University of Tsukuba

Program Details

Program Location Tsukuba Science City, Japan
Sponsor Purdue
Program Type Exchange
Course # SA 20210
Duration Spring Semester or
2 Semesters
Upcoming Program Dates
Spring 2025 04/07/25 to 08/08/25
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

University of Tsukuba

Tsukuba Science City

The University of Tsukuba has approximately 4000 faculty and staff, and an enrollment of about 10,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students. Since its establishment in 1973, the university has been particularly interested in the international academic community with a special focus on the frequent exchange of professors, researchers, and students.

Tsukuba Science City is a research and education complex within Tsukuba city. It was developed with the goal of establishing a top-notch science complex, away from the overpopulated Tokyo area, in a place that is conducive to research and collaboration projects among various educational and research institutes. Currently, there are 48 national research and educational institutes and more than 200 private research and development institutes comprising Tsukuba Science City.

Tsukuba Science City is only a 60-minute bus ride from central Tokyo, yet the area surrounding the Science City is essentially rural with many of the residents maintaining the traditional Japanese lifestyles and culture. Thus, the urban part and the rural areas co-exist, making the University of Tsukuba an ideal place to study the contrast of Japanese tradition and modern science and technology.

For more program information, please visit the program website.

Eligibility

University of Tsukuba

Tsukuba Plaza

Applications are open to all majors who have attained a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, have completed JPNS 102, and have reached at least junior standing by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: 2 Sem Japanese


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Engineering] [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Health and Human Sciences]
Specifically from: ME, NE (ENGR), HK, PSY, SLHS (HHS)

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

Students may participate in this program for a year or the spring semester. At the University of Tsukuba, the academic year starts in April and ends in March of the following year. The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester is from April to July, the second starts in October until February of the following year.

NOTE: Purdue students generally begin with the second semester and end with the first.

The University of Tsukuba Junior Year Abroad program offers a wide variety of courses in international studies, social sciences, culture, natural sciences, information sciences, and engineering. The courses are attended by Japanese and non-Japanese students and are taught in English.


Excursions

The university provides field trips to various areas in Japan multiple times a year for international students. These trips offer visiting students an opportunity to understand Japanese history and culture.

Housing

While attending the University of Tsukuba, students will be housed in one of three campus residence halls.


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Spring 2025

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue
You will pay Purdue Tuition Check Tuition
Program Fee $0.00
Purdue International Insurance (per month) $32.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Program Specific Insurance $150.00
Round-trip Airfare $1,500.00
Housing $2,000.00
Local Transportation $300.00
Books and Supplies $300.00
Meals $2,000.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $3,000.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Academic Year Feb 1
Spring Semester Sep 15



Returnees Information

University of Tsukuba

Riding the bullet train is an adventure!

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.