【理学研究科 大学院（博士・後期）】
My name is *** (student ID: ***), and I am a second-year doctoral student studying under the supervision of Professor *** of the Graduate School of Science. I am currently devoting myself to my research with the support of the Challenging Research Support Project. However, I am deeply concerned about the abolition of tuition exemptions and changes to financial support provided by this project, and I strongly request that the university reconsider these decisions.
The biggest factor in my decision to attend Tohoku University and participate in this project was the comprehensive financial support system, including tuition exemptions. Like many international students, I carefully compared and considered universities around the world before choosing Tohoku University, which offers an environment where I can concentrate on my studies without financial worries. Having this fundamental support suddenly terminated in the middle of the project is an extremely serious situation that will shake the very foundations of our study plans and livelihoods.
Additionally, in your recent explanation, you suggested that it would be possible to live on a monthly food budget of around 30,000 yen, but given the recent rise in prices, this is unrealistic. With a meal at the university cafeteria costing around 650 to 700 yen, and rising utility bills and food prices even for self-catering, it is virtually impossible to maintain a healthy lifestyle and concentrate on advanced research on 30,000 yen a month. Furthermore, we are extremely concerned about the possibility of tuition fee revisions from next academic year onward and the abolition of research grants, which are essential for research activities. The loss of support directly related to research progress, such as the purchase of reagents and consumables and participation in conferences, could significantly reduce the quality of research results as a doctoral student.
As members of Tohoku University's research community, we are deeply committed to research every day and hope to contribute to the development of the university. However, it is difficult to perform at our best if we are deeply concerned about basic living expenses and tuition fees. Therefore, we sincerely ask the administration and management to continue the tuition exemption for doctoral students currently enrolled in this project as originally agreed, and to maintain sufficient support to enable them to continue their research activities. We would appreciate your special consideration and sincere response so that students can devote themselves to their research with peace of mind.
Sincerely
***
***
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.