Entrance Examination Schedule

Foreign nationals ( except for those holding Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident status in Japan) must complete the Pre-application procedure for the NAIST Entrance Examination written here.

Master's Course

1st Exam for Spring 2025
2nd Exam for Fall 2024
Examination Dates
2024
July 1-6
Application Period
June 3-5
2nd Exam for Spring 2025
 
Examination Dates
2024
October 29-31
Application Period
Sep. 30- Oct. 2
3rd Exam for Spring 2025
1st Exam for Fall 2025
Examination Dates
2025
March 5
Application Period
February 3-5

Doctoral Course

1st Exam for Spring 2025
2nd Exam for Fall 2024
Examination Dates
2024
August 19-22
Application Period
July 22-24
2nd Exam for Spring 2025
1st Exam for Fall 2025
Examination Dates
2025
February 17-18
Application Period
January 20-22

Q&A

image

We ask some questions along the essays submitted on your application. For English examination, you are supposed to submit an external test score, such as TOEIC. We set no expiration date or minimum score of TOEIC or other test scores.

image

No. We accept students from various fields of study, regardless of their undergraduate major. In the entrance examination, you will not be disadvantaged because of your undergraduate educational background. In the interview, please briefly explain the important points about your research (background, purpose and significance, methods, results and expected outcomes, prospects, etc.) so that people outside your major (especially bioscience majors) can understand.

The Division of Bioscience area has accepted students from a variety of fields in the past. The curriculum offers lectures and practical subjects that are suitable for those from other fields. For example, lectures such as Basic Subjects and Introduction (those names are subject to change) review basic knowledge at the undergraduate level. In addition to biology-related fields such as agriculture, bioengineering, and medical science, students from diverse fields such as natural product chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and even law have successfully completed their studies at our university, and have obtained new jobs in a variety of fields.

Please write about the research field(s) or subject(s) that you would like to work on if you are admitted to our university. (See our websites for the ongoing researches.) Please explain the circumstances and reasons that led you to the conclusions. If your entrance exam scores are outstanding, you are given the privilege for “priority laboratory assignment” at the time of the acceptance. In this case, as well as in the formal laboratory assignment after the enrollment, you may consider all labs for your selection, regardless of the lab(s) you mention in the essay.

If you have any queries on how to write this essay, you may consult with a professor(s) from the laboratory of your interest or with “Ask Admission Counselors”. We will also explain some tips for the entrance examination preparation at the student recruitment briefing. Please refer to them.

The interview will be based on the two essays submitted ("What you have studied so far" and "What research field or subject you would like to work on at our university"). It is important that you have a good understanding of the background and objectives (what is known and what are the important issues), methods (principles and validity), expected results and their interpretation, and expected results when the research is completed. Based on the contents of your essay and discussions during the interview, we will evaluate your ability to explain and discuss things scientifically, your motivation and enthusiasm for biological sciences and your potential for growth after entering our university.

In the master’s program, students take English classes according to their level of proficiency. We also have an online continuous self-study English system that students can access at any time. In the doctoral program, there are several opportunities to give presentations in English and to receive individual guidance from foreign faculty members. We conduct TOEIC examinations on a regular basis to continuously check the English proficiency of our students. There are many international students from various countries, and you can improve your practical English skills by interacting with them. In addition, all D1 students spend several weeks overseas for practical training at the university's expense (credit is granted) (currently suspended due to the effects by the Covid-19 pandemic, etc.). Depending on your preference and TOEIC score, either a research-based lab stay or English training at a language school will be arranged.

Japanese language classes for international students are offered as part of the master’s program curriculum. In addition to the classes, supplementary Japanese language classes are offered by volunteer groups. Classes are held twice a week on our campus with six class levels ranging from beginner to advanced.

About exam

Essay Templates

This is a sample essay. Please use it as a reference. Essay Templates(docx)

Interview

The interview will be based on the two essays submitted ("What you have studied so far" and "What research field or subject you would like to work on at our university"). It is important that you have a good understanding of the background and objectives (what is known and what are the important issues), methods (principles and validity), prospective results and their interpretation, and expected outcomes when the research is completed. Based on the contents of your essay, we will evaluate your ability to explain and discuss scientifically, your motivation and enthusiasm for biological sciences and your potential for growth after entering our university.

English

There is no English test on the day of the entrance exam, as you are required to submit your TOEIC or other similar English proficiency test score(s) in advance. There is no minimum score set for evaluation for English test. If you do not submit an English score such as TOEIC, you will receive a score of zero for English, but you can still pass the exam if you receive a high score on the other tests. If it is difficult to enclose the TOEIC score with the application form, or if you obtain a new score after submitting the application form, please send the original and a photocopy of the score by postal mail during the period designated for each test session. Please note that it must arrive by the deadline, which is indicated on the TOEIC score submission form (NAIST designated form). The final score submitted will be used for the evaluation of entrance examination results.

Admission Information and Application Guide

Click here

Student recruitment briefing

※*A recording of the meeting held in May 2024.

Student Comments

P.W.
Why did you choose Division of Biological Science at NAIST?

In my home country, Indonesia, I observed that my teachers, who were NAIST alumni, were among the outstanding researchers at the university where I pursued my Master's degree. I wanted to know how they were trained when they studied at NAIST. I hope to be at least like them when I return to Indonesia.

P.W.
Plant Stem Cell Regulation and Floral Patterning

P.H.
What do you like about Division of Biological Science at NAIST?

There is a wide range of cutting edge facilities and equipment, available for students to craft and pursue their own high quality research in the biological sciences under the guidance and mentorship of masterful professors.

P.H.
Organ Developmental Engineering

IBH
What do you like about Division of Biological Science at NAIST?

The campus supports teaching and learning activities, and the research and sensei are really cool.

IBH
Bioengineering

T.U.
What do you like about Division of Biological Science at NAIST?

I found it exciting that the teachers taught classes that involved their own research and that we could hear stories from the past. There are many classes that include group discussions, and I think it's interesting to listen to the stories of different people.

T.U.
Plant Growth Regulation

N.S.
What do you like about Division of Biological Science at NAIST?

I think it’s good that there are many professors with international experience who carefully guide us through the basics via lectures and research activities. My seniors and other classmateolleagues come from various fields, so it's fun to talk with them.

N.S.
Plant Secondary Metabolism

A.O
What do you like about Division of Biological Science at NAIST?

The research environment here is excellent. I especially admire the positive atmosphere in the entire Biological Science division to nurture students and that the students themselves are willing to learn.

A.O.
Plant Growth Regulation