School of Agriculture

Policy for Acceptance of Students (Admission Policy)

The School of Agriculture seeks students equipped with the following abilities.

Profile of Prospective Students

We seek individuals who possess a solid foundation of basic knowledge acquired in high school or the equivalent, along with the ability to think logically and express ideas accurately. The Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agriculture is organized into four courses: Agricultural Chemistry, Applied Plant Science, Applied Animal Science, and Environmental Ecology. In the first year, students will take major foundation courses in agriculture and related fields alongside General Education Courses. From the second year, students will be assigned to one of the courses and engage in systematic and interdisciplinary study of specialized subjects, culminating in a graduation thesis where they will conduct advanced research in their chosen field. We seek individuals who are motivated to acquire a broad base of knowledge in agriculture through this curriculum. We want them to build upon their specialized studies and aspire to become professionals or researchers in their fields. Additionally, we value individuals who are eager to enhance their language and communication skills, with an interest in connecting with the local and global communities, in order to respond to the diversifying societal demands and contribute to a sustainable society.

Abilities Expected of Prospective Students

【Implementation Ability】

The individual possesses the ability to think logically and accurately express their findings and thoughts. They are capable of responsibly completing assigned tasks and continuously striving to achieve challenging goals.

【Inquiry Ability】

The individual can independently gather information, engage actively in discussions grounded in scientific knowledge, and demonstrate broad perspectives that connect past, present, and future, encompassing not only technical development but also an interest in society and culture.

【Communication Ability】

The individual has the capacity to respect differing opinions and work collaboratively. They can show interest in the diversity and universality of language and culture and are motivated to tackle various global and regional challenges.

【Specialized Ability】

While inheriting past technological innovations, the individual seeks to acquire knowledge and skills that transcend disciplinary boundaries, with the desire and ambition to act as a communicator in information exchange. They can actively embrace new technologies and challenge areas that have yet to be explored.

【Liberal Arts Ability】

The individual possesses fundamental knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics necessary to understand the mechanisms of life phenomena, along with a strong interest and awareness of issues regarding the relationship between the natural environment and the local regions, the world, society, and culture.

Screening Policy

To secure a wide range of diverse talent, multiple examinations and admission schedules will be conducted. Applicants will be assessed using one or a combination of methods, including academic tests, essay writing, interviews, and a review of submitted documents in order to evaluate their academic ability and aptitude for study at Okayama University.

Screening Method

・General Entrance Examination
・School Recommendation-Based Entrance Examination Ⅰ (not requiring the Common Test for University Admissions)
・Entrance Examination for Adults
・Entrance Examination for Privately Financed International Students
・International Baccalaureate (IB) Entrance Examination

Screening Process

・General Entrance Examination

Applicants will be examined on their broad basic academic abilities at the high school graduation level through the Common Test for University Admissions, covering six subject areas with eight subjects. In the University-specific Subject Area Admission Test, four subjects from the subject areas of Mathematics, Science, and Foreign Languages (English) will be assessed to evaluate the understanding and application ability in subjects that form the foundation for studying agriculture.

・School Recommendation-Based Entrance Examination Ⅰ (not requiring the Common Test for University Admissions)

The evaluation will be based on a comprehensive assessment of the results from document screening (including a school report, a recommendation letter, a statement of purpose, and English language proficiency test scores), an essay, and an interview (including academic questions). The essay will assess the applicant's reading comprehension, logical thinking, and expressive abilities, which are crucial for studying agriculture. The interview will evaluate the applicant's motivation, self-expression, communication skills, and understanding and application of subjects foundational to the study of agriculture.

・Entrance Examination for Adults

The evaluation will be based on a comprehensive assessment of the results from document screening (including a school report, a statement of purpose for the Entrance Examination for Adults, and English language proficiency test scores), an essay, and an interview (including academic questions). The essay will assess the applicant's reading comprehension, logical thinking, and expressive abilities, which are crucial for studying agriculture. The interview will evaluate the applicant's professional experience, motivation, self-expression, communication skills, and understanding and application of subjects foundational to the study of agriculture.

・Entrance Examination for Privately Financed International Students

Selection will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the results from both document screening and an interview (conducted online). The document screening will include the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) scores, English language proficiency test scores, a statement of purpose, and an assigned essay, evaluating the applicant's basic Japanese language skills as well as their understanding of mathematics, science, and English. Additionally, the screening will assess the applicant's motivation and curiosity for problem-solving. The interview will evaluate the applicant's motivation, self-expression, communication skills, and logical thinking abilities.

・International Baccalaureate (IB) Entrance Examination

Selection will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the results of both document screening and an interview (conducted online). The document screening will assess basic academic ability, self-expression, and motivation through the submission of a transcript of grades, a personal statement, and an evaluation report. The interview will focus on evaluating the applicant's strong motivation to study agriculture broadly and become a globally competent professional.

Prior to Enrollment

Even students who choose physics and chemistry as their science subjects for university entrance exams are expected to have a foundational understanding of biology. Additionally, comprehensive English proficiency, integrating reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, is required. It is advisable to continue long term efforts to improve English proficiency to develop these skills.