Study Abroad Information and Consultation Service

Study Abroad Support Service

• I want to study abroad but don't know how to get started.
• There are many study abroad programs, but I don’t know which one is best for me.

How to Find the Right Study Abroad Program

Center for Entrepreneurship Education, Global Education Section

FLAP study abroad consultation service

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a pamphlet that lists the study abroad programs available to Tokyo Tech students?

  The　Guide to Study Abroad for Tokyo Tech Students is published every year in Japanese. It is available at Guide to Study Abroad for Tokyo Tech Students.
  In addition, general information about study abroad and study abroad programs is available in English at Study Abroad Guide.

• How may I arrange a consultation with the Study Abroad Support Service?

  For information about the Study Abroad Support Service, refer to Study Abroad Information and Consultation Service.

• How can I find the study abroad program that is best for me?

  Use the search engine here to identify programs that meet your needs. You may want to try searching by duration of program, country or region, program category, or other factors. You may also read study abroad reports by fellow students, available online.
  Talking with study abroad returnees is another good way to learn about programs. The Study Abroad Support Service can provide introductions to Tokyo Tech students eager to share their experiences.

• Is the "grade coefficient," which is mentioned in relation to scholarship requirements, equal to grade point average (GPA)?

  It is not equal to GPA. The calculation method for the grade coefficient is described in the application guide for each program, so please calculate it by yourself based on your academic performance in the previous year. If you don't have a grade report from the previous year — for example, if you are a first-year undergraduate student — check the application guide for the program for which you are applying. The calculation method may differ by program.

• The embassy/consulate of the country where I plan to study abroad asked me to submit certification of my scholarship as part of my visa application. Can Tokyo Tech issue the certification?

  If you will be studying abroad on a Tokyo Tech program, please submit the "Application for the Certification" by email attachment to the person in charge of your program. It will take a few days to issue the certificate, so please make the request well in advance.　For details, please ask the person in charge of the program for which you are applying.

• Which overseas travel insurance should I purchase?

  Students are required to purchase the overseas travel insurance designated by Tokyo Tech
  Tokyo Tech has a comprehensive contract with AIG General Insurance Company, Ltd., which allows Institute members to purchase insurance at a reduced price.
  By purchasing this insurance, you will be automatically registered for the risk and crisis management service, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and allows you to consult about various matters, or request advice and information, etc. for the duration of your study abroad. In case of emergency, the service will also assist Tokyo Tech in confirming your travel status.
  Even if you will study abroad or conduct research or an internship overseas on a non-Tokyo Tech program, you are required to purchase the overseas travel insurance designated by Tokyo Tech. For details, please see Procedures for Study Abroad.

• Which programs are recommended for students wishing to study abroad for the first time?

  While considering the timing, duration, location, your interests, and how much it will cost, etc, choose a program based on your purpose in studying abroad. Many of the Institute’s short-term programs are scheduled for summer break or spring break, which will allow you to study abroad without missing classes, etc. at Tokyo Tech. We recommend both the Short-Term Study Abroad Program and Tokyo Tech-AYSEAS, which provide students with opportunities for intercultural exchange and visits to local companies at the destination country. We also recommend TASTE Short-term Education, which focuses on language learning, as well as seasonal programs organized by overseas universities, which allow you to attend lectures or conduct research in your field. Seasonal programs at other universities generally require a good command of English to understand specialized lectures taught in English. Some programs are offered on a tuition-waiver or discounted-fee basis to Tokyo Tech students.
  In addition to the above, Tokyo Tech Schools and departments offer some short-term programs. If you wish to study abroad in your field of study, consult with your School or department administration.

• I want to go abroad for language study in a language other than English. Are there any such programs available?

  There are intensive language programs held during summer and spring break, for example, in Europe for German and French and in Asia for Chinese. The fees for these programs tend to be lower than fees for intensive English language programs in English-speaking countries.
  For information, contact the Study Abroad Information Center.

• How much does it cost to participate in short-term overseas programs?

  Participation in AYSEAS and short-term overseas dispatch programs costs about JPY 150,000 to JPY 300,000, including airline tickets, accommodation, and daily expenses. In the case of TASTE, the total cost is about JPY 600,000 to JPY 700,000 for English-speaking countries in the West and JPY 300,000 for the Philippines. For overseas language study in a language other than English, tuition fees tend to be relatively low, but the overall cost will vary as you will arrange airline tickets and accommodation yourself. In the case of seasonal programs organized by Tokyo Tech partner universities, the cost varies from about JPY 300,000 to JPY 800, 000 depending on the study abroad destination and length of stay. Programs in the United States and the United Kingdom tend to be expensive. For some programs organized by Tokyo Tech partner universities, program fees are waived for students recommended by the Institute. In addition, many of the programs for which Tokyo Tech announces recruitment offer scholarships. If you meet certain requirements, such as satisfying a certain grade coefficient, you may be able to receive a study abroad scholarship; please check the application requirements of each program.

• How can I find accommodation for my study abroad?

  Many students stay in homestays or university dormitories, and a small number of students rent apartments. For information about homestay and university dormitory options, please refer to the information on your program’s web page, and then apply.

• What is the International Exchange Program Under Tuition Waiver Agreements, and how is it different from finding a host institution on my own?

  The exchange program is based on a tuition waiver agreement , meaning that students are only charged for tuition at Science Tokyo. Under this system, students do not have to pay tuition at the host institution for the duration of their study abroad, and credits they earn there can be transferred to credits at Science Tokyo.
  (Note that students remain responsible for non-tuition fees, such as student government dues, rent, and daily expenses.)
  To participate in this program, students must pass an internal selection process and receive a nomination from Science Tokyo. Additionally, as some specific scholarships are connected to this program, you may have more opportunities to obtain financial aid than if you were to apply individually.

• I’m interested in studying through the International Exchange Program Under Tuition Waiver Agreements. When should I start the application process? What other requirements are there?

  Applications for this program open about five times a year: three times for autumn departures, and two times for spring departures. The main application period begins one year in advance. If there are still participant slots available, additional application periods may open around two to six months before the start date. Students must meet both the language and academic requirements needed for a nomination and to apply to the partner institution at the time of their application. The minimum level of English language proficiency under this program is 497 in TOEFL ITP, 60 in TOEFL iBT, or 5.5 in IELTS; however, some partner institutions require higher scores, so be sure to check the requirements indicated in the List of Partner Universities on the program website.

  This exchange program runs from six months up to a full academic year, and therefore must be planned in conjunction with your academic schedule at Science Tokyo. Please consult your academic advisor and supervisor about how to best integrate the study abroad into your current plans.

• Is it possible to study abroad without delaying graduation?

  It is possible to complete your studies on time, but it depends on when you study abroad and the graduation requirements for your degree program. If you are interested in studying abroad, please talk with your academic advisor or academic supervisor about your study plan as soon as possible, and plan ahead to fit study abroad into your program.

• How should I go about choosing a university for my study abroad destination?

  First, look for universities where you can study what you want.
  If you want to take classes abroad, look at the course catalogs published on university websites to see which courses are available. If you want to conduct research activities abroad, talk with your academic supervisor at Tokyo Tech and find out if they can recommend any professors engaged in the research you want to pursue.

• How much does it cost to study abroad on long-term study abroad programs?

  This depends on the destination and accommodation. Here are examples from students who studied abroad on university exchange programs.
  Case 1: Study abroad in China for 5 months　… Approximately 700,000 yen (based on accommodation in a student dormitory)
  Case 2: Study abroad in the UK for 9 months　…　Approximately 1.7 million yen (based on accommodation in a student dormitory)
  Note: Students who go abroad on Exchange Programs Under Tuition Waiver pay regular tuition to Tokyo Tech, while the host university waives tuition. Student union fees, dormitory fees, living expenses and other expenses other than tuition fees will be borne by the individual student.

• Where can I learn about study abroad programs sponsored by external organizations?

  Recruitment information for programs organized by external organizations is posted on this website. External organizations offer a wide variety of programs, including those focused on intercultural exchange and those focused on research activities. Refer to Study Abroad Programs and International Experiences and search by inputting "direct" in keyword section.

• I want to study abroad on a program that is not included among Tokyo Tech’s study abroad programs. Which scholarships can I apply for?

  Scholarships may be available from the government of your home country or the country where you will study abroad. We also recommend asking the institution you will belong to during the study abroad period.