Why Choose An Education at Tokyo Metropolitan University

Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) is a leading university in the heart of the greater Tokyo area. Established in 1949, it’s a research-focused institution imparting education in liberal arts, humanities, law, business, science, and engineering. In addition, TMU is a university with strong international ties known for its cutting-edge research.

First Published: 2021-11-11
Updated: 2024-02-01

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to the Tokyo Metropolitan University
2. Why pick Tokyo Metropolitan University? 
3. Tokyo Metropolitan University Campuses, Facilities and Faculties
4. Tokyo Metropolitan University Admission & Fees Information
5. Tokyo Metropolitan University for International Students

An Introduction to the Tokyo Metropolitan University

※ Video Introduction of TMU. 

Tokyo Metropolitan University (東京都立大学) is a public university located in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 2005 under the name 首都大学東京 by merging four existing institutions:

1. Tokyo Metropolitan University (東京都立大学) - founded in 1949
2. Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Technology (東京都立科学技術大学) - founded in 1987
3. Tokyo Metropolitan University of Health Sciences (東京都立保健科学大学) - founded in 1998
4. Tokyo Metropolitan College (東京都立短期大学) founded in 1996 

In 2020, the name 「首都大学東京」 was changed to 「東京都立大学」, but the English name remains unchanged. It can be said that Tokyo Metropolitan University has a long history in providing quality education since 1949.

What is a Public University?
A public university is established and operated by a local government. In this case, TMU is established, operated and mainly funded by the Tokyo Government. 

Why pick Tokyo Metropolitan University?

There are many reasons to study in Japan but why especially Tokyo Metropolitan University? Here are some reasons why:

• TMU is a Public University: Tuition and admission fees for public universities are cheaper compared to private universities. In addition, the admission fee is discounted for Tokyo residents. 
   
• Many Faculties and Graduate Schools: TMU has 7 faculties, 7 graduate schools, and over 20 departments offering a variety of courses potential students can choose from.
   
• Highly Ranked among Japanese Universities: TMU has consistently ranked Top 35 in Japan, and even ranked 7th in Japan according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018~2019.
   
• Excellent International Reputable with High Citation Count: In Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018~2019, TMU ranked 3rd among Japanese universities. And in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2013~2014, TMU ranked 1st world wide with a perfect score of 100. 
   
• Diverse Environment with Many International Students: Every year TMU receives over 500, sometimes over 600, international students from around the world. Majority of students come from China and South Korea, followed by Indonesia. 
   
• Various Scholarships Available: JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarships, MEXT Scholarships, TMU Scholarship, Tokyo Global Partner Scholarship Program, and other scholarships are available. 

For information about scholarship programs in Japan, check our Scholarship article. 

※ TMU, “TMU rated as the world’s number one in citations -Overall score ranks 6th among Japanese universities” [2013.10.04] ; “東京都立大学　在籍留学生数（2023年5月１日現在）[2023.05]; “Brochures”

Tokyo Metropolitan University Campuses, Facilities & Faculties

TMU Tokyo’s 6 Campuses 

The Tokyo Metropolitan University has 6 campuses including 3 main campuses of Minami-Osawa, Hino and Arakawa. 

1. Minami-Osawa (南大沢) Campus 

Tokyo Metropolitan’s biggest campus houses the majority of its faculties including the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

Facilities available on the Minami-Osawa Campus include various sports grounds, gymnasium, archery range, indoor swimming pool, dormitories, cafeteria, green house and gardens, campus store, student refectory, and more. The famous Makino Herbarium is also located here. 

Location: Minami-Osawa, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo

2. Hino (日野) Campus 

The Hino Campus consists of the Faculty of System Design. 

Location: Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo

3. Arakawa (荒川) Campus 

The Arakawa Campus consists of the Faculty of Health Sciences for sophomores and senior students. Student facilities include a library, gymnasium and tennis courts. 

Location: Higashi-Ogu, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo

The remaining campuses of Harumi, Marunouchi and Iidabashi are dedicated to the Faculty of Law, Business Administration, and Open University respectively. 

TMU’s Undergraduate Faculties and Graduate Schools

As previously mentioned, TMU consists of 7 undergraduate faculties and 7 graduate schools offering a wide range of study courses for prospective students and researchers. 

TMU’s Undergraduate Faculties

TMU’s Graduate Schools

For those who are interested in Tokyo Metropolitan University’s graduate school programmes, we recommend reading the Guidebook below - Pages 4 to 27 introduces each graduate school and the departments (programs) being offered. 

※ TMU, “Tokyo Metropolitan University Guidebook 2024” [PDF] P.3

Student Facilities at TMU

※ TMU International House 

• Accommodation: Students can choose between university on-site accommodation of off-campus housing (mediation through TMU available). The International House is an on-site accommodation for Master’s and Doctoral international students and international researchers. The International Student House is off-campus housing with resident assistants who are Japanese students of TMU to support international students' lives. 
   
• Sports: For students to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and fun student life, various sports facilities are available at the university. This is especially so at the Minami-Osawa campus that has archery ranges, baseball field, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, soccer field and athletic field. The Arakawa campus also has tennis courts, a gymnasium, and open grounds.
   
• Dining and Shops: A cafeteria offering lunch menus is available at the Minami-Osawa campus, as well as a campus shop selling stationery, snacks, books, etc. Prices are generally cheaper than off-campus to help subsidize students’ expenses. 
   
• International Student Support: 
  • Japanese Language Courses are available to all international students. Credits are awarded for Fundamental Japanese I and II. Students can take this opportunity to study and aim for the JLPT. 
  • One-on-One Tutoring System for eligible first-year international students who are facing study troubles like language difficulties. 
  • “Handbook for International Students” in Japanese (with Furigana) and English that acts as a guide for university life. It covers status of residence, health services, natural disaster guidance, advice & counseling services, etc. 
  • International Student Advising Office is available at all 3 main campuses to assist international students with concerns about living in Japan, academics, interpersonal relationships, family matters, and any other concerns. Consultations are all strictly confidential. 
• and more.

Tokyo Metropolitan University Admission and Fees Information

Tokyo Metropolitan University Admission

Admission to Tokyo Metropolitan University for undergraduates is in the form of an entrance exam that is conducted in Japanese, so having Japanese proficiency is critical. The exceptions are English taught programmes (more on this below) whose entrance exam is in English. 

For graduate school admissions, each graduate school has its own entrance exam and respective application period, examination date, and results announcement date. It is recommended to visit the official website for the graduate school you are applying to for the latest and most accurate information. 

For more information about admissions to TMU, please check their Admissions Page. 

Tokyo Metropolitan University Fees

Admission fees and tuition fees are the same rate for undergraduate and graduate programmes (except Law School) in Tokyo Metropolitan University.

Admission Fee

The admission fee is a one-time payment charged for admission procedures. The admission rate is 282,000 Yen for non-Tokyo residents, and 141,000 Yen (half-priced) for Tokyo residents. 

※Tokyo residents to have minimum one year residence in Tokyo prior to admission date. Certificate of Residence required as proof. 

Tuition Fee

Tuition fees are paid in two installments, one payment per semester. Tuition fee for a year is 520,800 Yen, split into two payments of 260,400 Yen for each semester. 

For Law School students, tuition fee for a year is 663,000 Yen, split into two payments of 331,500 Yen for each semester. 

※TMU, “Tuition Fee Exemption / Reduction and Installment Payment”

We recommend reading about Living Costs & Tuition Fees in Japan for a better understanding of how much you need to budget for study abroad in Japan. 

Tokyo Metropolitan University for International Students

Tokyo Metropolitan University courses are open to international students that pass the admission requirements and entrance exams. For international students who are not confident of their Japanese skills, Tokyo Metropolitan University also offers courses taught in English. 

English Taught Programmes at Tokyo Metropolitan University

TMU offers a full 4-Years undergraduate Bachelor’s degree programme in Biology. Watch the introduction video below. 

※ Introduction to the Department of Biological Sciences (short ver.) Video

Official Website (English)

There are more choices for Graduate School programmes. The following graduate school and their respective department (programmes) offer Master’s degree courses taught in English. 

• Graduate School of Science
  • Department of Biological Sciences
• Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences 
  • Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Department of Applied Chemistry for Environment
  • Department of Tourism Science 

For more information and application information, please check the link below. 

※ TMU, “English-taught Degree Programs” 

To Close

Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) is one of the leading universities in Japan. It is a public university located in Tokyo that is highly reputable in research fields and has scholars that have greatly contributed to the world at large. Interested in studying abroad in Japan? Consider TMU.