The University of Tokyo acceptance rate is around 36% making its admission very selective. For undergraduate program, the estimated rate is around 30%–36%. Undergraduate programs can be especially competitive, particularly for Japanese-taught courses where entrance exams are part of the selection process.
For graduate programs, the picture is a little different. The average acceptance rate is around 52%, while PhD programs can have an acceptance rate closer to 72%.
For international students, there is another major update to keep in mind:
PEAK is no longer accepting new applications.
The September 2026 intake was the final PEAK intake.
PEAK was UTokyo's main English-taught undergraduate route for international students.
UTokyo is developing new options for international students, including the UTokyo College of Design, planned to start in September 2027.
In this article, we look at the latest University of Tokyo acceptance rate for undergraduate and graduate programs. We also cover admission requirements, application timelines, program-level competition and the options available to international students after PEAK.
University of Tokyo Acceptance Rate: UG vs PG Programs
The university of Tokyo acceptance rate for international students looks completely different depending on whether you're looking at undergrad or postgrad, since Todai runs on two very different admission logics. UG seats are limited and the entrance exams are brutal, so the rate stays tighter. PG admissions, especially PhD, lean more on research fit and professor buy-in, so more applicants get through.
Here's how the numbers break down across levels:
Study Level
Approx. Acceptance Rate
Notes
Undergraduate (UG)
30-36%
National entrance exams plus limited seats keep this tight
Graduate - Master's
47%
Varies by faculty and how many spots a lab has open
Graduate - PhD
72%
Research-based selection means it's more about fit than volume
Overall Graduate (PG)
52%
Averages out across all departments and research areas
Note: One number worth knowing if you're eyeing the sciences: the Natural Sciences II stream, one of the most competitive UG tracks, runs at around 23%. That's noticeably tighter than the general UG average.
Program-Wise Acceptance Rates at University of Tokyo
Not every faculty shapes the university of Tokyo acceptance rate the same way, since some are simply harder to crack than others at Todai. Engineering, medicine and economics pull in the strongest applicant pools globally, so naturally, they're toughest to get into. Humanities and interdisciplinary programs tend to have a bit more breathing room.
Most Competitive Faculties
These three departments are consistently the hardest to get into because global demand for them is massive.
Faculty of Engineering - Heavy emphasis on math and physics scores, plus how well your background fits ongoing research
Faculty of Medicine - Extremely limited seats paired with detailed, multi-stage screening
Faculty of Economics - High demand from both domestic and international applicants with strong quant backgrounds
Moderately Competitive Faculties
If your profile leans toward these areas, you're working with relatively better odds, especially as an international applicant.
University of Tokyo PEAK Program and International Admissions
If you're specifically researching the university of Tokyo acceptance rate for international students, this is the section that's changed the most, so read it carefully.
The PEAK Program Has Been Discontinued
Anyone tracking the university of Tokyo PEAK acceptance rate should know upfront that PEAK, short for Programs in English at Komaba, was University of Tokyo's only fully English-taught undergraduate route. For years, it was the go-to option for international students who wanted Todai without clearing Japanese-language entrance exams. Here's what made it work, and why it's gone now.
No Japanese requirement to apply - Unlike most UG tracks, PEAK didn't need Japanese proficiency to get in
SAT orACT scores accepted - Made it accessible for students coming from US-style or international curricula
Discontinued after September 2026 - University of Tokyo confirmed this was PEAK's final recruitment cycle, with applications having closed back in December 2025
No new intake coming - Students already admitted will continue through to graduation, but there's nothing to apply to going forward
Historical acceptance rate - PEAK typically took in around 8-15% of applicants in its last few cycles, a number that's now purely reference, not something to plan a 2027 or 2028 application around
What International Applicants Can Actually Apply To Now
With PEAK gone, most international undergrad applicants will need to go through Japanese-taught programs, which means clearing the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admissions) alongside strong Japanese proficiency. Acceptance for this route tends to run around 10-20% for non-Japanese applicants, depending on the faculty.
Graduate admissions are unaffected by the PEAK change since Master's and PhD programs were never part of it. Those routes stay open at their usual rates:
Study Level
Acceptance Rate Range
Notes
Undergraduate (EJU Route)
10-20%
Now the main international UG pathway, varies by faculty
Graduate - Master's
40-55%
Depends heavily on professor approval and research alignment
Graduate - PhD
60-75%
Research-based selection, similar to the general PhD rate
If your goal was always graduate study at Todai, honestly, nothing here changes for you. This mostly affects students who were specifically counting on an English-medium undergrad option.
University of Tokyo Admission Requirements for UG and PG Programs
Requirements tie directly into the university of Tokyo international acceptance rate, since what you submit and how well you meet the bar looks pretty different depending on level, so it helps to separate them out clearly.
Transcripts, SOP, research proposal, recommendations
Let’s discuss more,
Undergraduate applicants need a strong high school academic record, EJU scores where applicable, and proof of English or Japanese proficiency depending on the track. Essays and recommendation letters may be needed too.
Graduate applicants need a recognised bachelor's degree, a competitive GPA, and test scores like GRE or GMAT depending on the program. A solid research proposal and faculty consent matter a lot more here than at the UG level.
Minimum Score Expectations & Language Requirements
University of Tokyo doesn't publish official cutoffs, but based on typical accepted profiles, here's roughly where successful applicants land.
Requirement
Typical Range
Notes
GPA
3.3-3.7 (UG & PG)
Competitive majors tend to expect the higher end
EJU (for UG)
260-320 total
Depends on which faculty you're targeting
TOEFL iBT
90-100
Some departments prefer scores above this range
IELTS
6.5-7.0
Overall band score requirement
GRE (PG)
305-320
Varies by department and research area
Application Timelines for University of Tokyo
Timelines matter just as much as the acceptance rate of Tokyo University itself, and since PEAK's deadline structure no longer applies, here's what things actually look like for the pathways still open.
Undergraduate (Japanese-taught track) - Runs on a longer runway than most students expect. University of Tokyo typically publishes UG application info around nine months ahead of the intake, with applications opening roughly four months before enrollment. This varies by faculty, so check your target department's page directly
Graduate admissions - Timelines vary even more here since they depend on faculty availability and, often, direct professor approval before you formally apply
Rolling vs fixed windows - Some departments run rolling admissions, others stick to fixed windows tied to April or October intake
The safest approach here is simple: pick your faculty first, then check that specific department's admission page for exact dates. Don't rely on a single university-wide deadline, it doesn't really exist the way most people assume.
Why Is University of Tokyo So Hard to Get Into?
A few things stack together to keep the acceptance rate of Tokyo University this competitive.
High competition for a limited number of seats across nearly every major faculty
Rigorous entrance exams, EJU for UG applicants and strong research fit expectations for PG applicants
A strong global reputation that keeps pulling in top applicants year after year
High academic bar across math, sciences, humanities and research output alike
Fewer English-taught undergraduate options now that PEAK has wound down, which narrows the field for international UG applicants specifically
How to Strengthen Your Application for University of Tokyo
While meeting eligibility criteria is necessary to get admitted into the University of Tokyo, it is not sufficient. You must also meet certain requirements to demonstrate your readiness to the program you are applying to.
Some ways in which you can strengthen your application are as follows
1.Maintain good grades:
A good overall average is crucial, so maintain good grades throughout your academic career. Do not chase after one or two A+ grades, pay attention to your overall performance.
2.Give tests well in advance:
Depending on the program you are applying to, you might need to take up the EJU, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, or another test. Ask yourself what test you need to take up and prepare well in advance.
3.Add experience, if any:
This is especially important if you are applying for postgraduate courses. Mention any research work, academic projects, internships, or work experience pertinent to the course of your choice. This will give your application the much-needed boost. For research-oriented courses, research experience is always a plus.
4.Make your SOP statement student-oriented:
Avoid statements about the University of Tokyo. Focus on area, interests and goals regarding the course you are interested, in. For research‑related programs mention why the area of study interests you.
5.Review faculty and research area:
This is pertinent to postgraduate courses as most often you will be required to work under a professor. Make sure to do your homework and get to know the research area of the professor you think you will be studying with. Your area of interest must coincide with that of your prospective supervisor.
6.Do not apply at the last moment:
The University of Tokyo does not announce a single cut-off date for applications for all the courses. The deadlines vary from Graduate School to Graduate School and from program to program. You must check the official website of your course of choice and apply before the last date.
7.Review your documents:
Before you finally submit your application make sure to double‑check your statements and scores. Check if all your documents are, in order and do not miss any information.
Conclusion
The University of Tokyo Acceptance Rate that's approximately 30% to 36% for undergraduate programs. This is based on numbers from applicants and those who were accepted. For graduate programs the average is 52%. PhD programs tend to have a rate, around 72%. These numbers may change depending on the year the program and the Graduate School. So they should be considered as a guide not as exact rates.
For students from countries there is a key change to keep in mind. The PEAK program no longer takes applications after the September 2026 intake. Anyone who wants to study at the University of Tokyo should look at the undergraduate admission options. They should not use PEAK information.
Getting into the University of Tokyo is still difficult. It is important to do in school prepare for the required tests gain relevant academic or research experience if needed and pay attention to the deadlines for each program. Importantly always check the latest details, on the official University of Tokyo website before applying.
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1. How do I get into the University of Tokyo as an Indian student?
Start by choosing the course you want to study and checking its admission rules. You may need to meet academic requirements, submit test scores and provide other documents. The process is not the same for every course. So, check the requirements for your chosen program before you start applying.
2. Is it difficult to get into the University of Tokyo?
Yes, getting admission can be tough because UTokyo is highly competitive. But the level of competition is not the same for every course. Your academic record, entrance tests and other parts of your application can affect your chances. Meeting the basic eligibility rules alone does not guarantee admission.
3. What GPA do you need to get into the University of Tokyo?
There is no one GPA cutoff for all University of Tokyo courses. The academic requirements can change between faculties, programs and Graduate Schools. Some courses may also look at your academic record in a different way. Always check the requirements of the program you plan to apply for.
4. Can Indian students study at the University of Tokyo in English?
Yes, some programs at UTokyo are taught in English. The choices depend on your level of study and the program you select. Not every degree is available in English, though. Before applying, check the current list of programs and their language requirements.
5. Does the University of Tokyo accept Indian students?
Yes, Indian students can apply to University of Tokyo programs that are open to international applicants. You still need to meet the academic and other requirements of the course. The application process can also differ between undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Your nationality does not change the basic eligibility rules.
6. Does the University of Tokyo require JEE for Indian students?
No, JEE is not a general admission requirement for all Indian students applying to UTokyo. The university has its own selection process, and the requirements depend on the program. Some undergraduate admission routes may include their own exams or assessments. Always check the rules for your chosen course.
7. Is Japanese language necessary to study at the University of Tokyo?
Not for every program. UTokyo has courses that are taught in English, while some others are taught in Japanese. This means the language you need depends mainly on the course you choose. Check the program's language requirements before you begin your application.
8. How much does it cost to study at the University of Tokyo?
Your total cost will include more than just tuition fees. You also need to plan for rent or accommodation, food, transport, insurance and other daily expenses in Japan. The amount can vary based on your course and lifestyle. Check the latest university fee information before making your budget.
9. Can international students get scholarships at the University of Tokyo?
Yes, international students have access to different scholarship options. Some come from UTokyo, while others are offered by outside organisations or the Japanese government. Each scholarship has its own eligibility rules and funding amount. It is worth checking the available options early, as some have separate application deadlines.
10. Can I work in Japan while studying at the University of Tokyo?
International students may work part-time in Japan after getting the required permission. There are limits on the type and number of hours they can work. Your student status is mainly meant for studying, so work cannot replace your studies. Check the latest rules before taking up a part-time job.
11. How competitive is admission to the University of Tokyo?
Admission can be quite competitive, but the level of competition is different across programs. The Tokyo University acceptance rate can also change depending on the study level and admission route. So, one overall figure cannot tell you exactly how difficult your chosen program will be.
12. Does the University of Tokyo have a separate acceptance rate for international students?
UTokyo does not have one fixed percentage that applies to every international applicant. The Tokyo University acceptance rate for international students can vary by program, faculty and level of study. It is better to check data for the specific admission route you plan to use.
13. Can international students get admission to the University of Tokyo?
Yes, international students can apply to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate programs at UTokyo. The University of Tokyo international acceptance rate may differ from one program to another. Applicants also need to meet the academic and other requirements set by their chosen program.
University Admission Expert |149 articles published
With over10 years of experience in the ed-tech sector, Sachin holds expertise in operations management, ensuring the smooth functioning of study abroad programs. He has deep understanding of the globa...
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