The ICE was under the which was abolished in 1885. Control was then transferred to the and the ICE became part of the Imperial University (later the University of Tokyo) when it was created by the Ministry of Education in 1886. The ICE was thenceforth the Faculty of Engineering of the Imperial University.
The ICE had the following schools: architecture, chemistry, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, mining, shipbuilding, and telegraphy.
Students were required to write notes and graduation theses in English. Some of these survive and are on display at the in Ueno Park, Tokyo (New Building, 2F (second floor)).
The first principal of the ICE was the Scotsman Henry Dyer who was only 25 years old when he took up the post.
Noted British professors included:
, the architect who designed Tokyo Station.