University of Tokyo Opens Its English-Taught College of Design: Apply October 15 to November 5, Gaokao Not Accepted, SAT 1480 or IB 38 Expected

The University of Tokyo's new UTokyo College of Design is recruiting its first class for September 2027: all courses are taught in English in a five-year combined bachelor's and master's program, with 100 places (50 each via Route A and Route B). The college notes that the project is still under review by Japan's Ministry of Education (MEXT) and may change.

The program

The college brings knowledge from many disciplines together through design to tackle complex social issues. Learning is project-based and active, students build their own pathways, and long-term internships take place in Japan or overseas. All first-year students live at Mejirodai International Village.

Overseas applicants use Route B

• October 15 (9:00 AM JST) to November 5, 2026 (5:00 PM): Apply online, upload all materials and pay the JPY 17,000 fee.
• November 13–16: Submit a video assignment (details on November 6).
• December 22: First screening results; January 13–22, 2027: a roughly 30-minute online interview in English (two cameras required).
• February 20, 2027: Admission decisions; offers based on predicted scores are conditional, with final results due by August 16.
• September 1, 2027: Enrollment.

Academic results: the gaokao is not accepted

Route B requires one of the following; the figures are expectations, not cut-offs:

• SAT: 1480 or above (no superscore); AP scores may be added.
• ACT: 33 or above (no superscore).
• IB: 38 of 42 points across six subjects, with at least 2 for TOK and EE combined.
• International A-Level: at least three A grades; selected national qualifications such as the French Baccalaureate, Abitur, Korea's CSAT, Singapore A-Levels and HKDSE are also listed.
• China's gaokao is not on the list, and the EJU is not accepted. Students at regular Chinese high schools need SAT, ACT or similar results.
• Results must be from within five years.

English (expected scores)

• TOEFL iBT above 80 (above 4 for tests from January 21, 2026); IELTS Academic above 6.0; Duolingo above 110; Cambridge English above 169.
• Only scores from January 1, 2025 or later count; TOEFL MyBest is not accepted. Applicants with English-medium education for at least three of their final four school years are exempt.

Other materials

• High school transcripts and a graduation or expected-graduation certificate (graduation by August 31, 2027).
• An online evaluation from a teacher or other evaluator; three descriptions (up to 100 words each) of extracurricular activities or academic achievements, with evidence.
• Applicants unsure about eligibility had to contact the office by September 25, 2026; that pre-check has closed.

Tuition and scholarships

• The college's FAQ states tuition of JPY 642,960 a year and an admission fee of JPY 282,000 as of April 2025; 2027 amounts are set in the application guidelines.
• Needs-based scholarship: JPY 2.4 million a year plus an amount equal to the admission fee and one-way travel to Japan for overseas residents, for up to five years, open to all routes and nationalities; apply with your admission application by November 5.
• Merit-based scholarship: JPY 600,000 a year for up to five years, selected from admission results in the first year with no separate application.
• About 20% of students each year receive a scholarship.

Sources: UTokyo College of Design, Admission for 2027 Enrollment; Application Guidelines: Route B; Scholarships; FAQ. Check the official sources for the latest policy.