MBBS in Japan

Okayama University School of Medicine 2025-26

Japan

Welcome to the Okayama University School of Medicine — an institution proud of its heritage and committed equally to progressing medical education, healthcare, and research.

About Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

The School of Medicine at Okayama University has two main faculties: the Faculty of Medicine, where future doctors and medical researchers are nurtured, and the Faculty of Health Sciences, where nurses, public health nurses, radiological technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, and other healthcare specialists are trained.

Okayama University School of Medicine kayama – Table of Contents

About
Advantages
Ranking
Departments And Course Duration
Facilities And Infrastructure
Fee Structure
Required Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Admission Process
Benefits
Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students
FAQ’s

Promoted by three fundamental principles — Degree Policy, Curriculum Policy, and Admission Policy — the university aims to develop sympathetic and capable “medical professionals” who will take center stage in the arenas of medicine, healthcare, and life sciences both within Japan and internationally.

The history of Okayama University Medical School begins with April 1870 when the Okayama Domain opened a medical school and a huge hospital, which was the start of modern medical education in the area.

Okayama University School of Medicine kayama Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

The school welcomed the famous Dutch physician Franciscus Johannes Antonius de Ruijter, who delivered pioneering lectures on human anatomy — the roots of Western-style medical education in Japan.

The school went through different stages over the years, such as the Third Higher Junior High School of Medicine, Government Okayama Medical University, and then Okayama University Medical School. In April 2025, the institution commemorates its 155th anniversary, and it continues to be a beacon of medical education and innovation.

In line with the 2022 Revised Model Core Curriculum for Medical Education, the university places heavy emphasis on interprofessional collaboration as one of the core competencies for future doctors. Students are encouraged to learn and appreciate the works of all professionals working in patient care — including healthcare professionals to welfare and community workers.

Under this campaign, Okayama University organized a groundbreaking multi-professional collaborative course, in which students from the Faculties of Medicine, Health Sciences, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences created 46 inter-disciplinary teams.

They worked collectively in group activities based on actual case studies of medical conditions, which fostered teamwork, collaborative decision-making, and integrative care. This effort illustrates Okayama University’s solid emphasis on interdisciplinary education to integrate medical knowledge with various professional viewpoints.

The Faculty of Medicine is directly associated with the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Faculty of Health Sciences with the Graduate School of Health Sciences. The arrangement guarantees unbroken courses of study and research, enabling students to pursue their careers through combined undergraduate and graduate education.

Finally, to all prospective students: The unique strengths of Okayama University Medical School are its highly skilled and dedicated faculty members, state-of-the-art facilities, and regionally specific medical and health science curricula.

The university offers a rich learning environment in which students can develop academically, professionally, and personally. They extend a warm welcome to you to browse through the admission policies of Okayama University School of Medicine and take the first step to becoming part of a community that is creating a better future for medicine, healthcare, and research.

Advantages of Studying in Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

1. Excellence in Research

Okayama University is among the Top 14 Global Universities in Japan, Top 474 universities in the world, and Top 74 in Asia (U.S. News & World Report, 2017). It is among the eight national universities in Japan that possess three main research titles simultaneously:

Clinical Study Core Hospital

Research University
Translational Research Network Program

Students are able to select research programs that align with their interests, and Ph.D. supervision is offered in English.

2. Excellence in Education

Okayama University is part of Japan’s 30 “Top Global Universities.” The university is committed to active learning and enables students to develop essential 21st-century skills. Professors are enthusiastic and well-qualified, always eager to teach and impart their knowledge and research.

Since October 2017, Okayama University has provided undergraduate courses in English via the Discovery Program for Global Learners.

Okayama University is also pleased to be the UNESCO Chair for the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) — Asia’s sole center.

3. Affordable Campus Life

Tuition Fees:

Being a national university, Okayama University provides quality education at a much lower fee compared to the U.S., U.K., or most other nations.

Financial Support:

Okayama University has various scholarships and study-work programs for financially needy students.

Living Costs:

Living costs in Okayama are extremely affordable compared to the rest of Japan, which keeps student life easy on the pocket and pleasant.

4. Safe and Convenient

Okayama, the “Land of Sunshine,” is secure, with a low crime rate and minimum natural disasters. The city is relatively flat, so it’s convenient to travel by bike.

The university is near Okayama Station, a large transportation hub. You can get to Kyoto within 1 hour and Tokyo within approximately 3.5 hours by bullet train.

5. Friendly and Welcoming

International Student Support:

The Institute of Global Human Resource Development gives assistance and guidance to international students. L-Café is also a fine place to receive guidance, encounter others, and become friends.

Study Japanese:

Okayama University offers free lessons in Japanese language to all international students. Seven levels, from novice to advanced, are offered, with some classes covering lessons on Japanese culture, movies, and contemporary society.

Housing:

There are two dormitories and one International House for international students. The dorms are occupied by Japanese Resident Assistants (RAs) to assist international students in getting used to Japanese life. The Share House for international and Japanese students was opened in April 2016.

Cultural Experience Programs:

Students can avail themselves of special programs that allow them to undergo Japanese traditions — like rice planting, village fieldwork, or local festivals. These experiences are excellent means of experiencing Japan’s culture and creating memories that last a lifetime.

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Okayama University School of Medicine kayama – Ranking

Okayama University School of Medicine is one of Japan’s foremost medical schools, with an advanced and systematic education program geared towards developing both clinical skills and research capabilities.

Right from the start of the program, students take part in interactive tutorials, in which 5–6 member teams work together to analyze and solve medical issues by means of guided discussions and critical thinking. This tutorial-based system fosters independent learning, teamwork, and problem-solving that are characteristics of future medical practitioners.

Early in their educational path, students are exposed to the fundamentals of clinical medicine, enabling them to gain an understanding of the principles and practices that constitute the heart of patient-focused healthcare. Hands-on experience at partner medical institutions enables students to relate theoretical knowledge to practical medical practice.

Furthermore, Medical English courses concentrate on enhancing students’ English language skills to communicate professionally and academically and get them ready to operate confidently in global medical settings.

As students advance, they learn fundamental medical sciences and pathobiology, studying the frontiers of life sciences and developing an independent research and scientific inquiring attitude. In the third year, students are involved in a unique Medical Research Program to build strong research-oriented thinking.

This three-month intensive program enables the students to conduct research both at Okayama University and in other institutions, including outside Japan. On average, approximately 20 students leave abroad annually to engage in international research projects, and receive valuable international exposure.

The curriculum in the fourth year begins to shift towards clinical and social medicine, and then lengthy clinical training starting from the fifth year. The training involves both mandatory core clinical rotations and optional specialized training, with overall training hours being amongst the longest amongst all medical universities in Japan.

This helps students attain profound hands-on experience in an assortment of medical fields. In the sixth year, upon finishing graduation exams, students take the National Medical Licensing Examination to qualify as medical practitioners.

To further improve professional training, the university also has an innovative Advanced Medical Training Course (ART Program). This special program allows undergraduate students to have access to graduate-level lectures, which can accelerate their postgraduate training and achieve advanced degrees in a shorter period.

After graduation, students can take different postgraduate clinical training courses at Okayama University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals, which collectively offer a diverse and comprehensive clinical training environment.

At the graduate level, Okayama University extends its academic excellence. The Doctoral Program provides several special tracks — such as the Clinical Specialist Training Course, Cancer Professional Course, Molecular Imaging Education Course, Academic General Practitioner (GP) Course, and the Medical AI Application Course — allowing students to customize their career paths based on their career goals and research interests.

The Master’s Program also offers varied opportunities, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) Course, which aims to develop healthcare professionals with excellent research skills and a public health-focused mindset.

Features of Education at the Faculty of Health Sciences

Okayama University’s Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to fostering professionals who share sympathy, curiosity, and a strong respect for life. Its aim is to produce individuals who develop themselves every day through medical practice, education, and research, ultimately enriching human health and the life of society.

Undergraduate studies focus on interprofessional collaboration through team-based learning exercises and theory-of-medical-team courses. These activities inculcate understanding and collaboration among future physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists.

A notable distinguishing characteristic is the presence of anatomical training in health sciences programs — an innovation that is uncommon even for universities across the globe. Such an integrated curriculum enables students to develop the necessary skills in medical sensitivity, scientific thinking, creativity, and effective problem-solving.

The curriculum of the Department of Nursing focuses on human respect, compassion, and health consciousness. The department regularly refines its workshops, lectures, and clinical training programs based on student opinion, providing a humane and progressive learning culture.

The Department of Radiological Technology aims to build a strong foundation in medicine, science, and engineering. Students develop both theoretical and practical competence in operating advanced radiological equipment, together with stress on ethical responsibility and professional integrity.

In the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, there is a focus on developing general scientific knowledge, practical laboratory skills, and an inquiring spirit. The students are prepared to bring research discoveries quickly to the bedside and, in doing so, make a positive impact on diagnostic medicine and patient care.

Together, Okayama University School of Medicine and its Faculty of Health Sciences offer an all-around medical education — one that incorporates science, empathy, and innovation. The courses are designed to graduate healthcare practitioners and researchers who can address the changing demands of global healthcare systems.

Departments And Course Duration in Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

Major Departments at Okayama University School of Medicine & Hospital

The clinical training in years 5 and 6 involves rotations through the core departments of the university hospital.

1. Core Clinical Departments (for Clerkships):

Internal Medicine (which has many sub-specialties)
Surgery (which also has many sub-specialties)
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Psychiatry
Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
Dermatology
Ophthalmology
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Urology
Orthopedic Surgery
Radiology
Anesthesiology
Pathology

2. Foundational Basic Science Departments (for Pre-clinical Education):

Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Pharmacology
Pathology
Microbiology
Immunology
Forensic Medicine
Hygiene and Public Health

3. Notable Advanced and Research-Oriented Departments:

Okayama University is a leading national university with strong research focus areas. Students may have opportunities for research in departments like:

Department of Gastroenterological Surgery
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine
Department of Neurology
Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism
Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine
Department of Brain and Nerve Science
Department of Medical Neurobiology
Department of Genome Biology

Information for International Students

Language of Instruction: The undergraduate medical program is taught almost entirely in Japanese. A very high level of Japanese proficiency (typically JLPT N1) is required to understand complex medical lectures, communicate with patients during clerkships, and pass the national licensure exam.
Admission: It is extremely competitive for international students. Most are admitted through special selection processes for privately financed international students, which require outstanding academic records, high Japanese language skills, and excellent scores on the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) for science subjects.
Licensure: After graduating, students must pass the National Medical Licensure Examination of Japan (in Japanese) to become a registered physician in Japan.

Course Duration

Program: Doctor of Medicine (MD / Igakushi) – equivalent to MBBS.
Duration: 6 years.
Structure:
- Years 1-2: Basic Sciences & Liberal Arts.
- Years 3-4: Integrated Medical Sciences & Pre-clinical training.
- Year 5: Core Clinical Clerkships.
- Year 6: Elective Rotations & National Exam Prep.
Key Departments: All major clinical departments (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.) and basic science departments (Anatomy, Physiology, etc.).
Crucial for International Students: Fluency in Japanese (JLPT N1) is an absolute necessity.

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Facilities And Infrastructure in Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

Okayama University is among the top national universities in Japan, and its medical school has the latest facilities to promote education, research, and clinical practice.

Core Facilities & Infrastructure

The facilities are broadly classified as those for Education, Research, and Clinical Practice, with Okayama University Hospital as the central facility.

1. Okayama University Hospital

This is the pillar of the medical school’s foundation. It’s more than a hospital; it’s where clinical training and high-level medical research are conducted.

Designation: It is a core “Specific Function Hospital” and a “Advanced Treatment Hospital” in Japan, which means it is accredited to deal in very advanced and specialized medicine.

Scale & Capacity: A large hospital with more than 1,000 beds, with an extremely high volume of inpatients and outpatients. It is the Chugoku-Shikoku region’s central referral hospital.

Specialized Centers: The hospital has many advanced specialized centers, exposing students to state-of-the-art medicine:

Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center

Center for Cancer Therapy
Perinatal Medical Center (for high-risk pregnancies and newborns)
Center for Organ Transplantation
Stroke Center
Cardiovascular Center

Clinical Skills Training: The hospital has special facilities for clinical skills training where students can hone their skills in a simulated setting before practicing on actual patients.

2. Education and Training Facilities

Medical School Building (Main Building):

Lecture Halls: Well-appointed, expansive halls with audiovisual systems for large-class instruction.

Skill Labs: Special rooms with medical mannequins and models for simulation of basic clinical skills such as suturing, IV placement, and physical examination.

Simulation Center: A state-of-the-art facility that includes advanced patient simulators (capable of simulating multiple physiological responses and pathophysiological conditions) and simulated patient rooms. It is utilized for OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) training and scenario-based learning.

Anatomy Dissection Rooms: Cutting-edge laboratories for anatomical teaching, which is a foundation element of the Japanese medical curriculum.

3. Research Infrastructure

Okayama University School of Medicine is well known for its research, bolstered by comprehensive core facilities.

Central Research Laboratories: The medical school has shared, state-of-the-art equipment that individual labs cannot afford. These typically include:

Advanced Microscopy & Imaging: Electron microscopes, confocal microscopes, and live-cell imaging stations.

Flow Cytometry Core: For cell analysis and sorting, essential for immunology and cancer biology.

Genomics & Bioinformatics Core: Equipment for DNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and computational biology.

Animal Research Facilities: SPF animal houses and transgenic animal units to facilitate basic science research.

Department-Specific Labs: Each academic department (e.g., Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology) possesses its own equipped laboratories for exclusive research projects.

4. Library and Information Resources

Okayama University Medical Library: An extensive resource center on the medical campus.

Collections: Extensive collections of medical textbooks, journals (both print and electronic), and classic medical literature.

Digital Access: Offers access to all the key online medical databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and full-text journals (ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, etc.).

Study Spaces: Provides individual quiet reading rooms, group study rooms, and computer stations.

5. Campus-Wide Infrastructure

Tsushima Campus: The hospital and the medical school are based on the Tsushima Campus, which serves as the main campus for science and engineering faculties. This encourages inter-disciplinary collaboration.

Student Support Facilities: The campus features a university health center, counseling offices, cafeterias, and student commons to foster overall student well-being.

Official site For Okayama University School of Medicine kayama: Click Here

Okayama University School of Medicine kayama Fee Structure

Approximately fee structure will be 60 lakhs to 70 lakhs.

Required Documents For Admission in Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

Academic transcripts from higher secondary school

Passport-sized photos and a valid passport

Language proficiency proof (JLPT / TOEFL / IELTS)

Letters of recommendation (If required).

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Financial proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses

Health check-up and vaccination records

Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

Academic Qualification – Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Minimum Marks – At least 70% in PCB subjects
Entrance Exam – NEET (for Indian students)
Language Requirement – JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2/N1 or TOEFL/IELTS if applying for English-medium programs
Age Limit – Should cross 17+
Valid Passport

Admission Process For Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

Research Universities: Find the top medical colleges in Japan and check if they offer MBBS in English or Japanese.
Prepare Documents: Collect all required academic and personal documents.
Submit Application: Apply online through the university portal or via Japanese embassies.
Entrance Exams: universities may require a written test or interview (if Necessary)
Application Fee: Complete payment as part of the process.
Get Acceptance Letter: If selected, you’ll receive an admission letter needed for the student visa.

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Benefits of Studying at Okayama University School of Medicine, Okayama

Excellent Education

The university provides a methodical and sophisticated medical curriculum, integrating basic sciences, clinical practice, and research activities.

Students receive early exposure to clinical medicine, experience in medical facilities, and training in Medical English for communication worldwide.

Good Research Opportunities

Students are allowed to engage in medical research programs from the third year, including at other Japanese and foreign universities.

The university offers Ph.D. supervision in English and access to clinical study, translational research, and specialized graduate courses.

Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Learning

Students acquire the skills to work in multi-professional teams along with future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.

Special programs like anatomical training in health sciences aid in the formation of scientific thought, creativity, and problem-solving.

Advanced Training Programs

The Advanced Medical Training Course (ART Program) enables undergrads to pursue graduate-level courses and finish their postgraduate degrees in less time.

Postgraduate programs have specialized streams like clinical specialist training, cancer research, molecular imaging, medical AI applications, and public health (MPH).

Affordable & Accessible

Fee and living expenses are reasonable in comparison to the U.S., U.K., and other nations.

Scholarship and work-study programs are offered to needy students.

Safe and Convenient Environment

Okayama is a secure city with low crime and little natural disaster occurrence.

The city has gentle slopes and is easily accessible on bicycle, and the university is within walking distance to Okayama Station, linking students to Kyoto (1 hour) and Tokyo (3.5 hours) via bullet train.

Support for International Students

International students have guidance through the Institute of Global Human Resource Development and are provided with dormitories, international housing, and resident assistants.

Free Japanese language lessons are offered, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, with cultural activities incorporated into learning.

Cultural and Personal Development

Programs to experience Japanese culture, traditional festivals, rice planting, and community-based activities are available for students.

Such opportunities enhance life in Japan and assist students in developing global orientations and social skills.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in Okayama University School of Medicine kayama

State-of-the-Art Education

Indian students are provided with top-class medical education in a structured curriculum of basic sciences, clinical training, and research.

Participation in international research schemes and specialized courses is possible.

English-Friendly Programs

Although the MBBS program is mainly in Japanese, Ph.D. guidance and some undergraduate course teaching is done in English.

Indian students can enhance Medical English skills, which benefits in international medical practice and research.

Affordable Fee & Living Expenses

When compared to pursuing medicine in nations such as the U.S. or U.K., fee and living expenses in Okayama are much reduced.

There are different scholarships and work-study opportunities available to financially assist Indian students.

International Student Support

Institute of Global Human Resource Development offers academic counselling, visa counselling, accommodation, and settling down in Japan.

Indian students are provided with dormitories and an International House, with resident assistants to assist with everyday life.

Japanese Language & Culture

Free Japanese language instruction is offered at all levels, from beginner through advanced.

Students can engage in cultural activities like traditional festivals, village activities, and community projects to get immersed in Japanese culture.

Safe and Convenient Environment

Okayama is a secure city with a low rate of crime and few natural disasters.

The city is also convenient to travel around, and the university is well served by public transport, making it easy to visit Kyoto and Tokyo.

Career & Research Opportunities

Indian students can enroll in graduate-level courses under the Advanced Medical Training (ART) Program.

There are opportunities to work in Okayama University Hospital and related hospitals for clinical training, research, and professional development.

FAQ’s

Can international students apply directly to medical school?

Yes, but it is extremely competitive and challenging. Most international students are admitted through the “Privately Financed International Students” selection process. This requires exceptional academic records, high Japanese language proficiency, and excellent scores on the required entrance exams.

Is there an English-taught medical program?

No, the undergraduate Medical Doctor (MD) program is taught entirely in Japanese. There are no full-degree MBBS/MD programs in English at Okayama University.

What happens after graduation?

After graduating, you must pass the National Medical Licensure Examination of Japan.
After passing, you will enter a two-year mandatory residency program (Initial Postgraduate Clinical Training) at a designated hospital.

Can I practice in my home country after graduating?

The degree is recognized globally, but you must fulfill the specific licensing requirements of the medical council in your home country. This often involves passing their specific licensing exams (e.g., USMLE for the USA, PLAB/MCQ for the UK, etc.). The curriculum is aligned with Japanese standards, so you will need to self-study for other countries’ exams.

Is there support for international students?

Yes, the university’s International Student Advising Office provides support with visas, accommodation, and daily life. There may also be tutoring systems and Japanese language support classes, but a high initial level is still required for admission.