The University of Tsukuba, a Japanese national university, opened its Malaysia Branch Campus (School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design) in September 2024. Two types of entrance examinations, an “Aptitude-based Scheme” and a “School Recommendation Scheme”, are available for those who meet the prescribed requirements and wish to enrol at the Malaysia Branch Campus of the University of Tsukuba. These are the application guidelines for the “Aptitude-based Scheme”.
*All dates and times given in these guidelines are based on Malaysian Time (MYT).
Online Application Opens: Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Online Application Closes: 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 158 April 2025
[Educational Purpose]
The programme aims to develop individuals with data science literacy who can apply ideas and technologies from the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences to a broad range of environmental and social issues. By utilising design thinking, our students can creatively contribute to solving global issues.
[Prospective Students]
[Admission Policy]
Applicants will be comprehensively evaluated based on their basic academic competence, advanced comprehension skills required for learning data science, critical thinking skills, and interest and expressiveness to global issues.
[Duration]
4 years (full-time)
[Medium of Instruction]
Mainly English and Japanese, partially Bahasa Melayu
[Student Acceptance]
From the first year (No advanced standing or transfer options to upper years)
[Enrolment Capacity]
40 students / year
[Aptitude-based Scheme Quota]
30 students
[Degree Conferred]
Bachelor of Arts and Science
â—†Payment of Application Fee and Online Applicationâ—†
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 ~ 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 158 April 2025
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â—†Notification of Examinee Numberâ—†
Thursday, 2417 April 2025
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â—†Announcement of First Stage Screening Resultsâ—†
(individually notified via the Online Application System)
10:00 am, Tuesday, 13 May29 April 2025
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â—†Group Interviewâ—†
Tuesday, 2713 May 2025 & Wednesday, 2814 May 2025
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â—†Announcement of Final Resultsâ—†
(individually notified via the Online Application System)
10:00 am, Wednesday, 11 June28 May 2025
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â—†Enrolment Proceduresâ—†
Must be completed before Wednesday, 18 June 2025
For Applicants with Disabilities
The University of Tsukuba reviews applications from applicants with disabilities on the same basis as other applicants. According to the published screening criteria, all applications are assessed based on academic merit and potential. If you have problems with the application process and need special consideration, please contact the Academic Service Office at utmy-kyomu@un.tsukuba.ac.jp in advance.
For International Applicants
All international students planning to study in Malaysia MUST apply for the Student Pass (visa) approval to study BEFORE entering Malaysia and the approval process can take up to three months. Successful applicants will be notified of the details. Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 24 months when applying for the Student Pass.
1.Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to this programme, applicants must fulfill ONE of the following criteria.
2.Entry Requirements
To apply for the Aptitude-based Scheme, applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry requirements.
STPM | A pass with at least Grade C+ (GP 2.33) in any 3 subjects including Mathematics. |
UEC | A pass with at least Grade B in any 5 subjects including Mathematics. |
A Levels | A pass with at least Grade C in any 3 subjects including Mathematics. |
International Baccalaureate (IB) |
A pass with at least total 27 points including Mathematics. An individual's mathematics score must also must be above 4 points. *Applicants who have not yet received their IB Diploma may submit official transcripts of IB predicted scores, endorsed by the principal or a guidance counselor at their school. Please consult the Academic Service Office before applying. |
EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) | Must be above the average for the EJU candidate's examination cohort in any 3 subjects including Mathematics. |
Foundation / Matriculation | A pass with at least CGPA of 2.3 out of 4.0 or its equivalent including Mathematics. |
Diploma (Level 4, MQF) | A pass with at least CGPA of 2.3 out of 4.0 or its equivalent including Mathematics. |
Note 1: Applicants with other Year 12 qualifications or equivalent will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Note 2: Our educational programme aims to develop individuals who can apply data science techniques and methods to solve global issues. Therefore, we expect applicants to have a good understanding of a basic level of mathematics equivalent to the Cambridge International A-Level Mathematics.
MUET | Band 3 or higher |
IELTS (Academic) | 5.0 or higher |
TOEFL iBT (DI Code: D815) | 61 or higher |
If applicants have studied Japanese and/or have taken any Japanese-language test, please include the details on the online application form and attach proof. Applicants who have not studied Japanese are still eligible to apply if they meet other entry requirements. The University of Tsukuba, Malaysia will offer Japanese-language education through a system of level-based classes.
The screening process is conducted through a two-stage screening system. Only those who have successfully passed the first-stage screening will be invited to proceed to the second-stage screening.
1. First Stage Screening
Approximately 60 applicants (roughly twice the number of available places) will be selected for first-stage screening based on the evaluation of their submitted application documents. This comprehensive evaluation will assess their broad academic skills, language proficiency, and interest in global issues, and motivation to contribute to their solutions, all of which are essential for successful participation in this programme.
2. Second Stage Screening
Successful applicants from the first-stage screening will be invited to the group interview, where a comprehensive assessment will take place. This assessment will consider the content of their submitted documents and other relevant information.
Interview Method | Group discussion |
Medium | English |
Content | Form groups of approximately five applicants each to actively engage in collaborative discussions in English on designated themes. The groups will identify issues and collectively work towards developing effective solutions. The solutions then will be presented to the selection panel to demonstrate how the group has addressed the identified concerns. |
Evaluation | Assesses interest in global issues; motivation for finding solutions; critical thinking, communication and expression; aptitude and ability to work with others. |
Interview Schedule
Schedule | Location | |
Day 1 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 13 May 2025 | University of Tsukuba, Malaysia |
Day 2 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Wednesday 14 May 2025 | University of Tsukuba, Malaysia |
Note: The University of Tsukuba will not respond to any individual requests regarding the interview schedule under any circumstances.
Application Fee: RM100 (non-refundable)
Payment Period: Tuesday, 18 March 2025 ~ 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 158 April 2025
A non-refundable application fee is payable by direct bank-in or telegraphic transfer to:
Applicants should upload a copy or proof of the transaction together with the other application documents. The application fee is payable in Malaysian Ringgit and any shortfall or excess from any transfer of foreign currencies to Malaysian Ringgit or bank charges must be borne by the applicant.
Note 1: For applicants with Category 5 eligibility, please DO NOT pay the application fee until eligibility is confirmed.
Note 2: Using "WISE" would be an option to pay the application fee from overseas. For details, please refer to their website at .〶Ä
Online Application Opens: Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Online Application Closes: 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 158 April 2025
Applicants can submit the completed application with copies of relevant documents via the online application system. Then online application should take between 20 to 30 minutes if applicants have all their details and documentation scanned and ready to upload prior to starting the online application process.
When applying, applicants should attach copies of all relevant supporting documents. These include the secondary school results certificate, official academic records/transcripts, English test results, and Japanese test results.
Originals or certified copies of applicants’ academic documents must be provided to the University upon request. If applicants do not provide them, their enrolment may be cancelled. This may occur at course enrolment or any time after commencing study.
For questions that are not relevant to you and are not compulsory, leave the field blank and proceed to the next question.
Type of Information/Documents | |
1. |
Personal Details
|
2. |
Formal Photograph
|
3. |
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4. |
Academic Qualifications (secondary / post-secondary studies) [Form 6 or equivalent] |
5. | Proof of English language Proficiency MUET / IELTS (Academic) / TOEFL iBT or equivalent |
6. | Proof of Japanese language Proficiency (if applicable) |
7. |
Personal Essay (MS Word format) Formatting
|
8. | Proof of Application Fee Payment |
1.Results Announcement
Day & Time of Announcement (First stage): 10:00 am, Tuesday, 13 May29 April 2025
Day & Time of Announcement (Final): 10:00 am, Wednesday, 11 June28 May 2025
Results will be announced directly to the applicants through the online application system. The University will not respond to any inquiries concerning the outcome of applications.
2.Enrolment Procedures
Period of Enrolment Procedures: NO LATER than Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Successful applicants will be contacted individually with a placement offer. Please respond within the deadline and follow the enrolment procedures. If a successful applicant does not respond or take the necessary actions for admission within the deadline period, they will be deemed to have declined the placement offer in the programme.
The University will notify successful applicants about details concerning further documents and procedures.
3.Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for Semester 1 (Fall semester) and Semester 2 (Spring semester) are as follows. The payment for the Semester 1 tuition fees is due in mid-September, while the payment for the Semester 2 tuition fees is due at the end of February. Further details will be given to successful applicants.
Semester | Semeste 1 (Fall) | Semester 2 (Spring) | Annual total |
Malaysian students | RM 14,630 | RM 20,370 | RM 35,000 |
International students | RM 15,880 | RM 22,120 | RM 38,000 |
Due | 15 September | 25 February | - |
The university will disclose admission information to applicants upon request from Monday, 1 September 2025 to Friday, 31 October 2025. For further details please contact the Academic Service Office at utmy-kyomu@un.tsukuba.ac.jp.
For further details, please click here to access our privacy policy.
University of Tsukuba, Malaysia
Academic Service Office for Malaysia Overseas Education Hub
Level 14, Wisma R&D, Universiti Malaya, Jalan Pantai Baharu,
59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia