Quick Summary
Situated in Sendai, Japan, Tohoku University is a public (national) established in 1907. Ranked #107 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 17616 students including 14% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15-20%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
A world-leader in materials science with a unique 'Open Door' policy and high graduate employability.
Subject Strengths
Materials SciencePhysicsChemistryMechanical EngineeringDentistry
Founded1907
TypePublic (National)
Total Students17616
Intl Students14%
Faculty Ratio6.2
CampusUrban/Multi-campus
Campus Size2,200 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsTohoku University Hospital
AccreditationMEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#107
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#130
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151-200
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate (Master's and Doctoral), Professional Degrees
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Institute for Materials Research (IMR), Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15-20%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.0
GRERequired for some graduate programs
GMATNot Available
SATRequired for FGL program
ACTAccepted for FGL program
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January (FGL Program)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · August (General Admission)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight research experience for graduate applications and emphasize alignment with the 'Research-First' principle.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,550,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥2,102,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship, JASSO, Tohoku University President Fellowship
Avg Scholarship$12,500
Financial AidTuition exemption (50% or 100%) for students with financial hardship
Work-StudyYes (Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant positions)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate (Master's and Doctoral), Professional Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Future Global Leadership (FGL) Program | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Materials Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Molecular Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with major Japanese corporations like Toyota and Sony
Industry Connections
ToyotaHitachiMitsubishiToshibaNippon Steel
Notable Alumni
Lu Xun (Writer), Sumio Iijima (Carbon nanotubes), Koichi Tanaka (Nobel Laureate)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Gymnasiums, swimming pools, tennis courts, kyudo (archery) range
Student Clubs
Over 100 student organizations including the Glee Club and Robotics Team
Library Resources
Tohoku University Library system containing over 4 million volumes
Exchange Programs
DEEP, COLABS, JYPE, IPLA
Summer Programs
TSSP (Tohoku University Science Summer Program), TASP