Universities can expect to face significant structural changes in the 21st century. Today, the movement of people and their interactions are growing rapidly, and increasingly transcend national boundaries in a world of more than 180 countries. Against the backdrop of this rapid globalization, it is desirable that universities should function as a forum to exchange and enhance diverse forms of knowledge.

The University of Tokyo, the oldest among Japanese universities, is known for its long history dating back to 1877, but it is also acknowledged for its keen promotion of international scientific exchange activities. Based on exchange agreements concluded with more than 200 universities worldwide, in fiscal 2004 approximately 9,000 researchers were engaged in scientific research or educational exchange programs between The University of Tokyo and various other universities around the world. Since the incorporation of the University of Tokyo in April 2004, we plan to further expand and strengthen our international exchange activities.

Another important role within The University of Tokyo,s international scientific exchange activities is accepting large numbers of students from countries throughout the world and providing them with diverse and rewarding opportunities to study and learn with Japanese students. As of November 2005 The University of Tokyo had 2,194 registered international students, corresponding to about 7.6% of the total number of students enrolled. With the aim of creating a university open to the world, The University of Tokyo is striving to improve the environment and conditions for students from overseas so that they may enjoy a meaningful campus life at The University of Tokyo.

The University of Tokyo consists of ten faculties, fifteen graduate schools, eleven affiliated research institutions and various other large and small research and educational facilities. It has approximately 7,600 teaching and administrative staff on three campuses at Hongo, Komaba and Kashiwa engaged in diverse cutting-edge research and educational activities in all fields of knowledge and supporting the position of the University of Tokyo as the leading academic institution in Japan.

This booklet is designed to provide foreign students who wish to study and learn at The University of Tokyo with information on university enrolment procedures, how to acquire a visa to stay in Japan, available scholarship systems and accommodation facilities. For more information on any of these topics, please contact the Student Exchange Division of the Research Management and International Affairs Department of the University of Tokyo.

I sincerely look forward to sharing opportunities with you to study and learn on one of The University of Tokyo campuses.