PLEASE NOTE, THIS PAGE IS IN DRAFT AND CONTAINS INFORMATION FOR A DIFFERENT UNIVERSITY. IT WILL BE UPDATED IN TIME FOR RECRUITMENT IN OCTOBER 2026
More information: Academic Calendar | Tohoku University
If selected to go on an exchange by Durham University, the Global Opportunities Team will formally nominate you to this partner. After your nomination is confirmed, you will need to apply directly to this partner to register with them.
Deadline: Mid-February
Junior Year Program in English (JYPE)
The Junior Year Program in English (JYPE) offers an opportunity for overseas students to take science, engineering, and agriculture courses, without having to attain the Japanese language proficiency that would be necessary to take the same courses in Japanese. All lectures available to the JYPE participants are given in English.
The program also offers courses on Japanese language, culture, and society aimed at promotion of understanding of Japanese language and social customs.
More information: JYPE | Tohoku University
International Program in Liberal Arts (IPLA)
IPLA provides an opportunity for exchange students to study a variety of Liberal Arts classes taught in English, including Economics, Management, Education, Law, History, and Literature.
The program also offers Japanese language and culture classes in order to assist students in understanding Japanese language and customs. Students who have attained adequate Japanese proficiency may take advanced Japanese language classes or regular classes with Japanese students.
Cultural and intellectual exchange with Japanese students is an important part of the program and is achieved through group activities and interaction with local Japanese students, both in classes and in extracurricular activities.
More information: IPLA | Tohoku University
Students should be aware that available courses change annually and courses published on this partner's website may not be offered in the next academic year.
JYPE1. Department and laboratory assignment - Before arrival, JYPE students are assigned to a host faculty (Science, Engineering, or Agriculture) and matched with a research group/laboratory that aligns with their academic background and study plan. The compulsory Individual Research Training (IRT) course is based within this laboratory.
2. Consultation with supervisor - After assignment, students discuss their intended study plan with their academic supervisor Tohoku. Student will need to also confer with their Durham Departmental Exchange Coordinator.
3. Choosing taught modules - Students then select additional English-taught courses from Tohoku's catalogue of JYPE courses, totalling to 24 credits per semester.
IPLA1. Japanese language placement test - While on campus but before classes begin, IPLA students take an online Japanese Placement Test. The results determine the level of Japanese language courses available to them.
2. Course information released - Semester-specific course lists are generally published shortly before the semester starts. Student will need to confer their selections with their Durham Departmental Exchange Coordinator.
3. Choosing taught modules - Students are required enrol in 4 credits of Intercultural Collaborative Learning (ICL) courses each semester and sufficient electives to reach 24 credits in total.
4. Higher Japanese proficiency options - Students at higher Japanese levels (Levels 5-6) might be eligible to take certain regular Tohoku University courses with Japanese students, subject to approvals and IPLA programme rules.
English: TOEFL iBT® 79 or equivalent
Japanese: JLPT (Optional)
Students who will be registered as regular students in one of Tohoku University's partner universities during the whole exchange period are eligible to apply to the above program. 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.
If selected to go on an exchange by Durham, you will need the following documents to apply directly to this partner:
The University International Support Center (ISC) and the Center for Counseling and Disability Services (CCDS) provide comprehensive support to international students, international researchers, and faculty members of Tohoku University.
Exchange students (JYPE/IPLA) are required to live in the university dormitories*. Move in dates are twice a year - approximately late in September and March. You can submit your dormitory application through the Student Exchange Division when you receive a notification from Tohoku University.
*Some conditions/descriptions may be inapplicable for mentioned above exchange students. Detailed information will be provided before its application period begins.
More Information: Finding Accommodation｜TU International Support Center
International students staying in Japan for more than 3 months are required to subscribe to National Health Insurance. You will apply for this at the same time when you proceed your residence registration at a ward office. Students are also required to enroll in 2 types of student insurances. The amount of the subscription fees will be informed upon arrival.
Tohoku University offers a tutoring and coaching schemed designed to assist international students new to Japan with their studies, daily life, etc., and help them adjust to their new surroundings as smoothly as possible. Students who desire a tutor should consult with their TU academic advisors and staff in charge of international student affairs within their departments.
The remains of 17th-century Sendai Castle, built for samurai lord Date Masamune on Aoba Hill, overlook the city and include a museum of historic artifacts. The Sendai City Museum focuses on the history and culture of Japan’s Edo period, and displays Masamune’s samurai armour.
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