University of Tokyo Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies
- Acceptance Rate
- 15.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
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- Avg GPA
- 3.84
- Size
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Graduate students at GSII join a community of scholars engaged with pressing questions about information, media, and technology in society. The school's interdisciplinary character creates intellectual exchange across fields that enriches individual research projects. Regular seminars, workshops, and reading groups bring together students and faculty for scholarly discussion beyond formal coursework. The University of Tokyo's Hongo campus provides a historic setting for graduate study, with traditional buildings, green spaces, and modern research facilities. The campus atmosphere combines scholarly seriousness with the energy of thousands of students pursuing diverse fields. University libraries, computing resources, and research support services complement school-specific facilities. Tokyo offers an unparalleled urban environment for graduate study. The city's media industries, technology sector, cultural institutions, and international organizations provide research opportunities and professional connections. Students can engage with media professionals, attend public lectures, and observe the phenomena they study in one of the world's most dynamic information environments. Living in Tokyo requires significant financial resources, as the city ranks among the world's most expensive. University housing is limited and competitive. Many students rent apartments in neighborhoods with reasonable transit access to campus. The extensive subway and rail network makes all parts of the metropolitan area accessible, though commuting times can be significant from affordable residential areas.
Location & Surroundings
GSII is based on the University of Tokyo's Hongo campus in Bunkyo ward, central Tokyo. This historic campus features a blend of traditional architecture, including the famous Red Gate (Akamon), and modern research facilities. The campus provides a contemplative environment within one of the world's most dynamic cities. Key departments and the main library are within walking distance of GSII facilities. Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's largest metropolitan area, home to approximately 37 million people in the greater metropolitan region. The city serves as Japan's political, economic, media, and cultural center, concentrating resources that make it exceptional for media and information studies. Major media organizations, technology companies, government agencies, and cultural institutions are all accessible. The Tokyo climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity, while winter temperatures occasionally drop below freezing. The rainy season (tsuyu) in June and July brings persistent precipitation. Spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage attract visitors from worldwide. Transportation in Tokyo relies on an extraordinarily extensive rail and subway network. Most residents navigate without personal vehicles, and students should expect to use trains daily. The system is efficient but crowded during rush hours. International transportation via Narita and Haneda airports connects Tokyo to destinations worldwide.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the University of Tokyo follows Japanese national university rates, currently approximately 535,800 yen (roughly 4,000-5,000 USD) annually for all graduate programs. This represents exceptional value for education at a world-leading institution. Admission fees of approximately 282,000 yen are charged upon enrollment. Living expenses in Tokyo are substantial, typically requiring 100,000-150,000 yen monthly for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. University dormitory options are limited and competitive. Many students work part-time within visa restrictions to supplement financial resources. Total annual costs including tuition typically range from 1.5-2.5 million yen depending on lifestyle and housing situation. Scholarships are available through the Japanese government (MEXT), private foundations, and university programs. MEXT scholarships cover tuition and provide generous living stipends. Research assistant positions provide both income and experience. Prospective students should research funding options carefully and apply for scholarships alongside admission applications. Career outcomes for GSII graduates include academic positions at universities in Japan and internationally, research positions at think tanks and research organizations, and industry roles at media companies, technology firms, and consulting organizations. The school's interdisciplinary training prepares graduates for diverse careers requiring sophisticated understanding of information and media in society. Alumni networks provide professional connections throughout careers.
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