Nowadays, it is increasingly difficult for many people to finance their studies. Tuition fees are increasing, and in many countries student support is under attack. We believe young people represent the great hope of the future, and we aim to help the most excellent students pursue their studies without needing to worry about fees.
As noted on the Scholarships page, we have a range of scholarship options available, with approximate 40% of current students receiving scholarships.
We also have a generous fees-waiver scheme, where academically excellent students from less affluent backgrounds can receive a fees reduction of 33%, 50% or 100%, depending on their academic record and personal / family financial circumstances.
At Tsukuba, we believe that excellent, hard working students deserve greater levels of support, and the most able should be able to graduate with minimal debt.
Here, we present 3 example budgets where the student receives varying levels of support (both from parents, and from the university / government, based on academic performance) and part time employment. All figures are reported in US dollars for ease of comparison.
| Application fee | $150 |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | $0 |
| Dormitory | $850 |
| Key money (1st year) | $250 |
| Food and personal expenses | $2,500 |
| Books and supplies | $180 |
| Transportation and telephone | $1,200 |
| Total | $5,130 |
In this example, the student does not receive a scholarship in any year of their degree program, they pay full fees, and they have no part time job. This represents a worst case scenario.
| Tuition fee | $4,500 |
|---|---|
| Dormitory | $5,000 |
| Key money (2nd year only) | $850 |
| Food and personal expenses | $4,000 |
| Books and supplies | $450 |
| Transportation and telephone | $1,000 |
| Total | $15,800 /$14,950 |
In the second through fourth year, the student decides to move into private accommodation. They do not receive a scholarship or fees waiver.
The per year cost is $850 less in 3rd and 4th year, since key money is only charged upon signing an apartment lease.
| First | $5,130 |
|---|---|
| Second | $15,800 |
| Third | $14,950 |
| Fourth | $14,950 |
| Total | $50,830 |
Given these costs, absent any scholarships, part-time jobs or other income, the total cost is as shown below.
| Application fee | $150 |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | $0 |
| Dormitory | $850 |
| Key money (1st year) | $250 |
| Food and personal expenses | $2,500 |
| Books and supplies | $180 |
| Transportation and telephone | $1,200 |
| Sub-total | $5,130 |
| Scholarship | $3,500 |
| Total | $1,630 |
In this example, the student receives a Tsukuba Scholarship in first year, and a JASSO scholarships in the third year of their degree program. They pay full fees, and in years 2, 3 and 4 have a part time job averaging 10 hours a week, paying 1000 yen per hour. They visit home only once, in 3rd year.
| Tuition fee | $4,500 |
|---|---|
| Dormitory | $1,400 |
| Food and personal expenses | $4,000 |
| Books and supplies | $450 |
| Transportation and telephone | $1,000 |
| Sub-total | $11,350 |
| Scholarship (3rd yr) | $4,800 |
| Part time job | $4,300 |
| Trip home | $2,000 |
In the second through fourth year, the student continues in student accommodation. They receive a JASSO scholarship in third year only, and no fees waiver.
In third year, the transportation costs are $2000, to take into account a flight home.
| First | $1,630 |
|---|---|
| Second | $7,050 |
| Third | $2,250 |
| Fourth | $7,050 |
| Total | $17,980 |
Given these costs, plus scholarships and part time work, the total cost is as shown below.
| Application fee | $200 |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | $0 |
| Dormitory | $1,200 |
| Key money (1st year) | $350 |
| Food and personal expenses | $3,200 |
| Books and supplies | $250 |
| Transportation and telephone | $1,300 |
| Subtotal | $6,500 |
| Scholarship | $5,200 |
| Total | $1,300 |
In this example, the student has an excellent academic record, and receives a first year Tsukuba Scholarship in first year, and also received the Tsukuba scholarship in all subsequent years. Each year, they receive a 50% tuition fees waiver based on the strength of their academic record. They work 6 hours per week, earning 1000 yen / hour, in years 2, 3 and 4. They visit home once, in 3rd year. This is a best-case scenario.
| Tuition fee | $3,000 |
|---|---|
| Dormitory | $2,000 |
| Food and personal expenses | $5,200 |
| Books and supplies | $500 |
| Transportation and telephone | $1,000 |
| Subtotal | $11,700 |
| Scholarship | $7,200 |
| Part-time job | $3,120 |
| Total | $1,380 |
In the second through fourth year, the student remains in university accommodation.
Tuition fees are $0 for year 2, and the transportation and telephone fee will be $2,000 in 3rd year, to reflect a trip home.
| First | $1,300 |
|---|---|
| Second | $1,380 |
| Third | $2,380 |
| Fourth | $1,280 |
| Total | $6,240 |
Given these costs, along with scholarships and part-time work, the total cost is as shown below.