A gradient coil unit includes a tubular gradient coil and support structures. The tubular gradient coil is configured to apply a gradient magnetic field to an imaging region of magnetic resonance imaging. The support structures are fixed to plural positions of the gradient coil. The support structures are configured to hold the gradient coil on a tubular magnet by applying pressing forces on positions of an edge inside a wall forming the magnet. The pressing forces each has a component in a central axis direction of the magnet. Further, according to another embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes the above mentioned gradient coil unit, a static field magnet and at least one radio frequency coil configured to perform magnetic resonance imaging of an object.
