International Application

Online Application
The First Period Application Deadlines by 17:00, October 23, 2024 (JST).
The Second Period Application Deadlines by 17:00, January 21, 2025 (JST).

All applications and accompanying documents must reach the Admissions Division, Discovery Program for Global Learners by the deadline. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Who can apply

For International Admission, students must satisfy ONE of the following requirements:

(a) Complete a 12-year course of education as designated by the Ministry of Education in Japan or abroad prior to enrollment (students who have skipped grades are also eligible).

(b) Complete 11 years of education abroad, plus a Japanese university pre-sessional course designated by MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan).

(c) Earn certification or test results equivalent to a 12-year course of education outside of Japan, and be 18 years of age or older prior to enrollment.

(d) Complete a curriculum of 11 years or more equivalent to a senior high school education outside of Japan, as designated by MEXT. Refer to the webpage for details.

(e) Earn an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Full Diploma) from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

(f) Earn an Abitur from the Federal Republic of Germany.

(g) Earn a Baccalaureate from the French Republic.

(h) Earn a GCE Advanced Level (GCEA) required for university matriculation in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

(i) Complete 12 years of education in an internationally-certified program (WASC, CIS, ACSI).

2. Application Periods for April and October 2025

Application periods for April 2025：

  1. October 7, 2024 to October 23, 2024

Application periods for October 2025：

  1. October 7, 2024 to October 23, 2024
  2. December 23, 2024 to January 21, 2025

3. What to submit

Application checklist (Please download for your confirmation)

Application checklist

Application documents (Forms)

【Word】

【PDF】

(1) To submit BY POST:

Certificate of graduation or statement certifying expected graduation date
  • Applicants who have already graduated from secondary school should submit a photocopy of their graduation certificate.
  • Applicants who have not yet graduated will be required to submit a copy of their certificate after arriving on campus.
  • Certificates in languages other than English or Japanese should be accompanied by an English or Japanese translation.

【Word】

【PDF】

Official transcripts
  • If you have already graduated from secondary school, submit full transcripts of all courses taken in secondary school (most recent 2-3 years).
  • If you are still in secondary school, submit transcripts of all classes completed to date (most recent 2-3 years).
  • If you have attended more than one secondary school, submit transcripts from each school (most recent 2-3 years).
  • If you are currently in a tertiary or post-secondary educational institute, submit transcripts of all classes completed to date, as well as transcripts of courses taken in secondary school.
  • Transcripts may be photocopies, but they must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and signed across the flap by a school official.
  • Transcripts in languages other than English or Japanese must be accompanied by an English or Japanese translation.
School profile

Complete the online form, enclose in a sealed envelope and ensure that it is signed across the flap by a school official.

【Word】

【PDF】

Letter of academic evaluation
  • The letter of academic evaluation must be written by someone at your secondary school (even if you are currently attending a tertiary institution) such as a school principal, counselor, or teacher, even if the evaluator does not know or remember you well.
  • The evaluator should confirm your years of attendance and graduation date, and provide information about your academic performance while at the school.
  • The letter of academic evaluation must be in English or Japanese.

【Word】

【PDF】

Letter of recommendation
  • The letter of recommendation should be written by someone who knows you well and has interacted directly with you in a supervisory position at school, work, or through extracurricular activities – a teacher, manager, boss, coach, or advisor.
  • In addition to commenting on your ability to work independently, think creatively, communicate effectively, and maintain motivation, the recommender should also provide information about your personal interests, abilities, and accomplishments.
  • The letter of recommendation must be in English or Japanese.

【Word】

【PDF】

Standardized test results (OPTIONAL)
  • Applicants who have taken standardized exams typically used for university admission in their country, such as the SAT or ACT, may submit photocopies of official results.
  • Applicants who reside in countries where the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is offered may submit photocopies of official scores.
  • Applicants who have an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma may submit a photocopy of their diploma and an official certificate of their IB exam results, issued by the International Baccalaureate Office.
  • Applicants who have not yet received their IB Diploma may send official transcripts of IB predicted scores, endorsed by the principal or a guidance counselor at their school. Please note that once applicants are admitted, they will be asked to submit a photocopy of their IB Diploma and an official certificate of their IB exam results.

(2) To submit ONLINE:

Official English proficiency test scores

REQUIRED for applicants who have not received their last five years of formal education in English. If applicants are not able to take the English proficiency test as a result of unforeseeable circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic or for any other reason, please contact the Discovery Office by email at least one month prior to the application period start date. 

  • Scores must be from exams taken after September, 2022. Unofficial score reports or photocopies are acceptable for the application process, although applicants may have to submit the original certificates upon request.
  • The Discovery Program does not have minimum requirement scores. English ability is evaluated through standardized tests scores, writing samples, and interviews etc.
  • Students must submit scores from one or more of the following tests: Cambridge English/ The EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency (実用英語技能検定)/ GTEC Advanced or GTEC Basic or GTEC Core or GTEC CBT/ IELTS/ TEAP/ TEAP CBT/ TOEFL iBT/ TOEIC Listening & Reading Test and TOEIC Speaking & Writing Tests, IB English Score (Predicted Scores included). Details are provided on the Application Guide.

(Note 1) English language certifications or qualifications for tests that were taken at home are not accepted.
(Note 2) Please refer to “Application Documents to submit by post” to confirm the validity period of the scores of the English language certificates/qualifications accepted by Okayama University for admission to undergraduate courses, regardless of the validity period specified by the organizations that administer the tests.
(Note 3) In addition to the above tests, certain faculties may accept other English proficiency test scores (measuring 4 skills).
(Note 4) Applicants who have taken English A or English B for IB Diploma qualification may submit your IB exam results (Predicted Scores included) instead of English proficiency test scores.

Proof of Japanese proficiency (for April admission ONLY)

If applicants are not able to take the JLPT as a result of unforeseeable circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic or for any other reason, please contact the Discovery Office by email at least one month prior to the application period start date.

  • Applicants for April Admission must submit photocopies of the certificate of Japanese language proficiency (e.g., JLPT N1 score report) or documents demonstrating similar ability (e.g., Japanese teacher’s language assessment report).

Applicants for October Admission who have taken the JLPT are encouraged to submit their scores as optional material.

Application form

Application form

Personal statements

Please note that the Part B is different if applicants have selected “Social Science & Humanities” or “Science & Applied Science” as your first choice in “10. Desired Area(s) of Study” in online application form.

*The form was updated on October 1, 2024. Please complete the latest version of the form.*

【Word】

【PDF】

ID photo
  • Submit a 4 cm long x 3 cm wide color photo taken within the last 3 months, showing a front view without headgear (except for religious purposes) or sunglasses, above chest level, with a solid-color background.
  • The photo will be used to identify the applicant at the interview.
Application fee
  • Submit the application fee of ¥17,000 via credit card using the online application system.
  • If payment by credit card is not possible, please contact the Discovery Office at admission_discovery@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp for other payment options.
  • The application fee cannot be waived or returned.
  • The application fee cannot be refunded unless the application is incomplete, not accepted, or the fee is resubmitted in error.

 

4. Selection Procedure

Important Dates

  APPLICATION PERIOD 1 
(April or October 2025 Admission)		 APPLICATION PERIOD 2 
(October 2025 Admission only)
Application period October 7, 2024 – October 23, 2024 (17:00 JST) December 23, 2024 – January 21, 2025 (17:00 JST)
Results of preliminary screening announced November 15, 2024 (10:00 JST) February 18, 2025 (10:00 JST)
Skype connection test Applicants will be informed of the date and time of their pre-interview
check and interview time via email		 Applicants will be informed of the date and time of their pre-interview
check and interview time via email
Final screening (Interview) November 30, 2024 (for both applicants living in Japan and overseas applicants) March 2, 2025 (for both applicants living in Japan and overseas applicants)
Results of final screening announced December 16, 2024 (10:00 JST) March 24, 2025 (10:00 JST)
Deadline to complete admission procedures January 24, 2025 (17:00 JST) April 30, 2025 (17:00 JST)

※JST: Japan Standard Time

5. Applicants with disabilities

Applicants with disabilities should submit documents explaining their individual circumstances by the deadlines below so that the university can make appropriate arrangements regarding accommodation for coursework, etc.

Deadline Applicants for Application Period 1: September 13, 2024
Applicants for Application Period 2: November 8, 2024
Procedures Complete the online Preliminary Consultation Form and submit it along with a doctor’s note and a copy of your disability certificate (if issued).
Download here.
Submission Email: admission_discovery@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp

6. FAQ

FAQ

Application Guide
Pamphlet