Why is the University of Tokyo so hard for me to get into, whether I apply for undergraduate or postgraduate study?
Several factors stack together: high competition for limited seats, rigorous entrance exams such as EJU for many undergraduate applicants, strong research fit expectations for postgraduate applicants, a strong global reputation and a high academic bar. Fewer English-taught undergraduate options also narrow the field for international applicants.
Tokyo University is hard to get into because several things stack together rather than one single barrier. The pressure looks different for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, so it helps to know which one applies to you.
What Makes It Competitive
| Factor | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Limited seats | High competition for a limited number of places across nearly every major faculty |
| Entrance exams | Rigorous exams, with EJU typically for undergraduate applicants depending on the program track |
| Research fit | Strong research fit expectations for postgraduate applicants |
| Global reputation | Top applicants keep applying year after year |
| Academic bar | High standards across math, sciences, humanities and research output |
| English-taught options | Fewer English-taught undergraduate options now that the PEAK program has wound down |
How to Respond as an Applicant
- Undergraduate applicants should look closely at the EJU requirement and at which programs still teach in English.
- Postgraduate applicants should show a clear research fit with a specific lab or supervisor.
- Check the official university pages for the latest admission details before the 2027 or 2028 intake.
My Advice
Treat Tokyo as one option in a wider list rather than your only plan. Prepare for the exam or research fit early, and keep strong backup universities in Japan and elsewhere so one competitive decision does not decide your whole year.
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