KOMSTEP incoming students FAQs

Eligibility and Status of Exchange Student

Q1. I would like to participate in the KOMSTEP program during my second year of undergraduate studies. Am I eligible?

A1. No. All KOMSTEP undergraduate students will be registered in the Senior Division (3^rd and 4^th year undergraduate) of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students must have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate studies in order to participate in this program. 　However, it is acceptable for students to submit their application while they are still in their second year as long as they will be advancing to their 3^rd year at their home university by the time of their arrival at UTokyo. 

Q2. What is the difference between Special Auditors and Special Research Students?

A2. Special Auditors are eligible to register for courses and earn credits. Special Research Students focus mainly on research under the guidance of a faculty member and credits will not be awarded for coursework. In addition, Special Research students are not eligible to buy commuter passes at student discount price from their dormitory to Komaba campus.

Application materials

Q3. Can I choose courses outside of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences other faculties for “13. Desired Program of Courses” in the application form for Special Auditors for graduate students?

A3. While it is possible to register for courses from other faculties, we advise students to choose at least 2 courses from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. When the semester begins, it is acceptable for students to choose different courses when they actually complete their course registration. The “signature or seal” column should be left blank.

Q4. What should I write for my study plan? Is there a template?

A4. There is no template. The study plan should be a personal statement telling us why you have chosen UTokyo as your study abroad destination. You should describe your academic goals and study objectives during your stay at UTokyo, and how your experience at UTokyo will contribute to your education and studies. You may also mention some of the courses you are planning on taking during your exchange.

Visa Application

Q5. How long does it take for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to be issued? Is it possible to request the authorities to expedite the screening process?

A5. The Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau usually accepts COE applications from three months prior to the planned date of entry into Japan, and it is expected to take at least 8 weeks for the screening process. UTokyo does not have any control over the amount of time required for screening.

Courses/Course Registration

Q6. Am I eligible to register for courses offered by other graduate schools/faculties? Am I allowed to take any of the courses offered by the Graduate School/College of Arts and Sciences?

A6. KOMSTEP undergraduate students are eligible to take courses offered in the Senior Division (3^rd and 4^th year undergraduate.) They may also choose courses from other faculties as long as the course is indicated as “Other faculty: Yes” in the syllabus of courses. KOMSTEP undergraduate students are NOT permitted to register for courses offered in the Junior Division (1^st and 2^nd year undergraduate) or graduate level courses.

KOMSTEP graduate students (Special Auditors) may register for courses offered by other graduate schools as long as the course is indicated as “Other faculty: Yes” in the syllabus of courses. They may NOT register for undergraduate level courses. 

Q7. Can KOMSTEP graduate students register for Japanese language courses with credits?

A7. No. Only KOMSTEP undergraduate students are eligible to register for Japanese language courses with credits offered in the Komaba Campus. Graduate students may register for non-credit Japanese language courses.

Q8. When do I register for courses?

A8. At UTokyo, you do not have to register for courses until after the semester has begun. Students attend the first class of the courses they are interested in taking and make their decisions on what courses to register for. They then fill out a registration form during the course registration period. There is also a review correction period of course registration.