Tohoku University
Tohoku University is a Japanese national university located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It is informally referred to as Tonpei (東北大, Tonpei).
Tohoku University was founded in 1907 as the third Imperial University in Japan. It was established to promote higher education and research in the northern region of Japan. The university's first president, Masataro Sawayanagi, was a strong advocate for open-door education, and Tohoku University quickly became known for its inclusive admissions policies.
In the early years, Tohoku University focused on science and engineering programs, but it gradually expanded its offerings to include humanities and social sciences as well. The university also played a leading role in the development of modern Japan, and its graduates have made significant contributions to a wide range of fields, including science, technology, business, and government.
Today, Tohoku University is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan and the world. It is known for its high-quality education and research programs, its international outlook, and its commitment to social responsibility.
Tohoku University is a comprehensive university with a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It is particularly well-known for its programs in science, engineering, and medicine. Tohoku University is also home to a number of world-renowned research centers, including the Institute of Materials Research (IMR), the Institute for Molecular Science (IMS), and the Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC).
Tohoku University is a highly international university, with over 15% of its student body coming from outside of Japan. The university offers a number of programs and services to support international students, including English-language programs, Japanese language instruction, and intercultural support.
Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Tohoku University is positioned as the #109 top university in the world, which makes it the #5 top university in Japan. The university's global rank decreased by 2 points from last year.
University Profile
Get a quick snapshot of the university's key details.
| Ranking |
2026
#5
|
|---|---|
| University Name | Tohoku University |
| Name in Local Language | 東北大学 |
| Year Established | 1907 |
| Motto | Open-Door, Research First and Practice-Oriented Research and Education |
| Governing Type | Public |
| Student Body | Co-education |
| Highest Degree | Doctorate |
| Campus Type | Urban |
| Colors | Purple |
Location
The university is located in Sendai, Miyagi. Find the address and map of the university below.
| Address | 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan |
|---|---|
Contact
Connect with the university easily! Find their contact details.
| Phone | +81 (22) 217 4844 |
|---|---|
| Fax | +81 (22) 217 4846 |
| Website |
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| Click here to send email | |
| More Links |
Admission Info
Find information below on admission to Tohoku University.
| Accepts International Students | Yes |
|---|---|
| Student Body | Men and Women |
| Admission Info | Click here |
| Undergraduate Admission Info | Click here |
| Graduate Admission Info | Click here |
Scholarship and Financial Aids
Click on the following links to get information on scholarships and/or financial aids offered by Tohoku University.
| Financial Aid Info | Click here |
|---|
Ranking History
Tohoku University has persistently ranked as the 5th top university in Japan throughout the last 6 years.
Related Articles
Stay informed with the following articles related to the university or higher education in Japan.
Information on Tohoku University was last updated on March 05, 2026.
Our team works hard to provide the most accurate information on the institution. While we try our best to keep this information current and reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness. Please verify critical details directly with Tohoku University.