【Final Admission in 2026】University of Tokyo PEAK Entrance Exam Complete Guide｜Application Requirements, Score Criteria, Deadlines, and Preparation Strategy

Hello, this is TJ from Alpha Advisors.
Recently, we have received an increasing number of inquiries such as: “I want to apply to the University of Tokyo’s PEAK program, but I need to clearly understand the requirements, score standards, essays, and recommendation process,” and “Since this is the final admission, I’m not sure where to start.” In this article, I will provide a practical guide to give you a full overview of the application process for September 2026 enrollment (the final intake) and explain how to prepare effectively for success.

What you will learn in this article
・Latest PEAK updates (final intake in September 2026 / overview of the two majors)
・Key application requirements (academic background, language requirements, standardized test minimums)
・English test submission and exemption rules
・How to prepare documents (500–600 word essay, two recommendations, score submission)
・Selection process details (first screening: documents / second screening: interview + math test for Environmental Sciences applicants)
・Tuition, scholarships, and housing information
・Preparation roadmap and last-minute checklist to work backward from the deadlines

Finally, we will also summarize practical methods to boost your chances of success in a short timeframe. Read through naturally and take what you need.

What is PEAK at the University of Tokyo? Overview of Majors and Key Features

Two Majors in PEAK
・Japan in East Asia: An interdisciplinary approach to Japan and East Asia, exploring history, society, economy, and culture in English.
・Environmental Sciences: An integrated curriculum covering environment, economics, ethics, and law, combined with advanced scientific and engineering studies to nurture practical environmental specialists.

All classes are taught in English, with opportunities to study Japanese as well. PEAK seeks students with intellectual curiosity and leadership potential who can contribute to the internationalization of the campus.

The University of Tokyo PEAK Entrance Exam Ends in 2026｜Final Schedule and Last Chance to Apply

The September 2026 admission will be the final student intake. Students who are admitted will continue their studies until graduation. Below is the official schedule (Japan Standard Time).

Application Schedule (JST)
・Pre-application eligibility check (optional): by October 3, 2025
・Application period: November 11 – December 9, 2025 (23:59)
・First screening (document review): January 2026
・Notification of results / interview invitation: late January 2026
・Second screening (online interview): February – early March 2026
・Math test for Environmental Sciences applicants only: conducted online before the interview
・Final admission decisions: March 30, 2026
・Enrollment confirmation deadline: May 7, 2026
・Program start: September 1, 2026

Sample questions for interviews and the math test are available on the official PEAK website.
For full details, please see the official guidelines:
▶︎Application Guidelines for September 2026 Enrollment

University of Tokyo PEAK Application Eligibility and Requirements Explained

All three requirements must be satisfied.

◼︎Requirement 1 (Educational Background)
・Completion of 12 years of formal schooling at an accredited institution or internationally recognized school (including expected graduation)
・Accepted international qualifications such as IB / Abitur / Baccalauréat / GCE A-level / International A-level / European Baccalaureate
・Completion of a Japanese pre-university preparatory course for 11-year systems, etc.
・If none of the above applies, eligibility may be considered through an individual review process depending on age and circumstances (early consultation recommended)

◼︎Requirement 2 (Education in Languages Other Than Japanese)
・At least 9 of the 12 years of pre-university education must have been conducted in languages other than Japanese
・At least 5 of the last 6 years before high school graduation must also have been conducted in languages other than Japanese (not necessarily consecutive). ([peak.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp][1])

◼︎Requirement 3 (Standardized Examinations)
・Applicants must meet the criteria for one of the accepted standardized examinations listed in the Appendix at the time of application (note that predicted scores are allowed for some tests but not others).

Accepted Standardized Exams and Minimum Score Criteria｜IB, SAT, ACT, A-level

The official Appendix specifies detailed minimum thresholds. Below are examples of minimum requirements for major routes (note that merely meeting them may not be competitive).

International Baccalaureate (IB)
・At least 38 points out of 42 across six subjects, plus 2 points or more from TOK/EE
・For Environmental Sciences applicants: mathematics requirement (AI HL6 or AA SL6/HL5) and at least two HL science subjects recommended

SAT
・ERW+Math (or Digital RW+M) 1480 or above
・For Environmental Sciences applicants: Math 750 or above recommended, AP Calculus BC strongly encouraged

ACT
・Composite 33 or above (2025 criteria)
・For Environmental Sciences applicants: ACT Math 34+ and ACT Science 34+, plus AP Calculus BC strongly encouraged (Science optional from 2025, but requirements remain)

A-level
・At least three A grades at A-level (for Environmental Sciences: mathematics must meet the program’s level requirements)

National qualifications from countries such as Canada, France, Germany, or Singapore are also accepted, but international qualifications are strongly recommended, and the handling of predicted scores varies by qualification.

English Language Proficiency｜TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge

Accepted tests: TOEFL iBT / IELTS Academic / Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
・Exemption: If Requirement 2 (9 years and 5 of the last 6 years in English-medium education) is met, submission is not required, although additional proof may be requested
・Score benchmarks (PEAK’s expectations): TOEFL iBT around 100 / IELTS 7.0 / Cambridge 185
・Valid only for tests taken after December 1, 2023. MyBest™ scores are not accepted (TOEFL).

Required Documents and Online Application Procedure

Applications are submitted through the Online Application System (OAS), where applicants input personal and educational information, standardized test results, referee details, and upload a 500–600 word essay along with required documents. ([peak.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp][1])

Main documents required
・Official transcripts (covering the most recent three years of study)
・Official standardized test score reports (with institutional codes as specified)
・English test scores (if applicable, with arrangement and proof of delivery)
・Certificate of (expected) graduation, school profiles (optional), and up to three documents of achievements (optional)
・Essay: a turning point in your life, its impact, and how it will shape your future (must be entirely original work, with no assistance or AI use)
・Two evaluations (recommendations): one from a subject teacher relevant to the chosen program, and one from a general referee (not a relative)

Application fee: JPY 5,000 (online payment, plus JPY 500 transaction fee)

University of Tokyo PEAK Selection Process｜First Screening, Second Interview, and Math Test (for Environmental Sciences)

First Screening (Document Review): Overall evaluation based on academic records, essay, recommendations, and submitted documents
Second Screening (Interview): Conducted online. Environmental Sciences applicants must take an online math test before the interview (sample questions are available). Applicants may also be asked to provide written responses during the interview.

Keys to Admission
・Strong academic foundation: Clearly exceed the minimum thresholds for IB, SAT/ACT, A-level, etc.
・High-quality essay: Use specific examples, demonstrate depth of thought, logical development, and consistency with your future goals
・Recommendation strategy: Choose referees who can both highlight subject-related strengths and provide a well-rounded view of your character
・Math readiness for Environmental Sciences: Practice with past samples, get used to the format, and answer concisely and accurately

University of Tokyo PEAK Tuition, Scholarships, and Housing｜How to Manage Costs and Available Support

Fees (as of 2025)
・Admission fee: JPY 282,000 (one-time)
・Annual tuition fee: JPY 642,960 (paid in two installments)
Subject to revision. Please also check the official website for application fees and estimated living expenses.

Examples of Scholarships
・University of Tokyo Scholarship: Covers admission and tuition fees, plus a monthly stipend of JPY 126,000, usually for 4 years, awarded to around 10 students
・MEXT (Japanese Government Scholarship): Covers admission and tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend of JPY 120,000, usually for around 5 students
Both are merit-based scholarships determined by academic performance and selection results.

University Housing
・First-year students are guaranteed access to university housing. Detailed information is provided after admission.

Last-Minute Checklist for University of Tokyo PEAK｜What to Do Now and How to Use Individual Coaching

Scores and Qualifications
・Secure your final or predicted scores for IB, SAT, ACT, A-level, etc., and arrange official score submissions
・Ensure English test scores can be obtained and submitted before the deadline (check exemption eligibility)
→ Even a small misstep in score planning can be critical. At Alpha, we advise on which tests to prioritize and when scores can realistically be submitted, based on a proven track record of admissions success.

Documents, Essay, and Recommendations
・Draft multiple versions of the 500–600 word essay, refine them, and strengthen both consistency and specificity
・Select and request your two referees early (must be different individuals) and align on deadlines
・Prepare transcripts, graduation/expected graduation certificates, and optional school profiles or achievement records
→ Essays and recommendations that are too generic will not stand out. Framing your turning point effectively and choosing the right referees are areas where Alpha’s individual coaching helps applicants secure an edge.

Interview and Math Test (for Environmental Sciences)
・Practice with sample questions, get used to the format, and rehearse summarizing arguments within time limits
・For Environmental Sciences: train to solve problems in calculus, probability, physics, and chemistry quickly and accurately
→ Your performance in the interview and math test will depend heavily on preparation. Practicing through mock sessions with professionals makes a decisive difference. Past successful candidates have said Alpha’s mock training made the real interview feel much easier.

Conclusion｜2026 is the Last Opportunity. Admission to PEAK Depends on Strategic Planning

The final intake requires both information management and time management. With a clear plan for exceeding score requirements, strengthening essays and recommendations, and preparing for the math test, you can maximize your chances of success by working backward from the official deadlines.

Winning admission to Japanese universities is possible with Alpha Advisors’ individual coaching! With 17 years of proven results, Alpha is led by TJ, who went from Sumitomo Corporation to Chicago Booth MBA to Goldman Sachs IBD. Get coached intensively by Alpha today!

Planning to Study in Japan? Consult Alpha Now! Free Consultation Here ＞ Free Consultation

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TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.