Exchange Programs
Tohoku University Global Learning Center has various student exchange programs open to undergraduate and postgraduate students. For other programs offered at Tohoku University, please contact the relevant department directly.
(Last updated: January 9, 2024)
IMPORTANT:
The application period for Spring 2025 is from October 1 - November 15th, 2024. Partner universities will be notified of the application information by email by end of September. For details on application procedures, students should consult with their coordinator at their home university.
Academic Calendar
Fall Semester: October 1 to March 31
Spring Semester: April 1 to September 30 *IPLA: April 1 to August 31
Detailed schedules can be found on each program's page. JYPE IPLA COLABS DEEP
Exchange Programs for undergraduate students (non-degree seeking)
F: Fall (Oct.- Feb.)/S: Spring (Apr.- Aug.)
| Program |
Agreement Level Ｕ: University D: Department |
Fields |
Duration (Enrollment) |
Language | |
| JYPE | Junior Year Program in English | U/D | Science, Engineering, Agriculture (3rd or 4th year only) |
2 Semesters (F+S) 1 Semester (F) |
English |
| International Program in Liberal Arts | U※ | Humanities/Social Sciences(2nd to 4th year only) | 2 Semesters (F+S) 1 Semester (F or S) |
||
| English and/or Japanese | |||||
| DEEP | Direct Enrollment Education Program for Natural Science Students | U※ | All Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | 2 Semesters (F+S, S+F) 1 Semester (F or S) |
Japanese |
※University-level agreement is required for the application.
Click here for the contact information of the Department Direct Exchange Scheme for Humanities/Social Sciences.
IPLA has incorporated DEEp-Bridge effective from the AY 2020 Fall enrollment.
|
JYPE
|
|
|---|---|
| Program | Junior Year Program in English |
| Agreement Level | University/Department |
| Fields | Science, Engineering, Agriculture |
| Duration (Enrollment) | 2 Semesters (F+S)1 Semester (F*) |
| Language | English |
| More Info |  |
|
IPLA
|
|
|---|---|
| Program | International Program in Liberal Arts Direct Enrollment Education Program |
| Agreement Level | University※ |
| Fields | Humanities/Social Sciences |
| Duration (Enrollment) | 2 Semesters (F+S)1 Semester (F*) |
| Language | English |
| more info | |
|
DEEP
|
|
|---|---|
| Program | Direct Enrollment Education Program for Natural science students |
| Agreement Level | University※ |
| Fields | All natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy |
| Duration (Enrollment) | 2 Semesters (F+S, S+F)1 Semester (F or S) |
| Language | Japanese |
| More Info | |
※University-level agreement is required for the application.
Exchange Programs for postgraduate students (non-degree seeking)
F: Fall (Oct.- Feb.)/S: Spring (Apr.- Aug.)
| Program |
Agreement Level Ｕ: University D: Department |
Fields |
Duration (Enrollment) |
Language | |
| COLABS | Cooperative Laboratory Study Program | U/D | All Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | 2 Semesters (F+S, S+F) 1 Semester (F or S) |
English |
Click here for the contact information of the Department Direct Exchange Scheme for Humanities/Social Sciences.
|
COLABS
|
|
|---|---|
| Program | Cooperative Laboratory Study Program |
| Agreement Level | University/Department |
| Fields | All Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy |
| Duration (Enrollment) | 2 Semesters (F+S, S+F)1 Semester (F or S) |
| Language | English |
| More Info | |
How to Apply
Please carefully check the instructions link which will be sent by email to the partner university from us and let us know if there are any questions.
- All applications should be made through the online application system (TAO). All necessary information will be sent to the international affairs/study abroad offices of partner universities before the Application Period. [Partner Search]
- Students must be nominated by their home universities. The number of students accepted depends on the MOU, but this number is not always guaranteed due to the capacity of each program and the availability of suitable academic advisors for the prospective students.
- After receiving a link to the application instructions from the exchange coordinator, students are required to make an application on their own. For details, please ask your exchange coordinator of your university.
- Please note that late and incomplete applications will not be processed. Therefore we request that you plan and prepare your application in a timely manner.
- Requests for extension of program duration are usually not accepted after selection due to the complicated processes required.
| Admission | Spring (April) | Fall (October) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Period | October 1 - November 15 | January 10 - February 20 |
| Screening | November - January | February - April |
| Results Notification | February | Middle of May |
| Visa and Dormitory Applications | February - March (Instructions will be sent to all successful applicants) | May - July (Instructions will be sent to all successful applicants) |
|
Moving in and Orientation |
Late March - Early April | Late September |
| Class Starts | April | October |
| Class Ends | Early August | Early February |
| Final Presentation |
Early August *Final day of the program* |
Early February *Final day of the program* |
| Final day of Moving out |
Last day of August *Available on weekdays only* |
Last day of February *Available on weekdays only* |
Eligibility
Students who will be registered as regular students in one of Tohoku University's partner universities during the whole exchange period are eligible. Note that each program has certain policies regarding the time of enrollment (some programs accept Fall enrollment only), and students cannot change their program once enrolled.
Supporting Documents for Application
- Copy of Official Academic Transcript in English
- Copy of a Certificate of Language Proficiency
- Photocopy of Passport (name page)
Minimum Language Proficiency Requirements
| JYPE COLABS |
English: TOEFL iBT® 79 or equivalent |
|---|---|
| IPLA |
English: TOEFL iBT® 79 or equivalent (*TOEFL iBT® 61 IF having SPOT 85 or higher) Japanese proficiency: JLPT (Optional) |
| DEEP | Japanese: JLPT N1 |
Note: TOEFL is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS). This product is not endorsed or approved by ETS.
Acceptance Rate for Exchange Programs (Results of FY 2023)
- As you can see the Acceptance Rate on the right, please bear in mind that, currently, we are not always able to accept all candidates for our exchange programs, regardless of exchange numbers on the agreement.
- The reasons behind this arise from operational, physical, and technical circumstances including the capacity of each program and the availability of suitable academic advisors, etc., since Tohoku University would like to provide each international student with a comfortable study environment.
- We continue to improve the situation in an effort of offering more places and meanwhile, we appreciate your understanding on this matter in advance.
| Programs | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| JYPE | 103 | 76 | 74% |
| COLABS | 71 |
66 |
93% |
| IPLA | 131 | 90 | 69% |
| DEEP | 16 | 13 | 81% |
Accommodations
Exchange students are required to live in the university dormitories. Tohoku University International House (1&2), University House Aobayama, and University House Sanjo (A/B/II/III) are available for exchange students. Information on the dormitory application will be sent to all successful applicants. We cannot guarantee dorm preferences due to the limited number of rooms.
Financing and Scholarship
Tuition for exchange students enrolled in JYPE, IPLA, COLABS, and DEEP is waived, but all exchange students are required to pay necessary fees including several types of insurances, etc. Approximate monthly expenses for students can be found in the Cost of Living in Sendai. Note that all exchange students must be able to show that they will have funds of JPY80,000 per month for their student visa applications.
JASSO Scholarship
| JASSO Scholarship | The JASSO Scholarship is available for a limited number of qualified international students. Note that we are not able to ensure that all applicants will receive the scholarship. Even if you have been selected as a JASSO scholarship awardee, you will not receive it if you are not able to enter into Japan with an eligible "Student" visa by the specific period. |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | JPY80,000 per month |
| Eligibility | Students must meet certain requirements including:
|
| Duties of JASSO Scholars | JASSO scholars must perform certain tasks, such as submission of reports and confirmation of their attendance. If they do not perform those tasks by the deadlines, they might lose their eligibility to receive the scholarship. |
| Application |
The scholarship application is only available on our student exchange application website (TAO). Late applications will not be processed. *Students who were not awarded in the screening process for the JASSO Scholarship before entering Tohoku University can not re-apply during the semester. |
| JASSO Results Notification | Spring semester: Mid-March, Fall semester: Late August |
Student Support
- Consultations regarding academic accommodations, difficulties/worries about your campus life, and physical/mental health are offered at the Center for Counseling and Disability Services and the Student Health Care Center.
- You may contact the Student Exchange Division about concerns related to your study and campus life at Tohoku University. Please feel free to contact us any time, even before the application period.
- Once accepted to the program, we will ask you about your needs for academic accommodations due to your disability/difficulties.
- Academic accommodations that may be provided at Tohoku University will be considered based on those provided by your home university.
- However, please understand that we cannot guarantee equivalent assistance at Tohoku University.
Links
- TU Support: Tohoku University International Support Office
- Information for Accepted Exchange Students
- APRU Virtual Student Exchange
- AEARU Global Learning Initiatives (AEARU GLIP)
Tohoku University, Student Exchange Division
41 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi, 980-8576 JAPAN
[Office Hours]
Monday-Friday 8:30-12:30, 13:30-17:15