Request for Consideration Regarding Tuition Waiver Changes for Current Doctoral Students
【理学研究科 大学院（博士・後期）】
I would like to respectfully share a concern regarding the recent announcement that the tuition waiver for certain doctoral students will no longer be available starting in AY2026.
I understand that the university is introducing a new support framework for doctoral students and that adjustments to financial support systems may be necessary. However, for students who entered their doctoral programs under the previous system, the sudden removal of the tuition waiver during an ongoing PhD program creates significant financial uncertainty.
Doctoral studies require long-term planning and commitment. Many students made financial and career decisions based on the expectation that the previously available tuition support would continue throughout the standard period of their doctoral studies. Changes to financial conditions during the program may therefore create unexpected pressure on students’ ability to focus on their research.
In addition, stable financial support is an important factor for international doctoral students when choosing a university. Maintaining a predictable and transparent support system may help strengthen the university’s reputation as a supportive research environment for global talent.
If possible, I would respectfully ask the university to consider measures such as a transition arrangement, partial tuition support, or other forms of assistance for students who began their doctoral studies under the previous system.
I sincerely appreciate the university’s continuous efforts to improve doctoral education and hope that the perspectives of current doctoral students will also be taken into consideration during the implementation of these policy changes.
【From Financial Support Section】
Thank you for sharing your concerns on the recent changes to the financial support system. We appreciate your candid opinions and take them seriously. Please see below for our explanation regarding the matter.
Regarding research funding, under the new system students receiving support from RISE will be provided research incentives similar to those they are currently receiving. However, the current system of uniform payments for research expenses will be changed to an open-application style system emphasizing travel expense funding. This change is being made in conjunction with the new support system to provide students with opportunities to present at, and participate in, overseas academic conferences. We intend to make it possible to use part of the travel funds for research purposes.
Regarding the tuition waivers, this revision is based on a reevaluation of the scope of eligibility for tuition waivers, which comprises part of our basic policy on support eligibility for all doctoral curricula. The RISE and SPRING Application Guidelines and notifications clearly state that students "may be eligible for tuition waivers," and that the amount of such waivers would be determined depending on our budget and the number of eligible students; future waivers were not promised. We deeply regret that this revision will lead to a number of students becoming ineligible for tuition waivers, but it is the result of a consolidation of role divisions in the research incentive and other support systems. It is aimed at transitioning to an inclusive support framework for all the doctoral curricula. We therefore ask for your understanding on this matter. It will still be possible to apply for a tuition deferment or a monthly payment plan.
Again, we appreciate your valuable feedback. It is our goal to offer a system that provides continuous support for all the doctoral curricula. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.