Tama Art University

Admission Requirements
for International Students (Undergraduate only)

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  • Application Guidelines [International Students]
  • *This page currently contains information from last year as a reference. The information for year 2022 entrance examination will be updated around August.

The following is an English translation of relevant information for international students, excerpted from the application procedures in Japanese. Please refer to the Application Guidelines for further information.

Enrollment

Department/Course Enrollment
Department of Painting Japanese Painting Course a few in each department [major]
Oil Painting Course
Printmaking Course
Department of Sculpture
Department of Ceramic, Glass, and Metal Works
Department of Graphic Design
Department of Product and Textile Design Product Design Course
Textile Design Course
Department of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department of Information Design Art and Media Course
Interaction Design Course
Department of Art Studies
Department of Integrated Design
Department of Scenography Design, Drama, and Dance Drama and Dance Course
Scenography Design Course

Important:

  • - It is not possible to apply for more than one course.

Requirements

Applicants must be non-Japanese and satisfy the following conditions:

  1. Have completed twelve years of regular education outside Japan or be expecting to do so by March 31, 2021. Applicants must also satisfy the university entrance requirements of their own country.

  2. Meet one of the requirements below.
    (1) Have taken the “Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students(EJU)” operated by Japan Student Services Organization in November 2018, June 2019, November 2019, and in the subject “Japanese as a foreign language”, have a combined score of 220 or higher in reading comprehension/listening and listening-reading comprehension, or have applied for the examination planned in June 2020*.
    (2) Have taken the “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)” operated by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services in December 2018, July 2019, December 2019, and have passed N2 or N1 level, or have applied for the examination for N2 or N1 level planned in July 2020*.

*Considering the cancellation of the first test in 2020 of “Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)” and “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)” due to the Covid-19, applicants may submit one of the papers proving the application for the first test of EJU or JLPT in 2020.

  • - For EJU: A copy of the “Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) Application Certificate”
  • - For JLPT: A copy of the “MyJLPT application information page” printed out from the website.

Refer to the page, “Alternative Requirements for Admission Examination Considering the Cancellation of the Japanese Tests (日本留学試験等の中止に伴う本学入学者選抜の対応について),” for those who cannot submit any of the papers written above for some reasons.

  • - If there are any questions regarding eligibility, please contact the Admissions Section (nyushi@tamabi.ac.jp).

Application Period

November 2 (Monday)10:00 to November 9 (Monday)18:00, 2020. [Online application only]

Sending the application documents

November 2 (Monday) to November 9 (Monday), 2020. Documents should be postmarked no later than November 9, 2020.
- Application documents mailed from outside Japan must arrive by November 9, 2020.

Examination Fee

35,000 yen

Examination Location

At Hachioji Campus, Tama Art University (2-1723 Yarimizu, Hachioji, Tokyo):
Department of Painting, Department of Sculpture, Department of Ceramic, Glass, and Metal Works, Department of Graphic Design, Department of Product and Textile Design, Department of Architecture and Environmental Design, Department of Information Design, and Department of Art Studies.

At Kaminoge Campus, Tama Art University (3-15-34 Kaminoge, Setagayaku, Tokyo): Department of Integrated Design and Department of Scenography Design, Drama, and Dance.

access

Examination Schedule

December 18, Friday and December 19, Saturday, 2020

Essay in Japanese

  • - Dictionaries are not allowed.

Professional Examination

  • - The examination questions and duration vary according to the department or course. Please refer to the application guidelines for further information.

Interview

  • - The interview is held in Japanese. The schedule will be announced on December 18. Start of the interview may be in the late afternoon.
Department/Course Subjects/Time Date
Common for all
departments/courses
(except for Graphic Design Course /Drama and Dance Course)

Essay (90 min.)

 Dec. 18, Friday
Professional Examination
Interview Dec. 19, Saturday
Department/Course Subjects/Time Date
Graphic Design Course only
 first-stage exam
Essay (90 min.) Dec. 18, Friday
Professional Examination
second-stage exam* Interview Dec. 19, Saturday
Department/Course Subjects/Time Date
Drama and Dance Course only

Essay (90 min.)

 Dec. 18, Friday
Professional Examination Dec. 19, Saturday
Interview
  • * Only those who pass the first-stage exam can take the second-stage exam.
    - Examination for Integrated Design Course, Drama and Dance Course, and Scenography Design Course will be held at Kaminoge Campus (3-15-34 Kaminoge, Setagayaku, Tokyo).

Subjects and Works to be submitted, etc.
(to be brought at the time of interview)

Department/Course Subjects Items to be brought by the applicant
Common to all Departments & Courses Essay in Japanese pencils (black-HB, B), plastic eraser, pencil sharpener
Japanese Painting Watercolor painting
(5 hours)		 water-based paint set, pencils, eraser, knife, fixative,pen(black)
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview a work by the applicant (around size 50)
  • - Applicants may bring a portfolio of additional work if desired.
Oil Painting Oil painting
(5 hours)		 oil paint set (acrylic can be used)
Interview one or two works by the applicant (within size F30,91 cm x 72.7 cm)
  • - Applicants may bring a portfolio of additional work on December 18, Friday, if desired.
Printmaking Choice A Drawing [Still life] (4 hours) mounting board or panel (B3 to B2 size), pencil drawing set or charcoal drawing set, clips or thumbtacks, fixative
[pencil drawing set] pencils (3H to 6B), eraser (plastic eraser, kneaded eraser), pencil sharpener (including cutter), feather duster
[charcoal drawing set] charcoal, charcoal corer, eraser (plastic eraser, kneaded eraser, bread, etc.), 2 setting papers (solid colored), cutter, sandpaper, gauze, blending stump
Choice B Collage [Picture] (4 hours) scissors, cutter, glue (glue stick, etc.), pencils (HB), eraser
Interview 5 to 10 works and portfolio works
  • - In any genre (E.g. prints, photographs, oil painting, acrylic painting, drawing, solid, etc.)
  • - Within the size that the applicant is capable of bringing in to the interview.
  • - Polyptych may be regarded as a work.
Sculpture Drawing
(4.5 hours)
  • - Applicants will choose pencil drawing or charcoal drawing.
    [if pencil drawing is selected] bring pencil drawing set, fixative
    [if charcoal drawing is selected] bring charcoal drawing set, fixative
  • - Mounting board, panel, and clips are not required.
Interview Portfolio (photographs of at least two of the applicant's works)
Ceramic, Glass, and
Metal Works		 Pencil drawing
(4 hours)		 pencil drawing set, fixative
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview portfolio (Bring in the files under A3 size. Works should not be brought.)
Graphic Design Pencil drawing
(3 hours)		 pencils (black), eraser, sketching tools
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview  
Product Design Design
(3 hours)		 pencil drawing set
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required, but may be brought.
Interview
Textile Design Pencil drawing &
Color composition
(5 hours)		 pencils, eraser, opaque water-based paint set (poster color, gouache, etc.), set square, ruler
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview works by the applicant, and portfolio
(pencil drawings, color compositions, etc.)
Architecture and Environmental Design Pencil drawing
(3 hours)		 pencils (black), eraser, sketching tools
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview Not allowed to bring in portfolios and works.
Art and Media Pencil drawing
(3 hours)		 pencil drawing set, fixative
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview works by the applicant, or portfolio
  • - For applicants who bring video works, please refer to the application guidelines.
Interaction Design Pencil drawing
(3 hours)		 pencil drawing set, fixative
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview works by the applicant, or portfolio
  • - For applicants who bring video works, please refer to the application guidelines.
Art Studies Essay in Japanese
(afternoon)
(90 min.)		 pencils (black-HB,B), plastic eraser, pencil sharpener
  • - Paper dictionaries may be brought. Electronic dictionaries are not allowed.
Interview
Integrated Design Pencil drawing
(3 hours)		 pencils (black), eraser, sketching tools
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview  
Drama and Dance Physical expression
(2 hours)		 suitable clothes and shoes (indoor shoes) for movement.
Interview  
Scenography Design Pencil drawing
(3 hours)		 pencil drawing set, fixative
  • - Mounting board and panel are not required.
Interview works by the applicant, and portfolio
  • - Bring a player if presenting video works.

Grading Criteria

Department/Major Subjects Grading criteria
Common to all
Departments & Courses		 Essay in Japanese
  • Are the sentences well-organized and do they demonstrate basic Japanese ability?
  • Does the candidate demonstrate a high level of interest in art and design?
  • Does the candidate demonstrate a broad range of fundamental capabilities suited to acquiring a university liberal arts education?
  • Has the candidate developed his or her own original ideas and opinions?
Japanese Painting Watercolor painting
  • Does he/she demonstrate observational and sketching skills?
  • Does he/she possess a personal sense of color and composition?
  • Does he/she comprehend the task?
  • Does he/she show free and individual expression?
Interview
  • Total result is based in part on works submitted.
Oil Painting Oil painting
  • Does the candidate grasp and comprehend the problem?
  • Does the candidate possess basic expressive ability?
  • Does the piece show originality?
  • Does the piece display enthusiasm?
  • Does the piece possess aesthetic appeal?
Interview
  • Why does the candidate wish to study abroad?
  • Why does he/she wish to attend this university?
  • What is his/her motivation for creative work?
  • What are his/her expectations following admission?
  • What is the candidate's level of Japanese language ability?
Printmaking Drawing
[Still Life]
  • Does the candidate firmly grasp and comprehend the problem?
  • Does the candidate understand the motif's form and model it correctly?
  • Does the candidate demonstrate drawing skill in their description of shape, color, form, texture and details?
  • Is the piece well composed and balanced?
  • Does the piece possess strength in the themes of interest to the author?
Collage
[Picture]
  • How does the candidates approach the image of the pictures?
  • Does the candidate possess the ability to choose, combine, and edit pictures?
  • Does the candidate possess the ability to create the theme and concept of the works?
  • Does the candidate possess own perspective and sense?
  • Is the piece completed as an collage?
Interview
  • Is the candidate's Japanese language ability sufficient for him/her to understand and respond to the questions?
  • Does the portfolio have a high level of finish?
  • Is the candidate clearly motivated in his/her study and production?
  • Does the candidate present his/her ideas clearly and persuasively?
  • Does the candidate have a clear research plan and an understanding of what will be required for its realization?
Sculpture Drawing
  • Does the candidate possess descriptive skill (target observation)?
  • Does he/she possess compositional ability (layout)?
  • Does he/she show stereognostic sense (grasp of three-dimensional objects)?
  • Is he/she able to represent space (spacial awareness)?
  • Is he/she able to express emotion (individual feeling)?
Interview
  • Does the candidate have a clear goal for applying to this university?
  • Does the candidate have an original research topic?
  • Does the candidate have a specific preferred area of research?
  • Does the candidate have a clear vision for the future?
  • Can the candidate clearly articulate his or her intention?
Ceramic,
Glass, and Metal Works		 Pencil drawing
  • Comprehension: Has the candidate correctly grasped and understood the problem?
  • Depiction: Is the candidate capable of properly structuring a piece and perceiving three dimensions?
  • Power of observation: Does the candidate accurately capture objects' physicality?
  • Perception of space: Does the candidate accurately capture the relationship between objects?
  • Originality: Does the candidate use distinctive forms of expression?
Interview
  • Does the candidate have a clear understanding of the department's characteristics?
  • Does he/she have a clear motivation?
  • Can he/she express his/her own thoughts?
  • Does he/she possess an enthusiasm for learning?
  • Does he/she understand and answer the questions with precision?
Graphic Design Pencil drawing
  • Comprehension: Has the candidate correctly grasped and understood the problem?
  • Communicative ability: Has the candidate accurately expressed the purpose and circumstances of the problem?
  • Imagination: Are the ideas used to translate the assignment into artistic shape outstanding?
  • Depiction: Does the candidate excel in the techniques required to portray structure, form, motion, light, volume, and the like?
  • Originality: Judging from his/her sketches, does the candidate possess artistic refinement and an outstanding aesthetic sense?
Interview
  • Can the candidate carry on daily conversation in Japanese?
  • Can he or she understand specialized terminology?
  • Does the candidate have a clear reason for wanting to enroll?
  • Is he or she motivated to be involved in classes?
Product Design Design
  • Comprehension: Has the candidate properly grasped and understood the problem?
  • Imagination: Is the idea outstanding?
  • Originality: Is the idea unique?
  • Ability to execute: Does the candidate know how to give ideas concrete shape?
  • Expressive ability: Does the form of expression successfully convey the idea?
Interview
  • Does the candidate have the necessary ability to engage in class discussions?
  • Does he or she understand the contents of this major?
  • Does the candidate have a clear reason for enrolling in this major?
  • Can the candidate express his or her own opinions?
  • Does the candidate appear to be motivated to learn?
Textile Design Pencil drawing &
Color Composition
  • Comprehension: Has the candidate grasped and understood the intent of the task?
  • Observation: Does the candidate accurately depict the object?
  • Communicative ability: Is the theme of the work expressed in such a manner as to communicate with the viewer?
  • Expressive ability: Is a distinctive color pattern expressed in harmony with the formal structure of the piece?
  • Degree of perfection: Are the materials meticulously handled, and is the piece skillfully finished?
Interview
  • Can he/she express his/her own thoughts?
  • Does the candidate appear to be motivated to learn?
  • Does the candidate have Japanese sufficient to follow along in class?
  • Is the candidate able to articulate his or her intent to complete this major?
  • Does the candidate have a clear motivation?
  • Will he or she be able to adapt following enrollment?
  • Can the candidate explain his or her works in Japanese?
Architecture and Environmental Design Pencil drawing
  • Comprehension: Does the candidate understand the intent of the question?
  • Observation: Is the candidate sensitive to different qualities?
  • Compositional ability: Is the intent of the layout clear?
  • Depiction: Are form, light, volume, and material textures accurately portrayed?
  • Spatial ability: Are depth and space properly represented?
Interview
  • What is the candidate's level of Japanese language ability?
  • Why does he/she wish to study abroad?
  • Why does he/she wish to study in this department?
  • What is his/her level of general knowledge?
  • Does the applicant show the ability to apply his/her practical skills?
Information Design Pencil drawing
  • Observation: Does the candidate recognize the shape of the objects accurately?
  • Technical ability: Does the candidate have basic skills of expression?
  • Compositional ability: Is the candidate able to organize his or her expressions in concrete form?
  • Expressive ability: Does the candidate possess the ability to express him/herself and to give these feelings and ideas concrete form?
  • Degree of perfection: Is the depiction complete as a work of art?
Interview
  • Is the candidate's intent and goal of studying abroad clear?
  • Does the candidate have a basic knowledge of design and art?
  • Does the candidate have basic skills of expression?
  • Is the candidate capable of daily communication in Japanese?
  • Does the candidate understand the subject, coursework, educational content and curriculum?
Art Studies Essay in Japanese
(for Art Studies applicants only)
  • Language proficiency: Does the candidate have adequate ability to understand and express him/herself in Japanese?
  • Understanding of the question: Does the candidate understand the contents of the question accurately?
  • Ability to think: How deeply is the candidate considering a given question?
  • Originality: Does the candidate have outstanding ideas and unique sensibilities?
  • Comprehension: Does the candidate have definite recognition of the facts?
Interview
  • Why does the candidate wish to enroll in this department?
  • What is his/her thinking regarding art?
  • Does the candidate understand the characteristics of this department?
  • Does he/she show enthusiasm for learning?
  • What is his/her level of Japanese language?
Integrated Design Pencil drawing
  • Comprehension: Does the candidate understand the intent of the question?
  • Observation: Does the candidate derive the idea from awareness of the everyday?
  • Imagination: Are the ideas realized in the image outstanding?
  • Depiction: Does the candidate excel in the techniques required to portray structure, form, motion, light, volume, and the like?
  • Viewpoint: Does the candidate capture the sense of the subject with appropriate expression and excellent sensitivity?
Interview
  • Does he/she have a clear motivation?
  • Does he/she understand the contents of this major?
  • What is his/her level of Japanese language?
  • Does he/she possess an enthusiasm for learning?
Drama and Dance Physical expression
  • Comprehension: Does the candidate understand requests with regards to the body with feeling? Can he/she follow instruction?
  • Motivation: Is the candidate motivated in their response?
  • Creativity: Can the candidate consciously use the body to express his/her individuality?
  • Observation: Can the candidate observe and feel the changes in the exercise?
  • Bodily awareness: Does the candidate pay attention to fine details in bodily expression in advance of expression?
  • Musical sense: Does the candidate capture the rhythm and harmony of the music through his/her body?
Interview
  • Desire to engage in cross-cultural communication.
  • Enthusiasm for and understanding of the performing arts.
  • The candidate's experience in the performing arts.
Scenography Design Pencil drawing
  • Comprehension: Has the candidate properly grasped and understood the problem?
  • Expression: Does the candidate show an awareness of light, an ability to express materials, and a grasp of space?
  • Depiction: Can he/she carefully depict the subject using basic techniques?
  • Creativity: Does he/she possess exceptional originality?
  • Sensitivity: Is his/her depiction appealing?
Interview
  • What is the candidate's level of Japanese language ability?
  • Does the candidate have a clear understanding of the department's characteristics?
  • Is he/she cooperative?
  • Does he/she show the potential to be enthusiastic and adaptable?
  • Can the candidate explain his/her works effectively?

Notification of Results

December 23, Wednesday, 2020

Admission Procedures

All the necessary forms and the fees should be posted by January 18 (Monday), 2021

School Fees

Look at "School Fees" page.

Admission

  • - Department of Painting, Department of Sculpture, Department of Ceramic, Glass, and Metal Works, Department of Graphic Design, Department of Product Design and Textile Design, Department of Architecture and Environmental Design, Department of Information Design, and Department of Art Studies are located in Hachioji Campus (2-1723 Yarimizu, Hachioji, Tokyo).
  • - Department of Integrated Design and Department of Scenography Design, Drama, and Dance are located in Kaminoge Campus (3-15-34 Kaminoge, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo).
  • - All new students will enroll in April.
  • - For international students, if the immigration authorities reject the application for “Authorization of Resident Eligibility” or “Resident Status (Overseas Education)” from February 2021, admission will be automatically canceled. Also, applicants must receive “Resident Status (Overseas Education)” by April 1, 2021.

About Application Guidelines

Please read the “Application Guidelines 2021” for details in admission (details may differ).

Application Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q1. Are there any classes conducted in English?

    All classes are held in Japanese only.
    Therefore, we strongly recommend applicants to study Japanese language beforehand.
    A rough guide for Japanese Language level is Level 2 of Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N2).

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  • Q2. Are there summer programs or short programs?

    We do not offer summer programs nor short programs.

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  • Q3. Is there autumn admission?

    We do not offer autumn admissions.
    All new students are enrolled in the beginning of April.

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  • Q4. How long is the undergraduate course?

    The duration for the undergraduate course is 4 years in total.

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Address for Application and Inquiries

Tama Art University Admissions Section
Hachioji Campus
2-1723 Yarimizu, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0394
Tel: +81-42-679-5602
Contact via E-mail: nyushi@tamabi.ac.jp

Application Guidelines