University of Tokyo IB Requirements: Routes for 2027 Entry

The University of Tokyo (UTokyo, also known in Japan as “Todai”) is one of Japan’s best-known universities, and many families with children in the IB Diploma Programme ask the same question: can an IB student get in, and how? The answer is yes, but there is no single “IB entrance exam”, and the routes changed recently. The English-taught PEAK programme recruited its last students for September 2026, and UTokyo has published application guidelines for a new English-taught UTokyo College of Design, starting in September 2027, with applications opening on 15 October 2026.

This guide is based only on UTokyo’s official admissions pages and application guidelines, all checked on 24 September 2026. Requirements can change from year to year, so please always read the latest official guidelines before applying.

What this guide covers

• The four undergraduate routes an IB Diploma holder might consider for 2027 entry
• The new UTokyo College of Design and how the IB is used in Route B
• The Special Selection for Foreign School Graduates (Type 2)
• Fees, scholarships and practical tips

The big change: PEAK no longer recruits new students

PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba) was UTokyo’s best-known English-taught undergraduate programme. UTokyo announced that the September 2026 intake was the last PEAK recruitment, so there is no PEAK application for 2027 entry (UTokyo PEAK: The Last Student Recruitment). For its final intake, PEAK expected 38 or more out of 42 points across six IB subjects, plus at least 2 points from TOK and the Extended Essay.

For students who want to study in English from 2027, UTokyo has published the application guidelines for the UTokyo College of Design.

Route 1: UTokyo College of Design (English-taught, from September 2027)

According to the official 2027 application guidelines, the College of Design is a five-year integrated bachelor’s and master’s programme taught entirely in English, with entry on 1 September 2027 (College of Design: Application Guidelines 2027, Route B). The admissions overview notes that the programme is still under review for approval by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT), so details may change (College of Design: Admissions overview 2027).

How the IB is used

There are two routes, and you cannot apply to both in the same year:

• Route A uses Japan’s University Admission Common Test (January 2027), with around 80 percent as the expected level
• Route B uses one designated international test or qualification. The IB Diploma is one of them

For Route B, the expected IB level is 38 out of 42 points across six subjects, plus at least 2 points from TOK and the EE combined. UTokyo explains that expected scores are not strict cut-offs, and applications are assessed as a whole. If your IB exams take place after the application period, you may apply with official predicted grades; an offer will then be conditional, and final results must be submitted by 16 August 2027.

An English test score is required, for example TOEFL iBT above 80 (above 4 on the new score scale for tests taken from 21 January 2026) or IELTS Academic above 6.0. Route B applicants who were educated in English for at least three of the four years before graduating from high school, in a programme where non-language subjects were all taught in English, may be exempt.

Places and timeline

There are 100 places in total: 50 for Route A and 50 for Route B. For Route B, the schedule in Japan time is:

• Application: 15 October (9:00) to 5 November 2026 (17:00)
• Video task submission: 13 to 16 November 2026
• Stage 1 result: 22 December 2026
• Online interview in English (about 30 minutes): one day between 13 and 22 January 2027
• Final result: 20 February 2027

Fees and scholarships

The guidelines list an admission fee of ¥282,000 and annual tuition of ¥642,960 (amounts as of 2026, subject to change). First-year students must live in designated housing; the guidelines list an initial cost of ¥70,930 and ¥82,300 per month, while the College’s student life page gives about ¥88,000 per month including utilities and internet, so check the latest figure. Two types of grant scholarship are available: a need-based scholarship of ¥2.4 million per year plus the admission fee, for up to five years, and a merit scholarship of ¥600,000 per year for up to five years; continuation after the first year involves review (College of Design: Scholarships). The university’s Japanese page says up to about 20 percent of each intake may receive support.

Route 2: Special Selection for Foreign School Graduates (Type 2)

This route (外国学校卒業学生特別選考 第2種) is for Japanese nationals and permanent residents of Japan who completed their schooling abroad. The IB qualification is listed as one of the basic qualifications, and applicants submit the IB Diploma and the results of the six final exam subjects (UTokyo: Special Selection for Foreign School Graduates 2027).

• Other key conditions: the basic qualification must first be obtained between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2027; a TOEFL iBT or IELTS score from within two years before the application period; and a period of study at an overseas school: either at least two years including the final year, or at least five years within the six consecutive years up to the final year. Time spent abroad on exchange while enrolled at a Japanese high school does not count
• Places: a small number in each stream (Humanities and Social Sciences / Natural Sciences)
• Selection: Stage 1 is a document review. Stage 2 includes an essay, academic tests (using part of the questions from the general entrance exam, first stage) and an interview
• Timeline: application period 9 to 13 November 2026 (documents must arrive by 17:00 on 13 November); Stage 2 on 25–26 February 2027 with interviews on 4 March; results scheduled for 10 March 2027

UTokyo’s Q&A explains that if IB results come out after the application period, you may still apply if you expect to obtain the qualification by the deadline, following the required steps (UTokyo: Q&A for the Special Selection).

Route 3: School Recommendation

UTokyo’s School Recommendation selection (学校推薦型選抜) is for students at Japanese high schools. UTokyo’s Q&A states that graduates of foreign high schools are not eligible. For eligible applicants, some faculties allow IB results to be submitted as supporting evidence, but having the IB alone does not make a student eligible (UTokyo: School Recommendation Q&A).

Route 4: General Selection

The General Selection is not an IB-specific route. According to the 2027 admissions outline, applicants must meet one of the listed qualifications and take the required subjects of the 2027 University Admission Common Test. The outline does not mention any exemption from the Common Test for IB Diploma holders (UTokyo: 2027 admissions outline). Whether a particular IB school background satisfies the basic eligibility should be confirmed with the UTokyo admissions office.

Practical tips for IB families

• Check eligibility early. Each route has different nationality, schooling and test requirements. The College of Design asked applicants with unusual backgrounds to contact the admissions office by 25 September 2026
• Plan subject choices. For the College of Design, the expected IB level is high (38/42 plus 2 core points), so strong results across all six subjects matter
• Prepare an English test. The College of Design and the Special Selection require an English score, although some Route B applicants educated in English may be exempt
• Look at scholarships at the same time. For the College of Design, the need-based scholarship requires a separate application during the admissions application period, while merit scholarships are selected by the university from admissions results without a separate application

Frequently asked questions

Can I still apply to PEAK?

No. UTokyo announced that September 2026 was the last PEAK intake; students already enrolled continue in PEAK until they graduate. The College of Design is a separate programme with its own selection.

What IB score does UTokyo expect?

For the College of Design (Route B), the expected level is 38 out of 42 across six subjects plus at least 2 points from TOK and the EE. UTokyo describes this as an expectation, not a guarantee or a strict cut-off. The Special Selection does not state a minimum IB total in the information we checked.

Can I apply with predicted grades?

Yes, for the College of Design (Route B). An offer is then conditional on final results, which are due by 16 August 2027.

Key takeaways

• PEAK no longer recruits new students (current students continue to graduation); the new English-taught UTokyo College of Design plans to start in September 2027 with 100 places
• College of Design Route B accepts the IB Diploma, with an expected 38/42 plus 2 core points; applications run from 15 October to 5 November 2026
• The Special Selection (Type 2) accepts the IB as a basic qualification for Japanese nationals and permanent residents with overseas schooling
• School Recommendation is not open to foreign high school graduates, and General Selection requires the Common Test

UTokyo is within reach for IB students, but the right route depends on your nationality, schooling history and preferred language of study. Read each official guideline carefully with your child, and contact the admissions office early if anything is unclear.

Sources and references

• UTokyo PEAK: The Last Student Recruitment for PEAK
• UTokyo PEAK: Application Guidelines for 2026 Enrollment
• UTokyo College of Design: Admissions overview 2027
• UTokyo College of Design: Application Guidelines 2027, Route B
• UTokyo College of Design: Application Guidelines 2027, Route A
• UTokyo College of Design: Scholarships
• UTokyo: Special Selection for Foreign School Graduates 2027
• UTokyo: Special Selection application guidelines 2027 (PDF)
• UTokyo: Special Selection Q&A
• UTokyo: School Recommendation Q&A
• UTokyo: 2027 admissions outline

This article is based on information checked on 24 September 2026. Admissions requirements, schedules and fees can change, so please confirm the latest details on UTokyo’s official website.