Exam

We ask some questions along the essays submitted on your application. For English examination, you are supposed to submit an external test score, such as TOEIC. We set no expiration date or minimum score of TOEIC or other test scores.

• About exam

No. We accept students from various fields of study, regardless of their undergraduate major. In the entrance examination, you will not be disadvantaged because of your undergraduate educational background. In the interview, please briefly explain the important points about your research (background, purpose and significance, methods, results and expected outcomes, prospects, etc.) so that people outside your major (especially bioscience majors) can understand.

• Admission Policy

The Division of Bioscience area has accepted students from a variety of fields in the past. The curriculum offers lectures and practical subjects that are suitable for those from other fields. For example, lectures such as Basic Subjects and Introduction (those names are subject to change) review basic knowledge at the undergraduate level. In addition to biology-related fields such as agriculture, bioengineering, and medical science, students from diverse fields such as natural product chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and even law have successfully completed their studies at our university, and have obtained new jobs in a variety of fields.

Please write about the research field(s) or subject(s) that you would like to work on if you are admitted to our university. (See our websites for the ongoing researches.) Please explain the circumstances and reasons that led you to the conclusions. If your entrance exam scores are outstanding, you are given the privilege for “priority laboratory assignment” at the time of the acceptance. In this case, as well as in the formal laboratory assignment after the enrollment, you may consider all labs for your selection, regardless of the lab(s) you mention in the essay.

If you have any queries on how to write this essay, you may consult with a professor(s) from the laboratory of your interest or with “Ask Admission Counselors”. We will also explain some tips for the entrance examination preparation at the student recruitment briefing. Please refer to them.

• Lab tour
• Ask Admissions Counselors
• Student recruitment briefing
• Open Campus

The interview will be based on the two essays submitted ("What you have studied so far" and "What research field or subject you would like to work on at our university"). It is important that you have a good understanding of the background and objectives (what is known and what are the important issues), methods (principles and validity), expected results and their interpretation, and expected results when the research is completed. Based on the contents of your essay and discussions during the interview, we will evaluate your ability to explain and discuss things scientifically, your motivation and enthusiasm for biological sciences and your potential for growth after entering our university.

In the master’s program, students take English classes according to their level of proficiency. We also have an online continuous self-study English system that students can access at any time. In the doctoral program, there are several opportunities to give presentations in English and to receive individual guidance from foreign faculty members. We conduct TOEIC examinations on a regular basis to continuously check the English proficiency of our students. There are many international students from various countries, and you can improve your practical English skills by interacting with them. In addition, all D1 students spend several weeks overseas for practical training at the university's expense (credit is granted) (currently suspended due to the effects by the Covid-19 pandemic, etc.). Depending on your preference and TOEIC score, either a research-based lab stay or English training at a language school will be arranged.

• International Program

Japanese language classes for international students are offered as part of the master’s program curriculum. In addition to the classes, supplementary Japanese language classes are offered by volunteer groups. Classes are held twice a week on our campus with six class levels ranging from beginner to advanced.