Quick Summary
National university in Okayama, Japan — Okayama University, est. 1949. Ranked #701-710 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 13020 students including 6.5% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Medicine, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 22%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of Japan's top national universities with a strong emphasis on SDGs and medical research, located in a safe, sunny city with lower living costs.
Subject Strengths
MedicineLife SciencesPharmacyEnvironmental ScienceAgricultural Science
Founded1949
TypeNational University
Total Students13020
Intl Students6.5%
Faculty Ratio8.4
CampusMulti-campus (Tsushima and Shikata)
Campus Size1.4 square kilometers
Affiliated HospitalsOkayama University Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#701-710
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Professional degrees
Programs
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate22%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRERequired for some Natural Science programs
GMATNot Available
SATRequired for Discovery Program (Average 1350+)
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) for Japanese tracks; for the Discovery Program, highlight cross-disciplinary interests and global perspectives.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,400,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥535,800/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥1,952,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship, Okayama University Foreign Student Scholarship, JASSO
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidTuition waivers (50% or 100%) available for high-achieving students with financial need
Work-StudyAvailable (Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Professional degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Dentistry | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Discovery Program for Global Learners | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Environmental Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$42,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96.5%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with local industries in Okayama and Kurashiki
Industry Connections
ToyotaMitsubishi Electriclocal healthcare providers
Notable Alumni
Ryuzaburo Kuno, Akira Suzuki (Collaborator), various high-ranking Japanese politicians
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (International Student Dormitories, Shared Houses)
Sports Facilities
Kyudo field, Gymnasium, Swimming pool, Tennis courts, Athletics track
Student Clubs
Over 100 clubs including Tea Ceremony, Kendo, Robotics, and Orchestra
Library Resources
Central Library, Shikata Information Center for Medical Science, IPSR Library
Exchange Programs
EPOK (Exchange Program Okayama), partnerships with over 300 universities worldwide
Summer Programs
Okayama University Summer School in Japanese Language and Culture