University of Tsukuba, Malaysia

[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] 

1. Strongly interested in and motivated to study global issues and their resolutions in Malaysia and South-East Asia
2. Clearly enthusiastic about using interesting knowledge from the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences to solve complex global issues
3. Keenly determined in judging information applicability based on objective data and materials, and who can logically communicate their ideas  
4. Genuinely interested in the Japanese language and culture, and who can respect different values and ways of thinking

[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 

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.

1. Have completed a 12-year curriculum of formal education in their country of residence, or who are expected to complete it, by the end of the month prior to the month of enrolment. 

2. Have completed a curriculum of formal education less than 12 years and have subsequently completed or are expected to complete a preparatory education course designated by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) by the end of the month prior to enrolment.

3. Hold or who are expected to hold an International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, Abitur (Germany), Baccalauréat (France), or GCE A Level / International A Level (United Kingdom) by the end of the month prior to enrolment. 

4. Have completed or are expected to complete a 12-year curriculum at a school accredited by any of the following international accrediting groups by the end of the month prior to enrolment

• WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
• CIS (Council of International Schools) 
• ASCI (Association of Christian Schools International)
• NEASC (New English Association of Schools and Colleges)
• COGNIA (Cognia), or
• COBIS (Council of British International Schools)

5. Applicants whose qualifications are not listed in categories 1 to 4 in Point 1, but who are deemed to have eligibility equivalent to at least one of the four criteria after individual eligibility screening.                                            

Note1: Please contact the Academic Service Office at utmy-kyomu@un.tsukuba.ac.jpbefore you proceed with the application process if you are uncertain about your eligibility and/or would like to request individual eligibility screening

Note 2: It is possible that categories 1 to 4 in Point 1 may not be applicable to all applicants from certain international schools. If this is the case, please contact the Academic Service Office at utmy-kyomu@un.tsukuba.ac.jp before you proceed with the application process to confirm eligibility.

2.Entry Requirements

To apply for the School Recommendation Scheme, applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry requirements.

1. Entry requirements (either of the following qualifications)

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. 

Note 3 : Applicants may apply using predicted results and a certificate of expected graduation, authorised by their school principal or an equivalent authority. If admitted, they must submit their final academic results and official graduation certificate by 31 August 2026. Failure to submit these documents, or if the final results do not meet the entry requirements, will result in the withdrawal of the admission offer.                                                                                                                                                                                          

2. English-language proficiency (any ONE of the following qualifications)  

Note 1: IELTS, TOEFL or PTE test results must have been taken within the past two years at the time of application. MUET results are valid for five years from their release date. 

Note2: Applicants with other English qualifications equivalent to Year 12 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. English qualifications equivalent to Year 11, such as SPM and IGCSE, as well as qualifications valid only within a specific country or region, such as EIKEN, will not be accepted. 

Note 3: Applicants may waive the English language requirements if they have completed or are expected to complete at least five years of secondary education or higher at an institution where the medium of instruction is entirely in English. Please submit official documentation from the institution confirming that the instruction is conducted fully in English. 

3. Japanese language proficiency

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:

1. Have completed or who are expected to complete a secondary school course with a 12-year curriculum of formal education in ASEAN countries; an institution with a pre-university course in ASEAN countries, or an institution with a preparatory education course designated by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), where applicants have studied upon completing secondary education in ASEAN countries and where the institution can recommend that they meet one of the following criteria and confirm: 
◆ Excellent academic performance (within the top 10% at the institution) 
◆Outstanding achievements (e.g. Won medals at International Science Olympiads; received important awards in fields of study related to this programme; were national representatives in sports or arts; were active participants in international/regional activities or community service and volunteer work.)     

Note: For non-ASEAN nationals, eligibility shall be limited to those who have completed at least five years of secondary education in ASEAN countries prior to graduation.

2. Can understand some of the Japanese used in daily situations and have the basic knowledge to take classes in Japanese (equivalent to JLPT N3 level). 

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 Schedule
 

Payment Period: Tuesday,13 January 2026~ 5:00 PM, Tuesday, 10 February 2026 

A non-refundable application fee must be paid by either of the following methods. 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: Please include the applicant’s full name in the remarks/comments section of the transaction. 

Note 2: For applicants with Category 5 eligibility, please DO NOT pay the application  fee until eligibility is confirmed. 

Bank Transfer (Applicants with a bank account in Malaysia must pay via bank transfer) 

• Beneficiary Name: UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA MALAYSIA
• Name of Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Malaysia Berhad
• Bank Address : Suite 22-03 Level 22 Integra Tower The Intermark 348 Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
• Account No.: 10127301
• Swift Code: SMBCMYKLXXX

Other payment options for international applicants

If you’re paying from outside Malaysia, we recommend using services PayPal or WISE to ensure the exact amount is received without any shortfall or excess.  

・PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/B5M8KJF8MDJ5J 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　・WISE: https://wise.com. 

Online Application Opens: Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Online Application Closes: 5:00 PM, Tuesday, 10 February 2026 

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. 

1.Results Announcement

Day & Time of Announcement: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, 10 March 2026

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, 31 March 2026

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 Fall semester and Spring semester are as follows. The payment for the Fall semester is due in mid-September, while the payment for the Spring semester is due at the end of February. Further details will be given to successful applicants. 

The University will disclose admission information to applicants upon request from Tuesday, 1 September 2026 to Friday, 30 October 2026. For further details, please contact the Academic Service Office at utmy-kyomu@un.tsukuba.ac.jp.

1. Incorrect entries and incomplete applications may result in the voiding of your application.
2. Any falsification, fabrication, or factual discrepancy found in the information provided in the application documents after enrolment to the University may lead to revocation of enrolment.
3. If you require any special consideration for your studies due to disabilities or other issues, please contact us before submitting your application.
4. Application documents and application fees are non-refundable.
5. If you fail to meet the eligibility requirements by 31 August 2026, your admission will be revoked. .
6. All submitted applications are final and applicants are unable to make any changes to the information provided.
7. The University of Tsukuba is unable to assist applicants in finding accommodation for the interview.
8. Concurrent enrolment at another university whilst undertaking this programme is not permitted.