JTP General Information
Classes and Credits
Most classes at the University of Tsukuba are 75 minutes long. For attending a lecture or seminar once a week for a trimester, students will earn one credit. Course registration must be done at the beginning of each trimester.
Finance
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for international students are 14,800 yen per credit (subject to change without notice). If students take a total of 15 credits at Tsukuba, their tuition fees will be 220,000 (14,800 x 15) yen. Tuition waivers may be granted to students from our partner universities and colleges.
Other Expenses
Although the cost of living in Tsukuba varies from student to student, we suggest that students budget for about 100,000 yen per month, excluding tuition fees.
Accommodation
University Accommodation
The University of Tsukuba has four residence areas: Ichinoya at the north end of the main campus, Oikoshi and Hirasuna at the south end, and the Kasuga dormitories on the Kasuga campus. Residence halls in these areas altogether accommodate over 4,000 students. All rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, sink, and residence telephone and offer privacy and independence. There are communal lounges, laundry rooms, and kitchenettes in each residence hall. The residence administrative office, dining halls, public bath and shower rooms, shops, barber shops, and beauty parlors are all located in the commons of each residence area. You will pay a refundable security deposit of about 30,000 yen when you move into one of the rooms at the residence hall. The room rent is very reasonable at a range of 15,000 to 17,000 yen per month (meals not included). Electricity bills must be paid separately.
Private Accommodation
Some international students may prefer to live off-campus in non-university-owned accommodation. There are many private apartment houses available near the campus. The monthly rent for a room with a kitchen and a bathroom ranges between 35,000 and 60,000 yen. In Japan, one to three months' rent is customarily charged as security deposit and real estate agency fees.
Services on Campus
Libraries
Library facilities consist of one central and five branch libraries. The libraries contain more than 2.3 million volumes and provide access to thousands more resources via electronic networks. Library tours are conducted at the beginning of each trimester to familiarize student with the facilities, and library staff are always willing to help them find their way around. For more information, visit our central library web site at https://www.tulips.tsukuba.ac.jp/portal/index.php.
Health Service Center
The University of Tsukuba offers medical services to all students. Located near the International Student Center, the University Health Center employs several doctors and nurses and provides professional services such as health and nutrition counseling, physical examinations, first-aid treatment for emergencies, and psychiatric counseling.
International Student Center
International students are assisted by the International Student Center. The center provides a range of services, including application processing, pre-departure advice, an orientation program at the beginning of each trimester, and on-going support in all areas. Students are always welcome to discuss any questions and concerns.
Visas
To enter Japan as an international student, you must have a valid "College Student" visa. We will send you an acceptance letter, a certificate of resident eligibility in Japan, and other supporting documents which will enable you to obtain a "College Student" visa from your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Please note that Japanese immigration law prohibits foreigners to change their type of visa within Japan, for example, from a "Temporary Visitor" visa to a "College Student" visa. If you want to change your visa, you must leave Japan once and re-enter with the appropriate documents.
Health Insurance
National Health Insurance
Every international student in Japan must have medical insurance. All JTP students are eligible to enroll in the Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI) program. NHI members pay only 30% of incurred medical costs. Please note that not all medical and hospital services are covered by the NHI (for example, the NHI does not provide coverage for orthodontic work, physical examinations, pregnancy, and cosmetic surgery).
Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research Activities
This insurance covers physical injuries arising from unexpected accidents during educational and research activities. As the premium for this insurance is paid by the university, students do not have to purchnase the insurance by themselves. If such unexpected accidents occurs, concerned student(s) must consult the International Student Center about insurance coverage.
Travel Insurance
It is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover such things as unexpected accidents, lost luggage, or trip cancellation. The NHI and JASSO plans do not cover travel to and from Japan.
