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 2025, we are in our 13th. 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 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, 2025), Okayama University has 168 IB students enrolled, including 65 graduates, almost 116 of whom are from IB schools in 18 prefectures in Japan and about 52 from 21 countries worldwide. IB students play an active role in various globalization activities that the University is working on many global projects. So far, 65 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, 2025)

1. There are many IB Students / University is familiar with IB education / There are many overseas training programs / Close to relatives
2. Has a strong IB student support system / Has an deep understanding of IB students / Highly recommended by IB College Counselors
3. National University and Low tuition fees
4. Was only accepted to Okayama University
5. Other accepted university faculty were not my 1st choice
6. Has many study abroad programs
7. The Medical School is well known
8. MRI and ART program of the Medical School were interesting
9. ODAPUS of the Dental School was interesting
10. Team medical care of the Faculty of Health Science was interesting
11. The open campus of the School of Engineering was impressive
12. I read an interesting research paper in EE from the Shool of Agriculture
13. The Course of Environmental Ecology of the School of Agriculture was interesting
14. Don't have to deceid any course in the School of Agriculture in the 1st grade
15. I watched an interesting research for the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences on TV
16. I want to learn the original curriculum in the School of Education
17. Interested in the international politics of the Faculty of Law
18. There are many courses in the Discovery Program for Global Learners
19. Okayama University's explanation was the most fascinating during the Tomonokai online briefing session.
20. Okayama is a safe and comfortable place to live / Okayama has a low cost of living

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 :

1. IB student recruitment
2. IB student support
3. IB Research
4. Promoting IB based education in Japanese Higher Education