Tokyo University of the Arts

BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)

Undergraduate entrance examination for privately financed international students is assessed by a combination of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and the university's individual examination (practical examination / short essay / academic ability test). Most Fine Arts department disciplines do not have a separate interview, selecting through practical examination + short essay; the Department of Intermedia Art requires advance submission of a 'personal portfolio folder'. A portfolio is not a university-wide requirement and varies by discipline.

No English proficiency proof required (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo not set); Japanese proficiency is shown by EJU Japanese or JLPT, and the National Center Test is not taken.

Admission fee 338,400 JPY; annual tuition 642,960 JPY (standard for entrants from academic year 2019 onwards, applicable for 2026); government-funded international students are exempt from admission and tuition fees, and privately financed international students pay the same amount.

25 January 2027 (Mon) – 3 February 2027 (Wed) (first-term application period, 2027 entrance examination)

Varies by discipline: most Fine Arts department disciplines do not have a separate interview (selected by practical examination + short essay); see each department's guidelines for details.

MFA (Master's programme) / MA

Most research areas require a portfolio: Japanese Painting, Oil Painting, Printmaking, Mural Painting, Oil Painting Techniques and Materials, Sculpture, Crafts, Design, Architecture, Intermedia Art all require submission; Global Art Practice (GAP) requires portfolio + short essay (1,600 words). Usually one A4 document volume (around 10 works of images, etc.); some must be posted or uploaded data.

No English proficiency proof required (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo not set); the graduate entrance examination does not require EJU, but Japanese proficiency at a level sufficient for Japanese-medium instruction is needed.

Admission fee 338,400 JPY; annual tuition 642,960 JPY (standard for Master's programme entrants from academic year 2020 onwards, applicable for 2026); government-funded international students are exempt.

Round 1 (Architecture / Cultural Properties Conservation / GAP etc.): online application 24 July 2026 – 31 July 2026, materials due by 4 August 2026; Round 2 (Painting / Sculpture / Crafts / Design / Intermedia / Art Studies etc.): online application 13 November 2026 – 20 November 2026, materials due by 24 November 2026

Yes (selection includes interview / oral examination)

From 2027 entrants, a new 'Tuition Fee Exemption Scheme for Privately Financed International Students' is introduced: assessed comprehensively by entrance examination results / academic performance etc., the top half of successful privately financed international students may receive full or half tuition fee exemption (excluding government-funded / foreign government-sponsored students). MEXT government-funded scholarships are also available. Source: https://admissions.geidai.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/NewTuitionWaiverProgram_Announcement.pdf ; https://www.geidai.ac.jp/life/entrance_fee/waiver_defferal_tuition

No specific clauses found on the website regarding use of generative AI in portfolios; however, the 'Handling of Misconduct in Entrance Examinations' document requires submitted materials to be the applicant's own work, and using generative AI to fabricate materials presented as one's own results may affect evaluation. Source: https://admissions.geidai.ac.jp/category/%E5%85%A5%E8%A9%A6%E5%85%A8%E8%88%AC/ (also, the university holds a 'Create with AI' student work call, encouraging AI as a creative partner, but this is an on-campus activity, not an entrance examination policy)