When I apply to the University of Tokyo, what acceptance rate applies to undergraduate, master's and PhD programs?
The University of Tokyo's approximate acceptance rate is around 30 to 36% for undergraduate study, about 47% for master's and roughly 72% for PhD, with graduate programs overall near 52%. These are approximate and vary by faculty, so check the official university page for current admissions data.
The University of Tokyo's acceptance rate looks very different by study level, because undergraduate and graduate admissions follow different logic. Approximate figures are around 30 to 36% for undergraduate, about 47% for master's and roughly 72% for PhD.
Approximate Acceptance Rate by Level
| Study level | Approx. acceptance rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | Around 30 to 36% | National entrance exams plus limited seats keep this tight |
| Graduate, master's | Around 47% | Varies by faculty and how many spots a lab has open |
| Graduate, PhD | Around 72% | Research-based selection, so fit matters more than volume |
| All graduate (PG) programs | Around 52% | An average across departments and research areas |
Why the Numbers Differ
- Undergraduate seats are limited and the entrance exams are very demanding, so the rate stays tighter.
- Postgraduate admission, especially for PhD, leans more on research fit and professor support.
- One of the most competitive undergraduate tracks, Natural Sciences II, is typically around 23%, noticeably tighter than the general undergraduate average.
My Advice
Do not read a high PhD rate as an easy route. Those applicants are usually already matched with a supervisor, so start by identifying professors whose research fits yours. Rates change by year, so check the official university page for current figures.
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