Graduate School

Graduate School Admissions

• Master's Program (offered in Japanese)
• Doctoral Program (offered in Japanese or English)

Admissions to the TCU Doctoral Program

Application Process

1. Prescreening consultation

   ▶ Confirmation of application eligibility and research area

2. Notification of prescreening consultation result

3. Application submission

   ▶ Initial screening based on submitted documents

4. Notification of initial screening

5. Second Screening

   ▶ English exam and interview

6. Final result notification

7. Enrollment

Admissions Policy

Applicants who are the most capable among those who have expressed dedication to Christ and have completed a Master’s degree in theological studies or the equivalent (as determined by the graduate committee) are eligible for consideration.

Admissions Quota

Qualifications for Admission

Individuals recognized as possessing superior academic skills among those who have expressed faith in Christ, and possesses the Japanese or English language proficiency necessary to undertake study and research at the doctoral level. Applicants seeking April 2027 enrollment should interpret “July 2027” as “March 2027” in items 1 to 8.

1. Those who have received a Master’s degree or equivalent in Japan (as defined by the School Education Law in Japan) by July 2027.
2. Those who have received a Master’s degree or equivalent outside of Japan by July 2027.
3. Those who have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent in Japan through a correspondence course offered by a foreign institution by July 2027.
4. Those who have received a Master’s degree or equivalent from a foreign institution that is recognized by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in Japan by July 2027.
5. Those who have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent at the United Nations University by July 2027.
6. Those who have completed a program in a foreign country, at a designated institution, or at United Nations University, and have passed the exam stated in Japan’s Standards for Establishment of Graduate Schools or equivalent.
7. Those designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan.
8. Those who are considered to be as academically capable as those who have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent through individual reviews by TCU graduate school and are older than 24 years of age by July 2027.

Prescreening Consultation

The applicant is required to send the following documents before submitting an application. The graduate school admissions committee will determine whether the desired field of research matches what is offered at TCU. These documents should be submitted at least one month before starting date of the application period.

Required documents

1. Prescreening Consultation Application (University-designated form)
2. Academic Transcript (theological education only)
3. Certificate of Graduation (theological education only) or Certificate of Expected Graduation
4. Master’s Thesis and Summary (Paper size: A4)

*Please refer to the Admissions Handbook for more information. Applicants who wish to begin the prescreening consultation process should contact the Admissions Office.

Deadlines and Screening Schedule

1. Applicants select the time of entrance at the time of application.
2. The second screening schedule will be notified by email at the time of the initial screening result notification.
3. (For January screening) The second screening will be scheduled for one of the two designated dates.
4. Applicants seeking admission in April who are foreign nationals residing overseas and who will apply for the “Student” status of residence after being admitted to TCU is required to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. Since the procedure takes time, such applicants must apply for the November Screening.

Screening Details

1. Initial Screening
The admissions committee will review previous research achievements (a master’s thesis or equivalent) and other application documents, including a dissertation proposal based on previous research.

2. Second Screening
Applicants who pass the initial screening will be given an English exam and an interview.
Applicants will choose the exam method at the time of application.

The English exam will be waived if the applicant meets either of the following conditions:

a)  Those who have finished (or expected to finish) a master’s program in English.

b)  Those who hold a valid TOEFL or IELTS score (taken within two years, score reports must be sent directly to the Admissions Office from the testing centers)

• TOEFL iBT100 or higher (exams taken before 2026/1/20), 5 or higher (tests taken on or after 2026/1/21)
• IELTS Academic 7.0 or higher