University of Tokyo publishes first application guidelines for College of Design

The University of Tokyo published application guidelines on September 14, 2026, for the first intake of UTokyo College of Design, a new program scheduled to start in September 2027. The college's website said applications would be accepted from October 15 to November 5, 2026. A total of 100 students are to be admitted.

Places are split evenly between two admission routes. Route A uses Japan's Common Test for University Admissions, while Route B relies on standardized tests and qualifications designated by the university, such as the International Baccalaureate and international A-levels. The education news site ReseMom reported that there is no nationality condition, that applicants must choose one route, and that both routes require scores from designated English proficiency tests, with an exemption for some Route B applicants educated in English. It described the program as a five-year course combining bachelor's and master's study. All courses are taught in English, and students take long-term internships in Japan or overseas.

The college's admissions overview, last updated on July 10, 2026, said Route A applicants must sit designated Common Test subjects in January 2027. That page, which predates the application guidelines, noted that the project was under review by Japan's education ministry for approval and could change. The university describes the college as bringing together academic knowledge from different fields through design approaches to address complex social issues, and says it will admit students from Japan and other countries.