nationalEnglish ProgramsFounded 1873

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

東京外国語大学

Founded 1873. Specialty national for languages, area studies, and international affairs in Fuchu, Tokyo. ~27% international students, ¥535,800/year tuition.

4,500 students1,200 internationalFuchu, Tokyo

Data refreshed: April 1, 2026

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) is Japan's premier institution for foreign languages, area studies, and international affairs. Founded in 1873, with 28+ language programs and deep expertise in Asian, European, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American studies. For international graduate students focused on languages, linguistics, or specific regional studies, TUFS is unmatched in Japan.

History and identity

TUFS (東京外国語大学) was founded in 1873 as Japan's first foreign language institute, originally to train interpreters for diplomatic relations. Through various incarnations it became a national university in 1949. Today TUFS offers undergraduate study in 27+ foreign languages plus graduate programs in area studies, international affairs, and Japanese language education.

Top programs

  • Master's in International and Area Studies: regional specializations
  • Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies: English-taught
  • Master's in Comparative Cultural Studies: humanities
  • Japanese Studies: English-taught, designed for international students
  • Japanese Language Education: training future Japanese language teachers
  • Linguistics: theoretical and applied
  • Translation and Interpretation Studies: practical skills

English-taught programs

  • International Master's Program in International and Area Studies
  • Peace and Conflict Studies (English Master's)
  • Japanese Studies in English
  • Some PhD programs offer English supervision

International community

Approximately 1,200 international students out of 4,500 total (~27%) — the highest percentage among Japan's national universities. Students from over 60 countries. Strong cross-cultural research environment. Active international student associations representing many regions.

Admissions and tuition

  • Tuition: ¥535,800/year national rate
  • Tuition waivers available
  • JLPT N2 for Japanese-taught
  • TOEFL iBT 80+ for English programs
  • Research plan + recommendations

Living in Fuchu / Tokyo

Fuchu campus is in western Tokyo. Monthly cost ¥118,000-160,000 for international students. Easy train access to Shinjuku and central Tokyo. Quieter than central Tokyo with lower cost. See living costs guide.

Scholarships

  • MEXT: tuition + stipend
  • JASSO Honors Scholarship
  • TUFS Foreign Student Scholarship
  • Foundation scholarships

2027 application timeline

Most programs: May-September 2026 deadlines for April 2027 entry. See application timeline.

Bottom line

TUFS is the best choice for international graduate students focused on foreign languages, area studies, international affairs, or Japanese language education. The 27% international student body creates an exceptionally cross-cultural environment. National university tuition with strong tuition waivers makes it cost-effective.

Frequently asked questions

What is TUFS?

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (東京外国語大学, Tōkyō Gaikokugo Daigaku, TUFS) is Japan's premier specialty national university for foreign languages, area studies, and international affairs. Founded in 1873 as Japan's first foreign language institute. Located in Fuchu (western Tokyo). Offers 28+ language programs and area studies of various world regions.

What is TUFS strongest in?

Foreign languages, linguistics, area studies of various world regions (Asia, Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa, Latin America), international affairs, peace and conflict studies. TUFS is Japan's main institution for training scholars in non-English foreign languages and area expertise.

Are there English-taught programs?

Yes — TUFS has several English-taught Master's programs in International and Area Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Comparative Cultural Studies. The Japanese Studies program is taught in English (designed for international students learning about Japan).

What's the international community?

Approximately 1,200 international students out of 4,500 total (~27%) — among the highest international student percentages in Japan. Diverse student body covering nearly every major world language. TUFS Center for International Education is well-established.

Is TUFS good for Japanese language learners?

Yes — TUFS has substantial Japanese-as-a-foreign-language teaching expertise and offers Japanese language graduate programs designed for foreign students. The Center for Japanese Language Education trains future Japanese language teachers.

What's the application process?

Most graduate programs require JLPT N2 minimum (Japanese-taught) or TOEFL iBT 80+ (English-taught). Application typically May-September 2026 for April 2027 entry. Research plan + 2 recommendations.

Why specialize at TUFS rather than a general national university?

TUFS provides depth in specific languages and regional studies that broader universities can't match. If your research is on a specific country or region (Vietnam Studies, Persian Studies, etc.), TUFS likely has deeper resources than UTokyo or Kyoto. Smaller scale also means more personal attention.

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Application guides

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