Tokyo Institute of Technology: Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP)

Tokyo Institute of Technology, also widely referred to as Tokyo Tech, is a national university focused mainly in technology and the sciences. The institute has several campuses throughout Tokyo, with the main campus located in Ookayama. Like the name suggests, the institution focuses mainly on the study of technology and the sciences (STEM), offering degrees ranging from computer science to earth and planetary sciences. There are approximately 10000 people studying in Tokyo Tech, with about 1200 being international students. Founded in 1873, Tokyo Tech is one of Japan’s oldest, most prestigious, and most selective universities. Well-known for its research on various STEM fields, the institution is famous for producing successful and reputable alumni, including two Nobel laureates. The university is also known for the advanced supercomputer, Tsubame, which was developed and is now operating there. An education gained in Tokyo Tech will surely be valuable and helpful in pursuing a STEM career.

       From 2016, Tokyo Tech has been running the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP), a program designed for prospective international students who are interested in studying an English-based STEM education in Japan. Since all classes will be taught in English, proficiency in the Japanese language is not a requirement. Under the university’s Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, the program’s curriculum covers many different subjects from both science and engineering fields with the addition of liberal arts courses to enrich the student’s skill of approaching global environmental problems with multiple perspectives and with an integrated manner, a skill much needed in the industry today. For that purpose, students are initially not assigned a particular focus of study and are exposed to many different ones through the core courses. However, students are able to deepen their knowledge in their field of interest by choosing corresponding courses in the department. The program starts in around April, like most of Japanese universities, and has a quarter semester system. By the end of the program, the degree earned will be titled Bachelor of Engineering.

        The application period to enter the GSEP has two screening procedures. The first screening involves the checking of required documents such as transcripts and English proficiency test scores. Applicants who do not come from a native English-speaking country must take an English proficiency test. The minimum score required is a 78 on the TOEFL IBT, or a 6.0 on the IELTS. The second screening will include an interview and written examinations. A full, four-year scholarship by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to the program is offered to outstanding applicants. The scholarship covers application, admission, and also tuition. Every admission, a maximum of ten privately-funded students will be accepted alongside those who received the MEXT scholarship.

       Students accepted into the program will be assigned to one of Tokyo Tech’s dormitories. Also, students may be assigned a tutor to help them in becoming used to life in Japan. Though learning is conducted in English, students are able to take Japanese language courses to become fluent in the language. Like other Japanese universities, Tokyo Tech has a school festival, Tokyo Tech Festival, which is held on an annual basis. Students are also able to take part in extracurricular activities such as clubs and student organizations that enrich their college life.

Featured Image is Tokyo Institute of Technology Library.
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