English language proficiency : Test score submission, Exemption and Alternative English test
Applicants to IPADS are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official results of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). While IPADS does not have the official cut-off scores for English proficiency tests, the program welcomes applicants who score TOEFL iBT – 98 and above, IELTS – 7.0 and above.
For TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT, applicants must arrange for the ETS (Educational Testing Service) to electronically forward the report to IPADS, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo (DI Code C351). TOEFL iBT (Special) Home Eddition is acceptable as well. Both normal test date score and “My Best Score” can be accepted as part of the application document. Scores of TOEFL Essentials can also be accepted as an alternative to above mentioned TOEFL scores. Scores of TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) are not accepted.
For IELTS, electronic copies of the score report indicating TRF (Test Report Form) number must be submitted. IELTS Indicator is also acceptable.
For both TOEFL and IELTS, only test reports taken on or after 1 January 2023, will be accepted for 2025 intake.
English Test Exemption
The English language test requirement is waived for applicants who meet one of the following criteria:
- have completed or are completing their Bachelor’s or Master’s program that are taught entirely in English in one of the following countries*
- have worked full-time in a professional or academic environment where English is solely used for at least three of the past six years in one of the following countries*
- are completing Master’s program in IPADS and are applying for IPADS Ph.D. program starting in the same year with your Master’s graduation
*Countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, UK
How to be qualified → Applicants who meet one of the above criteria are required to chose “English Test Exemption” from the pull-down menu at English Proficiency section while applying online. Those who fulfill the criteria 2. must fill out their employment history in detail in Working Experience section at online application.
Duolingo English Test as Alternative English Test
For applicants who meet one of the following criteria (academic or work hisotry), an official score of DUOLINGO English Test is acceptable in place of TOEFL/IELTS test as proof of English proficiency. In addition to the submission of an electronic copy of the certified test result, applicants must arrange to forward the test result electronically to IPADS, the University of Tokyo. Only test reports taken on or after 1 January 2023, will be accepted for 2025 intake
For applicants who meet following academic criteria (satisfying all 1-3) or work history criteria (satisfying all 4 & 5),
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have completed or are completing their Bachelor’s or Master program in universities which are located in countries other than the aforementioned countries (*)
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confirmed in the IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED) that English is included as the language of instruction
- have worked full-time in a professional or academic environment where English is solely used for at least three of the past six years in countries other than aforementioned countries(*)
- have an official letters proofing English as the sole official language with a hand-written signature of your supervisor from organization/company
How to be qualified → Applicants who fulfill academic or work history criteria are required to choose “Duolingo English Test” from the pull-down menu at English Proficiency section while applying online and upload the scores of Duolingo English test and the official letter. Those who fulfill the criteria 4 & 5 (work history) must fill out their employment history in detail in Working Experience sextion at online application.
Yes-No flow chart for English proficiency (2025 Oct. intake IPADS MSc and PhD)
