The University of Aizu is one of Japan’s leading research universities, located in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture. Established in 1993, it was the first university in Japan to be dedicated solely to computer science and engineering. As a cutting-edge field with broad applications across industries, computer science and engineering is one of the key drivers of technological innovation. Research at the University of Aizu spans Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data, Cloud and Fog Computing, Space Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer Art.
Since 2014, the University of Aizu has been part of an elite group of institutions selected by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) under the Top Global University Project. The university is widely recognised for its international outlook, with faculty members recruited from more than 17 countries and international academics accounting for approximately 40% of its faculty. Among Japan’s public universities, the University of Aizu ranks No. 1 in the number of university-originated startup companies.
The University of Aizu offers several scholarship opportunities for international students. The most notable is the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, which generally covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare. The university also provides financial support and tuition assistance to eligible international students, subject to funding availability. In addition, students may apply for scholarships offered by local governments and private foundations in Japan.
The university operates four admission quarters each year, although application schedules vary by faculty and department. For AY 2026 admissions, the application deadline for the first quarter is March 31, 2026. For second-quarter admissions, applicants should read “March 31, 2026” as “May 31, 2026” wherever it appears in the application qualifications. For third-quarter admissions, the date becomes September 30, 2026, while fourth-quarter applicants should substitute it with October 31, 2026. The standard application fee is ¥9,800, although some programmes require an application fee of ¥30,000.
The following documents are generally required for admission. Unless otherwise stated, applicants may submit these documents in either English or Japanese.
• Academic Transcript: Applicants must submit a transcript from every institution they have attended. An unofficial transcript is acceptable during the application process, while official transcripts must be submitted upon admission. A certificate of graduation or expected graduation is also required.
• English Language Test Scores: Applicants must submit an official English proficiency test score (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test) obtained within two years of the application deadline. The university does not specify minimum score requirements on its website, so applicants should contact their intended faculty or department for programme-specific requirements. This requirement is waived for native English speakers and for applicants whose previous education was conducted entirely in English. In such cases, applicants must provide official documentation from their institution confirming that English was the language of instruction.
• Letters of Recommendation: Recommendation letters should be written in English, using any format, and sealed by a faculty adviser or another individual who can objectively evaluate the applicant’s academic ability and achievements. Most programmes require two recommendation letters, while some require three.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): As a research-intensive institution, the University of Aizu places significant emphasis on applicants’ academic and research backgrounds. A strong CV highlighting research experience, publications, awards, projects, and other achievements can strengthen an application. Applicants who are expected to graduate from the University of Aizu by the end of March or September are generally exempt from this requirement.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Statement of Purpose requirements vary by department. Applicants should consult their department’s website for specific instructions regarding length, content, and formatting.
• Research Plan or Study Plan: Applicants must prepare this document using the prescribed format available on the university’s website.
• Writing Samples: This requirement is optional for some programmes but mandatory for others. Applicants should review the admission requirements of their intended department for details.
Please note that some departments may require additional documents beyond those listed above. Applicants are therefore advised to review the admission requirements of their chosen programme carefully.
Click the link below for more information.
https://u-aizu.ac.jp/en/
