phd physics in japan

We strongly encourage applications from international students to our undergraduate and graduate degree courses. We also offer a number of short-term programs and we have active undergraduate and graduate-level exchange programs with prestigious universities around the world.

Students are accepted based on the recommendation of a Japanese embassy. Selection is based on reviews of application forms and supporting documents, interviews, and written tests conducted at Japanese embassies. Successful applicants receive one year preparatory training in Japan, after which they are enrolled in a university chosen by a selection committee of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). The recruitment method/period varies from country to country.

Master’s and Ph.D. programs are available for international students in the International Physics Course (IPC) of the Department of Physics. In the IPC classes (mostly for the Master’s program are taught entirely in English. Students can start the program either in April or October.

Applicants are strongly advised to initiate contact with a prospective supervisor at the Department of Physics or collaborating Institutes well before applying, in order to discuss a research plan and obtain approval for their application.

In case the schedule of the IPC entrance procedure does not fit the constraints of the applicant, other (less advantageous) admission procedures are possible. Students interested in alternative procedures should discuss the matter with their prospective supervisor.

In all cases above, applicants are strongly advised to initiate contact with a host supervisor at the Department of Physics, in order to discuss a research plan and obtain approval for their application.

The International Physics Course (IPC) is taught entirely in English. The course is designed so that students can participate in international collaborations in theoretical or experimental physics. Osaka University is unique in that we have our own large scale experimental facilities including a high-power laser and a high-energy accelerator. Students interested in condensed matter physics and other fields of physics are also encouraged to apply. The quota for IPC students is approximately ten. A number of scholarships are available for exceptional students.

This is a program designed to nurture creative competencies in students by offering a wide range of potential research directions and emphasizing hands-on laboratory experience. It is specifically designed for international students seeking a challenging, short-term upgrading of vital research and analytical skills both at the undergraduate (one or two semesters) and graduate level (three months to one year). Applications from both undergraduate and graduate science and engineering majors/minors are welcome.

Final selection and the laboratory affiliation will be decided by Osaka University.

※ Please replace " # " with " osaka-u.ac.jp "

• IGPAS accepts 2025 October admission applications from October 15 to November 15, 2024!

The Department of Physics at Tohoku University is one of the oldest and largest in Japan, having almost a 100-year history since its foundation in 1911 and it now has a faculty of more than 160 professors and about 250 students in the graduate school. Not only the faculty members but also those from research institutes and laboratories are actively involved in the school's programs. Research in our department covers all physics fields from particle and nuclear physics to condensed-matter physics, and extends even further to biophysics and industrial physics. Our graduate students are undertaking world-class research at the highest levels at the frontiers of physics under the guidance of their experienced supervisors. The advanced research facilities of our Department assist in their activities. Our Department ranks second in Japan and eleventh in the world in physics in 2012 according to a report by ISI Web of Science.

Department of Physics Graduate School of Science / School of Science

Exploring unknown elementary particles in quantum many-body phenomena Challenge of matter science

Cosmology with Big Data Extracting the Law of the Universe from Millions of Galaxies

Explore the Secret of Life by Physics

Quest for the origin of the physics principles Probing elementary particle physics with ultra-high precision measurements

• E Lab (Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics)
• H Lab (Quark-Hadron Theory)
• QG Lab (Gravity and Particle Cosmology)
• F Lab (Fundamental Particle Physics)
• N Lab (High Energy Physics)
• Φ Lab (Particle Properties)
• μ Lab (Cosmic-Ray Imaging)
• P Lab (Theoretical Plasma Physics)
• C Lab (Cosmology)
• T A Lab (Theoretical Astronomy & Astrophysics)
• Ω Lab (Galaxy Evolution)
• Σ T Lab (Science of Complexity Theory)
• A Lab (Radio Astronomy)
• Uir Lab (Space Astronomy [Infrared Astronomy])
• Uxg Lab (Space Astronomy [High-Energy Astronomy])
• Σ E Lab (Science of Complexity Experiment)
• R Lab (Nonequilibrium Physics)
• Sc Lab (Solid State Theory [Condensed Matter Theory])
• St Lab (Solid State Theory [Quantum Transport Theory])
• I Lab (Solid State Magnetic Resonance)
• J Lab (Nanomagnetism and Spintronics)
• V Lab (Condensed-matter physics of functional materials)
• Y Lab (Materials Response)
• O Lab (Optical physics laboratory)
• B Lab (Computational Biophysics)
• D Lab (Biomolecular Dynamics and Function)
• G Lab (Photobioenergetics)
• K Lab (Cellular Signaling Biophysics)

Apply to PhD

The Graduate School accepts about 60 full-time graduate students per year. This ensures low numbers of students for each faculty member so that we can deliver best-in-the-world teaching to our graduate students. The basic requirement for the OIST Graduate Program is completion of a bachelor’s, master’s, or equivalent degree before the admission date. Students may submit an application at any time. Your application will be considered at the next admissions committee meeting. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Admissions Workshop , held on-campus twice a year, as part of the selection process.

OIST strives to create and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment that does not discriminate against gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, medical condition, race, ethnicity, ancestry, culture, national origin, religion, or marital status. Applications from women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

For more details, please refer to the OIST Graduate School Three Policies.

Selection Schedule

*The schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility

Those who graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree or expect to complete their degree before the enrollment date are eligible to apply.

Application Procedure

We only accept application documents online. To apply for the program, you must create an account. Please prepare all required documents in English, save them as a PDF file, and upload them to the application website .

You can complete the application in one session or save your progress and return to finish it later.

Note: We recommend using a computer when preparing the online application. If you prefer using a mobile device, please make sure to have the latest operating system for the application website to work properly.

Required Documents

Scanned copies of your current academic transcript and any other transcript from your past degree (BSc, MSc, etc.) along with completed diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format.

• A scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website.
• English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
• If you have not graduated and do not have a diploma yet, please upload a certificate of enrollment from your institution, preferably indicating your expected graduation date.

This should be no more than 400 words (2500 characters) and should address the following points:

• The applicant’s scientific interests and aspirations.
• What the applicant hopes to gain from undertaking graduate studies at OIST.

Each applicant is required to have at least two and no more than five letters of recommendation from appropriate academic recommenders. Two is the minimum requirement, but as a rule, it is very helpful for the admissions committee to have more than two letters.

Please ensure you obtain permission and confirm that you have the correct email address before entering contact information. Your recommender will receive an automatic message from OIST requesting them to submit a recommendation letter. Recommenders must follow the instructions provided in the email. OIST does not accept recommendation letters submitted directly by applicants.

Please be considerate of your recommenders and ensure they have ample time to submit their recommendation letters before the application deadline. OIST does not grant any deadline extensions.

OIST declines to disclose any submitted recommendation letters. To ensure the objectivity of the evaluation, recommendation letters will remain confidential, and applicants will not be permitted to view the letters submitted.

You can only submit your application after at least two recommendation letters are received in the application system.

An applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university for which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to provide a TOEFL iBT or IELTS score obtained within the last two years. Please upload a digital copy of your official score report to the application website.

There is no minimum score required but the information is needed to determine preparatory course requirements.

The application system requires applicants to provide their passport number and upload a scan of the passport photo page. It is essential for applicants from outside Japan to have a valid passport for travel to Japan. Ensure that you include your passport details during the application process.

If you do not have a passport at the time of application, you can upload other government-issued identification documents instead. However, if you are shortlisted for the interview, OIST will need a copy of your valid passport immediately to prepare your visa application and travel arrangement to attend the Admissions Workshop in Okinawa.

Please upload a recent photo taken within the last three months, showing your face from the front in standard passport orientation.

Optional Documents

The following documents may be submitted optionally, and will be taken into consideration if available:

• Additional evidence of academic ability such as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test or specific test scores obtained within the last two years.
• Additional material such as the title and abstract of publications and oral presentations, and other evidence of achievement.

Note: The OIST Graduate School reserves the right to request an external evaluation of academic qualifications from any applicant.

Application Fee

There is no application fee to apply for the OIST PhD program.

We have 1 Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Japan

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Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Japan

Fully funded phd program opportunity, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

International PhD Programme

International PhD programs are often designed for international students. Your PhD will usually be delivered in English, though some opportunities to gain and use additional language skills might also be available. Students may propose their own PhD topics or apply for advertised projects.

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Particle and Nuclear Physics

High energy accelerator research organization institute of particle and nuclear studies.

We aim to foster the next generation of researchers who will explore the origin and structure of the universe. They will study how the universe works at the very smallest and largest levels－exploring elementary particles and atomic nuclei, alongside options to study cosmology and other related fields. We will give researchers a broad perspective and high level of expertise, which will allow them to actively contribute to the future of research across many interrelated fields of science. We offer two programs: a five-year doctoral program for students with a bachelor's degree and a three-year doctoral program for students with a master's degree. Students will belong to either the Theoretical Research Group or the Experimental Research Group of the Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies (IPNS) at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK). They will conduct their studies and research activities at KEK’s Tsukuba Campus, Tokai Campus, the Wako Nuclear Science Center, or at experimental facilities located worldwide.

• Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies

The SuperKEKB accelerator and Belle II measuring instrument, which started operations to enhance luminosity by 40 times ©KEK

T2K near detector ©KEK

Daily discussions in the theory group by SOKENDAI students and their supervisor ©KEK

• YouTube Channel

Doctoral Program : Five-year doctoral program / Three-year doctoral program Degree : Doctor of Philosophy Career Opportunities : Researchers and university faculty members in particle physics, nuclear physics, cosmology and space science and related fields; researchers and engineers who carry out cutting-edge project-based research at companies and national laboratories; and researchers and engineers in the private and public sectors in the fields of nuclear power, radiation, information processing, electricity, electronics, and communications.

• Application Guideline
• Educational Goals and Policies
• SOKENDAI Doctoral Programs

Research Institutes

Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies Address : 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0801 Japan URL :  https://www2.kek.jp/ipns/en/

Information before March 2023

School / Department : School of High Energy Accelerator Science, Department of Particle and Nuclear Physics Date of Establishment : April 1999 Doctoral Program : Five-year doctoral program / Three-year doctoral program Degree : Doctor of Philosophy

• Personnel & Job Information

List of Programs (Graduate Programs)

*Please check the website for specific dates.

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• Graduate School of Science

The objective of the Department of Physics is to cultivate human resources who have advanced expertise and the capacity to implement research in the fields of physics and applied physics based on deep understanding and insight related to natural science as well as a social sense of ethics and international perspective. The department's aim is also to foster researchers who possess creative research capabilities and research guidance abilities based on broad knowledge in related academic fields, and educators who have a foundation of expertise on physics and applied physics.

List of Research Areas and Faculty Members

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100 Best universities for Physics in Japan

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Japan ranked based on their research performance in Physics. A graph of 45.5M citations received by 2.77M academic papers made by 503 universities in Japan was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Tokyo

For Physics

2. Kyoto University

3. Tohoku University

4. Osaka University

5. Tokyo Institute of Technology

6. Nagoya University

7. Kyushu University

8. Hokkaido University

9. Tokyo University of Science

10. University of Tsukuba

11. Hiroshima University

12. Keio University

13. Waseda University

14. Kobe University

15. Chiba University

16. Tokyo Metropolitan University

17. Okayama University

18. Osaka Prefecture University

19. Kanazawa University

20. Yokohama National University

21. Nagoya Institute of Technology

22. Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

23. Kumamoto University

24. Shizuoka University

25. Osaka City University

26. Shinshu University

27. Nihon University

28. Niigata University

29. University of Electro-Communications

30. Toyohashi University of Technology

31. Gunma University

32. Yamaguchi University

33. University of Tokushima

34. Kyushu Institute of Technology

35. Kyoto Institute of Technology

36. Yamagata University

37. Nagaoka University of Technology

38. Kindai University

39. Gifu University

40. Tokyo Medical and Dental University

41. Ehime University

42. Tokai University

43. Mie University

44. Nagasaki University

45. Ritsumeikan University

46. Saitama University

47. Ibaraki University

48. Nara Institute of Science and Technology

49. University of Yamanashi

50. University of Toyama

51. Kagoshima University

52. Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

53. Saga University

54. Kansai University

55. Graduate University for Advanced Studies

56. Doshisha University

57. University of Fukui

58. Tottori University

59. Sophia University

60. Aoyama Gakuin University

61. Meijo University

62. University of Hyogo

63. Okayama University of Science

64. Iwate University

65. Fukuoka University

66. Kanagawa University

67. Shimane University

68. Akita University

69. Chuo University

70. Toyota Technological Institute

71. Kwansei Gakuin University

72. Toho University

73. Yokohama City University

74. Meiji University

75. Kitasato University

76. Hirosaki University

77. Shibaura Institute of Technology

78. Utsunomiya University

79. Nagoya City University

80. Nagaoka University

81. kagawa university.

82. University of the Ryukyus

83. Hosei University

84. Muroran Institute of Technology

85. Oita University

86. Tokyo Denki University

87. University of Miyazaki

88. Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine

89. Teikyo University

90. Kanazawa Institute of Technology

91. Chubu University

92. Chiba Institute of Technology

93. Gakushuin University

94. Jichi Medical University

95. Ochanomizu University

96. Showa University

97. Juntendo University

98. University of Shizuoka

99. Kogakuin University

100. Kochi University

The best cities to study Physics in Japan based on the number of universities and their ranks are Tokyo , Kyoto , Sendai , and Suita .

Physics subfields in Japan

• Special Selection for International Applicants

Graduate Students Special Selection for International Applicants

Instructions for international students applying to the graduate school of science (special selection for international applicants).

Admission Decision

• For April 2025 Enrollment / For October 2025 Enrollment *From July 1 2024 to August 9 2024 Application Period

Application Form

1. Applicant Qualifications (must meet one of the following qualifications listed below)

(1) master's program.

• One who has completed, or is expected to complete 16 years of education abroad before entering the Master's Program of the University of Tokyo.
• One who has been conferred a degree equivalent to that of a bachelor's degree or is expected to be conferred one before entering the Master's program of the University of Tokyo from a foreign university or other foreign institution (limited to those whose comprehensive status of education and research activities have been assessed by the government of the said foreign country or a related organization), having completed a program with a completion period of three years or more.
• One who has been approved by the Graduate School of Science of the University of Tokyo through an individual entrance screening as being academically equivalent or superior to a college graduate and who is at least 22 years of age.
• Those applying as an Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho Scholarship Candidate must be considered in the categories 1.-3. listed above and must also have passed the preliminary selection by a Japanese Embassy/Consulate General.

(2) Doctoral Program

• One who has been conferred or is expected to be conferred one of the following degrees from an institution abroad before entering the Doctoral program of the University of Tokyo : a Master's Degree, a Professional Degree, or a degree equivalent to either of the aforementioned degrees.
• One who has completed at least 16 years of academic education overseas, and has been engaged in research at a university, research institute, or other institution in Japan or abroad for at least 2 years, or is expected to have been engaged in research for at least 2 years before entering the Doctoral program of the University of Tokyo, and who is recognized by the Graduate School of Science as having abilities equivalent or superior to those who have a Master's degree or a professional degree as a result of said research.
• One who has been approved by the Graduate School of Science of the University of Tokyo through an individual entrance screening as being academically equivalent or superior to a Master's Degree or Professional Degree holder and who is at least 24 years of age.
• Those applying as an Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho Scholarship Candidate must be considered in the categories 1.-3. listed above and also must have passed the preliminary selection by a Japanese Embassy/Consulate General.
• Regardless of nationality, students can apply to this selection if they have completed both senior high school and college education abroad, or if they have obtained similar education in Japan. For inquiries, please contact the Graduate School Office prior to the application period.
• Applicants for both Master's and Doctoral programs are not allowed to submit more than one application for the same enrollment term in the Graduate School of Science. However, applicants are allowed to apply for both "Special Selection for International Applicants" and "Global Science Graduate Course (GSGC)" for the same enrollment term.

2. Selection Procedure

• Successful applicants for the Master's program and the Doctoral program will be selected based on an evaluation of their applications, submitted documents and test scores (see 3. Application Documents ).
• Some Departments may reject applicants whose GRE or TOEFL scores fall beneath their cutoff level. GRE and TOEFL test scores are invalid if the tests were taken more than two years ago counting from the application start date. Applicants whose native language is English may in some cases be exempted from submitting a TOEFL score, with the advance approval of the Graduate School of Science. Those who wish to request such an exemption must contact the Graduate School Office prior to the application period and complete the necessary procedure .
• Some Departments may have additional requirements such as interviews and online written examinations to applicants. (See 9. Information Specific to Each Department )

3. Application Documents

Please submit your application through our online system, by filling out the form for Application Document 1 directly on the web and uploading a file or scanned copy each for Application Documents 2-10 as designated. The Official Score Report of Application Documents 2 and the Institutional Score Report of Application Documents 3 should be arranged to be sent directly to the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science from Educational Testing Service. Your referees must fill out Application Document 11 directly on the website. All application documents must arrive by the end of the application period.

• Application Form (Fill out the form directly on the web.)
• The GRE code number for the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science is 7048 . Please enter this code on your answer sheet when you sit for the examination. In case you need the record of tests taken previously you should also enter this code on Score Report Request Forms. The Official Score will then be sent directly to the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science from Educational Testing Service.

(See 9. Information Specific to Each Department for more information)

• The TOEFL code number for the University of Tokyo, School of Science is 8002-01. Please enter this code on your answer sheet when you sit for the examination. In case you need the record of tests taken previously you should also enter this code on Score Report Request Forms. The Institutional Score Report will then be sent directly to the University of Tokyo, School of Science from Educational Testing Service.
• The Graduate School of Science only accepts TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date, not MyBest scores.
• Transcripts of all colleges and universities attended AND statement of (expected) completion of all colleges or universities attended (if unavailable, copy of diploma)
• Payment confirmation of the Application Fee (Monbukagakusho Scholarship Students are exempted from paying the Application Fee. If you are a Monbukagakusho Scholarship Student, please instead submit a Certificate of a Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship recipient.
• For Applicants to the Doctoral program: Transcript of Master's program, Master's thesis and/or scientific publications/documents. If you are currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program, have completed one such program, or have withdrawn after having fulfilled the requirements of one such program, please also submit a transcript of the program. For Applicants to Master's program: If you are currently enrolled in a Master's program or a Doctoral program, have completed one such program, or have withdrawn after having fulfilled the requirements of one such program, please submit a transcript of the program. Also submit any papers you have published including ones published in scientific journals, along with the transcript.
• The most recent GPA (Grade Point Average) score report from your university / college, if available.
• Personal Statement (1 or 2 pages of A4-size paper, in English, single space, in any format): Please describe what you have studied, what research you have conducted, and your other activities. Give detailed descriptions of the things you wish to emphasize in order to show your abilities, self-initiative, conviction, etc.
• Statement of Purpose (1 or 2 pages of A4-size paper, in English, single space, in any format): Please describe the research content you wish to conduct at the Graduate School of Science. Give detailed descriptions of your motivations for conducting research in the specific field and, if possible, your research plan, by explaining the specific research field and specifying the name(s) of the potential supervising professor(s) you wish to study under.
• Proof of your prior consultation with the potential supervising professor(s) at the Graduate School of Science: Please contact your potential supervisor and submit the proof of your prior consultation such as a copy of correspondence e-mails. The proof submitted is the consent to be your supervisor if you are accepted and doesn’t guarantee your enrollment. For applicants to the Department of Earth and Planetary science, Preliminary Evaluation Certificate should be submitted as evidence of this contact. Preliminary Evaluation Certificates are issued by potential supervising professors. For applicants to the Department of Physics, only one potential supervising professor should be chosen.
• Two recommendation letters from your current supervisors or individuals who are familiar with your academic or scientific work: Please enter the referees' names, organizations, positions and email addresses on the Application Form on the website. Our system will automatically send emails to the referees asking them to fill out our recommendation form. The referees will then have to access the designated URLs to fill out the form.
• Whenever a transcript, statement of completion or diploma, or recommendation letter is written in neither English nor Japanese, an English or Japanese translation of the document must be officially issued by the institution from which the original has been issued.
• Whenever papers are written in neither English nor Japanese, contact the Graduate School Office in advance for instructions, and upload an English or Japanese translation of the abstract in addition to the papers.
• All documents and the Application Fee are non-returnable.

4. Application Period

*Application period(s) and dates below are subject to change as necessary.

• From October 10 to October 31, 2024 (JST) : for applicants wishing to enroll in April 2025
• From October 10 to October 31, 2024 (JST) : for applicants wishing to enroll in October 2025. *Those who have applied during this period can apply for "University Recommended Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship for 2025". For the details on the scholarship, please click here .
• From December 16 2024 to January 6, 2025 (JST) : for applicants wishing to enroll in October 2025

For those who have passed the preliminary screening to become Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship Students in 2025, the application dates are as stated below.

• From July 1 to August 9, 2024 (JST) : for applicants wishing to enroll in either April or October 2025 as an Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship Student

5. Application Fee

• Payment confirmation of the Application Fee (Last updated in March 2016)
• How to make a Payment of Application Fee by Credit Card (Last updated in March 2016)

6. Costs of Admission for Selected Students (as Planned for 2025)

• Entrance Fee: ¥282,000
• Master's Program: ¥267,900 per 6 months (¥535,800 annually)
• Doctoral Program: ¥260,400 per 6 months (¥520,800 annually)
• * In case there is an amendment of the fees, new fees may apply from the time the amendment becomes effective.

7. Admission Decision

• End of December, 2024 : for applicants wishing to enroll in April 2025
• End of December, 2024 : for applicants wishing to enroll in October 2025 *The results of the MEXT Scholarship Selection will be announced separately .
• Beginning of March, 2025 : for applicants wishing to enroll in October, 2025
• The results for applicants who are Embassy Recommended Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship Candidates for 2025 will be sent as soon as they are available.
• You will only receive an applicant ID once we have confirmed your application after the application period ends.
• ID numbers of successful applicants will be posted on our website as well.

8. Contact Address

9. Information Specific to Each Department

• Department of Physics
• Department of Astronomy
• Department of Earth and Planetary Science
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Biological Sciences

10. Other Points to Note

• The University of Tokyo shall use the personal information obtained through the application process only for the purpose of (1) Selection procedures, (2) Notification of results and (3) Enrollment procedures. For those who enroll, this personal information and the examination results used for admission selection shall also be used for (4) Educational Affairs (school registration, attendance, etc.), (5) Student Support (healthcare, career support, application procedure for tuition exemption and scholarships, use of libraries, etc.) and (6) the Management of tuition payment.
• Student data base administration, course registration records and transcripts
• Health management procedures, Application procedures for the Exemption of Tuition fees/ scholarships, Use of library, Support for job seekers
• Management of tuition payment
• We may use the scores submitted by applicants to improve our selection procedures and the quality of education at the University of Tokyo.
• We reserve the right to reject your application even after enrollment if a misstatement regarding your educational background or any false information is to be found in the application form.
• The University of Tokyo has established the “The University of Tokyo Security Export Control Regulations” in accordance with Japan’s “Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act”, and rigorously implements security export control for potential students before and after their enrollment on the basis of these regulations. In particular, pre-enrollment screenings are mandatory for all international students and also for Japanese students in certain circumstances.　Please be aware that applicants who fall under any of the conditions set out in the Act may not receive permission to enroll at the university or may have their research activities restricted after their enrollment even if they have passed the entrance examinations.

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• Published: 12 September 2024

Tap the potential of PhD students

Nature Physics volume  20 ,  page 1361 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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PhD students can face many challenges, such as a lack of confidence in their newly acquired skills or the uncertainty about which career path to choose. We highlight some ways to empower students in their doctoral journey.

The overall development of PhD students during their doctoral studies is important for their personal and professional growth, as well as for the success of their project. However, they are often encouraged to focus on their research project, with other aspects of academic and professional training receiving less attention. As a result, many students face difficulties in moving forward after finishing their doctoral studies. Thus, a well-rounded approach is necessary to empower PhD students with the abilities to confidently choose their career path.

A lack of research autonomy can stifle creativity and hold PhD students back in their development. By granting them control over certain aspects of their research — for example, by allowing them to steer parts of their projects or by encouraging independent exploration within the broader scope of their work — students will learn to become more self-reliant researchers.

Supervisors can further promote their students’ independence by encouraging them to propose their own hypotheses or conduct additional simulations or laboratory-based experiments. In this way, PhD students learn how to develop a research problem and how to tackle it — an invaluable skill not just in academia but in all walks of life.

In addition to conducting research, students must also learn to communicate their findings and develop presentation skills. Universities can facilitate training programmes on soft skills, such as writing research articles and presenting research to a broader audience. This will enhance students' ability to convey their ideas with confidence. It is particularly important when they present posters or give oral presentations in larger forums, such as conferences or seminars, or when they engage with their peers in the research field.

Networking is a vital component of a successful academic and professional career. It allows students to find collaborators, seek advice, and discover new research and job opportunities. However, many PhD students struggle to build and maintain professional relationships, often because of a lack of guidance on how to approach networking effectively. It is not uncommon for PhD students to be unaware of the research activities of their colleagues, whether from other departments or even the same department.

Institutions can help in this regard by organizing frequent workshops or seminars in which students can engage with peers and experts in their field. Conferences and summer schools also offer invaluable networking opportunities, while commonly providing students with the chance to present their research, which in turn enhances their presentation skills. Universities should actively support their students' participation in such events through travel grants. In addition, organizers of conferences and schools should also provide funding opportunities, especially for PhD students from developing countries where principal investigators may not have enough resources to support their students’ travel.

Another crucial aspect of a PhD student’s journey is the process of publishing their work. However, many students feel ill-equipped to handle the steps of academic publishing. They often rely on their supervisors to lead the process, which can leave them unprepared for the demands of publishing as they transition to more independent roles.

To address this, supervisors should actively involve students in every step of the publication process, from the discussion of a suitable target journal to the writing of a manuscript’s first draft and cover letter, to the actual submission and preparation of the response to reviewers' comments. Although this may require additional back-and-forth, it is an invaluable learning experience that prepares the students for future academic challenges and enhances the quality of their research output. These skills are also transferable and will undoubtedly benefit students in any future career path, whether in academia, industry or other sectors.

Uncertainty about future career paths is a common concern among PhD students. Many are unsure whether to pursue research positions or explore opportunities outside academia. Unfortunately, students often lack access to adequate career training, which hinders their ability to prepare for future employment. For example, many students don’t know how to tailor CVs for future employment options or are unsure for which non-academic positions their skills make them suitable applicants.

By facilitating career-oriented workshops, seminars and mentoring programmes, institutions could help guide PhD students on their career path. For example, students would benefit from the interaction with alumni, sharing their career stories. Career counselling and interactions with industry panels can provide insights into possible career choices, helping students understand the range of opportunities available to them. Additionally, workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, and transferable skills, such as project management and data analysis, can boost students' confidence in their abilities and prepare them for diverse career options.

Although the majority of the suggestions discussed above are well known within the academic community, they have not always been given the attention they deserve. By providing the necessary tools and opportunities to PhD students, we can tap their full potential and put them in a better position to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, to drive innovation and to make meaningful contributions to society.

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Tap the potential of PhD students. Nat. Phys. 20 , 1361 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02654-2

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Published : 12 September 2024

Issue Date : September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02654-2

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