Okayama University of Science for International Students: Admissions, Programs, Tuition, Student Life, Exchanges, Careers

Thinking about studying in Japan but not sure where to start? Okayama University of Science (OUS) offers a practical, lab-friendly pathway into STEM, education, management, and even veterinary medicine on the scenic Seto Inland Sea. With two campuses—one in Okayama City and another in Imabari (Ehime Prefecture)—OUS blends hands-on learning, approachable class sizes, and a growing menu of international programs. This guide highlights what overseas applicants need to know: quick facts, strengths, support for international students, climate and lifestyle, exchanges, and career outcomes, all with verified, English-language sources.

Okayama University of Science — Symbolic Photo Gallery (Free to Use)

A modern hall used for ceremonies, talks, and exhibitions on the Okayama campus.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by ノボホショコロトソ — License: CC BY 4.0

The brick main gate—an instantly recognizable entrance to OUS.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by ノボホショコロトソ — License: CC BY 4.0

A teaching-and-research building serving science and engineering students.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by ノボホショコロトソ — License: CC BY 4.0

A wide view of the Okayama campus area from the mid-2000s.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by Setouchi — License: CC BY-SA 3.0 / GFDL 1.2+

A view of the OUS Imabari campus in Ehime Prefecture.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by 地方の田舎もの — License: Public domain (author’s release on Commons)

Cluster of campus buildings including the university and its attached secondary school.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by Tatushin — License: CC BY-SA 3.0

A dedicated research facility for experiments involving radioisotopes.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by Fxnunva — License: CC BY-SA 4.0

A specimen of Gobihadros mongoliensis on display at the OUS Dinosaur Museum.

Source: Wikimedia Commons — Photo by ノボホショコロトソ — License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Quick‑Facts Table

Type	Private University Official Site
Total Students	7,004 (as of May 2023) OUS Statistics
Campuses	2 — Okayama (Main), Imabari (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) Location
Faculties / Schools	8 Undergraduate Faculties (Science; Engineering; Information Science & Engineering; Life Science; Biosphere–Geosphere Science; Education; Management; Veterinary Medicine), plus graduate schools Academics
Tuition Fees (Year 1)	Approx. ¥1,100,000–¥1,900,000 depending on faculty and program Tuition & Fees
Gender Ratio	Male : Female ≈ 76 : 24 (overall) THE Profile
International‑Student %	~3% (university-wide) THE Profile
Students per Staff	≈ 17 : 1 (OUS calculation) OUS Statistics

Figures are drawn from official OUS statistics and the Times Higher Education (THE) university profile pages in English. Yearly totals may fluctuate slightly.

Campus Maps

Okayama Campus (Main Campus)

Address: 1-1 Ridaicho, Kita Ward, Okayama 700-0005, Japan

Imabari Campus (Ehime)

Address: 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Founded in 1964, Okayama University of Science (OUS) grew from a local engine for science and engineering talent into a multi‑faculty university with research spanning physics, information science, life science, education, management, and environmental systems. Its core mission has remained consistent: nurture practically skilled, globally aware graduates who can contribute to industry, communities, and research. Over time, the university has added departments and reorganized programs to reflect changes in technology and society—establishing the Faculty of Engineering in the 1980s, moving into informatics and biosphere–geosphere sciences in the 1990s–2010s, and launching the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 to address pressing needs in public health, zoonoses, and advanced clinical training. OUS History

The university’s expansion into Ehime Prefecture—Imabari Campus—signals a concrete, place‑based approach to veterinary clinical education and animal health services for the region. The campus is anchored by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which trains students on real‑world cases while serving local communities and industry. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (English site) | Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

Consistent with its “science in action” ethos, OUS invests in facilities and centers that directly support undergraduate learning and community impact, from design and manufacturing spaces to research instruments, a dinosaur research museum, and an expanding slate of international links that bring guest students and faculties onto campus. Research Centers | Museum of Dinosaur Research (English)

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Flagship Faculty: Veterinary Medicine (Imabari Campus)

OUS’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a signature offering for students interested in animal health, public veterinary medicine, and clinical practice. Programs are structured across life science, clinical, and public health tracks, and are directly integrated with the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for hands‑on training. The faculty emphasizes One Health topics (zoonoses, food safety, and transboundary disease control) and collaborates closely with local stakeholders in Ehime and beyond. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine | About the Faculty (English) | Teaching Hospital

Aerospace & Robotics within Engineering

Mechanical Systems Engineering includes aerospace‑oriented coursework and JABEE‑aligned training aimed at producing globally recognized engineers. Parallel departments in Intelligent Mechanical Engineering and Information & Computer Engineering contribute to robotics, mechatronics, and control systems exposure. Students can participate in project‑based learning, design/manufacturing practice, and competitions. Mechanical Systems Engineering | Information & Computer Engineering | Faculty of Engineering

Dinosaur Research & Field Science

OUS is home to a dedicated Museum of Dinosaur Research, an educational and research hub that displays fossils and documents active expeditions in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Students and visitors can observe preparation labs and interact with 3D data from dig sites. OUS researchers frequently share findings and collaborate with domestic and international partners. Museum of Dinosaur Research (English)

Information Science & Engineering — On‑Campus and Distance Options

Students aiming to learn AI, data, and software can enroll in the Faculty of Information Science & Engineering. For learners who need flexibility, OUS also offers distance learning options in information science/engineering with access to university resources and support services. Faculty of Information Science & Engineering | Information Science & Engineering (Distance)

Supportive Learning Environment & Research Infrastructure

Beyond classrooms, OUS maintains research cores and shared facilities—including instrument centers and design/manufacturing spaces—that enhance hands‑on projects and capstone work. Students benefit from advising by professors with industry experience and a university culture geared toward practical application. Research Centers

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles Welcoming Overseas Students

Expect a typical Japanese campus ecosystem of sports, culture, and academic circles. International students often join English‑conversation groups, programming/robotics circles, and volunteer teams that support exchange events. The Global Center frequently organizes cross‑cultural meetups with partner universities. Campus News & Events (English)

Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)

The Admission and OUS Life sections provide guidance on immigration, housing, and day‑to‑day logistics. The university’s Support Services and Health Administration Center help with wellness and practical needs. Visa Support | Support Services | FAQ

Language‑Exchange & Buddy Programs

OUS runs informal exchange activities and “buddy” initiatives that pair international students with Japanese peers. Recent topics include cultural exchange projects with Thailand, Taiwan, the U.S., and the Philippines. Japanese Buddy program | Cross‑Cultural Exchange (Thai‑Nichi)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options

Overview & How Exchanges Work

OUS maintains active ties with universities in the U.S., Thailand, Taiwan, and Brazil, among others. While the precise list evolves year by year, the university consistently runs short‑term programs, online exchanges, and visiting‑student projects. Exchanges (Study Abroad from OUS) | Latest Exchange News

Recent Examples (Outbound Focus)

Recent stories highlight student projects with Mapúa University (Philippines), the Thai‑Nichi Institute of Technology (Thailand), and field/short programs with Brazilian universities such as the Federal University of Paraná and the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná.

Mapúa University: English “Summer Vacation” Party | Online Conversation Partners with Rangsit & Thai‑Nichi | Five‑Country Cross‑Cultural Exchange | Buddy Activities with Visitors from Brazil/US | USA–Brazil Summer Festival at OUS

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Weather Snapshot (Okayama City)

Okayama is known for relatively mild, sunny weather within the Seto Inland Sea region. Recent climate tables from the Japan Meteorological Agency show typical summer highs in the upper 20s to low 30s °C and winter lows near the low single digits °C. Rain is concentrated from June to September (tsuyu + late‑summer rainfall). Always check seasonal data when planning housing and clothing. JMA Monthly Climate (Okayama 47768)

An Attractive Environment: City & Coast

Okayama City offers an easy blend of urban convenience and outdoor access—biking, river paths, and quick rail links across western Japan. Imabari (Ehime) is a coastal city famous for towel manufacturing, the Shimanami Kaidō cycling route, and relaxed Seto Inland Sea views—appealing if you prefer a quieter environment. Okayama Travel (Official) | Imabari City (English)

International Student Statistics

OUS’s international cohort is modest but growing. Recent third‑party snapshots put the share of international students around 3% and a male‑leaning gender ratio overall (approx. 76:24). Keep in mind that these are university‑wide figures, and specific faculties (such as Veterinary Medicine) or graduate schools may have different international participation rates. THE Profile (Key Stats) | OUS Statistics

Career & Graduate Prospects

OUS emphasizes employability via a dedicated Career Center, licensure support through the Education & Development Support Division, and faculty‑supervised industry projects. The university publishes post‑graduation pathways and hosts counseling, mock interviews, and employer networking. Expect strong support across engineering, IT, life sciences, education, and veterinary careers. Career Center | Post‑Graduation (English, PDF)

For a flavor of campus milestones and student stories—orientation, international exchanges, and research features—browse OUS’s English “News & Topics.” News (English) | Entrance Ceremony (OUS Stories)