Regarding the Media Reports on Tuition Increase

In recent days, there has been various media coverage regarding our university’s tuition fees, with some reports incorrectly stating that a decision has already been made. I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the current state of our deliberations.

The University of Tokyo has been striving to improve our educational and research environment, based on the principles outlined in the UTokyo Compass. This includes our commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as the advanced use of information technology. At the same time, we must address various challenges such as aging infrastructure, rising prices, utility costs, and personnel costs, despite our limited financial resources, which include management expense grants from the government and tuition revenue. Over the course of the past three years, we have taken various measures to ensure stable funding for maintaining and improving the educational environment for students. In this context, we are also reviewing the tuition fees, which have remained unchanged for 20 years since the university’s incorporation. This includes providing support to students facing financial difficulties by expanding tuition exemptions and scholarships should there be an actual increase in tuition fees.

We will listen to opinions from inside and outside the university, including the dialogue with students scheduled for this month, to carefully assess what actions should be taken now for the future of the university. During such dialogues, we will share our ideas. Once we finalize our decisions as UTokyo, we will communicate them promptly.

June 10, 2024
Teruo FUJII, President
The University of Tokyo