Okayama University
Okayama, Japan • Founded 1949 • World Rank #951
Overview
Established in 1949, the Okayama University (Okayama Daigaku) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Okayama (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Okayama University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Okayama University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 75-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this Japanese higher education organization a very selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Okayama University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach Okayama University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Okayama University's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
Academic Structures
Okayama University delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit 18 items
- Dental School
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Letters
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Graduate School of Education
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science
- Graduate School of Health Sciences
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology
- Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education, Hyogo University of Teacher Education
- School of Medicine
Degrees
Also Potsgraduate Professional Degrees in Education and Law
Other 18 programs
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Public Administration
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Agriculture (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Applied Chemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Economics
- Management
- Social Policy
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Foreign Languages Education
- Health Education
- Home Economics Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Native Language Education
- Physical Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Science and Technology (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
- Comparative Law
- International Law
- Law
- Political Sciences
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Studies
- Behavioural Sciences
- European Languages
- European Studies
- History
- Philosophy
- South and Southeast Asian Languages
Pharmaceutical Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Natural Resources
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Graduate School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities and Social Sciences (Graduate School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Management
- Public Administration
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems (Graduate School) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Graduate School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Dentistry
- Environmental Studies
- Medicine
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Physiology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Study of the Earth's Interior (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
Institute for Bioresources (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Natural Resources
Dentistry (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Oral Pathology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (School) 23 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Biology
- Cardiology
- Child Care and Development
- Community Health
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Ethics
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Health Sciences
- Immunology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Neurosciences
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Radiology
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Treatment Techniques
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Okayama University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.
Bachelor's Degree
11 programmes
Browse 11 programmes at Okayama University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
School of Agriculture Agriculture 4 years On-campus Japanese
Discovery Program for Global Learners Politics & International Relations 4 years On-campus Japanese
School of Letters Humanities & Cultural Studies 4 years On-campus Japanese
School of Engineering General Engineering 4 years On-campus Japanese
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy 4 years On-campus Japanese
Dental School Dentistry 6 years On-campus Japanese
Medical School 6 years On-campus Japanese
School of Science Natural Sciences 4 years On-campus Japanese
School of Economics Economics 4 years On-campus Japanese
Faculty of Law Law 4 years On-campus Japanese
School of Education Education & Teaching 4 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
7 programmes
Explore 7 programmes of postgraduate study at Okayama University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems Liberal Arts 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences（Pharmaceutical Sciences） Dentistry 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences（Medicine, Dentistry） Dentistry 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology Environmental Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Health Sciences Health Sciences 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences Humanities & Cultural Studies 2 years On-campus Japanese
Graduate School of Education Education & Teaching 2 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
Okayama University's 1 programme at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
School of Law Law 3 years On-campus Japanese
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Okayama University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Okayama University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Okayama University offers 19 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Okayama University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Okayama University's online portal at www.okayama-u.ac.jp. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (86) 252 1111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Okayama University
Quick reference for Okayama University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When did Okayama University open?
Okayama University traces its founding to 1949 (approximately 77 years ago).
In which city is Okayama University?
Okayama University is based in Okayama, Japan.
Is Okayama University public or private?
Okayama University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Okayama University?
Okayama University has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
How is Okayama University ranked?
It ranks #951 globally and #19 in Japan.
How many faculties does Okayama University have?
Okayama University is organised into 18 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Okayama University accredited?
Okayama University is accredited by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
What is Okayama University's official website?
Okayama University's official website is www.okayama-u.ac.jp.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
Top universities in Japan typically offer the most generous institutional scholarships. Okayama University's scholarship range relative to these benchmarks reflects funding capacity.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Other institutions in Okayama University's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.
Where Else to Study Dentistry
If Okayama University is on your shortlist for studying Dentistry, these peer institutions in Japan offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Often Compared with Okayama University
Comparable institutions to Okayama University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
