[2027 (Reiwa 9) Latest] A Thorough Guide to Bachelor's Admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters (Department of Humanities) | Complete Coverage of Eligibility, Foreign Languages, Specialized Subjects, Essays, Oral Examinations, and Schedules
To you who are thinking, "I want to study again at the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Letters." In this article, based on the official application guidelines for admission in the 2027 academic year (Reiwa 9), we have organized everything you need to know as a beginner, including how to enter the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Letters, application eligibility, examination subjects (foreign language/specialized subjects/essay), oral examinations, schedules, and even the "number of applicants, examinees, and successful candidates actually published by the university."
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First, let me clarify the most important premise. Admission to the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Letters is not a so-called "third-year transfer," but rather "bachelor's admission (= an admission system for those who have already graduated from university or hold a bachelor's degree)." In principle, "university graduation (expected)" or "bachelor's degree (expected)" is required for application. The key point is that both the target audience and the form of the examination are different from the type of transfer where you enter the third year from a junior college or technical college. In this article, I will convey the reality of the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters "bachelor's admission" based solely on official information.
[30-Second Summary | 2027 Academic Year (Reiwa 9)]
System: Bachelor's Admission (not a third-year transfer). University graduation (expected) or bachelor's degree (expected) is the application eligibility
Target: Each specialized course in the Faculty of Letters (Philosophy, Ethics, Aesthetics and Art History, various Language and Literature courses, etc.). The total number of students to be admitted across all specialized courses is 10
Selection: Comprehensive judgment based on written examination (1. Foreign Language, 2. Specialized Subjects, 3. Essay) + Oral Examination (2nd stage) + Academic record from the previous school
Foreign Language: Select from languages specified for each specialized course. In many courses, two languages are required (some courses also require English)
Essay: Common questions for all specialized courses
Application Period: October 13 (Tue) - October 19 (Mon), 2026 (postmark valid, by mail only)
1st Stage (Written): January 23, 2027 (Sat) / 2nd Stage (Oral): February 5, 2027 (Fri)
Final Announcement (Admission Offer): February 19, 2027 (Fri) at 10:00 AM
Application Fee: 30,000 yen (Bank transfer only / ATM/Internet banking not accepted)
The required period of study after enrollment is 2 years (i.e., graduating in 2 years)
Reiwa 8 Implementation Status: 40 applicants, 28 examinees, 9 successful candidates (Officially announced)
Author of this article | Online Transfer Academy
This article is supervised and written by Online Transfer Academy, a preparatory school specializing in university transfer examinations. Recruitment numbers, examination subjects, point allocations, schedules, and competition ratios are based on confirming the application guidelines and entrance examination results published by each university, and are also based on knowledge accumulated through transfer guidance, such as testimonials from successful candidates. Items not published by the university are not supplemented by speculation and are clearly marked as Not disclosed.
What kind of examination is the Bachelor's Admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters?
In short, the Bachelor's Admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters is an examination where you must pass written tests in foreign languages, specialized subjects, and an essay for each desired specialization, and then pass an oral examination (interview-style test) to win admission.
It differs significantly from the "third-year transfer admission" (a system for entering as a third-year student from a junior college, technical college, or second-year university) conducted by many universities in the following points:
Different target audience: Since the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters is Bachelor's Admission, application requires a university degree (or expected graduation). The premise is different from transfer routes such as "directly from the second year of junior college" or "while enrolled as a second-year university student."
Different name for the entry method: The system is called "Bachelor's Admission." However, the required period of study after enrollment is set at 2 years, so in practice, it is a form of "graduating in 2 years." It is like someone who already has a bachelor's degree pursuing another field of study at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters.
The examination format is full-scale: In addition to three written tests—foreign language, specialized subjects, and an essay—there is an oral examination (second stage). Furthermore, academic records from your previous school are also used as selection materials.
"Bachelor's Admission" = An admission system for those who have graduated from university or hold a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's admission is a system for working adults who have already graduated from university to re-learn, or for those who want to professionally re-study humanities at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters after graduating from a different university or faculty. Conversely, if you approach this with the image of a so-called transfer student, such as "graduating from a technical college and entering as a 3rd year" or "having 62 credits while in your 2nd year of university," you will find a mismatch at the eligibility stage. The first step is to confirm whether you are a graduate (or prospective graduate) or hold (or are a prospective holder of) a bachelor's degree.
1. Structure of Departments and Specialized Courses (Decide on your desired "specialized course" first)
The first thing to do for bachelor's admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters is to decide "which specialized course you will apply for". This is because the foreign languages and specialized subjects you will be tested on are determined for each specialized course. Unless you decide on your preference, the content of your preparation will not be set.
In the application guidelines for Reiwa 9 (FY2027), the specialized courses recruiting and written examination subjects are as follows (the number of students to be admitted is a total of 10 for the specialized courses in the table below).
Specialized courses in Philosophy, Religion, and Arts
Philosophy: Foreign languages: 2 languages from English, German, or French 2 languages / Specialized subject: Philosophy
Chinese Philosophy and Culture: Foreign languages English and Chinese (both required) / Specialized subject: Chinese Philosophy and Culture (Chinese Philosophy)
Indian Philosophy and Buddhist Studies: Foreign languages English is required + 1 language from German, French, or Chinese / Specialized subject: Indian Philosophy and Buddhist Studies
Ethics: Foreign languages: 2 languages from English, German, or French 2 languages / Specialized subject: Ethics
Religious Studies and History of Religion: Foreign languages: 2 languages from English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, or Korean 2 languages / Specialized subject: Religious Studies and History of Religion
Aesthetics and Art Studies: Foreign languages: 2 languages from English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, or Korean 2 languages / Specialized subject: Aesthetics and Art Studies
Islamic Studies: Foreign Language English is required + one language from German, French, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, or Korean / Specialized Subject: Islamic Studies
Language, Literature, and Art History Programs
Art History: Foreign Language: 2 languages from English, German, French, Italian, Chinese, or Spanish / Specialized Subject: Art History
Chinese Language and Literature: Foreign Language English and Chinese (both required) / Specialized Subject: Chinese Linguistics and Chinese Literature
Indian Language and Literature: Foreign Language English is required + one language from German or French / Specialized Subject: Indian Linguistics and Indian Literature
German Language and Literature: Foreign Language German is required + one language from English, French, Russian, Italian, or Spanish / Specialized Subject: German Linguistics and German Literature
French Language and Literature: Foreign Language French is required + one language from English, German, Russian, Italian, or Spanish / Specialized Subject: French Linguistics and French Literature
Slavic Language and Literature: Foreign Language Russian is required + one language from English, German, French, Italian, or Spanish / Specialized Subject: Russian Linguistics and Russian Literature
Italian Language and Literature: Foreign Language Italian is required + one language from English, German, French, Russian, or Spanish / Specialized Subject: Italian Linguistics and Italian Literature
Modern Literary Studies: Foreign languages: 2 languages from English, German, French, Russian, Italian, or Spanish 2 languages / Specialized subject: Modern Literary Studies
Classical Studies: Foreign languages: English is mandatory + 1 language from German, French, Russian, Italian, or Spanish / Specialized subject: Classical Studies
The essay is a common subject for all specialized courses (= regardless of which specialized course you apply for, you will take the same essay exam).
First, determine your target school (= specialized course) based on the 'foreign language requirements'
As you can see from the table above, the 'required foreign languages' vary significantly depending on the specialized course. For example, Philosophy and Ethics require '2 languages from English, German, or French,' German Language and Literature requires 'German mandatory + one other language,' and Chinese Language and Literature requires 'both English and Chinese.' In other words, which languages you can compete in will be the primary factor in choosing your desired specialized course. While interest in the field of study is naturally the top priority, it is important to calmly assess at an early stage whether you can bring this language up to an examination level.
② Recruitment Numbers and Schedule (Reiwa 9 / Official)
Bachelor's admission is conducted on an annual cycle. The schedule for the 2027 academic year (Reiwa 9) is officially announced in the application guidelines as follows.
Recruitment numbers: Total of 10 students (combined across all the above specialized courses)
Distribution of application guidelines: July 21, 2026 (Tue) - October 19, 2026 (Mon) (via mail request or at the Hongo Campus office)
Application period: October 13, 2026 (Tue) - October 19, 2026 (Mon) (postmark valid, by mail only / registered mail)
Mailing of examination admission tickets: Late November 2026 mailed to the applicant
First Stage Examination (Written): January 23, 2027 (Sat)
First Stage Results Announcement: February 4, 2027 (Thu) Noon (Posted on the Faculty of Letters bulletin board and Faculty of Letters website)
Second Stage Examination (Oral): February 5, 2027 (Fri) (For those who passed the first stage only)
Final Results Announcement (Provisional Admission Offer): February 19, 2027 (Fri) 10:00 AM (Posted on the Faculty of Letters bulletin board and Faculty of Letters website)
Mailing of Admission Procedure Documents: Around early March 2027
Examination Fee: 30,000 yen (Bank transfer only)
A two-stage process: 'Written in January → Oral in February.' Get the schedule in mind first.
Bachelor's admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters is a two-stage process where the first stage (written) and second stage (oral) are on different days. Applications are quite early, in mid-October (10/13–10/19), the written exam is on January 23 after the new year, the oral exam is on February 5, and the final announcement is on February 19. Since it is a long process of 'apply in autumn → written exam after the new year → oral exam in February,' you need to work backward with the plan to finish foreign language, specialized subjects, and essays by autumn, and dedicate the time after the new year to oral exam preparation and final adjustments (see the schedule example in ⑧ for details).
Be sure to request the "official version of the application guidelines available at the counter or by mail"
You can check the overview on the website, but you must obtain the official application guidelines, including the application forms, by mail or at the counter during the distribution period. If requesting by mail, write "Request for Bachelor's Admission Application Guidelines" in red ink on the front of the envelope, and send it to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters Administration Office, Student Support Team (Undergraduate Section), enclosing a return envelope (Kaku-gata No. 2 size) with 180 yen in postage stamps affixed. Since applications must be made using the prescribed forms in this official version, requesting it early is safer.
③ The "Correct Way to View" Competition Ratios and Difficulty
Moving on to the topic of difficulty. Here, I will share one helpful point regarding bachelor's admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters.
The University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters publishes the implementation status (number of applicants, number of examinees, and number of successful candidates) of the bachelor's admission examination in the application guidelines. While many universities do not publish the results of bachelor's admission and transfer examinations, being able to discuss the scale using official figures is valuable.
The implementation status of the 2026 (Reiwa 8) bachelor's admission examination, which was listed as a reference in the Reiwa 9 application guidelines, is as follows.
Number of applicants: 40
Number of examinees: 28
Number of successful candidates: 9
I will break down what can be read from this official data for beginners.
9 successful candidates. Against the recruitment quota (10 people in total across all specialized courses), the number of successful candidates is almost close to the limit.
40 applicants → 28 examinees. Although they applied, a certain number of people did not actually take the exam (= the number of people who come to the venue on the day is much smaller than the number of applicants).
If you calculate the competition ratio mechanically, it is about 4.4 times using "number of applicants ÷ number of successful candidates", and looking only at those who actually took the exam, it is about 3.1 times using "number of examinees ÷ number of successful candidates".
The numbers change depending on the 'denominator' of the competition ratio
The competition ratio changes depending on whether the denominator is the 'number of applicants' or the 'number of examinees.' In this article, I have presented the three figures released by the official source: 40 applicants, 28 examinees, and 9 successful candidates as they are. What is important is not the fine-tuned ratio, but grasping the 'scale of competition where just under 30 actual examinees compete for around 9 to 10 spots each year'. Note that these figures are the combined total for all specialized courses, and the breakdown by specialized course is not disclosed (= it is not public how many people applied to or were accepted into which course).
And, essential to considering the difficulty is the fact that 'the point allocation is not disclosed'. The university does not publish specific scores regarding the point allocation for foreign languages, specialized subjects, and essays, nor the weighting of the oral examination and academic records from previous schools.
Note: The breakdown of points for foreign languages, specialized subjects, and essays, as well as the weighting of the oral examination and academic records, are not officially indicated (they are undisclosed). The only thing that is certain is the framework of a 'comprehensive judgment based on written exams (foreign language, specialized subjects, essay) + oral examination + academic records from previous schools.' Specific point allocations or 'borderline' numbers seen on the internet lack official backing, so they are not handled in this article.
④ Eligibility (Who can take the exam? / Can working professionals or graduates of other universities take it?)
Eligibility for the 2027 academic year is for those who meet any of the following.
Those who have graduated from a university, and those expected to graduate by March 31, 2027 (Reiwa 9)
Those who have been awarded a bachelor's degree (pursuant to the provisions of Article 104, Paragraph 7 of the School Education Act), and those expected to be awarded one by March 31, 2027
To break down the key points—
Graduates of other universities or other faculties (those who want to restart their study of humanities at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters) are eligible.
Working professionals who have already graduated from a university and wish to relearn are also eligible if they have graduated or hold a bachelor's degree.
Those who are currently in their fourth year of university, etc., and are expected to graduate by March 2027 can also apply.
On the other hand, 'transferring directly from a junior college or technical college' or 'while enrolled in the second year of university'—so-called third-year transfer routes—are not eligible (because bachelor's degree admission assumes 'graduation/bachelor's degree').
There are several practical points to confirm before applying.
Those who have graduated from a foreign university or wish to enroll while still employed must 'contact us in advance'
The application guidelines require the following people to contact the Faculty of Letters in advance before the application procedure.
Those who have graduated from a university abroad: To confirm your application eligibility, you must contact the Faculty of Letters Student Support Team (Undergraduate Section) by Friday, September 18, 2026 and follow their instructions.
Those who wish to enroll while remaining employed at government offices, companies, organizations, etc.: You must contact them by Friday, September 18, 2026. Furthermore, at the time of enrollment procedures, you will be required to submit a letter of consent from the head of your workplace stating that you will be allowed to focus on your studies during your enrollment period.
In either case, if you "realize it just before applying," you will not make it in time, so the golden rule is that those who fall into these categories must take action by mid-September.
Foreign applicants: "Two foreign languages (one of which must be Japanese)"
Foreign applicants must take exams in two foreign languages (one of which must be Japanese), excluding their native language. However, foreigners who have graduated from a Japanese high school will be examined under the same conditions as Japanese citizens. Additionally, foreign nationals must possess a status of residence that does not hinder university enrollment by the time of the enrollment procedures.
⑤ Examination Subjects and Selection Method (This is the most important part)
Selection is conducted by comprehensively evaluating written examinations (1. Foreign Language, 2. Specialized Subject, 3. Essay) + Oral Examination (Second Stage) + Academic Records from the previous school. We will look at these in order.
(1) Foreign Language (The "required languages" are determined for each specialization)
For foreign languages, you must select in advance from the languages specified by the specialization you are applying to and take the exam. As shown in Table 1, the conditions vary by specialization, such as "two languages from English, German, and French," "English required + one other language," or "that specific language (German/French/Russian/Italian, etc.) required + one other language."
Here, we will highlight the point where beginners are most likely to make mistakes.
Taking an exam in a foreign language other than the one you registered will result in "invalidation."
You must select and enter the foreign language you will take in the "Foreign Language for Examination" section of your application form and examination admission ticket in advance. Furthermore, if you take an exam in a language other than the one you registered in advance on the day, it will be invalidated. In other words, you cannot "change to a language you are good at on the spot." You must finalize which language you will take at the application stage. Please note that for specializations where two foreign languages are required, both languages are subject to this rule.
(2) Specialized Subject (The academic field of the desired specialization)
For the specialized subject, questions from the academic field of your desired specialization will be asked (see the "Specialized Subject" column in Table 1). Whether it is Philosophy, Aesthetics and Art History, or French Language and Literature, you will be tested on specialized knowledge in that field, as well as reading comprehension and writing skills. We will explain how to obtain past exam questions in detail in section ⑥.
(3) Essay (Common question for all specializations)
The essay is a common question for all specializations. While the specialized subject measures the "depth of that field," the essay is positioned to broadly assess the reading comprehension, logical structure, and writing skills required as a foundation for engaging in the humanities. Apart from your specialization, training in logically constructing your thoughts in writing is necessary.
(4) Oral Examination (Second Stage | Only for those who passed the first stage written exam)
There is an oral examination as the second stage of the examination.This is conducted only for those who pass the first stage of the examination (written).The schedule for FY2027 is February 5, 2027 (Friday), and details such as the location will be announced at the time of the first stage examination results announcement.Although the specific format, time, and questions for the oral examination are not public, it is natural to prepare by considering it as a place to meet with faculty members of the desired specialization and be asked about your academic interests and basic understanding.
(5) Academic transcripts from your previous school
The selection materials also include academic transcripts from your previous school.This corresponds to the transcript (described later) submitted at the time of application, meaning that your cumulative academic record will also be part of the evaluation.
Not just "written" or "oral"—comprehensive judgment
Pass/fail is determined by comprehensively evaluating foreign language, specialized subjects, essay (written) + oral examination + academic transcripts from your previous school.It is not a matter of excelling in just one area; you need to comprehensively balance your foreign language ability, understanding of your specialty, logical writing, responses in the oral examination, and your past grades.Note that the point allocation and weighting of each element are not public (undisclosed).
⑥ Points for subject-specific preparation (concrete measures that lead directly to passing)
[Core of preparation] First, "determine your desired specialization" → then proceed with "foreign language, specialty, and essay" in parallel
Preparation for bachelor's admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters begins with deciding on your desired specialization.As seen in (1), the required foreign languages and specialized subjects differ for each specialization, so you cannot determine your study materials or past exam questions until you have decided on your preference. Narrow it down to one at an early stage, considering both the "field you want to study" and the "foreign language you can compete with."
Foreign Language (Raise your level to one where you can "read for the exam")
Many specializations require two foreign languages (e.g., two from English, German, and French). Even if you are good at one language, how well you can master the second language is a point that often determines pass/fail.
For courses with mandatory languages (such as German Language and German Literature, which requires German; French Language and French Literature, which requires French; or Chinese Language and Chinese Literature, which requires both English and Chinese), you must raise your proficiency in that language to a level where you can read specialized texts.
The basis of preparation is training to accurately read and interpret specialized texts in your desired field (such as original works or parts of research papers) while using a dictionary. For bachelor's admission in the humanities, there is a tendency to ask for reading comprehension, Japanese translation, and understanding of the content of specialized texts rather than just language proficiency test skills.
Foreign language: "Determine the exam language at the time of application" = Early decision is essential
As mentioned above, taking the exam in a language other than the one you registered will result in invalidation. That is why the correct approach is to decide early which language you will take the exam in and focus your efforts there. Once you decide to go with "English + German," make a plan to master those two languages to the point where you can read specialized texts before the application deadline in the autumn.
Specialized Subjects ("Foundation of your desired field + your own problem awareness")
Specialized subjects are the academic discipline of your desired specialization itself. The goal is to reach a state where you can explain in your own words a systematic understanding at the undergraduate level (basic concepts, major issues, and the flow of representative arguments).
Since each specialization in the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters is research-oriented, the ability to write logically about 'why you think that way' rather than 'memorization' is effective. Because the same foundation is tested in the oral examination, you should approach it with the mindset that preparation for specialized subjects is effective for both written and oral exams.
Essay (Common Subject | Logical Structure Training)
Since the essay is common to all specializations, you need training in 'logically constructing and writing thoughts on a given text or theme' separately from your specialization.
By mastering basic structures—such as placing the conclusion first, building up evidence, and addressing counterarguments—and practicing writing structured essays within the time limit, you will achieve stability.
Past Exams (Available at the 'Faculty of Letters Copy Center')
Past exam questions for the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters bachelor's admission are handled by the Faculty of Letters Copy Center (Nihon Kogyosha) (located in the basement of Law and Letters Building 2, The University of Tokyo / Provider: Nihon Kogyosha Co., Ltd.). Since they are not released online in bulk, make sure to check how to obtain them early.
The trick is to use past exams not as a 'final test of skill' but as a 'first map'. By checking the format and level of the specialized subjects and foreign languages for your desired specialization at an early stage, your outlook on which materials to study and how far to go will become much clearer.
Utilize Bachelor's Admission Information Sessions and Information on Each Specialization
At the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters, opportunities for information regarding bachelor's admission are sometimes provided (through explanations of each specialization, you can see how to study in that field and the qualities required). By checking information on sessions and guidance hosted by your desired specialization on the Faculty of Letters website as needed, you can increase the resolution of your preparation.
⑦ Differentiate Yourself in the Oral Examination and Statement of Purpose
The University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters bachelor's admission includes an oral examination (second stage). It is natural to consider this a place where 'why you want to study in this specialization at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters' and 'what kind of problem awareness you have in that field', which cannot be measured by writing alone, are questioned.
Articulate 'why you are studying again': Since you are choosing the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters again as someone who already holds a bachelor's degree, make sure you can explain in your own words a consistent story of 'current situation → questions you want to deepen from now on → the reason why this can only be done in this specialization at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters'.
Be able to explain the basics of your specialty "orally": Preparation for specialized subjects is a foundation that can be tested not only in writing but also orally. Practicing how to explain key concepts and themes of interest logically in spoken language will help stabilize your responses on the day of the exam.
Connection to your previous studies: Your academic records from your previous institution will also be used as selection material. Organizing the connection between what you have studied so far and what you want to study in the future will increase the persuasiveness of your application.
💡 The oral examination is a place to see "parts that cannot be measured by writing." Depth of interest in the specialty and ability to explain logically cannot be acquired overnight. That is why it is recommended to develop the habit of explaining "why it is so" out loud from an early stage, rather than ending your study of specialized subjects with "rote memorization."
⑧ Example schedule until passing (working backward from the January written exam and February oral exam)
Applications are in mid-October, the written exam is in January of the following year, and the oral exam is in February. Working backward from here, the standard model looks like this.
~Spring (as soon as you decide to take the exam): Finalize your desired specialization and decide on the foreign languages you will take (two languages for many courses). Choose basic books for specialized subjects and foreign language materials, and start basic input. Check how to obtain past exam questions at the Faculty of Letters Copy Center to understand the goal.
Summer (June–August): Raise your foreign language skills to a level where you can read specialized texts. For specialized subjects, reach the point where you can explain major points in your own words. Solidify the basic structure of your essay during this period as well. Those who graduated from foreign universities or wish to enroll while still employed must contact us in advance by September 18 (if applicable).
Autumn (September–October): Request the official version of the application guidelines, and apply (10/13–10/19, by mail only, via registered mail) using the prescribed forms. Specify the foreign language for the exam on the application form to finalize it.
November–December: Begin full-scale practice with past exam questions. Repeat exercises in foreign language reading comprehension and translation, writing for specialized subjects, and drafting essays. Examination admission tickets will arrive in late November.
January: First-stage examination (written) = Saturday, January 23, 2027. Focus on comprehensive review and time management as expected on the actual day.
February: First-stage results announcement (2/4 at noon) → Second-stage examination (oral) = Friday, 2/5. For the oral exam, finalize your motivation for applying and your "oral explanation" of your specialty. Final announcement (provisional admission offer) = Friday, 2/19 at 10:00 AM.
💡 Bachelor's admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters requires a steady, cumulative type of preparation: "mastering foreign languages (preferably two) to a professional level" and "being able to explain specialized subjects even in an oral format." Since the application period is early, in mid-October, the shortest route is to decide on your desired specialization and exam language as soon as you commit to taking the exam, and work backward from there.
⑨ Practical Guide to Application (Required Documents and Procedures)
From here on, we will cover the specific procedures for when you actually apply. The following is based on the application guidelines for the 2027 (Reiwa 9) academic year, but since details may change from year to year, be sure to check the official application guidelines.
Application Method and Period (2027 Academic Year)
Application Period: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Monday, October 19, 2026 (postmark valid)
Submission Method: By mail only (registered mail). In-person delivery or other methods will not be accepted
Envelope: Place all application documents in a Kaku-2 size envelope. On the bottom of the front side, write the name of the desired specialization, your name, and your address horizontally, and to the left of the recipient's address, write in red, "Bachelor's Admission Application Enclosed."
Recipient Address: Student Support Team (Undergraduate Section), Faculty of Letters, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033
Required Documents
Application for Admission (Prescribed Form): Be sure to enter the name of the specialization you wish to apply for.
Bachelor's Admission Examination Admission Ticket (Prescribed Form): Select and enter your foreign language for the examination in advance.
Academic Transcript: Submit transcripts for all junior colleges, universities, and graduate schools you have attended (or are currently attending) since graduating from high school.
Certificate of Graduation or Certificate of Expected Graduation: Not required if the date of graduation (or expected graduation) is stated on the academic transcript.
Envelope for Mailing the Examination Ticket (Return Envelope): Use a Nagagata-3 envelope, write your own address and name, and write "Examination Ticket Enclosed" in red on the left. Affix 460 yen in stamps for simplified registered mail (postal rates are subject to change).
Examination Fee 30,000 yen: Bank transfer only (see notes below).
Note that payment of the examination fee via 'Japan Post Bank, ATM, or Internet is not accepted'
The examination fee of 30,000 yen isrestricted to bank transfer only, and furthermore,Japan Post Bank and post offices are not accepted,and you must not use ATMs or the Internet, etc.. You must fill in the required information on theprescribed transfer request formand make the transfer at thecounterof your nearest financial institution. You must attach theExamination Fee Transfer Receipt Certificate (Form C)received at the time of transfer to the designated section of the bachelor's admission examination ticket and submit it. If you think 'my usual online transfer will be fine,' you will fail to meet the requirements, so please proceed exactly as stated in the guidelines.
Certificates must be 'originals (paper)' / Additional documents for those who have changed their name
You must submitoriginals (paper media) of certificatessuch as transcripts. Also,if the name on the application form differs from that on the certificates due to a name change, you must also submita certificate issued by a public institution (such as an abstract of family register) that can verify the name change. After the application procedure is completed, under no circumstances willchanges to the content be permitted, nor will documents be returned. Please perform a final check carefully before submission.
⑩ Announcement of Successful Applicants, Enrollment Procedures, and Tuition Fees
First-stage announcement of successful applicants: February 4, 2027 (Thursday) at noon (posted on the Faculty of Letters bulletin board and the Faculty of Letters website; posted until 5:00 PM on February 12 (Friday))
Final announcement (provisional admission offer): February 19, 2027 (Friday) at 10:00 AM (posted on the Faculty of Letters bulletin board and the Faculty of Letters website)
Enrollment procedure documents: Mailed to the applicant around early March 2027
Admission fee: 282,000 yen (estimated amount)
Tuition fee: 642,960 yen per year (321,480 yen for the first semester) (estimated amount)
Duration of Study: 2 years (= graduation in 2 years)
*Admission and tuition fees are estimated amounts; if student fees are revised at the time of enrollment or during enrollment, the new amounts will apply from the time of revision. Please be sure to check the latest information during the enrollment procedure.
Policy of not responding to inquiries about pass/fail results
The application guidelines state that no inquiries regarding pass/fail results will be answered under any circumstances. It is also clearly stated that depending on the examination results, admission may not be granted even if the number of applicants does not reach the recruitment quota. On the day of the announcement, please remain calm and check the bulletin board or website of the Faculty of Letters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is this a "third-year transfer"?
A. No. Admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters is Bachelor's Admission. Application requires university graduation (or expected graduation) or a bachelor's degree (or expected degree), and the system is different from a third-year transfer from a junior college, technical college, or during the second year of university. However, the duration of study after enrollment is set at 2 years, so in practice, you will graduate in 2 years.
Q. Who can apply? Can working professionals apply?
A. Those who have graduated from a university (including those expected to graduate by the end of March 2027), or those who hold a bachelor's degree (including those expected to be awarded one by the same date) are eligible. Graduates of other universities or departments, as well as working professionals who have already graduated from university and wish to study again, are also eligible. Those who wish to enroll while remaining employed must provide prior notification by September 18 and submit a letter of consent from their employer.
Q. What are the examination subjects?
A. Written examination (1. Foreign Language, 2. Specialized Subject, 3. Essay) + Oral examination (second stage), in addition to academic records from the previous school, which are used as selection materials. The foreign language and specialized subjects are specified for each desired specialization, and the essay is a common subject for all specializations.
Q. Which foreign language should I take?
A. Choose from the languages specified by the desired specialization. Requirements vary by course, such as "two languages from multiple options" for Philosophy, Ethics, or Aesthetics and Art History; "German required + one other language" for German Language and Literature; or "both English and Chinese required" for Chinese Language and Literature. The examination language must be declared and finalized at the time of application, and if you take a language other than the one declared on the day of the exam, it will be invalid.
Q. Is there an interview (oral examination)?
A. Yes, there is. For those who pass the first stage (written exam), an oral examination will be held as the second stage (February 5, 2027, for the 2027 academic year). Be prepared to explain your interest in your chosen field and your basic understanding of it verbally.
Q. What are the competition ratio and the number of successful applicants?
A. The implementation status for the 2026 academic year, which is listed for reference in the 2027 application guidelines, is 40 applicants, 28 examinees, and 9 successful applicants. The total admission quota for all specialized courses is 10 students. The breakdown by specialized course is not disclosed (undisclosed).
Q. Is the point allocation for each subject disclosed?
A. It is not disclosed (undisclosed). The point breakdown for foreign languages, specialized subjects, and essays, as well as the weighting of the oral examination and academic records, are not officially indicated. The only certainty is the framework of a "comprehensive evaluation based on written exam + oral exam + academic records."
Q. Where can I get past exam papers?
A. Past papers for the bachelor's admission exam are handled by the Faculty of Letters Copy Center (Nihon Kogyosha / University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters, Law and Literature Building 2, Basement). Since they are not released in bulk online, make sure to check how to obtain them early.
Q. When and how do I apply?
A. October 13 (Tue) – October 19 (Mon), 2026 (postmark deadline), you must apply by mail (registered express mail) only. Place all documents in a Kaku-2 envelope, write the name of your desired specialized course, your name, and your address on the front, and clearly write "Bachelor's Admission Application Enclosed" in red ink. Please obtain the official version of the application guidelines (including application forms) by mail or at the counter during the distribution period.
Q. How much is the application fee? How do I pay it?
A. 30,000 yen, and it must be paid by bank transfer only (Japan Post Bank, ATM, and internet banking are not accepted). Pay at a financial institution counter using the prescribed transfer request form, and attach the receipt certificate (Form C) to your examination admission ticket. There are no refunds after application.
Q. How much is the tuition?
A. Based on the projected amounts for the 2027 academic year, the admission fee is 282,000 yen and the annual tuition is 642,960 yen (321,480 yen for the first semester). Since these are projected amounts, they are subject to revision. Please confirm the latest amounts during the enrollment procedure.
Q. I graduated from a university abroad. Can I apply immediately?
A. You must confirm your eligibility before the application process begins. Please contact the Faculty of Letters Student Support Team (Undergraduate Section) by Friday, September 18, 2026 and follow their instructions.
Summary | Bachelor's Admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters (Department of Humanities) is Decided by "Selection of Specialization" and "Foreign Language"
Bachelor's admission to the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters is a full-scale entrance examination that requires university graduation (or expected graduation) or a bachelor's degree (or expected degree) for eligibility, and selects candidates based on written exams (foreign language, specialized subjects, essay) + oral examination + academic records from the previous institution. The total admission quota for all specializations is 10 students. In the 2026 academic year, there were 40 applicants, 28 examinees, and 9 successful candidates. The key to success is clear.
First, determine your desired specialization—Since the required foreign languages and specialized subjects differ by specialization, this is the starting point for all preparation.
Master foreign languages to a professional level—Most specializations require two languages. Note that the languages for the exam must be finalized at the time of application, and languages other than those declared will not be valid.
Study specialized subjects to a depth where you can explain them orally—Build a foundation that works for both written and oral exams.
Learn the structure of logical composition for the essay (common subject)—Train for this separately from your specialization.
Applications are in mid-October and by mail only—Request the official application guidelines (including application forms) early, and follow the requirements for paying the application fee (Post Office/ATM/Internet payments are not accepted) exactly as stated.
Furthermore, the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters has a foundation where “implementation status is officially published,” making it easy to grasp the scale. If you already hold a bachelor's degree and are challenging the forefront of the humanities as a “re-learning” opportunity, this is an exam that is well within reach if you build your preparation in the correct order. Please note that details regarding schedules, formats, and required documents must be confirmed in the official application guidelines provided.
If you want to confirm if your background meets the eligibility requirements, need help deciding which specialization or foreign language to choose, or want guidance on preparing for the essay or oral exam, please use the free consultation service at Online Transfer Academy. We will work with you to design a path tailored to your situation leading up to the actual exams in January and February. We do not intend to pressure you. Please feel free to share your current situation and questions with us first.
About the author of this article
Online Transfer Academy(University Transfer Information Bureau)
This article was supervised and written by Online Transfer Academy, a preparatory school specializing in university transfer examinations.
University transfer and bachelor's admission vary by university in terms of the programs offered, examination subjects, and eligibility requirements, and they also change from year to year. For this reason, the number of students to be admitted, examination subjects, schedules, and implementation status included in this article are always confirmed against the application guidelines and entrance examination results published by each university, and are written based on knowledge accumulated through transfer and bachelor's admission guidance, including testimonials from successful applicants. Items not published by the university are not supplemented by speculation but are explicitly stated as "Not Disclosed" as they are.
▶ Online Transfer Academy Official Website
*Note: The systems, schedules, subjects, costs, and implementation status in this article are based on the University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters "2027 (Reiwa 9) Academic Year University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters Bachelor's Admission Student Application Guidelines." Please be sure to check the latest official application guidelines before applying.*
*Source: University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters "2027 (Reiwa 9) Academic Year University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters Bachelor's Admission Student Application Guidelines", 2027 (Reiwa 9) Academic Year University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters Bachelor's Admission Student Application Guidelines (PDF), Bachelor's Admission Application Guidelines (University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters / Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology), For Those Wishing to Apply for Bachelor's Admission (University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters), Past Entrance Examination Questions (University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters), University of Tokyo Faculty of Letters / Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology*
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