Tokyo Institute of Technology

About Tokyo Tech

Tokyo Tech is the top national university for science and technology in Japan with a history spanning more than 130 years. Of the approximately 10,000 students at the Ookayama, Suzukakedai, and Tamachi Campuses, half are in their bachelor's degree program while the other half are in master's and doctoral degree programs. International students number 1,200. There are 1,200 faculty and 600 administrative and technical staff members.

In the 21st century, the role of science and technology universities has become increasingly important. Tokyo Tech continues to develop global leaders in the fields of science and technology, and contributes to the betterment of society through its research, focusing on solutions to global issues. The Institute's long-term goal is to become the world's leading science and technology university.

History of Tokyo Tech

Foundation and early years (1881–1922)

Tokyo Institute of Technology was founded by the government of Japan as the Tokyo Vocational School on May 26, 1881, 14 years after the Meiji Restoration. To accomplish the quick catch-up to the West, the government expected this school to cultivate new modernized craftsmen and engineers. In 1890, it was renamed Tokyo Technical School. In 1901, it changed name to Tokyo Higher Technical School.

Great Kantō earthquake and World War II (1923–1945)

In early days, the school was located in Kuramae, the eastern area of the Greater Tokyo Area, where many craftsmens' workshops had been since the old Shogun's era. The buildings in Kuramae campus were destroyed by the Great Kantō earthquake in 1923. In the following year, the Tokyo Higher Technical School moved from Kuramae to the present site in Ookayama, a south suburb of the Greater Tokyo Area. In 1929 the school became Tokyo Institute of Technology, gaining a status of national university, which allowed the university to award degrees. The university had the Research Laboratory of Building Materials in 1934, and its five years later the Research Laboratory of Resources Utilisation and the Research Laboratory of Precision Machinery were constructed. The Research Laboratory of Ceramic Industry was made in 1943, and one year before the World War Two finished the Research Laboratory of Fuel Science and the Research Laboratory of Electronics were made.

Post-War Era (1946–present)

After World War II, the new education system was promulgated in 1949 with the National School Establishment Law, and Tokyo Institute of Technology was reorganized. Many three-year courses were turned into four-year courses with the start of the School of Engineering this year. The university started graduate programmes in engineering in 1953. In the following year, the five research laboratories were integrated and reorganised into four new labs: the Research Laboratory of Building Materials, the Research Laboratory of Resources Utilization, the Precision and Intelligence Laboratory and the Research Laboratory of Ceramic Industry, and the School of Engineering was renamed the School of Science and Engineering.

Throughout the post-war reconstruction of the 1950s, the high economic growth era of the 1960s, and the aggressive economic era marching to the Bubble Economy of the 1980s, TIT kept providing Japan its leading engineers, researchers, and business persons. Since April 2004, it has been semi-privatized into the National University Incorporation of Tokyo Institute of Technology under a new law which applied to all national universities.

Operating the world-class supercomputer Tsubame 2.0, and making a breakthrough in high-temperature superconductivity, Tokyo Tech is a major centre for supercomputing technology and condensed matter research in the world.

In 2011, it celebrated the 130th anniversary of its founding. In 2014, it joined the edX consortium and formed the Online Education Development Office (OEDO)  to create MOOCS, which are hosted on the edX website.

In its 130 years, Tokyo Tech has provided scientific researchers and engineers and many social leaders, including Naoto Kan who is a former prime minister.

Accreditation

• Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
• Year of first Accreditation - 1952
• Other Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations - Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA); National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE

Rankings

General rankings

• The university has been ranked 2nd(National) in 2011 in the field of Engineering "Entrance score ranking of Japanese universities-Department of Engineering" by Score-navi.
• In another ranking, Japanese prep school Kawaijuku ranked Tokyo Tech as the 4th best(overall), 2-3rd best in former semester and 1st in latter semester (Department of Engineering) university in Japan (2012).
• According to QS World University Rankings, Tokyo Tech was ranked 3rd in Japan and internationally ranked 20th in the field of Engineering and Technology, and 51st in Natural science in 2011.
• The university was ranked 31st worldwide according to Global University ranking and 57th in 2011 according to QS World University Rankings.
• It was also ranked 31st worldwide according to the Global University Ranking in 2009.

Research performance

• Tokyo Tech is one of the top research institutions in natural sciences and technology in Japan. According to Thomson Reuters, its research excellence(Pure science only for this information) is especially distinctive in Materials Science (5th in Japan, 24th in the world),Physics (5th in Japan, 31st in the world), and Chemistry (5th in Japan, 22nd in the world).
• Weekly Diamond also reported that Tokyo Tech has the highest research standard in Japan in terms of research fundings per researchers in COE Program. In the same article, it's also ranked 8th in terms of the quality of education by GP funds per student.
• In addition, according to the QS World University Rankings　on 2012/9 surveyed about the general standards in Engineering&Technology field, Tokyo Tech was placed 19th (world), 2nd(national).
• The Tsubame 2.0, which is a large-scale supercomputer in Tokyo Tech, was ranked 5th of the world best-performed computer.(1st in the world as university's owned one) This supercomputer is used for simulation related to the complex systems such as the dynamics of planets or financial systems.
• As Tokyo Tech has been emphasizing on 'practical' research, Tokyo Tech got the 2nd place at the number of patents accepted (284) during 2009 among Japanese Universities.

Alumni rankings

• Alumni of Tokyo Tech enjoy their good success in Japanese industries. According to the Weekly Economist's 2010 rankings and the PRESIDENT's article on 2006/10/16, graduates from Tokyo Tech have the 2nd best employment rate in 400 major companies, and the average graduate salary is the 9th best in Japan.
• École des Mines de Paris ranks Tokyo Tech as 92nd in the world in 2011 in terms of the number of alumni listed among CEOs in the 500 largest worldwide companies.
• Also, according to the article of The New York Times- Universities with the most employable students ranking 2012, Tokyo Tech ranked 14th place in the world(2nd in Asia, 1st in Japan).

Why choose Tokyo Tech?

1. Over 135 years of history in world-class research

Tokyo Tech has the longest history among science and technology universities in Japan. For over 135 years, it has continuously generated innovation. In the QS World University Rankings 2015/2016, Tokyo Tech was ranked number three in the country. Tokyo Tech is always at the forefront of the technology giant that is Japan. This is where history and innovation meet.

2. Unique, first-rate researchers

Tokyo Tech's cutting-edge research makes it a leader, not only Japan, but in the world. The Institute's faculty members, leading researchers in their fields, continue to produce globally significant results year after year, never ceasing to inspire the intellectual curiosity of students. Performing research alongside the world's best researchers - what more could you ask for?

3. Latest equipment for your research

Science and technology students often wonder how extensive the facilities and research equipment at a university are. Tokyo Tech is equipped with a library filled with science and technology literature, world-class supercomputers, and state-of-the-art equipment in laboratories. Many international students say Tokyo Tech's fully equipped research facilities are the main reason they chose to come here. By joining us, you can immerse yourself in your research while having access to the world's most advanced equipment.

4. Wide range of study programs

Tokyo Tech has a variety programs for international students, and a wide range of scholarships are available. The Institute has special programs for students of partner universities and a gamut of choices to support your studies. Whether you are looking for short-term study or a full degree, Tokyo Tech can provide the international study program that is perfect for you.

5. Active laboratory life — your first step as a researcher

In graduate schools in Japan, students in master's and doctoral programs affiliate themselves with laboratories. This is where you can start to build strong relationships with your mentors, who are never far away, and with your fellow students. You will also have your own personal desk. This environment, which enables you to truly concentrate on your research, has been highly rated by many international students. Find your laboratory, and take your first steps as a researcher!

6. Doctoral program with a high international student ratio

Graduate schools in Japan are known for their low rate of international students. However, this is not so at Tokyo Tech. One in every three is an overseas student -- 31 percent of students in the doctoral degree program, and 11 percent in the master's degree program (as of May 1, 2015). Whether you need to discuss your research, share the new experiences that Japan provides, or just ask for advice, your fellow international students are always there to support you.

7. Life on campus in the one and only Tokyo

The Tokyo Tech campuses are located in the central area of Tokyo, a truly cosmopolitan city. Hop on the train to Shibuya, the trend-setting melting pot of youth culture, or Shinjuku, one of the mega-cities within Tokyo, and feel the different subsets of Japanese culture firsthand. The campuses themselves are surrounded by green, allowing you to apply yourself to research in a nature-filled, relaxing atmosphere. On a sunny day at the Ookayama Campus, you can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji.

8. Fellow students from around the world

Students with high aspirations come to Tokyo Tech from all over the world. Meeting fellow students from various countries and backgrounds will allow you to grow, diversify, and find value in new things. Especially popular with international students is the International Communications Space HUB-ICS , where you will hear conversations in English and many other languages. Student associations such as SAGE and TISA actively promote international events and provide support for international students.

9. Excellent support system

Many students are very interested in studying in Japan, but are concerned about the different language and culture. Although Japan is famous worldwide for its cleanliness and safety, many worry about actually living here. Tokyo Tech provides a support system where faculty members and students work together to support international students. With detailed orientation, a peer-support system, various consultation counters and much more, the Institute is proud to provide hospitality from the heart.

10. Wider career options

International students who have studied at Tokyo Tech garner the attention of successful companies and organizations. Many international students are employed by top-rated manufacturers from Japan and around the world. Other students have gone on to work on societal infrastructure in the fields of telecommunications and construction. It is evident that study at Tokyo Tech is highly valued. Join us, and your future opportunities will only increase.