Overseas Selection for International Students

Application Guidelines for
Enrollment in April 2023

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

OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

【Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology of the Graduate School ofEnvironmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor’s Course) admission policy】①

Applicants we seek
The Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor’s Course) seeks applicants withconsciousness and motivation, based upon Okayama University’s objectives of ‘talent capable of collaboratingwith various fellow stakeholders, solve problems in a practical manner, make logical and multifaceted inquiries,and skilfully integrate them on a deep level’ and ‘building a new paradigm for the sustainable advancement of
human society’ (a new paradigm as a centre of learning). In particular, we are looking for:1． Individuals with an interest in the relationship between humans and nature, and a strong desire to contributeto 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 necessary expertise 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 the selection of applicants
We are seeking students in both Japan and abroad who are motivated to acquire cutting-edge knowledge andskills in specialized fields, as well as basic academic skills other than their own specialization, and then fully utilize
them in an integrated manner. These students are further expected to demonstrate creativity, originality in
identifying problems, deep insight, and strong communication skills, and thereby make great leaps in scientificand technological developments, and open up new fields of academic endeavour. Document screening and oral
examinations will be used to evaluate basic academic ability in the field of specialization and the ability to identify
and solve problems. Applicants will then be selected and accepted according to the standards and criteria
established for each degree program and examination method (General Entrance Examination, Special Entrance
Examination for International Students, Special Entrance Examination for Overseas International Students).
③ Entrance examinations
The Division of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Doctor’s Course) will conduct thefollowing entrance examinations to secure a diverse student body and to verify the basic academic skills requiredfor degree acquisition.
(1) General Entrance Examination
A Document screening and an oral examination are required. In the Document screening, multiple faculty
members verify from various perspectives applicants’ acquired expertise and career plans by the time of
examination. In the oral examination, applicants’ basic academic skills in specialization and the ability toidentify and solve problems are comprehensively evaluated for each field of education and research they wish
to pursue.
(2) Entrance Examination for International Students
This consists of a Document screening and an academic examination (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 oral academic
examination, applicants’ 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.
(3) Special Entrance Examination for Overseas International Students
A Document screening is required. In the Document screening, multiple faculty members verify frommultiple perspectives applicants’ acquired expertise, career plan, and prerequisite cultural adaptation andfinancial status by the time of examination for each field of education and research they wish to pursue.
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Table. Three components of academic ability for the Doctor’s Course
Entrance
examination
classification

Knowledge and skills

Ability to think, judge andexpress oneself

Attitude towards learningby own initiative andworking with diverse
peopleGeneralDocument screening
Entrance
Oral examination○
Oral examination◎ Written Examination ☆
Examination
Oral examination
Entrance
Examination
Document screeningfor
Oral examination○
Oral examination◎☆
Oral examination
International
Students
SpecialEntrance
Examination
Document screening○
Document screening☆ Document screening ◎for Overseas
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.

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Degree Program after Admission
The establishment of the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology in April 2023 hasbeen 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 take coursework 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".

【 Doctor’s Course】
Division

Unit of the examination (Department)

Degree Program

Mathematics
Physics
Human Ecology
Computer Science
Information and Communication Systems

Advanced Science andElectrical and Electronic Engineering

Technology

Intelligent Mechanical Systems
Advanced Mechanics
Urban Environment Development
Sustainable Society Studies (*)(*Research Area: Urban and Transport Planning,
Water Environment and Sanitation)
Chemistry
Environmental, Life,
Natural Science andTechnology

Material and Energy Science

Innovative Chemistry

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
Interdisciplinary Science

Interdisciplinary Science
Degree program names are tentative.

(*) Successful applicants of the Department of Sustainable Society Studies: Degree programs vary depending on the Research Area
at the time of the examination.

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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
Division

Department

Admission Quota

RemarkMathematics◎
Physics◆

Human Ecology
Computer Science
Information and Communication Systems◎

Electrical and Electronic EngineeringIntelligent Mechanical Systems
Advanced Mechanics
Urban Environment Development◆

Sustainable Society Studies(Research Area: Urban and Transport Planning,
Water Environment and Sanitation)
Chemistry

A few

◎

Environmental, Life,

Material and Energy Science◆

Natural Science andApplied Chemistry◎

Earth System Science◎

Technology

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

Not accept students forExperimental Planetary Physics

this entrance examination

A few

Interdisciplinary Science

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

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◎

◎

(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.
(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-mail to "Ⅳ Address for
Submission of Documents / Inquiries".

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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 the following items are applicable, or are expected to be applicable by March, 2023.
(1) Have a master’s or professional degree.
(2) Have been awarded a degree equivalent to a master’s degree or professional degree abroad.
(3) Have completed the program at United Nations University and have been awarded a degree equivalent to amaster’s degree.
(4) Are deemed to have academic ability equal to or greater than that of a master’s degree holder by the Graduate
School and who have reached the age of 24.
2 Those who are foreign citizens who live outside Japan and who are unable to come to Japan to take their 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 and Refugee
Recognition Act after being enrolled 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.
Note 1: Those who “Are deemed to have academic ability equal to or greater than that of a master’s degree holder by the
Graduate School” specified in item 4 of Provision 1 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 Screening of
Eligibility for Admission in Eligibility for Application.)
Note 2: We withdraw permission for admission for those who applied as a prospective degree holder but who failed to
be awarded 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 inProvision 2 include 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 January, 2023.
For more details, please contact “Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries”.

Ⅱ-2. Individual Admission Eligibility Screening in Eligibility for Application
For those applicants for admission who fall under item 4 of Provision 1 specified in the previously described II-1
Eligibility for Application, we conduct individual admission eligibility screenings for the approval of admission
eligibility before application. The applicants must submit the documents required for the admission eligibility screening
specified in Provision 2 to “Ⅳ Address for Submission of Documents / Inquiries” by deadline stated in Provision 1.
1. Submission Period of Documents for Admission Eligibility Screening
Enrollment

Submission Period

April 2023 Enrollment

October 25, 2022 to October 26, 2022

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2. Documents Required for Admission Eligibility Screening
Documents Required for Application〈1〉 Form of Eligibility for Application〈2〉Record of
Academic
Performance

Record of Academic
Performance

Copy of academic
paper etc.

〈3〉Certificate of Research Participation

Remarks
Use the forms prescribed by the Graduate School.

Use the form prescribed by the Graduate School.
(Briefly describe objective findings from research results
relevant to the field of major.)
With regard to academic papers, attach an offprint or a copy
and attach a summary or abstract for research presentations.

Use the form prescribed by the Graduate School.
(The form must be completed by the institution with which
the applicant is affiliated.)〈4〉 Academic Transcript(of last completed education)

Submit a transcript issued by the president of the final
school from which the applicant graduated.

〈5〉 Graduation Certificate(of last completed education)

Submit a graduation certificate issued by the president of
the final school from which the applicant graduated.

Note1: All of the documents mentioned above must be prepared in English, in principle. (When English is notyour native language, attach English translations.)
Note2: Documents <1>, <2>, <3>, <4>, and <5> must be submitted in original. For documents<4> and <5>,a copy of the original document verified by the issuer is acceptable.
Note3: The result of the Admission Eligibility Screening will be notified through your prospective supervisor.
Enrollment

Date of notification of screening result

April 2023 Enrollment

November 22, 2022

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

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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 such as email, consult about research andeducation after enrollment, obtain approval to take the examination, and receive a copy of “Letter of Informal
Acceptance by Prospective Supervisor”. With regard to prospective supervisors at Graduate School ofEnvironmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, please refer to “Ⅴ List of Faculty members”.
(2) Pay the entrance examination fee after having obtained the approval by the prospective supervisor. (Except those
who are exempted from the payment.)(3) Send all the documents for application by mail to arrive no later than each date stated in “2 Application Period”.
2. Application Periods
Enrollment

Application Periods

April 2023 Enrollment

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 of the 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 areuseful. However, in such cases, attach a document (in any form) with the date of name change and the new andthe former name are written personally by the applicant.

95. Documents Required for Application
Documents Required for
Remarks
Application
Use the forms prescribed by Graduate School.
〈1〉Application for admission
Affix a photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide, upper body, no headwear,
Curriculum Vitae (CV)facing forward, taken within the three months before application) on the
Photographprescribed space on the “Application for admission”.
Before affixing it, write your nationality, name and the name of major
desired on the back of the photograph.

〈2〉 Entrance Examination Fee

30,000yen(handling fees will be charged separately)
Please refer to “Paying for Entrance Examination Fees” below and pay theentrance examination fee by 17:00 (Japan time) on the last day of theapplication period on “Payment for Entrance Examination Fee website".
In addition, please be sure to choose "Credit Card" for payment 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 theprescribed section of the prescribed 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 not made(application documents were not submitted or not accepted.)b) Entrance examination fee was accidentally transferred twice.

Graduation Certificate〈3〉University
Transcript〈4〉Graduate School(Prospective)

Completion Certificate
Transcript10

Submit certificates issued by the university
from which you graduated.

Submit certificates issued by the graduate
school which you graduated (or will graduate).

〈5〉 Papers Submitted(Copy)a) Master’s thesis or an equivalent research paper (in English or Japanese)b) List of research achievements after earning the Master’s degree and one
or two representative papers of them. (If applicable)〈6〉 Research Plan Document

Use the form prescribed by Graduate School.

〈7〉 Document Certifying
English Language Ability(TOEFL®，TOEFL iBT®,
etc.)

When you have not taken TOEFL®，TOEFL iBT® or other tests, submit acertificate of English ability issued by the graduate school, etc. from which
you graduated.
(If your native language is English, please submit a certificate that you
received your education at your graduate school in English.)〈8〉Copy of Passport or
Copy of Family Registry or
Certificate of Citizenshipin Home Country

Submit a copy of the page of passport which can confirm the name, thedate of birth, etc..
If not possessing the passport, please submit the certificate which is
acquired copy of the family register or citizen membership, etc. in yourhome country.

Form 1〈9〉Letters of Recommendation
Addressed to the President
Form 2〈10〉Letter of Acceptanceby Prospective Supervisor

Use the form1 and form2 prescribed by Graduate School.
Please check the description on each form for the person whoto prepare the letter of recommendation.

Contact to your prospective supervisor at Graduate School to prepare thedocument. Submit a copy of the letter written by a prospective 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 〈10〉. (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>,a copy of the original document verified by the issuer is acceptable.

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.

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Ⅲ-4. Admission Procedures
1. Method of Admission Procedures
Successful applicants will be admitted by completing the admission procedures.
Details will be informed 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 need not to 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 be applied
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, then you may apply for 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 scholarships andreceive scholarship benefits.
Okayama University has four dormitories for international students and researchers: Kuwanoki Dormitory forInternational Students, Fukui Dormitory for International Students, International House for International Students
and Researchers, and International Student Shared House, which is for international 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)12

3. Notes
It is recommended that international students have sufficient knowledge of the climate, weather, and customs ofJapan 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 your desired
supervisor in advance if you wish to have guidance in English.
In everyday life, you will need Japanese language skills. It is also desired that candidates have studied 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 the selectionof entrants.
However, regarding entrants, we use their personal information written on the application form, including name,gender, date of birth, current address, and schools graduated from, as registry data 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 theclerical 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 academic transcript might be used to handle
academic ability judgment related to affairs such as postponement of 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 Foreign 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

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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.

Graduate School Section
Academic Affairs Division
Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science andTechnology,
Okayama University
3-1-1, Tsushima-naka, kita-ku Okayama 700-8530, Japan
E-mail: agf8576@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp

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