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 “School Recommendation Scheme”.
*All dates and times given in these guidelines are based on Malaysian Time (MYT).
*“School Recommendation Scheme” applies to those who have completed secondary education in Malaysia.
Online Application Opens: Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Online Application Closes: 5:00 pm, Wednesday, 12 February 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 excellent academic performance in secondary or post-secondary education, ability to learn in Japanese, and high interest and motivation to learn and solve 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
[School Recommendation Scheme Quota]
10 students
[Degree Conferred]
Bachelor of Arts and Science
â—†Payment of Application Fee and Online Applicationâ—†
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 ~ 5:00 pm, Wednesday, 12 February 2025
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â—†Notification of Examinee Number and Interview Scheduleâ—†
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
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â—†Individual Interviewâ—†
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
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â—†Announcement of Resultsâ—†
(individually notified via the Online Application System)
10:00 am, Tuesday, 11 March 2025
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â—†Enrolment Proceduresâ—†
Must be completed before Wednesday, 2 April 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 before you proceed with the application process.
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 fulfil ONE of the following criteria.
2.Entry Requirements
To apply for the School Recommendation 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 |
Applicants should nominate a referee, and the referees should evaluate the applicants’ Japanese-language background in the online reference letter (VI, 8). Applicants should submit a Japanese-proficiency certificate equivalent to JLPT N3 or any documentary evidence of learning Japanese.
3.Recommendation Requirements
In addition to the Entry Requirements (III, 2) above, applicants must also fulfil BOTH of the following requirements:
Once applicants have applied for the School Recommendation Scheme, the University will email your referee directly and ask them to submit an online reference letter via the online application system (VI, 8).
The screening process considers all aspects of the application documents and individual interview.
The individual interview will be undertaken primarily in English, with a portion conducted in Japanese, to assess applicants' interest and motivation towards global issues and their solutions, their critical thinking abilities, communication skills, and aptitude.
Interview Method | Individual interview |
Medium | Mainly conducted in English, with some simple Japanese. |
Content | Individual interviews based on the information provided in the application form. |
Evaluation |
Assesses interest and motivation towards global issues and their solutions, critical thinking, communication and expression, and aptitude. |
Interview Schedule
Schedule | A:00 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 25 February 2025 |
Location |
University of Tsukuba, Malaysia |
Application Fee: RM100 (non-refundable)
Payment Period: Tuesday, 14 January 2025 ~ 5:00 pm, Wednesday, 12 February 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 .
Online Application Opens: Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Online Application Closes: 5:00 pm, Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Applicants can submit the completed application with copies of relevant documents via the online application system. The 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. Applicants should also arrange for an online reference letter (see Point 8 in the following table).
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. |
|
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 Equivalent to JLPT N3, a document not limited to JLPT certificate, other documentary evidence will also be accepted. |
7. |
Statement of Purpose in Japanese (MS Word format) Formatting
|
8. |
Online Reference Letter Step 1: Speak to someone at your school about your interest in applying for this programme. Step 2: Referee's information (name, title and email) Step 3: Ask for a reference Step 4: Submitting a reference (for referee)
Once the referee has submitted the form, an automated email will be sent to the applicant. Please note that as the reference is confidential, the applicant will not be able to see it. |
9. | Proof of Application Fee Payment |
1.Results Announcement
Day & Time of Announcement: 10:00 am, Tuesday, 11 March 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 Tuesday, 2 April 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 |
Semester 1 (Fall) |
Semester 2 (Spring) (Feb - Aug) |
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