The University of Electro-Communications (UEC) is Japan's specialty national university for telecommunications, electronics, and computer science. Founded in 1918, UEC offers focused STEM graduate programs at national-university tuition rates with substantial English-taught options.
History and identity
UEC (電気通信大学, Denki Tsūshin Daigaku) was founded in 1918 as the Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony Training School and elevated to national university status in 1949. From its origins, UEC has specialized in electronic communications, signal processing, and related fields. Located in Chofu, western Tokyo.
Top departments and research
- Communications Engineering: telecommunications, networks, wireless
- Signal Processing and Information Engineering
- Computer Science / Information Science
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems: robotics, control systems
- Frontier Sciences: applied physics, AI, photonics
English-taught programs
- Master's in Information Science with English-track options
- Master's in Communications Engineering English-track
- Master's in Mechanical Engineering English-track
- Special programs for international students at the Graduate School
International community
Approximately 600 international students out of 5,000 total (~12%). Smaller scale than Tokyo's flagship universities but tighter community. International support office provides Japanese language classes, dorms, visa assistance.
Admissions and tuition
- Tuition: ¥535,800/year national rate
- 50-100% tuition waivers for international students
- JLPT N2 for Japanese-taught; not required for English programs
- TOEFL iBT 75+ or IELTS 6.0+ for English
- Research plan + 2 recommendations
- Entrance exam (Japanese) or document review (English)
Living in Chofu / Tokyo
Chofu is a quiet western Tokyo city. Monthly cost runs ¥118,000-160,000 for international students — cheaper than central Tokyo. Excellent train access to Shinjuku and central Tokyo (45 minutes). See cost comparison.
Scholarships
- MEXT: covers tuition + stipend
- JASSO Honors Scholarship
- UEC President's Scholarship
- Foundation scholarships (Honjo, etc.)
- All scholarships
2027 application timeline
Most programs: May-October 2026 deadlines for April 2027 entry, with August/February entrance exam for Japanese-taught. See application timeline.
Bottom line
UEC is excellent for international graduate students focused on telecommunications, signal processing, networks, applied AI, or electronic engineering. National university tuition combined with strong English programs makes it cost-effective. For broader engineering options see best engineering universities and CS Master's guide.