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Tohoku University

Sendai, 🇯🇵 Japan Public
#1 National #109 QS World #103 THE #201 ARWU
Tohoku University campus
18,000 students 11% international Urban $6k - $6.3k/yr

About Tohoku University

Tohoku University, located in Sendai, Japan, is a prestigious public research university with a rich history dating back to 1907. It is recognized for its "Research First" principle, "Open-Door" policy, and "Practice-Oriented Research and Education," fostering an environment of innovation and global leadership. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in Japan and globally.

Academics


Tohoku University offers a wide array of academic programs across 10 faculties and 16 graduate schools, spanning humanities, social sciences, medicine, and particularly strong STEM fields like engineering, natural sciences, and materials science. The university emphasizes a practical, research-first approach to education. Notable programs include those in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, earth science, and medicine. Several undergraduate and graduate degree programs are taught entirely in English, making it accessible to international students.

International Students


Tohoku University has a vibrant international community with over 2,000 international students from various countries. The International Student Help Desk and International Support Center provide comprehensive assistance, including guidance on campus life, daily life in Japan, translation support, and bureaucratic procedures. English-taught programs are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Various student organizations, such as the Tohoku University Foreign Students Association (TUFSA) and the Tohoku University STEM Student Network (TUSTEM), facilitate cultural integration and international exchange.

Campus & Location


Tohoku University's four campuses (Katahira, Kawauchi, Aobayama, and Seiryo) are situated in Sendai, often called the "City of Trees" for its abundant green spaces. Sendai offers a balance of modern city life and natural beauty, with a more affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities. The campuses are well-connected by subway and bus services, with free campus shuttle buses also available for inter-campus travel. Attractions in and around Sendai include historical sites like Sendai Castle Ruins and Zuihoden Mausoleum, as well as various parks and cultural festivals.

Career Outcomes


The Career Support Office at Tohoku University provides extensive resources for students, including career advising, information on employment trends, and support for job hunting in Japan and internationally. While specific employment rates are not readily available, the university's strong academic reputation, particularly in STEM fields, suggests robust career prospects. Tohoku University also emphasizes practical research, which contributes to strong industry connections and a focus on innovation. The PhD Career Development Unit offers specialized support for doctoral students and post-docs.

Highlights

  • Research First principle
  • Open-Door policy
  • Strong STEM fields
  • Global top university
  • Vibrant international community
  • Sendai: City of Trees

Subject Areas

EngineeringScienceMedicineAgricultureArts

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

Tohoku University photo 1Tohoku University photo 2Tohoku University photo 3Tohoku University photo 4Tohoku University photo 5Tohoku University photo 6Tohoku University photo 7Tohoku University photo 8Tohoku University photo 9

Programs Offered at Tohoku University (54)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (25)

Aeronautics and Space Engineering

STEM

Aeronautics and Space Engineering

Aeronautics and Space Engineering
aeronauticsbabengbscengineering
48 months Japanese Full-time

Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
bachelor in biologybachelor's biologystudy biology in japanbachelor biology in japanbiology program in sendai
48 months Japanese Full-time

Bioproduction and Bioresources

STEM

Bioproduction and Bioresources

Bioproduction and Bioresources
in Bioproduction and BioresourcesBioproduction and Bioresourcesstudy Bioproduction and Bioresources in JapanBioproduction and Bioresources program JapanBioproduction and Bioresources in Sendai
48 months English Full-time

Clinical Engineering

STEM

Clinical Engineering

Engineering
bachelorclinicalengineeringtohoku
48 months Japanese Full-time

Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies
babachelorbsbsccultural
48 months Japanese Full-time

Dentistry

STEM

Dentistry

Dentistry
Dentistry program Japanstudy in Sendai DentistryTohoku University DentistryBA in Dentistryinternational Dentistry program
72 months Japanese Full-time

Earth and Environmental Sciences

STEM

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Earth and Environmental Sciences
Earth and Environmental Sciences bachelor'sEarth and Environmental Sciences BSenvironmental science degreeecology programsustainability studies
48 months Japanese Full-time

Economics

Economics

Economics
bacheloreconomicsundergraduate
48 months Japanese Full-time

Education

Education

Education
bacheloreducation
48 months Japanese Full-time

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

STEM

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering
bachelor in electrical and electronic engineeringengineering careerstudy electrical and electronic engineering in japanbachelor electrical and electronic engineering in sendaibachelor electrical and electronic engineering in english japan
48 months Japanese Full-time

Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelor in engineeringbachelor engineeringbsc engineeringundergraduate engineeringstudy engineering in japan
48 months Japanese Full-time

Geography

STEM

Geography

Geography
babachelorbsbscgeography
48 months Japanese Full-time

History

History

History
bachelorhistory
48 months Japanese Full-time

Information Engineering, Computer

STEM

Information Engineering

Information Engineering
bachelorcomputerengineeringinformation
48 months Japanese Full-time

Languages

Languages

Languages & Linguistics
bachelorlanguagestohoku
48 months Japanese Full-time

Law

Law

Law
ba lawlaw degreellb programbachelor lawbachelors law
48 months Japanese Full-time

Applied Marine Biology Course (FGL)

STEM

Marine Biology

Marine Biology
bachelor in marine biologyundergraduate marine biologystudy marine biology in japanbachelor marine biology japanmarine biology program in sendai
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Course (IMAC-U) (FGL)

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
aerospaceandbachelorcourseengineering
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Medical Technology

STEM

Medical Technology

Medical Sciences
bachelorbachelor's degreeclinical laboratoryclinical researchdiagnostics
48 months Japanese Full-time

Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
medicine degreemedical schoolJapanSendaiTohoku University
48 months Japanese Full-time

Advanced Molecular Chemistry

STEM

Advanced Molecular Chemistry Course (FGL)

Molecular Chemistry

Molecular Chemistry
best bachelor programs in molecular chemistrytohoku university molecular chemistrystudy molecular chemistry in sendaibachelor in molecular chemistry in japanstudy molecular chemistry in japan
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Occupational Therapy

STEM

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy
bachelor in Occupational Therapybachelor of in Occupational Therapystudy Occupational Therapy in Japanbachelor Occupational Therapybachelor's Occupational Therapy
48 months Japanese Full-time

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

STEM

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

pharmacy
babachelorbachelor'sbsbsc
48 months Japanese Full-time

Physical Therapy

STEM

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy
babachelorbengbsbsc
48 months Japanese Full-time

Sciences

STEM

Sciences

Sciences
babachelorbbabcombeng
48 months Japanese Full-time

Master Programs (29)

International Advanced Science

STEM

Advanced Science

Sciences
advancedadvanced scienceinternationalmasterscience
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Agriculture

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
agriculturemastertohokuuniversity
24 months Japanese Full-time

Applied Chemistry

STEM

Applied Chemistry

Applied Chemistry
appliedchemistrymaster
24 months Japanese Full-time

Applied Physics

STEM

Applied Physics

Applied Physics
appliedapplied physicsjapanjapanesemaster
24 months Japanese Full-time

Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
masters in architecturearchitecture in japanesestudy architecture in japanarchitecture at tohoku universityarchitecture masters
24 months Japanese Full-time

International Graduate School of Arts and Letters (IGSAL)

Arts and Letters

Arts and Letters
arts and letters program japanstudy arts and letters sendaibest arts and letters programsmasters in arts and letterscultural studies
24 months English Full-time

Atomic Energy Engineering

STEM

Atomic Energy Engineering

Atomic Energy Engineering
study atomic energy engineeringmsc atomic energy engineeringatomic energy engineering program abroadinternational masters atomic energy engineeringmasters atomic energy engineering
24 months Japanese Full-time

Basic Medicine Course (BMC)

STEM

Basic Medicine

Basic Medicine
MS in Basic Medicinebest basic medicine programsbasic medicine at Tohoku Universityinternational basic medicine masterstudy in Sendai basic medicine
24 months English Full-time

Biology, Environmental Sciences

STEM

Biology

Biology
biologyenvironmentalgraduatelabma
24 months Japanese Full-time

Biology and Medicine

STEM

Biology, Medicine

Biology

Biology
masters in biologystudy biology in japanbiology masters programbiology in sendaistudy biology abroad
24 months Japanese Full-time

Biotechnology

STEM

Biotechnology

Biotechnology
master in biotechnologymaster of biotechnologybiotechnology in Sendaigraduate program in biotechnologybiotechnology program Japan
24 months Japanese Full-time

Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
biologychemistrychemistry, biology, environmental sciencesenvironmentalmaster
24 months Japanese Full-time

Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
chemistryenglishjapanmastersendai
24 months English Full-time

International Civil and Environmental Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
masters in civil engineeringenglish master civil engineeringinternational civil and environmental engineeringstudy civil engineering in japanmasters civil engineering in japan
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
civilengineeringmaster
24 months Japanese Full-time

CAMPUS Asia Plus in Dentistry (CA⁺inD)

STEM

Dentistry

Dentistry
asiacampusca⁺inddentistrygraduate
24 months English Full-time

Economics and Management

Economics

Economics
economicsmanagementmastertohoku university
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

Global Program in Economics and Management

Economics

Economics
study economics in sendaiglobal program in economics and managementmsc economicsstudy economics in japanenglish master economics japan
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Environmental Leadership

STEM

Environmental Science

Environmental Science
study environmental science in sendaimaster in environmental sciencestudy environmental science in japanmasters in environmental sciencemsc in environmental science
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Environmental Security Leadership Program (IESLP)

STEM

Environmental Security

Environmental Security
internationalenvironmentalsecurityleadershipprogram
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Graduate Program in Global Education Studies (I-GES)

Global Education Studies

Education
global education studiesinternational educationcomparative educationtaught in englishstudy in sendai
24 months English Full-time

Global Governance and Sustainable Development (G2SD)

Global Governance

International Relations
developmentg2sdglobalgovernanceinternational
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Life Sciences

STEM

Life Sciences

Life Sciences
international life sciencesstudy life sciences in sendailife sciences programmaster of life sciencesstudy abroad life sciences
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Course of Life Sciences (ICLS)

STEM

Life Sciences

Life Sciences
coursegraduateiclsinternationallife
24 months English Full-time

International Materials Science and Engineering (IMSE)

STEM

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering
(imse)andengineeringgraduateinternational
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (IMAC-G)

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
aerospaceandengineeringgraduateimac-g
24 months English Full-time

$535,800/yr

International Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (IGSPS)

STEM

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmaceutical Sciences
pharmaceutical sciencesmaster of pharmaceutical sciencesstudy abroad pharmaceutical sciencesinternational student pharmaceutical sciencesgraduate program pharmaceutical sciences
24 months English Full-time

Social Infrastructure Management Course (SIM)

STEM

Social Infrastructure Management

Infrastructure Management
(sim)courseinfrastructuremanagementmaster
24 months English Full-time

Cross-National Master's Course (CNMC)

Cross-National Master's Course (CNMC)
crossnationalmaster'scoursecnmc
24 months English Full-time

Tohoku University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
79+ TOEFL
2.3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Spring, Fall
Tuition (per year) $6k - $6.3k/yr
Application Fee $30000
Teaching Language English, Japanese
Accreditation
Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tohoku University

Common questions from international students considering Tohoku University.

What is the acceptance rate at Tohoku University?

Tohoku University is classified as "Selective (20-40%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Tohoku University cost for international students?

Tuition at Tohoku University ranges from $6k - $6.3k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Tohoku University ranked globally?

Tohoku University holds the following rankings: QS World #109, Times Higher Education #103, ARWU #201, #1 in Japan. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does Tohoku University have?

Tohoku University typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 79+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at Tohoku University?

Yes, Tohoku University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Tohoku University start its semesters?

Tohoku University has intakes starting in Spring, Fall. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Tohoku University offer?

Tohoku University offers 23+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Tohoku University located?

Tohoku University is located in Sendai, Japan 🇯🇵. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What programs does Tohoku University offer?

For specific details about Tohoku University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

Are there scholarships at Tohoku University?

For specific details about Tohoku University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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