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Hi Adam, Glad to see you're interested. As you may know, Japan has been banning foreigners for about 2 years now, and I just finished the first semester online. Just based off this, I would say that the biggest difference is that you can take many courses in a semester, because each course is shorter and with much less homework. Whereas in North America, a typical course might have assignments every week or two, Japanese classes have them every semester! Each course also only involves one lecture a week, no tutorials/labs. Research-wise, I just worked at a normal pace and my supervisors have been pleased so far. I do think it depends heavily on your supervisor/lab culture. Some really traditional labs might expect you to do the whole nomikai and stuff often. I can't comment on that, but my lab is very international, so I think it's probably somewhat flexible/westernized. Overall workload hasn't been bad at all. Entrance exams: as you probably know from this thread title, these are the english language programs, so we don't do the grueling Japanese entrance exams/interviews you see in anime etc. Each program has an admissions guidance document, which lists the documents required very clearly, and you'll almost always need to do an interview (2 if you applying for like MEXT with university recommendation). You almost always apply to a supervisor beforehand, as all grad school programs in Japan are research based. The interview is usually led by this prospective supervisor, who brings along a daimyo's proces- I mean a few of their friends. Again, one of the documents required is usually a research plan (I recommend you follow the MEXT format even if you're not applying for it), which follows intro, knowledge gap, methods, timeline, etc. The profs will ask you about your research plan, as well as very general knowledge questions (e.g. how do we track global warming, what are some risk factors for the disease youre studying etc.), and finally about your interest in Japan. It's <15-20 min I'd say, and not very difficult as long as you address those points (especially the why Japan because they tend to end on that and it's like a point of genuine interest/pride I guess). For my research plan, it was 1.5-2 pages following the MEXT format. I had a bit over 10 citations. It's not unlike any other research proposal really, if you've done one in undergrad. Japan likes its rules, so that's why try to follow their format.

Got the ESOP result (rejected!) today. It comes by email. I did not get interviewed

Wonder how many people actually would go without funding. I had ignored the cost since I already accepted an offer from another school, but looking at it now, the total cost is around 60k usd. That's nontrivial even for developed country people..

Hey congrats. I'm slightly familiar with Germany but not gonna say too much here. It's probably one of it not the most affordable and citizen-centered developed country in the world imo. The essentials like rent and food are incredibly cheap (even compared to China or definitely Canada where I live). There's just been decades of excellent policies and planning to give people and especially students an easier time. As a student, you don't benefit from higher salaries in Switzerland, so it will certainly cost much much more if you don't have ESOP. Maybe hold both offers until you know the scholarship situation fully. If not, and the cost was an issue, I'd go with max planck. Btw from your name, chinese?

Portal says the same thing. I guess we still have some hope: For the start in the academic year 2021/22 there will be assigned approximately 60 ESOP and approx. 30 ETH-D Scholarships. The applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master’s programmes. The final decision for awarding scholarships in the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme and in the ETH-D Scholarship rests with the Rector of the ETH. The exact number of annual scholarships depends on the availability of funds. The decisions are communicated by end of March.

Looks like i can pretty much assume I didn't get one then haha

It seems like ESOP decisions are separate and come later? I think it said mid-late march.. Does anyone know if interviews are required and when those usually happen? I feel like it's about time...

Environmental Engineering MSc result came. Portal still says "ESOP requested". Is it like a second decision that comes out after? Will there be an interview soon?

Update: Admitted!! Any engineers here?

Hey congrats! I just got the offer too and will be enrolling! Will dm Same I'd love to answer any questions for future applicants (engineering here)

Hope it's ok to start this thread. I just wanted to give U Tokyo engineering applications a place to share updates. As for myself, I've finished the interview and am waiting for the results now. Feel free to ask me anything even if you're not applying right now.

Hey nice to see some fellow applications to UTokyo. I'm applying for an engineering masters program but just wanted to say hi. I am wondering actually if anyone knows how long we have to accept an offer.

No, I mean an email from the coordinator early feb asking if i would still be interested in one of the labs, since it wasn't located in lausanne

That was back in december. I'm guessing you weren't selected then. I know people who got in long ago.

Updates anyone? I got an email to confirm interest thats all