How to write your study plan
The study plan is one of the most important components of your application. This is
your opportunity to tell us about yourself, and your passion for the subject. Personalstatements are not easy to write, and good ones require substantial work. Entry to
our programs is highly competitive, so spending time on writing the best personalstatement is important.

What are we looking for?
Successful applicants are people who we think will excel in our programs. We are looking for
applicants who can demonstrate the following traits;•Passion for the subject•

A broad understanding of program focus•

Evidence of a vision of your long-term goals•

Evidence of general academic competence•

Emotional resilience for life in a different academic environment

University of Tsukuba English Programs

Planning your statement
Some questions you may wish to consider;•“Why do I want to study this major?”
Think about your academic interests and experiences. Why did you become interested in thissubject? What do you expect from the program and university?

•“How does a Tsukuba degree help me achieve my long-term goals?”
What do you want to do in the future? Graduate school? Work? In Japan? Overseas? How does aTsukuba degree help you get there?

•“What makes me a stand-out candidate?”
We are looking for exceptional candidates. Tell us about your passions and life experiences which
led you to this program. We are passionate about our subjects, and we expect that in our students.

Write drafts and get feedback
You should have lots to tell us by now! Organize the information into a coherent narrative, and write adraft (or two, or three). We appreciate that English may not be your first language, but try to use correctspelling and grammar. Keep your sentences short and simple. The use of concrete examples can help
you express yourself clearly.
Entrance examiners have many applications to read—so clarity is key!
The personal statement is one of the most important components of your application. Make sure to ask
your teachers, parents or friends to read over your personal statement and give honest feedback. Giveyourself plenty of time to work through several versions of your draft, until you are completely happy.

How to write your financial plan
Going to university is a big commitment, both in time and money. To be successful,
you need a well thought-out, realistic financial plan. While you may be able to getsome form of financial aid from the university, we strongly recommend that you do
not rely solely on scholarships. Your financial plan will be evaluated as part of yourapplication, so a well-considered plan will improve your chances of success.

Explore your options
A strong financial base will make it easier for you to complete your program.
•Does your country or local government offer any programs which will help pay for study atoverseas universities? For example, students from Norway, Sweden, and Finland can use higher
education funds globally.

•How much parental support can you expect? Try to make a budget, and discuss how much help
you may need with your parents. Try to get a specific commitment from them regarding funding.

•Do you have savings / part-time job? How much savings do you have? How much can you save
before you leave your home country?

University of Tsukuba English Programs

Options in Japan
Although we recommend against relying solely on scholarships, there are some sources of financeavailable after you arrive in Japan.
•Scholarships are possible for students with strong academic records and demonstrable financial
need. However, these are not guaranteed, and you should be prepared for the possibility that you
are not successful. Some options can be found at the JASSO website.

•Partial and full tuition waivers are possible for those with an excellent academic record anddemonstrable need.

•If you can speak Japanese well, or can speak an in-demand language, part-time work may bepossible. However, you should expect to be busy with your studies, and we do not recommendthat students consider this as a major funding source.

Writing your plan
When you write your plan, we’re looking for two main things;•A list of your main sources of income (scholarships, loans, parental support, etc.)•A list of your projected expenses (tuition, rent, travel expenses, living expenses)

Try to be realistic with your estimates. We don’t want students to have to quit due to financial
difficulties, so we will review your plan carefully. If parental funding will be a major component of yourplan, please supply some information about their employment status. An incomplete plan is OK, but weneed to be aware of your financial situation, especially where university support may be necessary.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have sufficient financial resources tocomplete their program.