In a historic move aimed at redefining higher education in Japan and bolstering global competitiveness, the University of Tokyo has announced the establishment of a groundbreaking new undergraduate department, the UTokyo College of Design, set to open in September 2027. This marks the first creation of a new undergraduate department at Japan’s most prestigious university in nearly seven decades.
The new department will feature a five-year integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree program, and in a significant departure from traditional Japanese academic models, all courses will be taught exclusively in English. The program will also follow a fall enrollment calendar, aligning with academic schedules commonly used in Europe and North America.
A Global Gateway Amid Rising Barriers
As top-tier U.S. universities report record-low acceptance rates, the University of Tokyo is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive alternative for international applicants. The College of Design will admit 100 students per year, with half of the seats reserved for international students. This deliberate internationalization strategy is designed to attract a globally diverse cohort and enhance the university’s global footprint.
“We will create a new place of learning where students can realize their respective visions by fully utilizing the potential of the University of Tokyo,” said University President Teruo Fujii during a press conference held on April 4.
Focused on Future Challenges
The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary and highly adaptable to students’ individual interests. Topics will include pressing global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and digitalization, with an emphasis on creative, cross-disciplinary approaches to problem-solving.
The college will be led by Professor Miles Pennington, a foreign academic currently affiliated with the university, who is slated to serve as the inaugural dean. The faculty will consist of top-tier researchers and educators from both Japan and abroad, fostering a collaborative academic environment at the intersection of design, science, and social innovation.
New Model of Campus Life
In a move to encourage cultural exchange and community building, all first-year students will be required to live in university housing. The dormitory setup is intended to promote daily intercultural interaction, building a strong sense of camaraderie and understanding among students of diverse backgrounds.
Admissions to Emphasize Holistic Review
The University of Tokyo is also revamping its admissions strategy for the new department. Traditional written entrance exams will be replaced by a holistic review based on application documents and interviews. The final details of the admissions process are expected to be released by July 2025.
150th Anniversary and Strategic Shift
The launch of the UTokyo College of Design will coincide with the 150th anniversary of the University of Tokyo. The new department symbolizes a broader strategic pivot toward internationalization, innovation, and flexibility in education — areas in which Japanese universities have traditionally lagged behind their Western counterparts.
This initiative represents a significant milestone not only for the University of Tokyo but also for Japan’s higher education system. With a curriculum tailored to global issues and an admissions model designed to attract international talent, the UTokyo College of Design may emerge as a leading choice for students worldwide seeking a rigorous, globally engaged academic experience in Asia.
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