Okayama University and International Baccalaureate
Welcome to our IB homepage! 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 only document screening and interviews (including only document in some schools). 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 April 1st, 2026), Okayama University has 189 IB students enrolled, including 76 graduates, almost 135 of whom are from IB schools in 18 prefectures in Japan and about 54 from 22 countries and regions worldwide. IB students play an active role in various globalization activities that the University is working on many global projects. So far, 76 IB students have graduated and joined the workforce in Japan (including 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?
(Feedback from enrolled IB Students: As of April, 2026)
- IB friendly / There are many IB Students / University is familiar with IB education / Close to my home
- Has a strong IB student support system / Has an deep understanding of IB students / Highly recommended by IB College Counselors
- National University and Low tuition fees
- There are many overseas training programs
- Okayama University's explanation was the most fascinating during online briefing session.
- Okayama is a safe and comfortable place to live / Okayama has a low cost of living
- Has many study abroad programs
- The Medical School is well known
- MRI and ART program of the Medical School were interesting
- ODAPUS of the Dental School was interesting
- Team medical care of the Faculty of Health Science was interesting
- The open campus of the School of Engineering was impressive
- The research for the Shool of Engineering was interesting
- The Course of Environmental Ecology of the School of Agriculture was interesting
- Don't have to decided any course in the School of Letter in the 1st grade
- I want to learn biology / earth sciences in the School of Science
- The STEAM education program of the School of Education was impressive
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 Research
- Promoting IB based education in Japanese Higher Education