Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Japanese / English

Location

OICE is located on the first floor (Room No. 105A) of the Faculty of Agriculture Building No. 3 (opposite the main gate of the Yayoi Campus)

Office hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
If staff are unavailable, please return later or email us.

Contact Details

Telephone: 03-5841-8122, Extension: 28122
Fax: 03-5841-8168
E-mail: oice.a@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Staff

Advisory Members

Enrollment Confirmation Schedule (2025-2026)

NOTE : Make sure you confirm your enrollment by the FIRST deadline each month.
If you are planning to go home or abroad, consult the OICE beforehand. Scholarships will not be available to those outside Japan, in principle.

Date:April 1st, 2nd

Place: Yayoi Auditorium, Ichijo Hall

• Please wear a mask if possible.
• Do not come if you are not feeling well. You can complete the admission procedure at the Student Service Center, Agriculture Bldg #3, 1st floor, at a later date.

  Department	Date/Time
  Animal Resource Sciences	April 1, 10am-10:30am
  Veterinary Medical Sciences	April 1, 10:30am-10:45am
  Biomaterial Sciences	April 1, 10:45-11:15am
  Agricultural and Environmental Biology	April 1, 11:15am-noon
  Biological and Environmental Engineering	April 1, 1pm-1:30pm
  Ecosystem Studies	April 1, 1:30pm-2pm
  Global Agricultural Sciences	April 2, 10am-10:45am
  Agricultural and Resource Economics	April 2, 10:45am-11am
  Forest Science	April 2, 11am-11:30am
  Aquatic Bioscience	April 2, 1pm-2pm
  Applied Biological Chemistry Biotechnology	April 2, 2pm-3:30pm

Japanese / English

Procedures when graduating/completing/withdrawing from UTokyo

International Students should complete the following procedures before graduating or completing master’s, doctoral, short-term courses, or withdrawing from UTokyo:

1. Procedures at the university:

   (1) Returning student ID and SECOM cards:
   Both cards will be collected at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences Graduation Ceremony, held by each of the 12 departments.
   Schedule of Diploma Presentation Ceremony (for graduate students)
   Ceremony for each department will take place at different locations after the general graduation ceremony. Please confirm the details with the Department Support Team.

   (2) PhD Dissertation Deadline:
   All the necessary documents should be submitted to the Graduate Student Section no later than the due date.

   (3) Exit Survey of Post-Graduation Plans:
   Please answer the survey by logging on to UTAS, “Enquete” (Questionnaire) →“ Answer Career Choice Survey”
   In case of unexpected errors on UTAS, please contact the Graduate School Section

   (4) CO-OP Membership Card (CO-OP members only):
   Return the University of Tokyo CO-OP membership card to the CO-OP office. Your deposits for CO-OP shares will be fully returned upon your request.

   (5) The University of Tokyo Fellowship Students:
   The University of Tokyo Fellowship students need to submit the “Research Report” (in prescribed format) to the International Student Section.

   (6) The University Guarantor System:
   If the University of Tokyo has acted as your guarantor, you must submit the notice of termination (online form) to the International Support Group to terminate the contract.
   Notice of Termination (online form)
   *The University of Tokyo cannot act as a guarantor for those who have graduated or withdrawn from the University and are no longer students of the University. If this is the case, please find an alternative guarantor.

   (7) ECCS (Educational Campuswide Computing System):
   Regarding university email accounts (ECCS), refer to the web site of Utelecon.

2. Immigration Procedures:

   (1) Submit a report on the affiliated institution to the Immigration Office within 14 days after you graduate/withdraw from the university, either online, in person, or by postal mail.

   ◎To submit online: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Online Submission System

   ◎To submit in person or by postal mail:

   • Graduating/Completing/Withdrawing from The University of Tokyo: Fill out and submit Form 1-2(Accepting organization: left the organization). Enclose a copy of the residence card along with the form when submitting by postal mail.
   
   
   • Transferring to another institution: Fill out and submit Form 1-6(Accepting organization:left・transfer). Enclose a copy of the residence card along with the form when submitting by postal mail.
   
   
   • For further information:
     Immigration Services Agency of Japan
     UTokyo Visa Information

   (2) Change of resident status (visa):
   If you wish to continue staying in Japan for job-hunting or research/work after graduation/completion/withdrawal, you need to apply for change of residence status from “college student”, based on the activity/work in Japan.
   Refer to UTokyo website for further details.

3. Termination of lease/rental agreement:

   (1) Private Accommodation (Apartments and Shared Residences): Make sure you give advance notice to terminate the contract with the landlord or real estate agent. You should also contact electricity/gas/water/internet companies to settle utility bills and pay other service fees.

   (2) Tokyo International Exchange Center: Obtain a seal on the “Notice of Leaving” from the International Student Section, and submit it to the management office of the Tokyo International Exchange Center at least one month prior to the planned date of leaving.

   (3) The University of Tokyo International Student Dormitory (International Lodge Komaba/ Shirokanedai/ Kashiwa Lodge, Mitaka/ Toshima/ Oiwake International Hall of Residence): Inform the respective dormitories (registration office) regarding your move-out date.

4. Procedures at the municipal or ward office:
   • Return National Health Insurance Card.
   • Inform about your leaving/change of address.
   • Claim the Lump Sum Withdrawal Refund if you have joined the National Pension Plan.
   • If you are associated with any of the activities conducted by the municipal or ward office (language/ culture exchange etc), please make sure to terminate your participation.
5. Cancellation of mobile phone:

   Inquire with your mobile phone company regarding cancellation procedures.

6. Closing a bank account:

   Inquire with your bank or credit card company regarding cancellation procedures.

7. Procedures at the Post Office:

   Complete the necessary procedures for address change so that postal mail will not be sent to your current address after you leave.
   When moving out of Japan/returning home: Inform the post office nearest to your residence. It is advisable to take your passport with you to the post office to confirm your identity.
   When relocating to another place in Japan: Submit the move-out notification at the post office or online.
   For further details, check the following links:
   Submission at the post office
   Online submission(in Japanese only)

8. Thank-you note to the scholarship awarding organization:

   It is a good idea for those of you receiving scholarships from private organizations to write a personal thank you letter.

9. Disposing goods/furniture before leaving Japan:

   To dispose of large items, furniture, or home electric appliances, please check your city or town's website.

10. Return of Residence Card:

    Return your Residence Card to the Immigration Officer at the airport or the port you are departing from.

Japanese / English

Cycling is a convenient and efficient way to get around Tokyo. Many people ride bicycles on a daily basis. But in case you are thinking of getting a bike, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Accidents involving bicycles are on the rise and we have strict rules and regulations regarding bicycles.

Registration

All bicycles must be registered. This is to prevent bicycle theft. If you are caught riding an unregistered bike, you will have a hard time explaining yourself. So register your bike as soon as you get it. Even if you are taking over a used bike from your friend, you need to re-register under your own name. Registration is a proof that you have not stolen the bicycle. You can register your bike at any bike shop for a small fee.

Lights

Make sure the front light of your bicycle is working. If you ride the bike with the front light off after dark, chances are you will be stopped by a police officer and asked very unpleasant questions.

Theft

Tokyo is a safe city. Even so, bicycles are stolen sometimes. In the unfortunate case that your bike is stolen, report to your nearest police station as soon as possible so that you will have a better chance of recovering your bike. Furthermore, if the police find your stolen bike abandoned somewhere and you have not reported it as stolen, you may be asked to pay for the recovery fee. To avoid such circumstances, go to the nearest police station to file a report.

Insurance

Gakken sai insurance will cover bicycle accidents while commuting to and from UTokyo. But you will not be covered when you use your bike to go shopping, sightseeing, see your friends, etc. Bicycle accidents are on the rise so if you plan on using your bicycle for daily life, you should buy additional insurance. Bicycle insurance is relatively cheap and it can help enormously in case of an accident.

Parking

Bicycles must be parked in designated areas. If you park your bike illegally, it will be removed by the local authorities and you will have to pay a hefty sum of money to recover it.

On Campus

Bicycle accidents are occuring on campus. Yield to pedestrians and ride safely. To obtain a parking permit on campus, please register online.

Drunk driving

A bicycle is a vehicle, and drunk driving is prohibited. Do not ride your bike after having consumed alcohol.

Miscellaneous

Report to your supervising professor immediately if you are involved in any kind of incident. Read pages 11- 13 of the Foreign Resident Manual for more details about bicycle safety.

Japanese / English

Students selected as tutors are requested to complete the following procedures:

<Deadlines for Autumn-Winter Period 2024>

<Please note>
*Payment will not be made unless the “Time Sheet” and the “Tutoring Activity Report” are submitted by the deadline. (We will not send a confirmation or a reminder)
*Tutor activities should not overlap with your class schedule or TA activities.
*It may not be possible to process the payment procedures in case the documents are submitted after the deadline.

Japanese / English

Career Support Network

The Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences (GSALS) is a member of the Career Support Network for International Students in Japan.
GSALS students can login to the network with an ECCS cloud e-mail address to learn about job hunting in Japan (videos in English), search for companies, and gather information on job fairs as well as other career related events. Please refer to "A brief guide on how to use the Career Support Network" below to sign up.

• Login Site for GSALS members
• A brief guide on how to use the Career Support Network (PDF)
• English manual provided by the network

Useful Links

• UTokyo Career Support
• Job Hunting Guide (JASSO)
• Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners
• International Foreign Students Association
• Career Development Support Network for International Students (NAP)
• JREC-IN Portal

Japanese / English

International Exchange Events

OICE and its student staff organize various international exchange events to learn and experience cultural diversity including foods, languages, and customs.

Study Trip

A bus trip is organized twice a year to learn about Japanese culture and/or our latest technologies.

GLOBAL CAFE

GLOBAL CAFE is an opportunity to chat over lunch in either English or Japanese, for international and Japanese students as well as faculty and staff members at GSALS. The event takes place every Tuesday from 12:00 to 13:00 at the Student Service Center, and participants are free to come and go as they please. Just swing by and enjoy some tea and snacks with us!

NIHONGO カフェ

NIHONGOカフェ is an event for those who want to learn Japanese, organized by OICE student staff. The event takes place every Thursday from 12:00 to 13:00 at the Student Service Center. For those who want to speak Japanese, or try to speak in Japanese, to write your name in Kanji, Hiragana, or Katakana, why not start with some simple Japanese while chatting together? In the future, it would be nice to be able to go shopping or out to lunch together using Japanese. Feel free to request the Japanese words you'd like to learn or the things you’d like to try using in Japanese!

Others

The University of Tokyo hosts many Events.

Japanese / English

Entering Students

• Important Procedures

  It outlines the tasks to be completed before coming to Japan, as well as the various procedures required from arrival at the airport to enrollment.

  • Certificate of Eligibility (PDF)　Example / Expenditure Defrayal Certificate (Word)

    【Important】Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS) May 20, 2025NEW

  • Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Students(PDF)
  • Self-Supporting Students, Foreign Governments/Private Foundation Scholarship Recipients, etc.(PDF)
  • Special Research Students(PDF)
    

• Matriculation Ceremony
  • AY 2025 Matriculation Ceremony for undergraduate students (UTokyo)
  • AY 2025 Graduate School Matriculation Ceremony (UTokyo)
  • Orientation for New Students

• Opening a Bank Account
  • Support Service for opening a Bank Account (UTokyo)

• UTokyo Orientation

  ISSR Orientations for new international students will be held onsite at Hongo Campus or online on Zoom.
  Please refer to Orientation for New International Students (UTokyo)

• • OICE Spring Orientation
    • • • Date: April 10 (Thu), 2025
        • Time: 10:40 am ～　
        • Place: In Yayoi Campus

    * This orientation is for international students who will be entering our graduate school/faculty for the first time.
    * Students who are currently enrolled in our graduate school/faculty need not attend at this time.

    • Tutor support system

      For international students in the GSALS who have been in Japan for less than one year, we usually assign a Japanese graduate student as a tutor based on the recommendation of their professor. The tutor assists the international student in his or her studies and research, helps him or her adjust to the learning environment, and improves his or her research work.

  • • Scholorship

      Please be informed that most scholarships accept applications only from students that are already enrolled in the graduate or the undergraduate program. Very few scholarships accept applications from students before entering the program. Detailed information on each scholarship can be found on the "Scholarships for Self-supporting Students" page.

Graduating/Completing Students

• • Graduation/Completion Procedures
  • Status of Residence after Graduation/Completion/Withdrawal (PDF)
  • Alumni (UTokyo)
  • Diploma Presentation Ceremony for graduate students (UTokyo)
  • Commencement Ceremony (UTokyo)
  • Academic Gown for Graduation Ceremony (UTokyo)

Japanese / English

English Lessons

You can take free one-on-one or small group (up to 3 people) lessons with a native English teacher for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on availability. You're free to ask for anything you'd like to work on, such as pronunciation, email writing, presentations, study abroad advice, or conversation practice. This year's teacher is from the UK, so it's a great opportunity for those interested in British English. This course is available for students and staff of the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences/Faculty of Agriculture.

• ENGLISH ROOM

Center for Global Education

Although English communication on campus and advanced tools like AI and language learning apps are becoming more common, the persistent desire to use Japanese, comprehend it deeply, and gain insights into Japanese people, culture, and society remains unchanging. In response to this desire, our Center offers a variety of Japanese language courses catering to different levels and learning durations. For the convenience of students and researchers on various campuses, all classes are conducted online.

• Center for Global Education website

Japanese Language Course School of Engineering

This section focuses on educational practices aimed at helping graduate and research students—primarily from the School of Engineering—develop their understanding of the Japanese language, culture, and society. Students from other graduate schools may also enroll, provided there is space available.

• Japanese Language Course School

Comparison of the Two Japanese Language Programs

Other Free Online Courses

Learn Japanese at your own pace with reliable and practical language learning materials. Having some familiarity with the Japanese language can go a long way toward finding a job in Japan. For those of you who are too busy doing research to take language courses, here are some websites that can help you learn Japanese in your spare time.

• Marugoto Japanese Online Course (Japan Foundation)
• Learn Japanese (NHK WORLD-JAPAN)