Application Guidelines for AY2025
Special selection process for English speakers and overseas Japanese nationals（英語による特別選抜）
Subprogram in International Education, Master’s Program in Education
Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences,
Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Objectives of the specialization

The objectives of the specialization are to develop internationally minded inquirers with a soundunderstanding of innovative thinking in education and the skills necessary to plan and conduct research on
issues in international education. Students will investigate pedagogy, curriculum and assessment in thecontext of the International Baccalaureate and other international curricula.

Admission considerations

Applications will be assessed according to the following conditions:•••

English proficiency necessary to succeed in the courses delivered in English
Prior knowledge and experience in the field of education
Research goals

1. Application schedule

1.1. Application submission opens: 12 pm on Monday, September 2, 2024
1.2. Web Entry System application deadline: 3 pm on Thursday, September 12, 2024
1.3. Submission deadline for application documents: Friday, September 13, 2024
*If the application documents are not received by the due date, you will not be able to take the exam.
1.4. Interviews for overseas candidates: Monday, October 7, 2024
1.5. Interviews for candidates who are residents of Japan: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
1.6. Announcement of selection results: Thursday, October 31, 2024
*Letter of Acceptance will be issued online. An email will be sent to the registered e-mail addressfrom 10 am on the day sequentially. Please follow the instructions in that email to download Letterof Acceptance.
1.7. Enrollment deadline: Early March 2025 (further details will be sent upon selection)
1.8. Program start date: April 2025

2. Number of students accepted

The total number of students accepted into the program is 10 per year. Some of the ten students will
be selected through the special selection process for English speakers and overseas Japanesenationals’ pathway. This pathway has been developed for students who are English speakers who
reside either within or outside of Japan and Japanese nationals who reside outside of Japan and are
unable to sit the general entrance examination.
There are two other admission selection pathways:••

General Admission
Special Selection Process for Working Individuals

All three entrance pathways are open to students regardless of nationality but the two selection
pathways other than the special selection process for English speakers and overseas Japanesenationals require Japanese proficiency.

NB: While it is possible to complete this program completely in English, English speakers without
Japanese proficiency will have limited course choice.

3. Eligibility for entrance examination

Persons will be deemed eligible to apply to participate in the entrance examination if they meet one of
the following requirements.

3.1. Individuals who have graduated from, or who are expecting to graduate from, a Japanese four-year
university by March 2025
3.2. Individuals who have earned or will earn a bachelor’s degree in Japan by March 2025
3.3. Individuals who have graduated from, or who are expecting to graduate from a university outside
Japan that implements 16 or more years of a school curriculum up to university graduation, andearned a bachelor’s degree by March 2025
3.4. Individuals who have been designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (MEXT)
3.5. Individuals who have been recognized in the individual qualification screening process as having
the equivalent to the conditions above. (The applicants fall under this category must contact
us no later than August 29, 2024.)
NB: Further information about the University of Tsukuba's entrance guidelines can be found on
the website: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admissions/grad-eligibility/index.html

4. Exemption from English proficiency testing

Candidates other than those listed below must submit the results of an English proficiency test (seeSection 6.8.) that is no more than 2 years old at the time of application.
Conditions for exemption of English proficiency testing:
4.1. Applicants from countries where English is the sole language of instruction (Australia, Bahamas,
Barbados, Canada (except Québec), England, Ghana, Ireland, India, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand,
Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United States,
and Wales).
4.2. Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university in one of thecountries listed above. Students who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in English
must submit an official transcript or proof of your degree status from that institution to qualify for awaiver. If the official transcript or proof cannot be provided, an English proficiency test score isrequired.
4.3. Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university where English
is the sole language of instruction. If you are a degree candidate in a university program where
English is the sole language of instruction, you must submit official verification from your institution
verifying that English is/was the sole language of instruction. If official verification cannot be provided,
an English proficiency test score is required.

5. Application procedures: Web entry

You can apply to the University of Tsukuba online through our Web Entry system (https://webentry.apgraduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/). Please refer to Section 1 for application period.

5.1. Sign Up
First, you will need your own account to login. Once create an account, you may save the data you
entered and log back in later to continue.
5.2. Activation
When you sign up, an activation URL will be sent to your registered e-mail address. Click the URL
to activate your account.
5.3. Login
For the first time after you activate your account, you will be automatically logged in. Just click the“Login” button to begin. Thereafter, when you visit our Login page, you will need to enter your e-mail address and password to begin.
5.4. My Page
On “My Page,” you need to click the “Application Form” button for the appropriate program. On thispage, you can edit your login information or reset your password.
5.5. Application Form
There are four sections in the Application Form:
1. Applicant’s Information / Program of Your Choice [All applicants](*You are requested to upload a photograph for your Reference Card in JPEG format. The
photograph must be taken within the last three months and must not include hats or otherhead adornments. Furthermore, retouched photos are unacceptable.)
2. Supervisor of Your Choice [Only applicants for the Subprogram in Education Sciences]
3. Eligibility [All applicants]
4. Educational Background [All applicants]
Each section will be saved when you click the “Proceed” button on each confirmation page. Aftersaving, you can continue from where you left off when you login again. Use one-byte alphabets
and numbers to input all the information.
5.6. Payment
You must pay the examination fee before submitting your application. Please refer to Section 7.
5.7. Submission
After the payment is confirmed, you can submit your application by clicking the “Submit to Apply”
button. Once you click on the button, the information you have entered will be sent to the university,and you will not be able to go back to make edits. Be sure to double-check before proceeding.
After you submit your application, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the registered e-mailaddress. Be sure to check it.
(*Check and adjust the spam filter settings in your e-mail account beforehand so that you can receive
an email from the “entry.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp” domain.)
5.8. Create PDF
After you submit your application, follow the instructions given at the last stage of the Web Entry
and be sure to download the PDF documents. You can download them from the Web Entry
system only while the system is open.

6. Application documents

The following documents are required for application. For certificates and academic transcripts, theoriginal documents must be submitted by registered mail or in person. These documents need tobe received no later than the deadline. All forms must be completed in English or Japanese. The
application form 1 and 2 are provided at the end of this guidelines. If any false or forged statements arefound in the application documents, or if there is any obvious examination misconduct, the acceptance oradmission may be revoked.
NB: Payment of an examination fee is required before sending the application documents. No
exceptions are made for any reason. Payments that are delayed will not be accepted. Please beaware that the examination fee will not be refunded.
6.1. A copy of the photo page of your passport
6.2. Certificate of payment of examination fee
Please include a copy of the application completed page issued when you paid the examinationfee (see Section 7).
6.3. Graduation certificate or evidence of impending graduation
If you graduated or will graduate from a university or another educational institution, submit a
graduation certificate issued by your institution or a document from your institution certifying thatyou will graduate before March 2025. Even if you have earned a master’s or a doctoral degree,
you need to submit a graduation certificate issued by the university which you have earned abachelor’s degree. If your graduation certificate or evidence of impending graduation have been
issued in a language other than English or Japanese, please provide a certified translation. If thedate of admission is not written on the certificate, attach a document that proves the date. If theoriginal certificate is issued online, a ‘copy of the page and the URL’ of the official website of theissuing university or another educational institution must be attached to the certificate to confirm
that the certificate issued online is an original. For graduates of universities or another educational
institution in China, see *1 and *2 below.

*1 Substitution of the original English version of the Academic Credentials verification report issued
by the China Higher Education Information and Student Information (CHSI) in Japan is
acceptable.
*2 For those who have completed the ‘自学考試 (本科)’ and obtained a degree, the original
degree certificate and academic transcript issued by the institution conducting the ‘自学考試’must be submitted. Applications from applicants who have not yet completed the ‘自学考試’ are
not accepted.
6.4. Degree certificate
If you graduated from a university or another educational institution outside Japan, submit a degree
certificate (proof of your degree status) for your bachelor’s degree. Even if you have earned amaster’s or doctoral degree, you need to submit a degree certificate issued by the university which
you have earned a bachelor’s degree. If your degree certificates have been issued in a language
other than English or Japanese, please provide a certified translation. If the date of admission is not
written on the certificate, attach a document that proves the date. If the original certificate is issued
online, a ‘copy of the page and the URL’ of the official website of the issuing university or anothereducational institution must be attached to the certificate to confirm that the certificate issued online
is an original. For graduates of universities or another educational institution in China, see *1 and *2
above.
6.5. Academic transcript(s)Submit academic transcript(s) for the degrees that you have completed issued by your institution.
If any credits for the degree(s) were transferred from another school, submit an academictranscript from that school as well. If your transcripts have been issued in a language other thanEnglish or Japanese, please provide a certified translation. If the original certificate is issued online,a ‘copy of the page and the URL’ of the official website of the issuing university or anothereducational institution must be attached to the certificate to confirm that the certificate issued
online is an original. For graduates of universities or another educational institution in China, see*1 and *2 above.
6.6. Research plan
The research plan must explain your motivation for application and outline your research interestsand how they relate to the program as you understand it. The research plan must be completed on
the required form (Form 1).
6.7. Financial plan
The financial plan should demonstrate an ability to meet financial obligations to the University andan awareness of the costs associated with two years of study in Tsukuba (accommodation etc.).
The financial plan should be written on A4/Letter sized paper and should not exceed 800 words(2000 Japanese characters).
6.8. English proficiency test score
If you do not qualify for exemption from the English proficiency test requirement (see Section 4),
please submit the results of an English proficiency test which assessed four skills in English thatis no more than 2 years old at the time of application. TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC (both ‘Listening &Reading Test’ and ‘Speaking & Writing Test’), Cambridge English and Pearson Test of English
Academic (PTE Academic) are acceptable. The test score certificate from the testing agency must
be included in your application documentation. You are required to submit an original copy of the
TOEFL Examinee’s Score Record (with photo attached), IELTS Academic Module Test Report
Form (with photo attached), TOEIC Official Score Certificate (with photo attached), Cambridge
English Scale, or PTE Academic Score Report (with photo attached). If you are planning to submit
an alternative measure of English proficiency, please contact us to verify its eligibility before
submitting your application.
6.9. Letter of approval for entrance exam [If applicable 1) or 2) below]
1) Individuals who are currently attending a university or graduate school (*Except for April entry
applicants who are expected to graduate by March 2025)
Need to submit a letter of approval issued by the head of their university or graduate school(or the head of their department) allowing them to take the entrance examination or, submit aletter of application stating that they will withdraw from the university before enrolment. Any
format is acceptable, but the letter must be printed on A4/Letter sized paper.
2) Individuals who are currently working for a government agency, school, or company (except for
part-time workers)

Need to submit a letter of approval issued by a superior allowing them to take the entrance
examination or a written self-declaration stating that attending the entrance examination will
not adversely affect their duties. Any format is acceptable, but the letter must be printed on
A4/Letter sized paper. (Individuals who are planning to resign and enter the university may
replace the letter of approval for entrance examination with a letter clearly stating to that effect,
provided. However, in this case, a ‘letter of resignation’ at admission procedures should besubmitted.)
6.10. Application checklist
Please include the completed and signed application checklist (Form 2).

7. Payment of examination fees

Please pay the examination fees before submitting the application documents by credit card.
30,000 Japanese Yen (nonrefundable)(*Examination fees are exempted for the Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government
Monbukagakusho scholarship) foreign students.
• Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and American Express are accepted. You can make a payment by using
your credit card at the last stage of the Web Entry system or at ‘e-shiharai.net’ website (https://eshiharai.net/english/?schoolcode=OPU5100850000000). After the payment, you will be provided
with a receipt number; enter the number into the box on the Web Entry system. Print out theapplication completed page after the payment and submit it together with other required documents
by mail. For details, see the payment instructions (https://eng.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/wpcontent/pdf/for_cvs.pdf). Administration fees need to be covered by the applicant.

•

NB: If you are under the individual qualification screening process (see Section 3.5), please makesure to pay the fee after your eligibility confirmed.

8. Submission of application documents

All application documents must arrive before or on the deadline (see Section 1). Please take transit
time into account.
8.1. Send all the application documents described in Section 6 by international registered mail orcourier to the following address.
To: Graduate School Affairs
Academic Service Office for the Human Sciences Area,
University of Tsukuba
1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
Tel: +81-29-853-5606, 5609

8.2. Receipt of application
If any document is missing or is not filled in correctly, your application will not be accepted. Pleasecheck the documentation thoroughly before sending. Application documents will not be returned. If
any factual discrepancies are found in the application documents during the application process orafter admission to the University, admission may be revoked.
8.3. Special considerations
Those who require special considerations for study due to disabilities or other issues should
consult with the University by email no later than August 29, 2024.

9. Selection processes

9.1. Evaluation of documentation (200 points)
The documents submitted will be evaluated comprehensively. English proficiency is evaluatedbased on a reference score: IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
9.2. Interview (300 points)
During the interview English proficiency, basic knowledge of the subject area, and interest in thefield of international education will be evaluated. For the remainder of the interview the candidate
will field questions from members of the selection committee. The interview will be conducted
via video conferencing for overseas residents or face to face for residents of Japan basedon address information submitted to the Web entry system. Please refer to Section 1 for theinterview date.

10. Enrollment procedures

10.1. Enrollment period
Students must accept the offer of enrollment in early March 2025 (further details will be sent uponselection). Send all documents required for enrollment by international mail or courier before thedeadline.
10.2. Estimated Expenses Upon Entrance
Entrance fees: 282,000 Japanese Yen (nonrefundable)(*The Government-Sponsored (Japanese Government Monbukagakusho scholarship) foreign
students are exempted from paying the entrance fees.)
Tuition: 267,900 Japanese Yen for the first semester (April-September) and the second semester(October-March) respectively. The yearly amount is 535,800 Japanese Yen.
(*If the tuition fee is revised at the time of admission or while students are enrolled, the updated
tuition fee will be applied.)
Please visit the University’s website for information regarding tuition and associated fees:
http://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/study-tsukuba/tuition-and-fees
10.3. Status of ResidenceInternational applicants must acquire a Status of Residence suitable for entrance to a graduate
school, in accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet OrderNo. 319 of 1951), before beginning the enrollment procedures. Those who wish to enroll the
Graduate School as an international student must acquire Status of Residence as a ‘Student’.

11. Information and Instructions for Examinees

We will post the “Information and Instructions for Examinees” for candidates who are residents ofJapan on our website.
https://eng.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/#info (*Estimated release date: September 24, 2024)

12. Handling of personal information

Personal information provided to the University of Tsukuba through the application documents will be
used exclusively for selection purposes.

13. Security Export Control

The University of Tsukuba has established the University of Tsukuba Rules on Security Export
Control in accordance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), and conducts
strict examinations for acceptance of international students, etc. International applicants who fall under
any of the conditions set out in said regulations may be unable to enter their desired program.

[IMPORTANT] Procedures for “Deemed Export” for Security Export Control
In order to strengthen the prevention of leakage of sensitive technology related to security, “deemed
export control” was clarified and related laws and regulations were revised (effective May 1, 2022). As
a result, our university has decided to require all applicants to our graduate school to confirm theapplicability of Specific Categories. Please review the link below and check the corresponding itemson the web application system.
Procedures for “Deemed Export” for Security Export Control
https://eng.ap-graduate.tsukuba.ac.jp/wp-content/pdf/system/SEC_en.pdf

14. Extending System

14.1. Eligible ApplicantsWorking students or those who need to take care of family members, such as children or theelderly.
14.2. Overview
Register Extending System allows students to complete a master’s or a doctoral program in aperiod longer than usual.

Master’s programs: The period can be extended from standard 2 years to 3 or 4 years.
14.3. Application Period
Details of the register extending system will be published in website of the Graduate School of
Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba (http://www.chs.tsukuba.ac.jp/) at the middle of January
2025. If you are interested in the register extending system, apply until the designated date after
confirming the details published in the website.

15. Handling of personal information

Personal information provided to the University of Tsukuba through the application documents will be
used exclusively for selection purposes.

16. Contact us

If you have any questions about the application guidelines, contact us at:
Academic Service Office for the Human Sciences Area, University of Tsukuba
1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
Email: ningen-dnyushi#@#un.tsukuba.ac.jp (Delete “#” when you send an email.)
Hours: 9 am to 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm to 5 pm on Monday through Friday except national holidays

Form 1

Research plan
Considerations when completing your research plan（記入上の注意)

1. Your research plan is a significant part of our decision for student admissions. Please carefully consider
your responses. （選考の際の重要な資料にします。できるだけ具体的に書いてください。）
2. Please be concise as your responses are meant to fit into the space provided. You cannot
extend the space. If your research plan is more than one page, we will examine only the first
page. （スペース内に簡潔に記入し、全体として1ページ以内に収めてください。）

Name

Subprogram

International Education

I. Title of your research［研究課題］

II. Purpose of your research and research question(s)［目的・内容（具体的なリサーチクエスチョンを含む）］

III. Research plan and methodology［計画・方法（できるだけ箇条書きに）］

IV. Literature review and originality and significance of the research［研究の特色（先行研究の検討状況、本研究の独創的なところや意義など）］

V. Connections to your previous experiences and reason for the application［これまでの活動との関連（志望理由を含める）］Form 2

Application checklist

Special selection process for English speakers and overseas Japanese nationals
Subprogram in International Education, Master’s Program in Education
Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences,
Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba
Yes / NoI have read and understand the objectives and structure of the master’s program.
I have paid the examination fee and understand that the fee will not be refunded.
I understand that the interview will be conducted via video conferencing or face to facebased on address information submitted to the Web entry system.
I have researched the University of Tsukuba’s other English programs and feel confident I
will be able to make course selections to meet the elective credit requirements for the
masters.
I have visited the University’s website and understand the support offered by the University
for international students (Housing, medical services, etc.).
Application documents (see Section 6)*Please ensure that the following documents are included in your application
6.1 A copy of the photo page of your passport
6.2 Certificate of payment of examination fee
6.3 Graduation certificate or evidence of impending graduation *Original
6.4 Degree certificate *Original
6.5 Academic transcript(s) *Original
6.6 Research plan (Form 1)
6.7 Financial plan
6.8 English proficiency test score *Original[If you do not qualify for an exemption, see Section 4]
6.9 Letter of Approval for Entrance Exam [If applicable]
6.10 Application checklist (Form 2)

Signature
Name (Print)
Signature

Date