Tohoku University Engineering Summer Program (TESP) 2026
1. Program Overview
The Tohoku University Engineering Summer Program (TESP) is a 16-day international program that brings together around 50 engineering students from across the globe. Conducted entirely in English at the Aobayama Campus, it features advanced engineering lectures, hands-on laboratory activities, and immersive Japanese cultural experiences.
2. About the program
Hosted by Tohoku University in Sendai, this program expertly balances rigorous academics with cultural immersion. Alongside their engineering coursework, students will partake in Japanese language classes, traditional cultural experiences (such as kimono dressing, tea ceremonies, and doll painting), and enriching field trips.
3. Financial details
- 💴 Program Fee: 90,000 JPY (covers tuition, experimental materials, cultural/social activities, two field trips, and weekday cafeteria vouchers).
- 🏠 Exclusions: Participants must arrange and pay for their own accommodation, local transportation, airfare, and insurance.
- 💳 Payment Deadline: Selected students will receive a payment link and must pay via debit/credit card by May 20, 2026.
4. Program Tracks
Students can choose between two specialized tracks:
- 🤖 Robotics Course: A graduate-level track featuring lectures and lab activities taught by professors from the Graduate Schools of Engineering, Information Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering.
- ⚛️ Materials Engineering Course: Features lectures and hands-on activities led by professors from Engineering and Environmental Studies, plus an exclusive field trip to a private company's research/manufacturing site near Sendai.
5. Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a current student at a partner institution.
- Only students officially nominated by their home university may apply. Applications without an official nomination will not be considered.
- The Robotics course specifically targets graduate students, while the Materials course is open to eligible engineering students.
6. Program Structure
The program runs for 16 days (July 9–24, 2026). The coursework, laboratory activities, and an oral presentation are rigorously evaluated. Successful completion awards participants 4 ECTS credits and a certificate of completion.
7. Available Departments & Research Areas
Robotics, Materials Engineering, Information Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Environmental Studies.
8. Application Processes and Deadline
📅 IITM Internal Nomination Deadline: April 10, 2026
Students must be nominated by IITM first (IITM can nominate a maximum of 5 students). To be considered for nomination, you must apply internally by April 10. Once officially nominated, students must complete the Online Application Form by April 15.
9. Required Notes
⚠️ Mandatory Application Documents (Must be in English):
- Academic transcript of current degree program.
- Personal statement (1 page maximum).
- CV including a portrait photo. Crucial: It must include ALL education and employment history from high school to the present with month-level date details. Due to Japan's Security Export Control laws, there must be NO GAPS in your history.
- Photocopy of passport (photo and personal info pages).
Housing: Students must arrange their own housing (check-in by July 8, check-out on/after July 25).
10. Selection Timeline
- IITM Nomination Deadline: April 10, 2026
- Official Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: April 30, 2026
- Program Fee Payment Due: May 20, 2026
- Required Check-in: By July 8, 2026
- Program Dates: July 9 – 24, 2026
11. Program Benefits
- 🎓 Academic Credit: Earn 4 ECTS credits and a Completion Certificate.
- 💰 JASSO Scholarship Opportunity: 30 selected students will receive a prestigious JASSO scholarship of 80,000 JPY (disbursed in cash during the program) to help offset costs.
- ⛩️ Cultural Immersion: Enjoy field trips and traditional Japanese arts in Sendai.