Bachelor’s Program in Global Issues
Student Application Guidelines for AY2020

December 2019

1. Bachelor’s Program in Global Issues(International Program taught in English)

Academic
Objectives

Contributing to address global issues beyond national borders including global
environmental change and the world’s population and food problems and totransform to a sustainable society in which global conservation and humans
coexist is the most important task for the international society in the 21st century.
Therefore, it is becoming more important all over the world to develop humanresources with motivation and knowledge to resolve these issues.
Considering such situation, the objectives of the Degree Program shall be tocultivate human resources who will acquire broad basic knowledge for gaining an
overall perspective of global issues, who will enthusiastically seek on their own
information and technology beyond their particular fields to resolve problems
related to human beings and the environment, and who are capable of making
decisions on optimal solutions from among many options.

Admission Policy

The University shall select applicants who have an interest in problems of theearth environment (climate change, destruction of nature, pollution, etc.) andhuman society (food, poverty, longevity of society, etc.) and who can contributeto society and innovation in the future at home countries and abroad throughglobal corporations, international institutions, etc. as they apply their knowledge
in the humanities and sciences.

Students
Accepted

From first-year

Number ofStudents

Several students

DegreeBachelor of Arts and Science

Inquiries

E-mail Address: bpgi-office@un.tsukuba.ac.jp

12. Entrance Examination Schedule (Japan Standard Time)
Online Application and Payment of the Examination Fee for the First Stage Screening
March 2 (from 12 p.m. JST) to April 3 (until 5 p.m. JST), 2020▼

Acceptance of Application Documents
Must be received by April 10, 2020▼

Announcement of Successful Applicants from the First Stage Screening
April 24, 2020 (from 12 p.m. JST)▼

Payment of the Examination Fee for the Second Stage Screening
April 24 (from 12 p.m. JST) to May 1 (until 5 p.m. JST), 2020▼

Pre-operation Check for Web-based Interviews*:
May 7 or 8, 2020 (To be announced)*NOTE: Applicants who reside outside Japan are allowed to sit the exam (individual interview) in the countryof residence via Skype or other teleconferencing system. Before taking the web-based interviews, they must
do a pre-operation check of their internet connection at a specified time.
▼

Second Stage Screening (Individual Interviews)
May 14 or 15, 2020 (To be announced)▼

Announcement of Final Successful ApplicantsJune 2, 2020 (from 12 p.m. JST)▼

Enrollment Procedures
June 2, 2020 to July 3, 2020▼

Entrance Ceremony and Orientation
September 30, 2020▼

Enrollment Date
October 1, 2020

For Applicants with Disabilities:
The University and its colleges view applications from students with disabilities on the same grounds as thosefrom other candidates. To this end, if you require special adjustments related to disabilities, please contact“12. Contact Desk” by February 28, 2020. In case you don’t consult with admission staff beforehand, we may
not be able to make reasonable adjustments nor address any individual support requirements.

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3. Requirements for Application(1) Applicant Eligibility

Only those who fulfill any of the requirement [1] through [5] below may apply.
[1] Persons who have completed or are expected to complete a 12-year curriculum of formal school
education*1 in a country other than Japan by September 30, 2020.
In this regard, however, for nationals of Japan or persons with a permanent residence permit in Japan,
persons who continue to be in school for over 2 years in principle including the final school year of seniorhigh school based on the formal education system of the country of residence above and persons who
have graduated (completed) or persons who are expected to graduate (complete) from April 1, 2020 to
September 30, 2020.
[2] Persons who have completed or are expected to complete a 12-year curriculum in Japan at an international
school*2 designated by the Minister of MEXT by September 30, 2020.
[3] Persons who hold or are expected to hold an International Baccalaureate, Abitur (Germany), Baccalauréat(France), or GCE Advanced Level (United Kingdom)*3 by September 30, 2020.
[4] Persons who have completed or are expected to complete a 12-year curriculum at a school accredited byany of the following international accrediting groups by September 30, 2020:
・ Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC),・ Council of International Schools (CIS), and・ Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
[5] Others*4*1 Persons from an international school may not be eligible. For more details, please contact “12.
Contact Desk” by February 28, 2020.
*2 See the MEXT website below:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/shikaku/07111314/003.htm「我が国において、高等学校相当として指定した外国人学校一覧 (List of international schools designatedas corresponding to a senior high school in Japan)」*3 For the GCE A-Level, applicants must complete the subjects and assessments that have been set by
the University below.
Complete three or more Advanced Level subjects at grade E or above.
*4

We will check or screen your applicant eligibility individually if you do not fall under any one ofcategories [1] through [4] above. For inquiries, please contact “12. Contact Desk” by February 28,
2020.

(2) Conditions for Application

All applicants must meet the following conditions [1] through [2].

[1] Recommendation by the School Principal or Similar Person[2] English Proficiency
Proficiency in English is a minimum admission requirement for all English taught degree programs offeredby the University of Tsukuba. Applicants are required to have taken TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or an equivalent
official test*. The guidelines for required English level are as follows:3

Qualification
TOEFL (iBT)
TOEIC Listening & Reading
IELTS (Academic)

Score
79 or higher
730 or higher
6.0 or higher*NOTE: Applicants whose medium of instruction at the high school (upper secondary) level was English
for three years are not required to submit TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS scores, but recommended.

4. Selection Method
Admission screening procedures consist of two selection stages. In the first stage, applicants will bescreened through a comprehensive evaluation of the submitted documents. If successful, they will proceed
to the second stage where individual interviews will determine the final selection of applicants.

(1) First Stage Screening
A comprehensive evaluation of the submitted documents (qualification certificates, transcripts, certificates ofEnglish ability, test results of standardized examinations, reference letter, study plan, and other supporting
documents).

(2) Second Stage Screening
Individual interviews will be conducted for applicants who have passed the first stage screening and the final
successful candidates will be determined through a comprehensive evaluation including the results from thefirst stage screening.
Type of examination

Duration

Examination date

Individual interviews

30 minutes

The dates are set by the university during the period from May
14 (Thu.) to 15 (Fri.), 2020

NOTES:
 Applicants who reside outside Japan are allowed to sit the exam (individual interview) in the country ofresidence via Skype or other teleconferencing system.
 The personnel in charge will send information on the examination date and method via e-mail.

5. Online Application and Documents
To start a new application, complete the online application form through the program website at
http://bpgi.tsukuba.ac.jp/exam/application/

The period for the online application and the payment of the examination fee for the first stage screening isfrom March 2 (from 12 p.m. JST) to April 3 (until 5 p.m. JST), 2020.
NOTES:
 Fill in the form in English.
 Once you have signed up, you may save and leave the page by clicking the “Save & Quit” Button.
 Before completing submission, you may manage the saved data any time.
 You will be asked to upload application documents online.
 Some of the uploaded documents must be sent to “6 Mailing Address for Application Documents” bypost or international courier services. The mailed documents must be received by April 10, 2020 (JST).
 Be sure to contact the post office or courier service with the tracking number to check whether the
documents have been received. We cannot answer inquiries regarding receipt of application documents.
 At the above website, you may find the formats specified for “Reference Letter” and “School InformationForm” for uploading.

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(1) Online Application Form
Items

For Whomi. Applicant’s
Information

All

Applicable
Personsii. Test Site for the
Individual Interview

Alliii. Requirements
Application

All

for

iv. Educational
Backgrounds

Allv. Career History

Applicable
Personsvi. Study Plan (Essay)Allvii. Financial PlanAll

Remarks□ Name:Fill in your name in alphabet as written in your passport.
□ ID Photo:
Use a photo taken within the last three months with no hat nor any
head adornment. Take the photo with your glasses on if you will be
wearing glasses during interviews.
□ Date of Birth:□ Sex:□ Nationality:□ Contact Information:
Important messages will be forwarded to this contact informationfrom the University of Tsukuba until enrollment.
□ Emergency Contact:
Provide contact information other than the applicant’s contact
information above.
□ Current Affiliation:□ Status of Residence in Japan:
Only for those staying in Japan□ Desired Examination Site:
Select “Tsukuba Campus, University of Tsukuba,” or“Outside Japan (via Skype or other teleconferencing system)*.”*In the latter case, fill in a name of city where you will take theindividual interview online. Applicants who reside outside Japan are
allowed to sit the exam (individual interview) in the country ofresidence via Skype or other teleconferencing system.
□ Applicant Eligibility:
Select one from [1] through [5]□ Conditions for Application:- English Proficiency
Select a name of the test and enter your score, or check the box
for “Applicants whose medium of instruction at the high school(upper secondary) level was English for three years.
- Status of completion at high school (upper secondary) attended:
Select your graduation status (graduated or expected tograduate), as well as the applicable graduation date or expectedgraduation date
□ Primary Education / Elementary School□ Secondary Education (Lower) / Middle School□ Secondary Education (Upper) / High School□ Higher Education / University or College□ Other□ Job Experience
Fill in your job experience for the last 5 years except for part timejob.
□ Study Plan (Essay) ※ To be prepared by the applicant him/herself.
Address 1 global issue of interest and describe your study planpertaining to that issue within 1,200 words. It is recommended toinclude charts, etc. to facilitate the explanation but 1 chart, etc. shallbe counted as 200 words.
□ Financial Plan
Describe in detail your financial plan for study and living expenses
after your enrollment. For example, how you (or someone otherthan yourself) will pay the tuition fees and living expenses for four
years.

5

(2) Application Documents (For Uploading & Mailing)
Upload scanned data of the following documents online. In addition, to complete the application
procedure, uploaded documents must be sent to “6. Mailing Address for Application Documents” by April
10, 2020 (JST) via postal mail.
NOTES:
 Submitted application documents will not be returned. If you cannot submit a certificate/transcript
because you have only one original, please submit certified copies which are signed by your school orofficial agencies such as an embassy and a notary public.
 All documents must be written in English. If any documents issued by your school are in a language otherthan English, translate these documents into English, have your school certify the translation, and submit
them with the original documents. (No specific format is designated.)
Items
i. Qualification
Certificate

For WhomAll

Remarks
Submit a certificate of completion (or expected completion) of the lasthigh school (secondary education) attended. Only original certificatesor certified copies will be accepted.
NOTES:
Even if you have graduated from university, the certificate ofcompletion is necessary.
 If you are applying with International Baccalaureate qualification,please also submit a copy of the International Baccalaureate Diploma
certified by the International Baccalaureate Office and an original ofyour IB Final Examination Evaluation Certificate.
 If you are applying with Abitur (Germany) qualification, please also
submit a copy of the Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife andresults described in the certificate.
 If you are applying with Baccalauréat (France) qualification, pleasealso submit a copy of the Diplome du Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement
du Second Degré and an original of Relevé de Notes.
 If you are applying with GCE A-Level (United Kingdom) qualification,please also submit the test results of Advanced Level subjects.
ii. Transcript

All

Submit a transcript for three years including the final year of the highschool (secondary education) attended. Only original transcripts orcertified copies will be accepted.
NOTES:
If you have any further education such as universities, please also
submit a transcript for that period of education.

iii. Reference Letter

All

Submit a reference letter (Form 1) written by the school principal of thehigh school (secondary education) attended. This reference lettershould be in a sealed envelope. For uploading, please use a scanned
image of the face of the envelope where the applicant’s nameappears.
NOTES:

 If your school principal is unable to write the reference letter on yourbehalf, ask someone such as your counselor or home-room teacher(someone who knows you well and who has been involved in youreducational activities).
 You may download “Form 1” from the program website at
http://bpgi.tsukuba.ac.jp/jp/exam/application/

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iv. School Informationand School Profile /Brochure

Submit the School Information Form (Form 2) written by the school
principal of the high school (secondary education) attended. Whenmailing documents, please enclose a school profile/brochure that
includes an overview (the official name, location, number of students,
teachers, accreditation etc.) and education content (the educational
goals, components and methods of admission exams, curriculum, andcareer patterns after graduation).

All

NOTES:

 You may download “Form 2” from the program website at
http://bpgi.tsukuba.ac.jp/jp/exam/application/v. Other certificates

Applicable
PersonsIf you have qualification by any standardized test, please also submit
the grades transcript. Only original transcripts or certified copies will
be accepted.
Examples of standardized test:
SAT (United States of America)
College Scholastic Ability Test (South Korea)
National Higher Education Entrance Examination (People’s Republicof China)(3) Application Documents (For Uploading Only)
Upload scanned data of the following documents. You do not have to submit the original documents via
postal mail.
Items

For WhomRemarksAll

Upload a scanned image of the ID page of your passport. If you do nothave a passport, please upload a certificate of your name, birth date,and nationality.

ii.Certificate of English
proficiency test

Applicable
PersonsIf you have a score report of TOEFL-iBT, TOEIC Listening & Reading, IELTS
Academic, or an equivalent official English examination, upload thescanned data of the certificate. TOEIC Institutional Program (IP) Score
Report and TOEFL Institutional Test Score Record are excluded.

iii.Other Supporting
Documents

Applicable
PersonsIf you have any certificate of your Japanese proficiency (e.g. JLPT),
upload the scanned files. They will be used only for the placement ofJapanese courses after you enter this program and are not related tothe selection procedure for the entrance.

i.Passport(4)Payment of Examination Fee
The examination fee must be paid in two installments:
StagesFirst Stage Screening

For Whom
All applicantsExamination Fee¥ 4,000

Second Stage Screening

Only successful applicants throughthe first stage screening¥13,000

Follow the step-by-step instruction given by the online application form for more details. Upon the completionof the application information, you will be asked to remit the examination fee (¥4,000 for the first stage
screening) via CREDIT CARD payment (Visa, MasterCard, JCB or American Express). By clicking a link from the7

application form, you will be taken to another site to make your credit card payment.
After the payment is completed, you will get a “reception number.” Be sure to print out the confirmation page
as a proof of payment. You will be asked to upload a scanned image of the confirmation page to complete yourapplication.
NOTES:
 The examination fee is non-refundable after the payment.
 It is also acceptable if someone else pays the examination fee by credit card on your behalf.
 Applicants who pass the first stage screening are required to pay the examination fee for the second stage
screening (¥13,000). The payment period and method will be announced with the result of the first stage
screening.

(5)Examination ID Card
Be sure to print out your examination ID card after transmitting your application data. The card will becreated in PDF format upon the transmission, with “(6) Checklist.” You will be asked to present the ID foryour examination process.

(6)Checklist for Supporting Documents
Be sure to print out the “Checklist.” To confirm whether the required documents are ready, draw a circle
on the listed items. You need to enclose the check list with other documents when you send them to the
University via international post or international courier services.

6. Mailing Address for Application Documents
Division of Admission, University of Tsukuba
1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 JapanNOTES:
 Send the application documents listed in “5 (2) Application Documents (For Uploading & Mailing)” by
international post or international courier service.
 All of them must be received by April 10, 2020 (JST). So, please contact the post office or courier service
with the tracking number to check whether the documents have been received. We cannot answer
inquiries regarding receipt of application documents.

7. Important Points
 Applying to multiple programs (schools/colleges) is not permitted. For those whose admission
process for another program is underway, please contact “12. Contact Desk”.
 When sending your application documents, please consider the amount of time that will be necessary
for your documents to reach the university and plan ahead accordingly.
 Incomplete documents or incorrect entries will void your application. Please make sure that you
have included all required documents prior to sending your application package. Please use “5 (6)Checklist for Application Documents.”
 We are unable to accept scanned application documents sent by email.
 Application documents and examination fee that has been paid will not be returned.
 If any factual discrepancies are found in the information in the application documents after8

admission to the university, admission may be revoked.
 If you are not able to meet the requirement for admission by September 30, 2020, admission will
be revoked. For applicants with a certificate of expected completion: Certificate of completion will be
required to complete prospective admission procedures.

8. Announcement of the Screening Results(1) First Stage Screening

The first stage screening result (examinee numbers of successful applicants) will be announced on April
24, 2020 (from 12 p.m. JST) on the Program website shown below. We will not respond to any phoneinquiries regarding the outcome.
http://bpgi.tsukuba.ac.jp/

Successful applicants from the first stage screening must pay the ¥13,000 fee for the second stage
screening within the stated payment period. Applicants who have not completed the payment
procedures cannot proceed to the second stage screening. If an applicant has not paid the fee by thedue date, he/she will be regarded as declining the offer of second stage screening.
(2) Second Stage Screening

Examinee numbers of final successful applicants will be announced on the Program website (please see
the URL given above) on June 2, 2020 (from 12 p.m. JST). Notification of the results will also be sent by
postal mail to all applicants. Final successful applicants will be sent other documents necessary foradmission procedures.

9. Admission Procedures(1) Period for Admission Procedures① The period for the procedures is from June 2, 2020 to July 3, 2020 (JST).
② Send all necessary documents by mail or international courier service. All documents must arrive at theuniversity within the above time period.

(2) Documents Required for Admission Procedures① Copy of the “Letter of Acceptance”② Other necessary documents will be notified when the “Letter of Acceptance” is sent.

(3) Admission Fee and Tuition Fee① The admission fee is ¥282,000. (Please remit payment at a financial institution or by overseas remittancein time for the enrollment period deadline. Details are shown in the enrollment procedures documents.)② The tuition fee for the Fall Semester (¥267,900) together with the tuition fee for the Spring Semester(¥267,900) amount to a total annual tuition fee of ¥535,800.
③ If any fees are revised at the time of admission or during enrollment, the new amounts will be applied fromthe time of revision.
④ Tuition should be paid by bank transfer through a Japanese financial institution after enrollment.
⑤ The university offers a full or partial tuition fee waiver ONLY for a limited number of students who are
deemed to find it difficult to pay the tuition.

910. Disclosure of Information about the Entrance Examination
The university discloses information about the entrance examinations for the Bachelor’s Program in Global Issues
for AY 2020 to applicants upon their request from October 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020. For detailed
information, please contact “12. Contact Desk.”

11. Handling of Personal Information(1) Personal information obtained by the university from application documents is completely protected incompliance with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information Held by Independent Administrative
Agencies, and pursuant to the University of Tsukuba Regulations on Personal Information.
(2) Personal information obtained by the university from application documents and exam results will be used
for processes for enrollee selection, admission procedures (including information on university events) andsurveys and research conducted as part of the enrollee selection process.
Personal information of the person completing the admission procedures will also be used after admission
for academic affairs (training and guidance, etc.), student support services (tuition exemption, scholarship
applications, health management, etc.) and other related processes

12. Contact Desk
Bachelor’s Program in Global Issues Office
Top Global University Project Office
University of Tsukuba
1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
E-mail Address: bpgi-office@un.tsukuba.ac.jp10