Overview
Tohoku University was founded in 1907 and is one of Japan’s most venerable national research institutions, located in Sendai, Miyagi. It became the first Japanese university to accept women and international students, a legacy that still reflects its international outlook and research openness.
Today, Tohoku University is recognized through initiatives such as the National Seven Universities and the Top Global University Project, with strong research output in engineering, materials science, and medicine. According to recent global university tables, it remains a top 100 university worldwide across major ranking systems, including QS.
1. General Information
| Name | Tohoku University |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Location | Sendai, Japan |
| Type | Public Research University |
| QS World Ranking (2024) | 117th |
| National Ranking | Top 5 in Japan |
| Affiliations | RU11, APRU, AEARU, T.I.M.E. |
2. Academic Programs
- Undergraduate Schools: Engineering, Science, Law, Arts & Letters, Agriculture, Education, Economics
- Graduate Schools: Medicine, Dentistry, Information Sciences, Environmental Studies, Biomedical Engineering
- English-Based Degree Programs:
- Advanced Molecular Chemistry (AMC)
- Applied Marine Biology
- International Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (IMAC)
- Data Science and AI
If you’re comparing research-focused Japanese universities, you may also want to review Kyoto University and Osaka University, both of which offer strong graduate options in science and engineering.
3. Global Rankings & Recognition
- QS World University Rankings 2024: 117th
- THE World Rankings: Top 250
- Known for materials science, robotics, and earthquake engineering
- Home to award-winning researchers and innovation centers
For applicants looking at alternatives within Japan’s major research sector, The University of Tokyo is another frequently compared option when choosing programs by research strength and global recognition.
4. Research & Innovation
- Tohoku University is a global leader in advanced research, especially in:
- Materials Science
- Earthquake Engineering
- Robotics & AI
- Quantum Physics
- Life Sciences
The university’s research culture is closely connected to real-world impact, which is one reason it is widely associated with innovation in disaster resilience and next-generation technologies. If you are exploring how different universities organize research strengths, the broader Japanese research university landscape is worth comparing as part of your application planning.
5. Fee Structure
| Program Level | Annual Tuition (JPY) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 535,800 | ~$3,600 |
| Master’s / PhD | 535,800 | ~$3,600 |
| Admission Fee (One-time) | 282,000 | ~$1,900 |
Tuition can vary depending on your enrollment status and any policy updates, so it’s important to verify the latest costs through the official admissions pages before you apply.
6. Accommodation
- Monthly cost: JPY 15,000 – 50,000 ($100 – $350)
- Fully furnished rooms with shared kitchen, laundry, and internet access
- Private apartments available in Sendai city
Accommodation options typically include university-arranged housing and off-campus rentals, which can make it easier to manage living costs during your first term. If you’re comparing campus experience across universities, check each school’s housing guidance early, since timelines and availability can differ.
7. Contact Information
- Website:https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/
- Email: kokusai-k@grp.tohoku.ac.jp
- Phone: +81-22-217-4816
- Address: 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
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