur as an international student at the University of Tokyo.
Application Costs
When applying to the University of Tokyo, the university publishes examination fees by student category rather than one application fee for every bachelor’s or master’s program. For undergraduate applicants, the examination fee is ¥4,000 for the first stage and ¥13,000 for the second stage. For graduate applicants, excluding the School of Law, the examination fee is ¥30,000. The School of Law charges ¥7,000 for the first stage and ¥23,000 for the second stage. Applicants should confirm the requirements and fees for their specific admissions route. Students admitted to degree programs generally pay a one-time admission fee of ¥282,000.
By understanding the application process and its associated costs, you can better prepare for a successful application and move on to learn more about the tuition fees for your specific program.
Tuition Costs
Now that we have discussed the application costs for studying at the University of Tokyo, it’s time to examine tuition fees. UTokyo publishes tuition by student category. Because exchange rates fluctuate, the amounts below are stated in Japanese yen.
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
For undergraduate studies, the annual tuition fee is ¥642,960. The university lists an annual tuition fee of ¥535,800 for students who enrolled in or before 2024.
UTokyo’s central tuition table does not list higher undergraduate tuition fees for specialized fields. Prospective students exploring humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, engineering, or law should review their faculty information for any additional course-related expenses.
Master’s Tuition Costs
For most master’s and professional graduate programs, the annual tuition fee is ¥535,800. The School of Law is listed separately at ¥804,000 per year.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
For Ph.D. programs, the annual tuition fee is ¥520,800.
Eligible students can apply for scholarships and full or partial admission or tuition fee exemptions. These exemptions are awarded after screening and are not guaranteed. Students receiving a Japanese government MEXT scholarship do not need to pay tuition and certain other fees.
Other Academic Costs at the University of Tokyo
While tuition fees are a significant expense, students also need to consider other costs when planning their budget for studying abroad. These include accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. It’s essential to plan and budget accordingly to ensure that you have enough funds to cover these expenses.
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
Costs for books and supplies vary by course. Some books and daily necessities can be purchased at lower prices through the university Co-op, and member students can receive a 10% discount on books. Students should also budget for insurance and other personal or academic expenses.
Accommodation and Transportation
UTokyo’s Housing Office operates dormitories and other accommodations for international students and researchers, but the number of rooms is limited and fees vary by residence and room type. For private housing in Tokyo, the university advises that even a small one-room apartment for one person typically costs about ¥80,000 to ¥100,000 per month. The Housing Office also provides information on private rental accommodations and the university guarantor system for eligible renters.
For commuting, students can obtain a student commuter certificate from their faculty or graduate school office to purchase a student commuter pass between their residence and campus. UTokyo also offers student travel discount certificates for certain eligible trips. Transportation costs depend on the route and frequency of travel.
Living Expenses
Living costs vary by lifestyle and household situation. UTokyo advises that many international students spend about ¥50,000 to ¥60,000 per month on food. Students living with their families generally have living expenses that are 1.5 to 2 times higher than those of students living alone. These figures should be considered alongside rent, transportation, insurance, and other personal costs.
Studying at the University of Tokyo can be a fulfilling experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the associated costs. By carefully budgeting for tuition, admission fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, you can make the most of your time at one of Japan’s oldest universities. With courses in essentially all academic disciplines and research across a broad spectrum of academic activity, the University of Tokyo provides a rich and varied environment for international students.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into study costs at the University of Tokyo. Discover more opportunities by checking out these Available Programs for International Students. Also, check out this comprehensive guide to studying in Japan to help you prepare for an enriching academic adventure!
