International Student Programs at a Glance
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Osaka University is recognized as one of the leading research universities in the world and at the forefront of technological innovation in Japan. Moreover, Osaka University is one of the core universities playing a major role in the internationalization of Japanese universities under the “Global 30” programs. Situated in an economic and cultural hub in Western Japan, Osaka University’s strong orientation towards innovation, partnership with local society and industry, pioneering efforts in interdisciplinary research and education, all reflect the city’s unique history and characteristics. Osaka University stands where Japan’s past meets the future.
There are two major types of programs for entering Osaka University as an exchange student, (I) Degree Programs in English and (II) Short-Term Non-Degree Programs.
I.
Degree Programs in English
Frontier Biotechnology is a five-year program for master's and doctor's degrees which aims to expose young scientists to state-of-the-art research and in-depth knowledge of advanced biology, chemistry and physics to harness the potential of biotechnology. This program is also for students having completed the Chemistry-Biology Combined Major Course.
Engineering Science promotes trans- and multi-disciplinary top-level research and education through the "Engineering Science 21st Century" Program in emerging specialized areas of science and technology such as materials engineering science, nanotechnology, mechanical science and bioengineering, and system innovation including opto-electronics, system science and applied information, robotics, and mathematical science.
Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering educates a new generation of young scientists with fundamental knowledge and develops advanced research skills to realize safer and more efficient maritime transport and a cleaner ocean environment.
Quantum Engineering & Design provides students with up-to-date and world-class research techniques to advance quantum engineering design in response to global, technological and environmental challenges. The core divisions are "mathematical methods' frontier," "elucidation of material function formation mechanisms" and "realization of new generation functional materials."
Human Sciences Undergraduate Degree Program (BA) will offer a sophisticated knowledge base and practical skills to students to equip them with critical thinking competencies as well as a range of research skills, both quantitative and qualitative. The Course will be characterized by an interdisciplinary curriculum and field study projects. (To commence in October 2011)
Chemistry-Biology Combined Major Program (BS) will offer students a new opportunity to learn two fundamental and interacting fields and prepare them for the challenges of a rapidly advancing scientific frontier. (Admission in October)
Special Integrated Science Program (MS/Ph.D.) is a graduate program for students having completed the Chemistry/Biology Double Major Course or for graduates in biology, chemistry, and macromolecular science, designed to train the next generation of cutting-edge scientists. (Commencing in October or April)
International Physics Course (MS/Ph.D.) will focus on enhancing capacities to conduct large-scale international collaborative research with large-scale laser and/or accelerator facilities. (Academic year starts on October 1st.)
II.
Short-Term Non-Degree ProgramsFrontierLab@OsakaU is a program designed to nurture creative competencies in students by offering a wide range of potential research directions and emphasizing hands-on laboratory experience. It is specifically designed for international students seeking a challenging, short-term upgrading of vital research and analytical skills both at the undergraduate (one or two semesters) and graduate level (three months to one year).
OUSSEP, the Osaka University Short-term Student Exchange Program, provides liberal arts subjects to international students in English. Students have the choice of participating in the program for two semesters (Full-year OUSSEP) or one semester only (Half-year OUSSEP).
Maple is best for double majors and minors of Japanese language and culture. The Maple Program is a one-year program specifically designed to help students improve their Japanese language skills and enhance their knowledge of Japanese culture and society. A Japanese language proficiency equivalent to Level 3 JLPT is desirable.
Regular Short-term Exchange Programs -- There are two types of regular short-term exchange opportunities at Osaka University. In the Regular Class Course, overseas students enroll as special auditors in regular courses taught in Japanese in one of the schools or graduate schools of the University. In the Regular Research Course, students usually enroll as special research students in one of the graduate schools of the University. Language requirements depend on the level of the student and the host department or laboratory.
Japanese Studies Program, hosted by the Center for Japanese Language and Culture, is a one-year program intended for undergraduate students with MEXT scholarships specializing in Japanese Studies. The Program aims not only to improve their skills and proficiency in Japanese, but also to develop knowledge in various fields of Japanese Studies.
Intensive Advanced Japanese Training and Japanese Language Pedagogy Program for Overseas Japanese Language Professionals is an 18-month program for MEXT scholars offering six-month intensive language training followed by special training at the Graduate School of Language and Culture. For more information on this intensive Japanese program, please view this.
Japanese Language and Culture is a 3-4-week intensive multidisciplinary study program consisting of lectures and excursions that focus on specific aspects of Japanese culture, society and technology. Details to be announced.
Japanese Language and Culture
MA & Ph.D. Programs in Japanese Studies -- Advanced degree programs in Japanese and culture for international students by the Graduate School of Language and Culture.
Intensive Japanese Language Program (Graduate Level) -- A 15-week program at the International Student Center (ISC) that focuses on communication and writing/presentation skills for academic purposes. Levels range from threshold to advanced. Limited enrollment.
Elective Japanese Language Program -- Flexible curricula offered each semester at ISC, open to undergraduate, graduate and international research students. "General Japanese Subjects" for all majors and "Technical Japanese Subjects" for students with specific academic needs.
Joint MS and Sandwich Ph.D. Courses in cooperation with Vietnamese institutions -- Joint MS (1 year each in Hanoi and Osaka), and Sandwich Ph.D. Course (1 year in Hanoi, 3 years in Osaka) in material science and applied nanotechnology, (in English as part of the “Engineering Science 21st Century” Program) by the Graduate School of Engineering Science and Joint Vietnamese Institutions. Scholarships awarded by the Vietnamese government.
Contemporary Japan in the Global Context (Erasmus Mundus Euroculture) is a 10-week course offered in English by the Graduate School of Letters, highlighting modern aspects of Japanese culture, society, history, arts, literature and language from the perspective of interrelationship and mutual impact between Japan and Europe, the US, and Asia. For more information, please view this
International Legal Studies Program (ILSP) is a spring-semester program specializing in Japanese law for undergraduate exchange students. ILSP courses can be combined with the OUSSEP Program.
ICI ECP Consortium exchange program between Europe and Japan, sponsored by the European Commission and JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization)
"INTERFACES" (International Exchange Program for Advanced Students in Natural Sciences EU-Japan)
IGM (Interdisciplinary Global Mechanical Engineering Education)
Advanced Education Program for Career Development Course for Foreign Students from Asia is a two-year graduate program in Manufacturing Engineering ["monozukuri"] that combines cutting-edge research and Japanese business education. Through long-term internship at leading companies, it aims to train qualified researchers with leadership and management skills.
Other avenues for studying at Osaka University
1. Application via universities having university-to-university exchange agreements with Osaka UniversityApplication forms are sent overseas to universities having student exchange agreements with Osaka University every January. The application deadline varies according to the period for which applicant applies. For students wishing to study from October to March, the deadline is March and for those wishing to study in the coming year from April to September, the deadline is November. Applicants should note that they must obtain the application form from the office handling international exchange at their home university.
2. Application via universities having school-to-school exchange agreements with Osaka UniversityApplication forms and acceptance standards vary between different schools. Please contact the school of your choice.
For more information, please contact:
International Student Affairs Division
Department of International Affairs
1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
Tel: 06-6879-4026 Fax: 06-6879-8964(If phoning or faxing from outside Japan, change the initial "0" to "81".)
For further information, go here.
