Okayama University and International Baccalaureate
Welcome to our IB homepage! In 2022, we celebrated our 10th. Anniversary of IB Admissions (2012-2022), and now in 2023, we are in our 11th. Year! Okayama University was the first national university in Japan to introduce IB admissions in 5 schools/faculties and one program in 2012 and in all 11 schools/faculties in 2015. Generally, the entrance examination method throughout the university is mainly document screening (including interviews in some schools/faculties). Okayama University has confirmed that IB education and IB diploma qualifications can be thoroughly evaluated as equivalent to university entrance qualifications through visits to IB schools in Japan and overseas and holding lectures and study sessions on IB education. In the IB entrance exam, the IB subjects and their grades are specified as per the admission policies of each school/faculty.
After enrollment, full-time faculty members support IB students in their studies and campus life. We regularly conduct interviews and questionnaire surveys to understand IB students' satisfaction, anxiety, and worries and provide advice and support tailored to each student. There is also a LINE social networking platform for communication and consultation between IB students and the IB advisor at all times. In 2021, Okayama University set up an IB Program Office, where full-time faculty and staff were stationed. We plan to continue increasing the number of IB students in all ten schools/faculties and 1 International Program.
Currently (as of October 1st, 2023), Okayama University has 125 IB students enrolled, including 38 graduates, almost 47 of whom are from IB schools in 15 prefectures in Japan and about 40 from 21 countries worldwide. IB students play an active role in various globalization activities that the University is working on as an institution that has adopted the Top Global University Project as a Super Global University (SGU). So far, 26 IB graduates have joined the workforce in Japan (including 5 at Okayama University Hospital), while others have moved on to graduate school.
Okayama University provides information and answers questions regarding university admissions and post admissions at college fairs, open campuses, and schools via Zoom webinars and online booths sponsored by the Japan University Consortium. If you are interested in our university, please feel free to apply to any of our 10 schools/faculties and 1 International Program. We look forward to welcoming you to Okayama University.
Why did IB students choose Okayama University?
(10-year Feedback from enrolled IB Students/ IB College Counselors /Parents )
- National University recognizes the IB Diploma and requires no written tests
- The topmost IB-friendly University in Japan
- All 10 Schools/Faculties and 1 Program accept the IB students
- Easy to understand subject and grade requirements for all Shools/Faculties
- Some faculties have document screening only
- Most Schools/Faculties accept Maths SL
- Has August and October recruitments in the School of Engineering & Medicine
- There are many IB students enrolled
- The only University which has a strong IB student support system
- Highly recommended by IB College Counselors, Seniors, parents
- Has many study abroad programs; active in SDGs
- Understands and values IB education
- Attractive programs in Faculties/Schools
- Student voices on the IB Homepage are very inspiring
- Has an overall global student community
Dr. Sabina Mahmood, MD, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & IB Program Director
Email:sabina【】okayama-u.ac.jp
* Please replace 【】with ＠.
Short Profile
*Okayama University Medical School Alumni
*IBO Certified IB Biology and CAS Instructor
*IB-Student Advisor since 2015
*Deeply involved in :
- IB student recruitment
- IB student support
- IB Education
- IB Research
- Promoting IB based education in Japanese Higher Education