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GLOBAL LEARNING CENTER,
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY

Pre/After Arrival (2026 DD)

Instructions for students participating in the Double Degree Program
Last Updated:  May 21, 2025

 

                              

Certificate Request Form: Certificates for Applying for Scholarships, etc.                       
  • ★JASSO Scholarship: We will send you the Application Form in late November or early February. Please refer to "Financial Support" for more details.

 To-Do List  (For 2024.10~ enrolled DD students)

 

1. National Health Insurance Deduction (2026.4~)

    You will receive a notification from the Ward Office in a blue envelope. Please bring it to our office or refer to the sample to fill in the blank FORM marked with a yellow pen.

    Then, put it into the small blue envelope and post it.   
2. National Pension Exemption (2026.4~)

    You should apply for the pension exemption for the Japanese administrative year in April (the next exemption period is 2026.4~2027.3).

    Please refer to the FORM sample to complete and submit it to the Life Support section in person. Note that a photocopy of your master's student ID card is necessary. We will help you finish it if you need help.

3. About the Japan Post Bank Account (Yucho) (2026.5~) 

    After you entered Japan six months ago, please go to the Kawauchi JP bank to change your residence status from "Non-resident" to "Resident". Also, please contact us if you need help.

    Please avoid transferring funds within six months because the "Non-resident Domestic Remittance in Yen" will be paid a fee of 7,500 JPY, except for receiving the JASSO scholarship. 

4. Renew your Residence card (2026.6~)

    It is better to apply for the residence card extension at the immigration office three months before it expires. Please refer to the website and email the International Support Center with any questions.

     Apply for COE

    A certificate of eligibility (COE) must be issued before applying for a student visa and travelling to Japan. Please read the following materials first, then submit your COE application by May 29, 2024.

     

    1. Why do you need a COE, and how do you access the web application system

    2. How to enter your information in the web application system

    3. Photo Specification

    4. Frequently Asked Questions

     

    Please enter the COE Application Web Form after going through the instructions. 

     

     Reference: COE Information Session for Spring 2024

     

    COE Application Deadline:

    Enrolment Term Deadline
    Spring 2025 New DD Students(KTH) February, 2026
    Fall 2025 New DD Students(France) May~June, 2025

     

    However, the issuance in some research fields may take longer (over three months in some cases); therefore, we ask for your patience because we can't control the process.

     

    Entering Japan After The Specified Date:

     

    Spring Enrollment Fall Enrollment
    COE Issuance Early Mar. Late Aug.
    Visa Processing Days Approx. 5 working days or more
    Entry in Japan After March 15 TBA

    COE issuance schedules are subject to change. 

    Apply for the Dormitory 

    Please read the Important documents carefully.

     

    - Important Note: Guidelines
    - Dormitory Application Form

     

    ★ Double Degree Program students are eligible to live in a Tohoku University dormitory during their study (2.5 years); however,  students must apply annually for an extension.

         DD students will receive a notice of application from their affiliated graduate school in mid-June or December every year.

    Comparison Chart for bedding, Internet, equipment, and other services. (Only UH Aobayama can use credit cards so far.)

        Note: The UH Katahira was no longer allowed for international students from 2023.

    NO SMOKING! You may be charged over ​JPY​100,000 for repairs if you smoke in the dormitory.

     

    Campus and Dormitory location:

    ★Map and Access from Sendai Station

      - Both the Aobayama and Kawauchi campuses have subway stations on campus, and you can walk between them.
      - A Free shuttle service between campuses is also available, except in the Sanjo area. From Sanjo dorm to Kawauchi campus on foot: around 40 minutes, City Bus (1-3/hour): 12 minutes (JPY400 one-way)

    Moving Into

    Please let us know your flight and arrival date on the Arrival Information Form.

    Upon arrival at the dormitory, you can enter your room after attending a move-in orientation on working days.

     

    Be sure to read the following information about your dormitory before your arrival. Location map and access to dormitories are available here.

    Bringing electric home appliances or furniture into your room is restricted (except for PCs).

    University House Aobayama

    - Moving in Procedures (New!)

    - Rules and Conditions (UH)

    - Direction Card

    International House Sanjo 1

    - Moving in Procedures (New!)

    - Rules and Conditions (IH)

    - Direction Card

    International House Sanjo 2

    - Moving in Procedures (New!)

    - Rules and Conditions (IH)

    - Direction Card

    University House Sanjo (A/B)

    - Moving in Procedures

    - Rules and Conditions (UH)

    - Direction Card

    University House Sanjo II

    - Moving in Procedures

    - Rules and Conditions (UH)

    - Direction Card

    University House Sanjo III

    - Moving in Procedures

    - Rules and Conditions (UH)

    - Direction Card

    Inbound & Gakkensai Insurance (mandatory)

    Since the Japanese National Health Insurance (The same as the social security system in France) covers 70%, you must purchase the insurance below to cover the remaining 30%.  

    1. ➡ Gakkensai InsurancePersonal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education & Research

    2. ➡ Inbound Futai GakusoComprehensive Insurance for Students Coupled with "Gakkensai Insurance" 

     

    Insurance premiums vary slightly depending on your department and the length of your stay. Please refer to the table below. In addition, a handling fee will be charged in these amounts. 

    ➡ Insurance Premium

    Graduate School of Science

    Other Graduate Schools

    Period of Study

    Special Research Student

    (one semester)

    Master Course

    (two years)

    Special Research Student

    (one semester)

    Master Course

    (two years)

    1. Gakkensai 1,000 1,750 1,000 1,750
    2. Inbound Futai Gakuso 9,150 23,060 9,350 23,340
    Total (Yen) 10,150 24,810 10,350 25,090

    JLPK (Japanese Language Programs at Kawauchi)

    Introduction: Japanese levels are numbered 1 (beginner) through 6 (advanced). Students can select classes matching their stories in various subjects, such as comprehensive Japanese, reading, listening, writing, usage, and kanji. Students in level 4 (intermediate) or higher can participate in international co-learning seminars on various topics. Along with Japanese students. Level 5 (upper intermediate) or higher-level students can take lectures on Japanese culture.

    ➡  Orientation for the Japanese Language Program at Kawauchi (video slides)

     

     

    We will let you know how to participate and the detailed information before the Spring (the end of March) / Fall semester (the end of September) starts.

    Tohokudai ID

    The Tohokudai ID is used to access the Tohoku University Portal Site, register your courses, access campus Wi-Fi, and more. We will give the Tohokudai ID and initial password in person, and then you can set up a campus Wi-Fi connection with the ID. Note that you cannot use campus Wi-Fi before October 1. 

    Campus Wireless LAN Service

     

    Chest X-rays (TBA)

    The fall Chest X-ray examination will be conducted at the Student Health Care Center (map) on Kawauchi Campus on October 8 and 9.

    It is not mandatory for all double-degree students newly admitted as Special Research Students in the Fall. 

    However, if you want to take the X-ray, please make an appointment using the online reservation system between October 1 and 6, 2024.

    For more information, please refer to the websites below.

     

     Instructions on AY2024 Fall Chest X-rays 

     Book an Appointment Online for X-rays

     Website of Student Health Care Center, Tohoku University

     

    International Student Help Desk

    The Tohoku University International Student Help Desk (hereafter Help Desk) is staffed by Tohoku University students who will answer all of your questions. The Help Desk is open throughout the semester; no appointment is needed. Visit their Facebook or Instagram for open hours and further details.

    Help Desk

     

    SIM Card

    If you need a SIM card, we recommend you ask the "Help Desk" for help through the Support Services after completing all registrations and opening a bank account. Buying it at the local mobile phone stores might be refused since there is a lack of translators. Alternatively, purchasing a SIM card at the airport or through an online shop in advance would be better.  

     

    Useful Websites

    1. TU Support
    2. Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association (SenTIA)
    3. Dining and Shops on Campus

    4. Other discount passes and tickets.

    Academic Accommodations

    Please refer to the link below if you need support during your stay due to physical and mental health difficulties before the semester begins.

    Academic Accommodations Request Form 

    Travel to Japan (Things To Do) from November 2022