Overview of the Admission Process

The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science Physics Major Course runs separate admissions for international and domestic students, and the process for international students requires early preparation. Before even applying, prospective students must select a thesis adviser, as advisers cannot be chosen after enrollment. This means applicants should explore the official Physics Major Course website, review the list of faculty, and carefully study their research areas. Each faculty member sets their own standards for pre-selection—some emphasize enthusiasm for experimental work or teamwork, while others prioritize a strong foundation in mathematics or quantum mechanics. Only after obtaining a prospective adviser’s approval can candidates move forward with the official application.

Application Steps and Scholarship Opportunities

Once a faculty member agrees to act as an adviser, applicants must submit their formal application to the Graduate School of Science during the specified period (dates vary slightly each year and are listed on the official website). Required documents typically include GRE physics and TOEFL scores, academic transcripts, reference letters, and both personal and scientific essays. There are several admission routes: the regular course (April or October intake), the Government (MEXT) scholarship through either embassy or university recommendations, and the Global Science Graduate Course (GSGC). Scholarships vary in value—typically from about 140,000 to 200,000 JPY per month. While admission through the regular course does not automatically include funding, students may later apply for competitive scholarships such as the Leading Graduate School Program (LGP) fellowship or the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) fellowship, which support students in later years of their graduate studies.

Details on Major Scholarships and Pre-selection Schemes

The MEXT scholarship requires a multi-stage selection process. Applicants can apply via a Japanese embassy or consulate (embassy route) or directly to the university (university route). In some regions, such as mainland China or Taiwan, applications are handled through local agencies rather than Japanese embassies. GSGC is another highly competitive option intended for students planning to complete a full five-year course. Although the daily academic training is essentially the same across all admission routes, government scholars are encouraged to learn about Japanese culture and may attend an optional Japanese language program. Pre-selection is overseen by individual faculty members or sometimes by joint groups, such as the particle theory team, and these arrangements may change over time. For the most up-to-date details on faculty expectations and any joint pre-selection schemes, applicants should consult the Physics Major Course’s official website.