Okayama University

About Okayama University

Okayama University (岡山大学 - Okayama Daigaku, widely known as "Okadai") is one of western Japan's most prestigious comprehensive national universities, situated in the historic and sun-drenched city of Okayama ("The Land of Sunshine"). Tracing its origins to the Okayama Medical Training Place established by the Ikeda clan in 1870, the university was officially chartered as a national university in 1949 and has since grown into a premier national research center with 10 faculties and 8 graduate schools educating over 13,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Okayama University is celebrated internationally for its innovative educational models, outstanding medical discoveries, and global sustainability leadership. It is the flagship institution behind the renowned Discovery Program for Global Learners (GDP)—a pioneering 4-year undergraduate degree program taught entirely in English that brings together domestic Japanese and international students from over 30 countries to study interdisciplinary social innovation, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability. The university operates primarily across two sprawling central campuses in Okayama City: 1. Tsushima Campus (津島キャンパス): The expansive main campus covering 63 hectares in Kita-ku, housing the central administration, Discovery Program, Faculties of Letters, Education, Law, Economics, Science, Engineering, and Agriculture, as well as the Central Library and 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall. 2. Shikata Campus (鹿田キャンパス): The historic medical and clinical research hub housing the Medical School, Dental School, Okayama University Hospital (one of the largest and most advanced tertiary medical institutions in western Japan), and the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Additionally, the university maintains world-class specialized institutes: the Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR) in Kurashiki and the Institute for Planetary Materials (IPM) in Misasa, Tottori Prefecture, celebrated for its pioneering analysis of asteroid and lunar samples from JAXA missions. With Japanese national university standard tuition (JPY 535,800/year), low regional living expenses, dedicated international student dormitories (Kuwanoki and Fukui residences), and generous tuition exemptions (50% to 100% waivers) alongside MEXT, JASSO, and local foundation scholarships, Okayama University offers an exceptional gateway to high-quality education and global career opportunities in Japan.