Prospective Students

Engineering is expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting the challenges of modern society, which is becoming more complex and diversified than ever. Although there are many issues that cannot be solved by technology alone, the development of society depends on the development of new technology.
The Institute of Industrial Science (IIS) is the largest university-affiliated research institute in Japan. With a commitment to pursuing academic truth, the UTokyo-IIS carries out a wide range of educational and research activities, such as cross-disciplinary research that transcends academic boundaries -- which is a traditional feature of the UTokyo-IIS -- as well as practical industry-academic collaboration, international collaboration, and hands-on research aimed at social implementation.
The unique feature of the UTokyo-IIS is its “freedom and challenging spirit.” We have a culture that treats graduate students as full-fledged researchers. Students receive abundant support from their academic advisors and laboratory members. They are encouraged to find their own research themes, and there are also many opportunities to develop themselves in and outside of UTokyo-IIS.
At UTokyo-IIS, there is a strong sense of unity, and students work closely with faculty members, industry and overseas researchers. Therefore, students are exposed to diverse research outputs and values on a daily basis. The UTokyo-IIS community has more than 1200 members, consisting of around 400 faculty and staff members with 800 graduate students and postdocs. Together, let us take great strides towards our dreams for the future to create new technologies and innovations through our academic research activities.

Toru H. Okabe
Director General
Institute of Industrial Science

Take the challenge of excellence and become a Graduate or Research Student at the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS). The IIS is a modern research institute that belongs to the University of Tokyo, the largest national university in Japan, and is located right in the heart of Tokyo. Obtaining a Master or Doctoral degree from the University of Tokyo through research at IIS is a highly prestigious education achievement. Join outstanding scientists and leading engineers in their fields to conduct cutting-edge research during your studies at IIS. The IIS comprises more than 110 excellently equipped research laboratories, each headed either by a professor, an associate professor, or a lecturer, whose education and research activities cover almost all engineering disciplines. To only name a few, the research areas range from applied physics to material, chemical and biological engineering, from mechanical to electrical and information engineering, from architecture to civil and ocean engineering.
Please consult the complete list of IIS Departments and Research Centers to find a research group in your field of interest. The heads of these research groups (IIS laboratories) belong to Graduate Schools at the University of Tokyo. Therefore, in order to study at IIS, first decide the academic advisor whom you would like to supervise your research, then enroll into the Graduate School that this faculty member belongs to. Information on the admission procedures for international students is given below.

Institute of Industrial Science, Komaba Research Campus

Cherry Blossoms on Komaba Research Campus

Studying at IIS not only provides a top-class education and the opportunity to excel at the forefront of research in many areas of modern engineering, but it also offers an insightful perspective on the unique culture of Japan, as well as truly international experience. The IIS engages in numerous Academic Exchange Programs with research organizations in various countries that promote communications among international researchers. As a result, there is rich opportunity for encounters between Japanese and international students and researchers here at IIS, which is reflected in events such as Japanese classes, weekly cultural gatherings, and an annual international party. Thus, in addition to completing your education, take the opportunity to learn the Japanese language and benefit personally from the stimulating exchange between scientists from many different disciplines and national cultures on Komaba Research Campus.

Taiko Drum Performance at International Garden Party 2015, Komaba Research Campus

International Gathering

Japanese Class

The education system at IIS comprises three categories of International Students:

  1. Graduate students (Master and Doctoral degrees)
    For programs leading to a master or doctoral degree, students should enroll into the Graduate School at the University of Tokyo that their supervisor belongs to. This requires taking the respective entrance examination.

  2. Research students
    Students may join a laboratory (research group) as a research student. This status does not award any post graduate degree and therefore does not require taking an entrance examination. Students should first confirm with their prospective faculty member that he or she is willing to host their study at IIS. Thereafter, it is recommended to enroll as a research student into the graduate school that your supervisor belongs to. As a research student, it is also possible to enroll directly at IIS. For details on the latter procedure please contact the International Relations Section.

  3. Internship students
    Students may also become an intern in an IIS laboratory to perform research while keeping their original student affiliation with other universities or institutes. Consent of the supervising professor of both home institution and IIS is required for application. The period of the internship is basically within one year. Please note that no post graduate degree will be awarded in the internship program.
    IIS provides Internship Students with “UTokyo-IIS Internship Support Program,” which offers financial support covering a part of their living expenses. For details, please contact the hosting faculty.

Whether you are interested in studying as a research or internship student or in obtaining a postgraduate degree by researching at IIS, always directly contact the professors under whom you would like to be supervised. If you have not yet decided on your field of study or you have any difficulty in finding professors in your field, feel free to contact the International Relations Section.

The IIS does not hold its own entrance examinations. If you wish to obtain a Master or Doctoral degree in an IIS laboratory, please take the examinations for the graduate school and department to which the relevant faculty member belongs.

To find out which graduate school and department a faculty member of the IIS belongs to, see this page.

The International Relations Section assists international students and researchers with official procedures such as admission and immigration, provides information such as on dormitory lodging and Japanese classes, and organizes casual weekly international gatherings on Komaba Research Campus.

Contact:
International Relations Section, Institute of Industrial Science The University of Tokyo
4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
Fax: +81-3-5452-6071
E-mail: kokusai.iis@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Komaba Research Campus Open House

Symposia and Seminars

International Day

Sports

Access the links below for useful advice for international students in the University of Tokyo.