Overseas Selection for International Students

Application Guidelines for
Enrollment in April 2023

Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science andTechnology(Master’s Course)

OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

【Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology of the Graduate School ofEnvironmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Master’s Course) admission policy】① Applicants we seek
The Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Master’s Course) seeks the following
applicants, based on the image that talent sought by Okayama University’s is ‘talent capable of proactively tacklingproblems in a practical manner, inquisitively identifying problems, and learning from differences, as well as having
systematic and basic expertise, and furthermore, a habit of learning on their own while taking interest in familiar
phenomena’:
1． Individuals with an interest in the relationship between humans and nature, and a strong desire to contribute to
local and international society;2． Individuals who can master the fundamentals of their major field of study and have a strong sense of purposeto challenge advanced research fields;
3． Individuals who can think and act for themselves with a strong desire to learn;
4． Individuals who can demonstrate leadership in research and have a strong desire to play an active roleinternationally;
5． Individuals with a rich knowledge of culture and ethics, the expertise necessary for the sustainable
development of civilization and the language skills to be active internationally;
6． Individuals with a strong desire to acquire advanced expertise based on scientific knowledge for thesustainable development of the global environment and elucidation of life phenomena;
7． Individuals with an interest in fields other than their own specialization as well as a desire to acquire a broad
range of knowledge and perspectives.
② Basic policy for selection of applicants
The Master’s Course in the Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology is seeking students
who have basic academic skills in their field of specialization, as well as the ability to think flexibly and logically, makejudgments, collaborate with others and learn about cutting-edge academic developments in their field of specialization.
These students are further expected to have the motivation to take an interest in fields outside of their specialization andacquire knowledge and technology, and challenge themselves to find new solutions to problems in their field ofspecialization and other academic fields. Each degree program evaluates basic academic ability in applicants’ field ofspecialization, their ability to think, judge and express themselves, and their motivation according to the standards andcriteria for each entrance examination method (Entrance Examination by Recommendation, General Entrance
Examination, Entrance Examination for Working Adults, and Special Entrance Examination for International Students)
through written examinations of specialized subjects, Document screening, and oral examination. A diverse range ofstudents is accepted regardless of their faculty of origin.
③ Entrance examinations
The Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Master’s Course) will conduct the following
entrance examinations to secure a diverse student body and to verify the basic academic skills required for degree
acquisition.
(1) Entrance Examination by Recommendation
This entrance examination is for students who strongly desire to enter graduate school. It consists of a Document
screening and an oral examination for each field of education and research applicants wish to pursue. In theDocument screening, multiple faculty members verify from various perspectives applicants’ acquired expertise andcareer plans by the time of examination. In the oral examination, applicants’ knowledge and comprehension of
specialized subjects and career plan are evaluated by multiple faculty.
(2) General Entrance Examination
This is a broad entrance examination for students who desire to enter graduate school. It consists of a Document
screening and academic examinations for each field of education and research applicants wish to pursue. In theDocument screening, multiple faculty members verify from various perspectives applicants’ acquired expertise by
the time of examination. In the academic examinations, applicants’ knowledge and comprehension of specialized
subjects are comprehensively evaluated.
(3) Entrance Examination for Working Adults
This consists of a Document screening and an oral examination. In the Document screening, multiple faculty
members verify from various perspectives applicants’ acquired expertise and career plan by the time of examination.
In the oral examination, applicants’ knowledge and comprehension of specialized subjects are comprehensively
evaluated.
(4) Entrance Examination for International Students1This consists of a Document screening and an academic examination (written and oral). In the Document
screening, multiple faculty members verify from various perspectives applicants’ acquired expertise, career plan, andprerequisite cultural adaptation and financial status by the time of examination. In the written academic examination,
applicants’ knowledge and comprehension of specialized subjects is comprehensively evaluated, and in the oral
academic examination, their acquired expertise, career plan, and prerequisite cultural adaptation and financial status
by the time of examination will be evaluated for each field of education and research they wish to pursue.
(5) Special Entrance Examination for Overseas International Students
A Document screening is required. In the Document screening, multiple faculty members verify from multiple
perspectives applicants’ acquired expertise, career plan, and prerequisite cultural adaptation and financial status by
the time of examination for each field of education and research they wish to pursue.

Table. Three components of academic ability for the Masters’ Programme
Entrance
examination
classification
Entrance
Examination by
Recommendation
General Entrance
Examination
Entrance
Examination for
Working Adults

Ability to think, judge andexpress oneself

Knowledge and skills

☆

◎

☆

Attitude towards learningby own initiative andworking with diverse
peopleDocument screening
Oral examination☆

Oral examination

Oral examination

Document screening
Written Examination
Oral examination◎☆

Oral examination○

Oral examination

Academic examinations(written and oral
examinations)○

Academic
examination (oralexamination)

Document screening
Academic examinations(written and oral
examinations)
Document screening
Academic examinations(written and oral
examinations)◎

Entrance
Academic examinations
Academic
Examination for◎(written and oral○
examination (oral☆
International
examinations)
examination)
Students
Special Entrance
Examination for
Overseas
Document screening◎
Document screening○
Document screening☆
International
Students(Note) ◎, ○, ☆ denote factors of special importance, importance, and overall judgment, respectively.
The material for each element is the ‘main material’ and may be used for other elements as well.

2

Degree Program after Admission
The establishment of the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology in April
2023 has been approved.
In this Application Guidelines, entrance examinations are conducted according to the "Unit of the examination(Department)" shown in the center of the table below, and successful applicants will be required to takecoursework specified in the Degree Program curricula corresponding to the "Unit of the examination(Department)" once they are admitted.
In the following application guidelines, the "Unit of the examination (Department)" will be referred to as"Department".

【 Master’s Course 】
Division

Unit of the examination (Department)

Degree Program

Mathematics
Physics

Mathematical, Physical,

Human Ecology

Electronic and Information

Computer Science

Sciences

Information and Communication Systems
Electrical and Electronic EngineeringIntelligent Mechanical Systems
Advanced Mechanics
Urban Environment Development

Mechanical Systems andSustainable Society Studies (*)

Urban Innovation Science(*Research Area: Urban and Transport Planning,
Water Environment and Sanitation)
Environmental,
Life, Natural Scienceand Technology

ChemistryInnovative Chemistry

Material and Energy Science
Applied Chemistry
Earth System Science
Rural Environment Management
Environmental Ecology
Sustainable Society Studies (*)(*Research Area: Solid Waste Management and Recycling)
Biofunctional Chemistry

Earth, Environmental and

Plant Stress Science

Life Sciences

Plant Science
Animal Science
Biological Sciences
Analytical Planetary Chemistry
Experimental Planetary Physics
Degree program names are tentative.
(*) Successful applicants of the Sustainable Society Studies: Degree programs vary depending on the Research Area at thetime of the examination.

3

Contents
Ⅰ Admission Quota
Ⅱ Eligibility for Application,
Individual Admission Eligibility Screening in Eligibility for Application
Ⅲ Application Procedures,
Methods for Selection of Entrants,
Announcement of Successful Applicants,
Admission Procedures
Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries
Ⅴ List of Faculty members

4Ⅰ Admission Quota【 Master’s Course 】
Division

Department

Admission Quota

Mathematics

RemarkNot accept students for thisentrance examination

Physics

A few

Human Ecology◎◆

Computer Science
Information and Communication Systems
Not accept students for thisElectrical and Electronic Engineering

entrance examination

◎

A few

◆

Intelligent Mechanical Systems
Advanced Mechanics
Urban Environment Development
Sustainable Society Studies (*)(*Research Area: Urban and Transport Planning,
Water Environment and Sanitation)

Not accept students for thisChemistry

entrance examination

Environmental, Life,
Natural Scienceand Technology

A few

Material and Energy Science◎◆

Applied Chemistry

Not accept students for thisEarth System Science

entrance examination

◎

A few

◆

Rural Environment Management
Environmental Ecology
Sustainable Society Studies (*)(*Research Area: Solid Waste Management and Recycling)
Biofunctional Chemistry
Plant Stress Science
Plant Science
Animal Science
Biological Sciences
Analytical Planetary Chemistry★

Experimental Planetary Physics★

Not accept students for thisentrance examination◎

For detailed information on supervisors, please refer to the following website and “ Ⅴ List of Faculty
members".

◎･･･Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology

https://www.gnst.okayama-u.ac.jp/ja/profile/gnst_kyouin/◆･･･Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science

https://www.gels.okayama-u.ac.jp/profile/index.html(1)

Some faculty members may only teach classes and not provide research supervision. Please contact the faculty member
you wish to apply in advance to confirm.

5

(2)

This table is current at the time of preparation of the application guideline and subject to change.

(3)

If you do not know the contact information of the faculty member you wish to apply to, please send e-mai

l to "Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries".

6

Ⅱ Eligibility for Application,
Individual Admission Eligibility Screening in Eligibility for Application
II-1. Eligibility for Application
Those to whom all the following provisions are applicable:
1. Those to whom any of the following items is applicable, or are expected to be applicable by March
2023.
(1) Have graduated from a Japanese university(2) Have been awarded a bachelor’s degree under the provisions of paragraph (7) of Article 104 of
the School Education Law (Law No.26 of 1947)(3) Have completed a 16-year course of school education in a foreign country(4) Have completed a 16-year course of school education in a foreign country by taking class subjects
in Japan through a correspondence course offered by an educational institution in the country(5) Are deemed to have academic ability equal to or greater than that of a university graduate throughan individual admission eligibility screening by the Graduate School and who have reached theage of 22.
(6) Have been awarded a degree equivalent to a bachelor's degree by completing a course of study ata foreign university or other foreign school (only those that have been evaluated by a person
certified by the relevant foreign government or relevant organization for the overall status of its
education and research activities, etc., or those that are separately designated by the Minister of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as equivalent there to) with a duration of
three years or more (including the completion of a course in Japan through the completion of classsubjects in correspondence courses offered by a school in a foreign country and the completion ofa course at an educational facility designated in the school education system of the foreigncountry as specified in the preceding item).
2. Those who are foreign citizens who live outside Japan and who are unable to come to Japan to taketheir entrance examinations (except citizens and permanent residents of Japan).
3. Those who are expected to obtain a visa status of “Student” stipulated in the Immigration Control andRefugee Recognition Act by the time of enrollment in the Graduate School.
4. Those who were recommended by the schools from which they graduated as being particularly
excellent in both personality and academic ability.
5. Those who have passed a selection process, such as scholarship and training systems, made by publicorganizations at home and abroad, or those who have prior approval from your prospective supervisor.
Note 1. “Those who are deemed to have academic ability equal to or greater than that of a university graduate throughan individual admission eligibility screening by the Graduate School” specified in item 5 of Provision 1 of II
Eligibility for Application refers to applicants who passed the document screening that the Graduate School
provides as the screening of the eligibility for application. (See Ⅱ-2. Individual Admission Eligibility Screening
in Eligibility for Application.)
Note 2. We withdraw permission for admission for those who applied as a prospective degree holder but failed to beawarded the degree by March 2023.
Note 3. Those “who live outside Japan and are unable to come to Japan to take their entrance examinations” specified
in Provision 2 of II Eligibility for Application includes people who are staying in Japan at the time of
application but depart from Japan because their duration of stay expires by the end of December, 2022. For

more details, please contact “Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries”.

7Ⅱ-2. Individual Admission Eligibility Screening in Eligibility for Application
For those applicants for admission who fall under item 5 of Provision 1 specified in the previously
described II-1 Eligibility for Application, we conduct individual admission eligibility screenings for theapproval of admission eligibility before application. The applicants must submit the documents required
for the admission eligibility screening specified in Provision 2 to the address in “Ⅳ Address for
Submission of Documents / Inquiries” by the deadline stated in Provision 1.
1. Submission Period of Documents for Admission Eligibility Screening
Submission Period

Enrollment

April 2023 Enrollment

October 25, 2022 to October 26, 2022

2. Documents Required for Admission Eligibility Screening
Documents Required for Admission
Eligibility Screening

Remarks〈1〉Form of Eligibility for Application
Use the forms prescribed by the Graduate School.

〈2〉Record of Academic Performance
Submit a list of research achievements or a researchplan/ progress report relevant to the field of study thatyou wish to pursue at the Graduate School,summarizing in a document in any form.

〈3〉Academic Transcript (of lastcompleted education)

Submit a transcript issued by the president of the last〈4〉 Graduation Certificate (of lastcompleted education)

Submit a graduation certificate issued by the president

school from which you graduated.
of the last school from which you graduated.

Note 1. All documents mentioned above must be prepared in English, in principle. (When English is not yournative language, attach English translations.)
Note 2. The documents 〈1〉 mentioned above should be submitted using the forms prescribed by the Graduate
School, in principle. However, using any forms containing the necessary matters other than the prescribed
forms may be allowed only when the Graduate School permits.
Note 3. The result of the Admission Eligibility Screening will be notified through your prospective supervisor.

Enrollment

Date of notification of screening result

November 22, 2022

April 2023 Enrollment

3. Address for Submission of Documents
Please submit all documents required to “Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries”

8

Ⅲ Application Procedures, Methods for Selection of Entrants,
Announcement of Successful Applicants, Admission Procedures
Applicants must contact a prospective supervisor as early as possible before
application to consult about research contents, etc.

Ⅲ-1. Application Procedures
1. How to Apply
Applicants must complete all the procedures described in items (1) through (3) below:(1) Before preparing documents for application, applicants must directly contact a prospective
supervisor at Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology by means
such as email, consult about research and education after enrollment, obtain approval to take theexamination, and receive a copy of “Letter of Informal Acceptance by Prospective Supervisor”.
With regard to prospective supervisors at Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural
Science and Technology, please refer to “Ⅴ List of Faculty members”.
(2) Pay the entrance examination fee after having obtained approval from the prospective supervisor.
(Except those who are exempted from payment.)(3) Send all the documents for application by mail to arrive no later than the date stated in “2Application Period”.
2. Application Period
Enrollment

April 2023 Enrollment

Application Period

November 24, 2022 to December 14, 2022

3. Address for Submission of Documents
Please submit all documents required to “Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries”
4. Notes on Application(1) No change shall be permitted after submission in terms of the contents of the documents submitted.

(2) No document shall be returned for any reason after the application documents are accepted.
(3) Application with incomplete application documents or shortage of examination fee shall not be
accepted.
(4) Please note carefully that admission might be withdrawn even after enrollment if the contents ofthe submitted documents are found to include false entries.
(5) Certificates issued under the former name, which differs from the name written on the application
form are useful. However, in such case, attach a document (in any form) with the date of namechange and the new and the former name, which are written personally by the applicant.

95. Documents Required for Application
Documents Required for Application〈1〉Application for admission
Curriculum Vitae (CV)Photograph〈2〉Entrance Examination Fee

Remarks
Use the forms prescribed by the Graduate School
Affix a photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide, upper body, noheadwear, facing forward, taken within the three months before
application) on the prescribed space on the “Application foradmission”. Before affixing it, write your nationality and name on
the back of the photograph.
30,000yen(handling fees will be charged separately)
Please refer to “Paying for Entrance Examination Fees”
below and pay the entrance examination fee by 17:00(Japan time) on the last day of the application period on“Payment for Entrance Examination Fee website".
In addition, please be sure to choose "Credit Card" forpayment method. Other payment methods cannot use
from overseas.
After confirming the payment of the entrance examination
fee, print "Certificate of Entrance Examination Fee
Payment" and attach it to the prescribed section of theprescribed form.
Paying for Entrance Examination Fees
https://www.gels.okayama-u.ac.jp/up_load_files/freetext/kenteiryo/oversea_eng.pdf

Payment for Entrance Examination Fee website
https://e-apply.jp/n/okayama-payment-eng

If you could not pay by the payment method above, contact“Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries”.

Those applicants who are Japanese-government sponsored students
need NOT pay the entrance examination fee, in principle.
Refund of Entrance Examination Fee
The entrance examination fee paid is not refundable for any reason,
except in the following cases:a) Entrance examination fee was paid, but application was notmade (application documents were not submitted or not
accepted.)b) Entrance examination fee was accidentally transferred twice.

10

〈3〉 (Prospective) Graduation
Certificate from University〈4〉 Transcript of University〈5〉 Copy of Papers Submitted〈6〉 Research Plan Document〈7〉 Document Certifying English
Language Ability (TOEIC®,TOEFL-iBT®, etc.)〈8〉 Copy of Passport, or Copy of
Family Registry or Certificate
of Citizenship in HomeCountry〈9〉(Two kinds of) Letters ofRecommendation Addressed to
the President

Submit a certificate issued by the university from which you
graduated (or will graduate).
a) Abstract of bachelor’s thesis or an equivalent research paper(in English)b) List of research achievements after earning the bachelor’s
degree and one or two representative papers related to them
(if applicable).
Use the form prescribed by the Graduate School.
When you have not taken TOEIC®, TOEFL-iBT®, or other tests,
submit a certificate of English ability issued by the university, etc.
from which you graduated.
(If your native language is English, please submit a certificate thatyou received your education at your graduate school in English.)Submit a copy of the page which can confirm the names of thepassport and the dates of birth, etc.
When not possessing the passport, please submit the certificate
which is acquired copy of the family register or citizen
membership, etc. in your home country.
Form 1

Form 2〈10〉Document Confirming
Success in Selection by Public
Organizations at Home andAbroad〈11〉 Letter of Acceptance by
Prospective Supervisor

Use the form prescribed by the Graduate School. Pleasecheck the description on each form for the person who toprepare the letter of recommendation.

As prescribed in II-1-5 of eligibility for application, those who havepassed a selection process, such as scholarship and training
systems, made by public organizations at home and abroad, submita (copy of) letter of acceptance, notification of employment, etc.
Contact to your prospective supervisor at Graduate School ofEnvironmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology to prepare
the document. Submit a copy of the letter written by yourprospective supervisor.

Note 1. All documents to be submitted must be prepared in the same size (preferably A4 size) and be typewritten.
Note 2. We do not accept documents that are incomplete, not written completely and accurately, or which arereceived after the deadline for submission.
Note 3: The previously described documents must be prepared in English, except 〈11〉.
(When English is not your native language, attach English translations.)
Note 4. Documents <1>, <3>, <4>, <6>, and <9> must be submitted in original. For documents<3> and <4>, acopy of the original document verified by the issuer is acceptable.

11Ⅲ-2. Methods for Selection of Entrants
Selection of entrants shall be made based on document screening and pass or failure is determined.

Ⅲ-3. Announcement of Successful Applicants
Enrollment

Date of Announcement

April 2023 Enrollment

January 27, 2023

A letter of acceptance and others will be sent to successful applicants themselves dated on the day of theannouncement described above.

Ⅲ-4. Admission Procedures
1. Method of Admission Procedures
Successful applicants will be admitted by completing the admission procedures.
Details will be notified separately by your supervisor with a letter of acceptance.
2. Period of Admission Procedures
The period of admission procedures has been scheduled as follows:
Enrollment

Period of Admission Procedures

April 2023 Enrollment

March 13, 2023 to March 14, 2023

Ⅲ-5. Other
1. Admission Fee and Tuition Fee (Applicable only for self-supporting international students.
Foreign-government sponsored students must pay.)
Admission fee: 282,000 yen (expected amount)
Tuition fee: 267,900 yen (for half a year); 535,800 yen (for a year)* When the amount was revised at the time of admission or while at school, the new amount will beapplied from the time of the revision.

2. Study Assistance・Dormitories
For self-supporting international students, we have systems as part of study assistance: admission fee
waiver, postponement of admission fee collection, tuition fee waiver, and various scholarships.
If your academic achievement, income, etc. meet the requirements, you may apply for the admission
fee waiver, postponement of admission fee collection, and tuition fee waiver and have a full or half
waiver.
When your academic achievement, income, etc. meet the requirements, you may apply for various
12scholarships and receive scholarship benefits.
Okayama University has four dormitories for international students and researchers: Kuwanoki
Dormitory for International Students, Fukui Dormitory for International Students, International House
for International Students and Researchers, and International Student Shared House, which is forinternational and Japanese students.
All of these dormitories are within walking distance of the Tsushima campus.
Inquiry about scholarship, dormitories, etc.:

International Affairs Department
Okayama University
2-1-1, Tsushima-naka kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Website: https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/support/
Fax: +81-86-252-5022 (from overseas)
Fax: 086-252-5022 (from inside Japan)
E-mail: dde7046@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp (Scholarship)
housing@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp (Dormitory)

3. Notes
It is recommended that international students have sufficient knowledge of the climate, weather, andcustoms of Japan as well as the situation of the university in advance before coming to Japan.
Education and research activities will be conducted mainly in Japanese language. Consult with yourdesired supervisor in advance if you wish to have guidance in English.
For everyday life, you will need Japanese language skills. It is also desired that candidates havestudied Japanese language.
Okayama University has a Japanese language course for international students. Please take the course
if you like.
4. Purpose of Use of Personal Information
Application documents submitted and personal information written on them are used for affairs
related to the selection of entrants.
However, regarding entrants, we use their personal information written on the application form,
including the name, gender, date of birth, current address, and schools graduated from, as registrydata for basic student information in the academic affairs system at Okayama University.
In addition, successful applicants’ personal information, examinee number and name (kanji/ kana),
are used for clerical systems for tuition fee debt management and tuition fee waiver at Okayama
University.
When application for admission fee waiver, postponement of admission fee collection, tuition fee
waiver, or various scholarships was made, the applicant’s entrance examination results and academictranscript might be used to handle academic ability judgment related to affairs such as postponementof admission fee collection.
5. Security Export Control System
Okayama University has established the “Security Export Control Regulations of Okayama
University” under the Security Export Control System based on the “Foreign Exchange and Foreign13

Trade Act (FEFTA)”, and conducts strict screening when accepting foreign students (including
Japanese students receiving scholarships from outside Japan).
If you are subjected to this regulation or FEFTA, you may not be accepted or your desired research
activities may be restricted.
For details concerning the Security Export Control System in Japan, please refer to the following
website.
URL； https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/englishpage.html

14

Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries
Inquiries should be sent by e-mail with the following information(1) Name(2) Name of the Faculty and University（Current affiliation or you have graduated/completed）(3) Contact e-mail address(4) Area of specialization you are currently studying(5) Degree(s) you hold(6) Field of study(department) and name of faculty member(s) with whom you wish to consult(7) Description of consultation (please be specific)* Please specify which course of study (Master's Course/Doctor’s Course) you are applying to.
Department

Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries

Urban Environment Development

Admission Section,
Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology
Okayama University
3-1-1, Tsushima-naka, kita-ku Okayama
700-8530, Japan

Rural Environment Management
Human Ecology
Material and Energy Science

MAIL：pgg8420@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp

Sustainable Society Studies
Biofunctional Chemistry

Admission Section,
Faculty of Agriculture
Okayama University
1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, kita-ku Okayama
700-8530, Japan

Plant Stress Science
Plant Science
Animal Science

MAIL：qgg8286@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp

Biological Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biological Sciences
Earth System Science
Advanced Mechanics

Not accept students for this entrance examination

Intelligent Mechanical Systems
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Computer Science
Information and Communication Systems
Applied Chemistry
Analytical Planetary Chemistry
Experimental Planetary Physics

15