Graduate School of Medicine

Tohoku University, located in Sendai, Japan, is a historic institution that has been a pioneer in many ways. Founded in 1907, it was the first university in Japan to admit female students in 1913, reflecting its commitment to equality and inclusivity. You can benefit from its strong research focus, diverse student body, and rich history, making it an attractive choice for international students.

The university offers 27 programs, providing opportunities for you to explore different fields and interests. Specifically, Tohoku University has a strong focus on engineering, business, and medicine, with many research areas and departments dedicated to these subjects. English is a key language used in many programs, allowing international students to integrate easily into academic life.

As a student at Tohoku University, you will be part of a community of around 17,591 students, including 1,732 international students from 90 countries and regions. Sendai, the city where the university is located, provides a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern amenities. You can enjoy the city's festivals, try local cuisine, and take part in many student activities and clubs, making your time at Tohoku University a rich and memorable experience.

Medical Science (Basic Medicine Course) is a two-year master's program at Tohoku University, taught in English, with entry available in both April and October. The program is grounded in foundational medical science, covering areas such as physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and molecular medicine, and is designed for students pursuing research careers in basic biomedical science rather than clinical practice. Coursework combines laboratory-based research training with seminars, preparing graduates for roles in academic research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and further doctoral study in medicine or life sciences. Tohoku University runs the UREX-Tohoku Project, an initiative that supports early- and mid-career researchers and works to attract international talent as part of the government's Universities for International Research Excellence initiative; as the first Japanese university selected for this program, Tohoku is set to receive 15.4 billion JPY (approximately 100 million USD) in the current fiscal year, followed by about 10 billion JPY annually for the next 25 years. Students in the Basic Medicine Course typically join a research laboratory early in the program and work under faculty supervision on an original research project, often contributing to publications before graduation. Located in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture, the university's medical school draws international students into an established biomedical research community, with English-medium instruction removing the need for Japanese-language proficiency at entry. Graduates pursue careers in university research positions, pharmaceutical research and development, public health agencies, and doctoral programs in medicine or biomedical sciences.