The Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo Polytechnic University (President: Hiroaki Yoshino), located in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, will launch a new International Student Support Program in the 2026 academic year to help address Japan’s future shortage of engineers. The program is designed to support international students who wish to pursue engineering careers in Japan, offering financial assistance ranging from ¥770,000 to ¥970,000 in their first year.
In response to the anticipated 2030 engineering workforce shortage, the university aims to nurture international students as future engineers and support their employment in Japanese companies. The program provides comprehensive support from admission to graduation and job placement, including tuition reductions, monthly housing subsidies, and entrance fee waivers for those applying through scholarship or designated school recommendation tracks.
While Japan faces a growing shortage of engineers, many companies hesitate to hire foreign workers due to concerns over Japanese language proficiency. At the same time, international students often struggle to adapt to life and culture in Japan, leading to social isolation and anxiety. To address these issues, the university will enhance its learning environment through initiatives such as the “Tsuuon” system (a hybrid of in-person and on-demand classes), community-based research and extracurricular activities, and Japanese language support via its on-campus Learning Support Center.
The “Tsuuon” system divides the five-day academic week into three days of in-person classes and two days of on-demand learning and extracurricular activities. This flexible schedule allows students to review recorded lectures at their own pace while improving their Japanese skills and earning credits. On-demand days also offer opportunities for community engagement, such as extracurricular classes focused on building local communities in Midorigaoka, Atsugi City.
The Learning Support Center provides assistance with daily assignments, resume writing, and other Japanese language needs. From enrollment, each student is assigned a curriculum advisor—similar to a homeroom teacher—who offers personalized guidance throughout their university life. During job hunting, academic advisors take the lead in supporting students’ employment in Japanese companies.
Details about the International Student Support Program and the Tsuuon system are available on the Faculty of Engineering’s admissions website and at open campus events held monthly from June to September.
Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo Polytechnic University
Established in 1966 and located in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the Faculty of Engineering comprises three academic divisions: Information Science, Engineering, and Architecture. All divisions offer a broad foundation in information studies. The learning environment is designed to be interdisciplinary and flexible, allowing students to take courses across divisions and even change their academic track upon advancement, all with the support of dedicated curriculum advisors.