Okayama University is the largest comprehensive national university serving Japan's Chugoku region. Strong in medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and international-friendly programs. National university tuition + Okayama's lower costs make it excellent value for international graduate students.
History and identity
Okayama University traces back to 1870. Promoted to national university in 1949. Comprehensive research university serving the Chugoku region.
Top departments
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Agriculture / Environmental and Life Science: International student programs
- Engineering: chemical, mechanical, environmental
- Natural Sciences
- Humanities and Law
English-taught programs
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science Special Program: English-track
- Some PhD programs offer English thesis option
International community
Approximately 1,100 international students out of 14,000 (~8%).
Admissions and tuition
- Tuition: ¥535,800/year national rate
- Tuition waivers available
- JLPT N2 for Japanese-taught
- Research plan + recommendations
- Entrance exam August/February
Living in Okayama
Okayama city ~700,000 population. Monthly cost ¥90,000-140,000 for international students. Excellent climate, central Japan location. See best cities guide.
Scholarships
- MEXT
- JASSO Honors Scholarship
- Okayama University Foreign Student Scholarship
- Foundation scholarships
2027 timeline
May-October 2026 deadlines. See application timeline.
Bottom line
Okayama University offers strong programs particularly in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science at very competitive cost. International student support is well- established. Combined with MEXT, Okayama is a strong cost-effectiveness option among Japan's regional national universities.