Tohoku University Student Exchange Spring Semester 2026

Tohoku University, Japan, is pleased to announce that the application for the Student Exchange Program for the Spring Semester 2026 is now open.

Tuition Fee: Waived
Other Expenses: Students are responsible for their learning materials, accommodation, daily living expenses, round-trip flight tickets, visa, and travel insurance.

Program Information

Please read the full program details at the following links:

• General Information: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/

• Application Procedures for COLABS: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/colabs/colabs-application-procedures/

Available Programs

1. Junior Year Program in English (JYPE) – Undergraduate Level
Open for ITS students from batch 2023 (S1), from relevant departments.

• Program Overview: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/jype/

• Course Description: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/jype/2-course-description/

2. Cooperative Laboratory Study Program (COLABS) – Postgraduate Level
Open for ITS students in Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) programs from all batches.

• Program Overview: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/colabs/

• Course Details: https://www.insc.tohoku.ac.jp/english/exchange/colabs/colabs_curriculum_1/#01

Important Notes for COLABS Applicants

Starting July 1, 2025, applicants may begin submitting the Consent of Acceptance Request Form to request a prospective academic advisor at Tohoku University.

• The sooner you submit, the faster you will receive a response.

• Applicants may apply for consent up to three times, but only one professor may be contacted at a time.

• All communication must go through the Student Exchange Division—you are not allowed to contact professors directly.

• The Student Exchange Division will forward your request to the professor and will notify you of the result (not the professor directly).

Key Deadlines:

• Final date to submit the Consent of Acceptance Request Form: October 15, 2025

• Step 4 of the application procedures must be completed by: October 15, 2025 at 15:00 JST

Tohoku University follows a fixed schedule for reviewing and responding to consent requests. The notification timing depends on when you submit your form, based on Japan time. Please refer to the table below:

Example:

• If you submit your request between July 1–15, the Student Exchange Division will notify you of the result in early August.

• If your request is approved, you may proceed with the full TAO online application (which opens in October for the Spring intake).

• If your request is not approved, you may submit a new request to another professor—please consult the table again to see when you’ll receive the next result.

⚠️ Important Reminder:

• The receipt date is based on Japan time.

• The notification period is strictly based on your submission date, and no early results or inquiries will be entertained.

• Please plan carefully to maximize your chances within the allowed three attempts.

For full procedures, please refer to the COLABS Application Procedures.

Cost of Living in Sendai

You can estimate your living costs in Sendai by visiting this page:
https://sup.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/en/life-e/cost-e/

Application Requirements

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

2. One-page Study Plan (A4 size, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins)

   • Must include your name and intended department at Tohoku University in the first paragraph

3. Certificate of Enrollment

4. Photocopy of passport information page (valid for at least one year)

5. Learning Agreement (two versions):

   • ITS Version: Download here

   • Must be signed by the applicant and their department head/advisor

   • Leave the institutional coordinator section blank

6. Valid English Proficiency Test Certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/IBT/TEFL)

   • Minimum score: TOEFL 550 or CEFR B2

   • Screenshots and prediction tests are not accepted

7. One academic recommendation letter

8. Signed Statement Letter (Download here)

9. GCW Non-Degree Certificate (minimum grade C) or GCW test result (minimum score 80)

10. Signed Parental Support Letter

• Must confirm parental awareness and financial support for participation in the program

11. Proof of Consent Request Approval from a Tohoku University professor (for COLABS applicants)

12. Research plan (for COLABS applicants)

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Submission Procedure

1. Combine all required documents in PDF format into a single .zip or .rar file

2. Submit via the online form: https://its.id/studyabroadITS

3. After submission, send a confirmation email to: studyabroad@its.ac.id

   • Email subject: Confirmation Study Abroad Application_TohokuJYPE/COLABS_NAME_NRP

Deadline & Interview

• Application Deadline (ITS): November 3,  2025 at 09:00 WIB

• Interview Session: November 5, 2025

Contact Information

For questions or further clarification, please contact:
Mr. Ade – studyabroad@its.ac.id
Subject: ASK_Tohoku