Tohoku University

Tohoku University was established in 1907 as the third national university in Japan. It is located in Sendai, a city in northeastern Japan about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, and has long been recognized as one of Japan's most liberal universities with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge research. The university has been designated as the first and only University for International Research Excellence by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Tohoku University was the first Japanese university to accept female and international students over a century ago and currently hosts approximately 3,410 international students from 99 countries, with the majority coming from Asia. The institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 fundamental fields at the bachelor level and 16 graduate schools, many of which include courses taught entirely in English.

Tohoku University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students, including the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship via University or Embassy Recommendation, the Tohoku University International Excellence Scholarship, and the new President Fellowship covering full tuition for outstanding undergraduate students. Additionally, there is a new scholarship program launching in 2027 that will cover either full or half of tuition fees for approximately the top one-third of admitted international students based on academic performance. Privately-financed students may also apply for the JASSO Honors Scholarship and various private foundation scholarships. Tuition fee waivers (one-third to full) are available based on financial need, though this program will transition to the new merit-based system starting in 2027.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship – University Recommendation

• Coverage: Application fee, admission fee, tuition fee, monthly stipend (119,000–147,000 JPY depending on level), and travel expenses to/from Japan
• Eligibility: Outstanding international students applying for October enrollment; requires nomination by Tohoku University; available for both undergraduate and graduate levels
• How to apply: Contact the relevant graduate school or program office directly to express interest; include field of study, intended enrollment year (October only), and target graduate school; applicants must secure a prospective supervisor

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship – Embassy Recommendation

• Coverage: Application fee, admission fee, tuition fee, monthly stipend, and travel expenses to/from Japan
• Eligibility: International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan; open to undergraduate and graduate levels
• How to apply: Apply through Japanese embassy or consulate in home country
• Deadline: Typically around April (varies by embassy)

Tohoku University International Excellence Scholarship

• Coverage: Not specified in detail, but described as a university scholarship
• Eligibility: Privately financed international students at undergraduate and graduate levels

President Fellowship

• Coverage: Tuition fees (full coverage)
• Eligibility: International undergraduate students of excellent character and academic standing
• How to apply: Inquire with desired faculty

New Scholarship Program (starting 2027)

• Coverage: Full or half of tuition fee
• Eligibility: International students enrolling from 2027 onward in undergraduate, master’s, or professional degree programs
• How to apply: Based on entrance examination results and academic performance; no separate application mentioned

JASSO Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students

• Eligibility: Privately financed international students; reservation system via EJU (undergraduate) or pre-arrival admission (graduate)
• How to apply: Reservation system; details not provided