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.

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.

Students may participate in this program for a year or the spring semester. At the University of Tsukuba, the academic year starts on April 1 and ends in March 31 of the following year. The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester is from April 1 to July 31, 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. For example, seven special courses aim to develop cross-national perspective and improve visiting students' understanding of Japan. The courses are attended by Japanese and non-Japanese students and are taught in English. Courses are divided into three categories: lecture, seminar, and lab-based. Lectures and seminars are 75 minutes per week, while lab-based courses meet twice a week for a total of 150 minutes contact time.

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

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: Fall 2021

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

• direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus; 
• consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process;
• complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

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.

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline.  To insure 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.

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.

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

• Program Website
• Search Google(tm)*
• Department of State Consular Information
  (You must find Japan in list)
• CDC Travel Information (You must find Japan in list)