Tohoku University has a rich history dating back to 1907 when it was founded as the Tohoku Imperial University. It has the distinction of being the first university in Japan to admit female and international students. Since its founding, the institution has ensured that it recruits the most talented scientists and researchers in the world to its faculty; thereby, making it one of the best universities in Asia.
Today, Tohoku is known for its top-ranked science and engineering programs and its beautiful campus located in Sendai – one of Japan’s most vibrant cities. The QS University Rankings: Asia 2022 ranked it as the 23rd best university in Asia, while it was placed 82nd in the QS World University Rankings 2022. In this article, we will discuss the university, its programmes, and admission requirements.
Courses and Faculty
Tohoku University Japan has programmes that can cater to the academic aspirations of nearly every candidate. To begin with, there are ten undergraduate schools and nineteen graduate schools at Tohoku. In addition to this, the university has six research institutes and twelve research centers. The institution also has a hospital on its campus––Tohoku University Hospital– which is renowned for its research activities.
The university is particularly known for its science programmes as several of its faculties are counted among the best in the world. Its Faculty of Engineering is one of the most distinguished faculties on campus and globally; offering courses in engineering, mathematics, information science, and environmental studies. Tohoku University’s School of Engineering is also among the best in Japan, and it offers degrees in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering.
Another esteemed department at Tohoku is its Faculty of Medicine. It offers degrees in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing care management and health policy administration, and medical imaging and informatics, among others. The School of Medicine is also highly respected, and it offers degrees in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and public health, among others.
However, what sets this university apart from others is its people. The faculty and staff are dedicated to their student’s success – both in and out of the classroom. Simply put, Tohoku University thrives on its spirit of community and camaraderie.
Students at Tohoku also have access to a wide range of facilities and amenities, including libraries, laboratories, and sports centres. There are also plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities on offer at Tohoku University – from music clubs to martial arts groups!
Fees and Scholarships
As a prospective student, you may be wondering about the cost of attending Tohoku University. The good news is that there are a variety of scholarships and fee reductions available to help make attending the university more affordable.
First, let us take a look at tuition fees. They vary depending on your degree program and nationality. However, the average undergraduate and graduate tuition range from 535,800 yen per year (around 4200 USD) to 804,000 yen per year (around 6300 USD). Several scholarships are also available specifically for international students; some of which can reduce your costs by up to 100%.
In addition to the tuition fees, there are other expenses that must be considered. This includes costs such as boarding, textbooks, and transportation, among others. However, by taking advantage of the various scholarship opportunities offered by Tohoku University, it is possible to reduce the burden of these expenses significantly.
Careers and Placements
The graduate employability rate at Tohoku is high, with most graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. Some popular career paths for these graduates include engineering, business administration, and medicine. There are also several placement opportunities available through the university’s Career Support Center, which helps connect students with employers around the world.
In order to improve career assistance for all its undergraduates and graduates, Tohoku University conducts information gathering surveys and research on career-path selection. With this valuable information in hand, various forms of support structures are put in place to enable students to make appropriate career choices. This includes individual consultations with students struggling to decide on a path for their future.
Also, a robust collaboration with the Center for Counseling and Disability Services and the Global Learning Center is encouraged in order to improve the quality and accessibility of Tohoku University’s Career Support services worldwide. Through these concerted efforts, the university ensures that its students have access to the best possible resources when making one of the most important decisions of their lives – what to do after graduation.
Admission Requirements
As one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, the requirements for acceptance at Tohoku University are stringent. In order to be eligible for admission, a student’s application typically includes the following requisites:
- Application form (including a self-assessment of academic ability)
- Letter of recommendation from your supervisor at Tohoku University or another institution (in English or Japanese). If you have been unable to find a supervisor, please include a letter of intent describing your research interests and goals.
- Official transcript(s) from all universities attended.
- A copy of your passport.
- Proof that you have passed the EJU, JLPT N1, TOEFL iBT 80 points, or IELTS 6.5 points (or an equivalent test).
- A recent photo.
- Application fee.
The admissions committee will review the submitted documents before deciding whether an applicant is competent enough to be admitted to the university. Students may also be required to write an entrance test depending on the course requirements.
While the requirements sought and the admission process may appear to be overwhelming, it is worth the effort invested in the exercise. After all, the university offers world-class education and opportunities. Therefore, if you wish to pursue an academic programme at one of the best universities in Asia, then we recommend that you consider applying to Tohoku University. All the best!