Offering an extensive course plan based on international spirit, the University of Tsukuba cultivates the potential of its global base by forwarding its core values. The distinctive priority for internationalization is well-distributed within its academic and research program and is revered as a focal organization in Japan with such commitment.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the University of Tsukuba
- Study at the University of Tsukuba
- Campus Life at University of Tsukuba
- Summary
Introduction to the University of Tsukuba
There is a wide variety of things that Japan is known for. While it can be a haven and a top tourist destination for foreigners to visit, Japan is also known to employ a competitive academic environment in whatever field - may it be Science and Technology, Education, or Liberal Arts among others. One example that upholds the Japanese value of excellence and offering a globally competitive academic curriculum is the University of Tsukuba.
History of the University of Tsukuba
The University of Tsukuba was established back in the early 1970s. It was largely dependent on the Tokyo University of Education transfer to the Tsukuba premises during the early 1870s. This university is considered one of the most prestigious and elite schools in Japan as it has produced a number of Nobel prize winner graduates and ranks within the top 10 universities in Japan.
※University of Tsukuba, "Why Tsukuba?"
From the onset, the University of Tsukuba had to adapt to educational reforms over the years. Some of the more significant changes within the university structure are the following:
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Opening of the university hospital together with the establishment of the College of Medical Technology and Nursing in the late 1970s;
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Evening courses offered as a response to working individuals enrolled in the Masters and Ph.D. programs of the university in the late 1990s;
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The University of Tsukuba being recognized as one of Japan’s National Universities due to its exemplary academic performance in the mid-2000s.
※ University of Tsukuba, "History"
Mission Statement
The University of Tsukuba upholds its mission and vision, which aims to uphold an inclusive environment and be a symbol of adaptive education to the rapid changes of how individuals learn. The university’s main objective is to create a flexible educational system to support individual learners’ needs and provide globally competitive and quality academic courses where graduates can contribute to the community and society as a whole.
※University of Tsukuba, "Mission Statement"
Commitment to the ‘future’
Part of the University of Tsukuba’s mission statement is investing in research and development activities that can benefit the community and society, including those in future generations. The university places great emphasis on the importance of research and development. This can provide breakthroughs for the future, which is why their academic curriculum heavily involves research and development activities. The university offers a comprehensive partnership program with global universities and organizations for research purposes. At the same time, it also offers a variety of tools and resources for their students to set them up for success in terms of their research and development ventures—all of this with the aim and objective of having a better future for succeeding generations.
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Study at the University of Tsukuba
So now that you know a little about the school's background, what does it actually look like to study at the school?
Academics
Being one of the top universities in Japan, the University of Tsukuba offers a wide range of academic portfolio such as the following:
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Undergraduate schools and colleges
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Graduate schools and programs
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Research Centers
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University Libraries
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Laboratory Schools for Elementary, Junior High, Senior High, and Special Needs
Double/Joint Degree Programs
Since the University of Tsukuba aims to provide a globally competitive academic education to its students, it also has a lot of affiliate partner universities across the world that offer double or joint degree programs. These types of programs are aimed towards international students who choose to study at the University of Tsukuba that has an equivalent course at a partner university. This means that if they finish a particular course at the University of Tsukuba, they also finish the equivalent course at the sister university. This makes the students more globally competitive in a wider and more comprehensive market. This also implies that the quality of education that the University of Tsukuba offers are at par with universities found abroad.
Some of the double or joint degree programs at the University of Tsukuba are the following:
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Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
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Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
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Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences
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Graduate School of Comprehensive Sciences
Courses in English
The University of Tsukuba aims to be globally competitive in the courses that they offer to their students, which is why many of the courses that they provide are in English! This is definitely advantageous for foreigners who would want to live and study at a prestigious and elite school in Japan. The university offers a comprehensive list of courses in English starting from the undergraduate level up to doctoral programs. Check out which one fits yours.
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Undergraduate Level |
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Masters Level |
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Doctoral Level |
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※ University of Tsukuba English Programs
Admissions
Admission to the University of Tsukuba is very selective as it has a difficult entrance examination for anyone who wishes to apply. Once the student passes, he or she should fill out the necessary forms for the undergraduate level. For graduate and Ph.D. levels, they have to find a suitable professor first in the field they are interested in, and the process will start with an interview from subject matter experts in their chosen area of expertise.
Campus Life at University of Tsukuba
Since the University of Tsukuba aims to cater to international students to be globally competitive, it offers a wide array of services that would help support their students, as well as provide an enriching campus life and environment. Their services include:
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Academic matters
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Financial matters
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Immigration support
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Health and welfare services
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Student support (such as counseling, career development, tutorial services)
Other fun and interesting activities for an enriching campus life at the University of Tsukuba includes the following:
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Voice of International Students
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Fun and engaging university events
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Extra-curricular clubs like math club, debate club, chess club, etc
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Car pooling activities for University of Tsukuba students
Increased participation from international students
As of November 2020, there are over 300 partner universities of the University of Tsukuba across the globe, making it a premier university for international students.
※ University of Tsukuba, "List of Overseas Partner Universities"
Part-time jobs for students
There are many part-time job opportunities for students who wish to earn extra income while studying. They can opt to become baristas and waitresses in nearby cafes. They can also apply as an assistant or contract professors in the university or technical staff for the laboratories at the university.
Summary
Indeed, the University of Tsukuba provides world-class academic services to its students. If you are interested in studying and living in Japan, check out the comprehensive courses that the University of Tsukuba offers. You surely would experience the best in living in Japan only an hour away from Tokyo as well as receiving a globally competitive quality academic course in the English language! So convenient, right?
