*This page is dedicated to 2025A admitted students only.
Please read carefully to make sure you understand important events related to the exchange program at UTokyo. Events with a star mark (★) are compulsory for all USTEP Type U students. In case you are unable to attend the event for an unavoidable reason, please notify the International Education Promotion Group (USTEP Office) as soon as possible.
All USTEP Type U students are required to enter in Japan by September 25 to attend the orientation for USTEP Type U in September 26 in person. Failure to enter the country by the designated period or missing the orientation may result in the cancellation of enrollment.
For those who will reside in the accommodation provided by UTokyo Housing, please complete your move-in during designated periods by each accommodation.
Note: Schedules are subject to change. Please check this page as well as emails from the International Education Promotion Group (USTEP Office) regularly for the latest information.
Last Updated: August 18
(*1) An online guidance session will be held prior to the start of the semester to explain administrative and academic procedures. Attendance is mandatory. Considering time differences, two time slots will be provided. Please choose the one that you can attend.
(*2) Japanese Language Courses
Japanese Language Course provided by College of Arts and Science (on Komaba Campus): Only those who submitted the Japanese language preliminary survey conducted in July will receive an email with information on online placement test by the College of Arts and Sciences. Those who wish to take Japanese Language Course by the College of Arts and Sciences (on Komaba Campus) MUST take this online placement test during the designated period. For more details, please read this page.
Japanese Language Course provided by the Faculty of Engineering (on Hongo Campus): Those who wish to take Japanese Language Courses by the Faculty of Engineering on Hongo Campus MUST register through the system called “STAR system” provided by the Faculty of Engineering, then take the placement test online and register for courses both in STAR and UTAS by designated period. Please attend the first class of each registered course to receive an orientation and take a level check test. For more details, please read this page. *The consultation period is set from September 18 (Thu) to October 15 (Wed). If you have any questions regarding thier course registration, please make a reservation via email. Email address: nihongo[at]jlcse.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp (*replace [at] with @)
*If you're planinig to take Japanese language courses, please once again check the eligibility and restriction.
(*3) All the students must go to the Ward/Municipal Office by themselves to complete necessary procedures as soon as you move into the accommodation. For more details, please read this page. (*Students with a Japanese nationality and with a Permanent Residency may have different procedures of residence registration depending on whether they already hold a registration status in another city of Japan. Please refer the website of the city where you will live during the exchange period and check the procedures in advance.)
(*4) Students are strongly encouraged to attend all classes from the first week even during course registration/correction periods. Missing the first week of classes may result in missing attendance days.(Please note some classes may not allow students to register if they didn't attend the first class.) In addition, some courses may have a limit on the number of participants. Even if you attend the first class, the instructor may select participants afterward based on their criteria. Please register for courses while keeping in mind the possibility that you may not be able to enroll in your preferred classes. In most cases, the first class will provide important information, such as how to contact the instructor and the specific course structure. If you have any questions, please attend the class first. (*The USTEP Office cannot answer questions regarding individual courses.)
(*5) The Global Studies in Asia Program (GSA) is an education certificate program in English consisting of courses in which students can learn about, experience, and analyze Japan from a variety of perspectives. Students who wish to register for GSA program are strongly advised to attend their guidance session. For more details, please read this page. (*Please make sure to check the details carefully, as there are important notes regarding the enrollment in Japanese language courses.)
Please refer to the following page: https://sites.google.com/g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ustep-typeu/courses/academic-schedule?authuser=0#h.z3mqu5vhffl6
The USTEP Office cannot sign any documents issued by the third parties (including your home institutions). For example, if you need to prove to your home university or other institutions that you have successfully started/completed your exchange studies at UTokyo, you may obtain the "Certificate of Enrollment" from one of the Automatic Certificate Issuing Machines on campus once you receive your Student ID card at the Sep-26 orientation. The "Certificate of Enrollment" will include your program start/end dates and the university's official signature/stamp. Please be advised that we cannot certify any dates other than the official program start/end dates of the USTEP Type U Program (i.e., October 1, 2025, and March 30, 2026) as your study abroad period.
Likewise, the USTEP Office cannot sign any documents related to course registration, including the Learning Agreement. Instead, you can obtain the "Certificate of Course Registration" from the Automatic Certificate Issuing Machines on campus. If needed, please obtain them yourself using your Student ID card after completing your course registration in UTAS.
We strongly recommend you to consult with your home institution's study abroad coordinator regarding these matters in advance.
(reference) 6. Certificates / FAQ / Courses at UTokyo
USTEP Type U offers a program called "USTEP Partners" to support interactions between exchange students and local UTokyo students. The Partners are regular students of our university who volunteer to participate in this program. They will support your campus life as friendly advisors and companions.
USTEP Partners was created to facilitate student interactions by forming multiple small groups, as the increasing number of exchange students makes it difficult to hold large-scale gatherings. We encourage you to take full advantage of this program, actively engaging with your group rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you. Make meaningful connections and enjoy various activities together.
Group assignments are determined by lottery, taking into account factors such as campus location, faculty/graduate school, year of study, and gender balance. We encourage you to embrace this unexpected encounters and enjoy international exchange with an open mind.
Your group assignments will be announced via email before the orientation. On the day of orientation, your Partners will welcome you, and each group will sit together. Enjoy this first meeting!
For operational reasons, all USTEP Type U students will be assigned to a group, but the frequency and nature of your group’s activities are entirely up to you and your group members. This program is designed to only encourage active exchange, not to impose mandatory participation—so please feel at ease!
For more information, please see the following page: USTEP Partners
National Holidays in Japan during your first months:
Monday, August 11, 12, 13 (University-wide summer closures) *USTEP Office will be closed from Monday, Aug 9 - Sunday, Aug 17.
Monday, September 15
Tuesday, September 23
Monday, October 13
*The USTEP Office will be closed on those holidays.
*Note that Faculties/College as well as instructors have the discretion to determine whether classes are to be held on these holidays. Be sure to check the course schedule with your instructors on the first day of the classes.