Request for continuation of tuition fee waiver for AGS RISE students
【理学研究科 大学院（博士・後期）】
I am a second-year doctoral student at Tohoku University under the supervision of Prof. *** and a participant in the AGS RISE program. I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent decision to discontinue the tuition fee waiver for AGS RISE students.
When I applied to Tohoku University and the AGS RISE program, the financial support provided through the program, including the tuition fee waiver, was an important factor in my decision to pursue my doctoral studies here. Like many international students, I carefully compared opportunities at several universities before choosing Tohoku University, and the financial conditions of the program were a key part of that decision. Therefore, the sudden removal of the tuition waiver during the course of the program has created significant uncertainty and financial stress for many of us.
In the recent explanation, it was mentioned that approximately 30,000 yen per month should be sufficient for food expenses. However, in practice this seems very difficult. A single meal at the university cafeteria typically costs around 650–700 yen, and even cooking at home involves additional costs such as groceries, vegetables, and gas. It is therefore difficult to understand how a monthly food budget of 30,000 yen would realistically cover these expenses.
Additionally, we are hearing that tuition fees may increase next year. For students who may also lose the tuition waiver, this creates further concern about our ability to continue our studies.
Also, the additional research grant previously available through the program is being discontinued. This support has been important for research activities, including purchasing chemicals and other necessary materials. Its removal may also impact the progress of our research work.
As doctoral researchers, we are deeply committed to our work and Tohoku University. However, it is very difficult to focus fully on research while being under constant financial pressure and uncertainty regarding basic living and education expenses. Therefore, I respectfully request the administration to reconsider this decision and maintain the tuition fee waiver for currently enrolled AGS RISE doctoral students.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
***
Doctoral Student, *** Laboratory
Tohoku University
（個人を特定できる氏名等が入力されていたため、一部伏せております。）
【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.