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GLOBAL LEARNING CENTER,
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY

Pre/After Arrival (AY2026 DD)

WELCOME to Tohoku University's Double Degree program.
This page contains Instructions for students participating in the Double Degree Program
Last Updated:  June 25th, 2026

 

★For Double Degree Program guidelines, please visit this page.

★From "Moving Into" section and down on this page is to be updated soon.

 

Information for current students

 

●Certificate Request Form: Certificates for Applying for Scholarships, etc. *To prepare for the issuance of end-of-term academic transcripts, it will be closed from March 4-25/September 4-25.

 

●JASSO Scholarship: We will send you a Google application form in late November or early February. Please refer to "Financial Support" for more details.

TO DO List for current students

 

1. Apply for a reduction of National Health Insurance prenium rate - Those of you who receive a notification "仙台市国民健康保険料に関する申告書" from the local Ward office in May, please refer to the sample to complete the form and return it using the enclosed return envelope.

 

2. Exemption of National Pension payment - Application form needs to be submitted to TU's Life Support Section, preferably in April or in May. A photocopy of your Master's studet ID is required.

 

3. Renew your residence card - Those of you who need to extend the period of Stay in Japan, please visit the link for steps to follow and a list of "Required Documents" to prepare.

 Apply for COE

A certificate of eligibility (COE) must be issued before applying for a student visa and travelling to Japan. Please first review the instructions below and complete the COE Application Web Form, referencing the Information Sheet.

 

● 1. How to enter your information in the COE web application system

● 2. Photo Specification

● 3. Frequently Asked Questions


Note:

Please add the following domains to your email allowlist to eliminate the risk of future emails being blocked:

studyab＠grp.tohoku.ac.jp, supportoffice＠grp.tohoku.ac.jp and supportoffice＠g-mail.tohoku-univerisity.jp.

 

Tuberculosis screening: Individuals with Filipino, Vietnamese, or Nepalese nationality may be subject to screening. Please be sure to check the website :  Japan Pre-EntryTuberculosis Screening

 

Starting March 1, 2026, Residence Card, which serves as residence permit in Japan, can now be issued at Sendai Airport to individuals who become "mid-to-long-term residents" upon receiving a new landing permission.

 

COE Application Deadline for DD Students:

Arrival in Japan in Deadline
Spring 2026 (KTH) December 19th, 2025
Fall 2026 (France) May 29th, 2026

 

As COE process in some research fields may take longer (over three months in some cases), we ask for your patience.

It is processed by and up to the Immigration Office when COE is granted. Tohoku University has no control over the process. 

Tohoku University cannot tell you when your COE will be issued.

 

Rough Timelines:

Arrival in Spring Arrival in Fall
COE Issuance Early March Early/Mid September
*Visa Processing Days Approx. 5 working days or more
Entry in Japan After March 26, 2026

After September 25, 2026

*As soon as COE is issued and you are notified, apply for a student visa at your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate general.

 

It is recommended to book your flight after receiving your COE to avoid the risk of a planned travel being disturbed as COEs are often issued at the last minute. You may want to consider booking a flexible flight as an option.

Dormitory 

Please read the guidelines carefully.

 

- Important Note: Guidelines
- Dormitory Application Form

   Due Date for the application is July 16, 2026

  • 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 form from their affiliated graduate school in mid-June or December every year about extensions.
  • Comparison Chart for Bedding, Internet, Equipment, and Other Services. (Only UH Aobayama can use credit cards so far.)
Note: As of 2023, the UH Katahira was no longer available to international students.

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

 

Campus and Dormitory location:

Refer to this page for how to get around in town once you arrive here in Sendai.

 

  • 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 (about JPY300 one-way)

Moving Into

Please provide your flight and arrival date on the Arrival Information Form.    Arrival Information Form is yet to be open for Fall. 
 Due Date: September 7, 2026 for Fall 2026 New Exchange Students

★If you have not received your COE yet, you can submit the arrival form when you have it ready.

 

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

 

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)

- Access Map

International House Sanjo 1

- Moving in Procedures (New!)

- Rules and Conditions (IH)

- Direction Card

- Access Map

International House Sanjo 2

- Moving in Procedures (New!)

- Rules and Conditions (IH)

- Direction Card

- Access Map

University House Sanjo (A/B)

- Moving in Procedures (New!)

- Rules and Conditions (UH)

- Direction Card

- Access Map

University House Sanjo II

- Moving in Procedures (New!)

- Rules and Conditions (UH)

- Direction Card

- Access Map

University House Sanjo III

- Moving in Procedures (New!)

- Rules and Conditions (UH)

- Direction Card

- Access Map

 

      Newly Updated Rent efective as of Spring 2026

 

Information down below will be updated soon. 

Residence Registration

A list of documents that give you brief information on how and what to do for local residence process:

01-1_Support Services for International Students Enrolling at Tohoku University

02-1_Support for Bureaucratic Matters

03-1_Support for Opening a Bank Account

04-1_[City of Sendai] Special counter for foreign nationals (2026 Spring)

 

STEP 1: Resident Registration at the Ward Office (Ward Office Special Venue, AER Building 5th Floor）

Click!➡ Task

At the Ward Office

1. Resident registration.

2. Join the Japanese National Health Insurance and receive your insurance card. (You should pay approximately JPY 1,800 monthly.)

3. Enroll in the Japanese National Pension Plan and apply for the exemption. (No payment after the exception.)

These processes will take approximately 2 to 3 hours in total to complete. But don't worry; the university staff will help you with the paperwork.

Date and Time

Dates: March 31, April 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last entry 4:00 pm)

 

To schedule a date and time for the procedure at the Ward Office Special Venue, you have to log in to the dedicated website and apply for the service. 

Follow the instructions【English】[City of Sendai] Special counter for foreign nationals (2026 Spring) to make a reservation via the online form. 

 

You will also need to make an appointment to get support from our TU International Support Center.

Visit this page for How to Apply for Support Services . Select the items you need support for including bank account setup. When it's successfully done, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to access your ”My Page”.

Meeting Place

Ward Office Special Venue (Google map)  5th Floor AER Building（Available only March 31, April 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9）

Address: 1-3-1 Chuo, Aoba ward, Sendai city 980-0021

【How to get there】

For those living in UH Aobayama, it's best to take the subway and get off at Sendai Station.  For those living in Sanjo dormitories, you can take the local bus bound for Sendai station or via Sendai station and get off at Sendai station. From Sendai station to the venue, it takes about 3 minutes on foot.

 

For those who can not visit the  Special Venue before April 9th (weekday only), please go to the Aoba Ward office directly. If applicable, discuss it with our TU International Support Center for more.

Aoba Ward Office (Google map), Conference Room on the 4th floor. 

Address: 1-5-1 Kamisugi, Aoba ward, Sendai city 980-8701

 

For those living in UH Aobayama, the best option is to take the subway and get off at Aoba-Dori Ichibancho station. From there, it takes approximately 20 minutes on foot.

For those living in Sanjo dormitories, please take the local bus or walk for approximately 45 minutes. Taking a taxi costs about 2,000+ JPY.

Things to Bring

Reservation confirmation email, Residence card, passport, Tohoku University Student ID card, and dormitory residence permit in PDF or the original.

Notes

A reception desk will be set up at the Aoba Ward Office; staff will assist international students from Tohoku University with these procedures. We suggest bringing something to pass the time, as the ward office is swamped during the school entrance season.

Q & A

If you have any questions, check the FAQ. If the FAQ does not address your question, please contact the address below.
sim004015@city.sendai.jp

 

 

STEP 2: Opening a Bank Account to Receive JASSO Scholarship

 

 

Click! ➡ Task

You can open a Japan Post bank account using an app. University staff will assist you in applying in person using a tablet.

Date and Time

Please visit the venue at your convenience during the following hours of operation. The bank account application takes approximately 30 minutes. 

Opens: April 1st, 2026 through April 10th, 2026 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day (excluding weekends)

Venue

Lounge on the first floor of the International Exchange Building (A12) on Kawauchi Campus (map), close to the Kawauchi subway station.

Things to Bring

Residence card, passport, Tohoku University Student ID card, dormitory residence permit and Japan's National Health Insurance card if available.

*Your Katakana name on the application form must be exactly as shown on your National Health Insurance card.

Notes

All DD students are required to open a JP Bank account using the smartphone app called "Yucho Direct Plus" unless they have a special request. 

Inbound & Gakkensai Insurance (mandatory)

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

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

2. ➡ Inbound Futai Gakuso Overview:  Comprehensive Insurance for Students Coupled with "Gakkensai Insurance" 

    ➡ Inbound Futai Gakuso Details(Sc.)

    ➡ Inbound Futai Gakuso Details

Insurance premiums vary slightly depending on your department and the length of your stay. Please refer to the table below. A handling fee will apply in addition to these amounts. 

 

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 - - - -
2. **Inbound Futai Gakuso 10,280 25,700 10,480 26,190
Total (Yen) 10,280 25,700 10,480 26,190

*Payment for Gakkensai insurance made by School

**How to be enrolled:

You can purchase Inbound Futai Gakuso insurance plan online - Refer to page 3 of Inbound Futai Gakuso Details / Inbound Futai Gakuso Details(Sc.) to scan QR code and find step by step instructions as you move for information to select.

Once you apply online as soon as possible, you can make the payment at any convenience store around here.

Please make sure you keep the receipt as you need it later - Upload a copy of the receipt Google Form and keep the original. Please note : This Google Form is for New Special Research Students who just arrive in Japan this Spring 2026.

JLPK (Japanese Language Programs at Kawauchi)

Introduction: Japanese levels are numbered 1 (beginner) through 6 (advanced). Students can select classes that match their skills 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.

Please visit JLPK Website to see Course Guide AY 2026 for course registration and Syllabus to find classes that suit your needs/level.

You can watch video online before you start➡  Orientation for the Japanese Language Program at Kawauchi (video slides)

  • Orientation

  • DD students don't have a formal orientation to physically attend during this period as a newly arrived student, instead, you can watch mandatory Orientation for International Students online.

  • Make sure you fill out the Orientation Videos Access Form  to get a password and a link to view these important contents on the videos at pre/post arrival.

 

  • You will attend an orientation of your graduate school when you enroll as a full-time Master student.

  • Graduate schools' educational section will inform you of the details in April (INSA Lyon, EC Lyon) and in October (KTH). 

 

Welcome Week for New International Students Spring 2026

The Welcome Week offers new international students workshops that provide important information on daily life in Sendai, minimum necessary language skills, and opportunities to make new friends!

Please check out the website and apply if you are interested. 

Deadline: March 29th (Sun.)

Useful Information

For Your Safety

Tohoku University has implemented a Safety Confirmation System to check on the safety of students and instructors in the event of a major disaster.

● Instructions:How to register Safety Confirmation System
https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/anpi_guide_e.pdf
● Emergency Information
https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/misc/emergency_information.html
● Japan IR&C Support Center
https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/04a4d4c7c9b0078db28e67e1fc78f4a9.pdf
    …App Store for iPhone
https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/emajenshikoru/id573394739?mt=8
    …Play Store for android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.infocom.emc.android&hl=ja
● In Case of Emergency: Inbound Emergency Response Support Service*
https://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/en/university-life-e/emergency-e/

*If international members of Tohoku University have difficulty in responding to an accident or other emergency during their stay in Japan due to language barriers or cultural differences, they can consult with the “Japan IR&C Support Center” on how to respond. 
Available languages: English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Toll Free Hotline: 0120 119 075
E-mail: CS-inb@i-rac.co.jp

 

Tohokudai ID

The Tohokudai ID is used to access the Tohoku University Portal Site, register for courses, access campus Wi-Fi, and more. We will provide the Tohokudai ID and initial password in person, and then you can set up a campus Wi-Fi connection using the ID. Please note that campus Wi-Fi will not be available before October 1st. 

Campus Wireless LAN Service

 

 

Medical Checkup Spring 2026

All students are eligible for the checkup including New  Special Research Students who just arrived in Japan this spring 2026.

Please visit the links, make an appointment and make sure you get checked up! 

● Annual Health Checkup 

● Book an Appointment

● 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 contacting the "Help Desk" for assistance through 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 retailer in advance is a better option.  

 

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)