Tohoku University | Japan

Tohoku University was founded in 1907 as the third Imperial University of Japan, following the Tokyo Imperial University and Kyoto Imperial University. With the nationwide reform of the educational system in 1949, the University assumed its present name. In April 2004, all national universities in Japan became incorporated into one body and therefore legally independent of the national government. In 2007 the university marked the 100th anniversary of its foundation and now has developed into one of the most distinguished universities in the country. The academic traditions of the university are “Research First" and “Practical Application". These atmospheres have helped to produce a large number of notable research achievements and outstanding scholars. Mr. Koichi Tanaka, a graduate of the School of Engineering, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2002. Tohoku University was quick to open its door to students from foreign countries and graduated two international students as early as 1911, one from India and the other from China. The enrollment of international students has steadily increased and now the University is widely known as an institution providing extensive opportunities to international applicants. Tohoku University is comprised of 10 undergraduate faculties, 14 graduate schools, Graduate School of Educational Informatics/Education Division, 5 research institutes, 13 research centers and a hospital. As of May 2007, there are about 5,000 faculty and staff members as well as more than 18,000 students. The Graduate Programs of Tohoku University were established for the purpose of pursuing the highest level of scholarship through education and research in pure and applied sciences and humanities, with the goal of contributing to a higher standard of culture and civilization in society. There are fourteen Graduate Schools (kenkyu - ka) and Educational Informatics / Education Division roughly corresponding to the Faculty departments.