Applications for admission to the 2013 intake have now started.
Important facts:
- Questions about applications should be directed to the Admissions Staff (click here for contact form)
- Paper copies of transcripts and other information should be sent to:
How To Apply
Take the next step in launching your scientific career.
Download the OIST Graduate Program Brochure and watch the new OIST video to learn more about what OIST has to offer.
Read Admissions to learn more about the application and selection process.
Read Graduate School Administration for an overview of the structure of the graduate school and the services offered to students.
Read Student Support Package for more details about the services and support for OIST Graduate School students and their families.
Gather all necessary documents, then apply online.
If you are already doing graduate work at another institution and are interested in a Graduate Student Assistantship at OIST, please see the Internship Programs.
Application Materials
Prospective students are required to submit an English-language application for admission online, but some materials require official copies to be posted to OIST as well.
Required
The following documents are required:
- Academic transcript and authenticated copies of diploma (BSc, MSc, etc.) in PDF format. An English explanation is required for transcripts that are not written in English.
- Note: Not all schools can issue official transcripts directly to students. In such a case, a scan of an unofficial transcript or other record of grades may be uploaded to the application website, and the official transcript sent directly from your school to OIST at the address at the top of this page at a later date.
- Applicant’s statement. This should be not more than 400 words and should address the following points:
- The applicant’s scientific interests and aspirations, and
- What the applicant hopes to gain from undertaking graduate studies at OIST.
- An applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university for which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to provide a TOEFL or IELTS score obtained within the last 2 years.
- OIST Institutional Code for TOEFL: 8794
- There is no minimum score required but the information is necessary in determining preparatory course requirements.
- Applicants who cannot take the test in time to meet the application deadline should consult the Admissions Staff.
- The application system requires applicants to submit a passport number and upload a scan of their passport photo page. If an applicant does not yet have a passport, please consult the Admissions Staff before applying.
- Each applicant is required to have at least 2 but no more than 5 letters of recommendation from appropriate academic referees. In the online application, the applicant will enter the name and email of each recommender.
- OIST strongly recommends that applicants directly ask academic referees in advance for permission to list them as recommenders and to tell recommenders the deadline for OIST to receive letters of recommendation (see the top of this page). Referee comments are an important part of the selection process, and it is the applicant's responsibility to first ensure that referees are willing to submit such a letter, and then that they do submit as soon as convenient.
- Recommender’s letters will be treated as confidential material and will not be available to applicants or parties other than OIST faculty members assessing the application. In registering a recommender the applicant acknowledges that there is no right to read the recommender’s letter.
Optional
The following documents may be submitted optionally, and will be taken into consideration by the selection committee if available:
- Additional evidence of academic ability such as GRE general or specific test scores obtained within the last 2 years.
- OIST Institutional Code for GRE reports: 8794
- Additional material such as the title and abstract of publications and oral presentations, and other evidence of achievement.
The OIST Graduate School reserves the right to request an external evaluation of academic qualifications from any applicant.
Selection for Admission
The Graduate Admissions Committee makes the selection of students for admission. This Committee reviews all material submitted by each applicant and makes a short-list of about 80 applicants. The short-listed applicants are invited to an Admissions Workshop.
What happens at the Admissions Workshop
Admissions Workshops are held each year. Several things happen at the workshop. You will be expected to:
- Attend several face-to-face interviews with OIST faculty. In the interview you will be asked about your aims and your motivation to undertake graduate studies at OIST. There may also be questions about your academic record and career aspirations.
- Perform a written assessment task. The purpose of the task is to provide a sample of your written work. The question will be of a general scientific nature. Candidates will have 3 hours to complete the assessment.
- Tour OIST research and teaching facilities, student support and accommodation, and the surrounding environs. You will have many opportunities to ask questions about the graduate program and life at OIST.
- Enjoy a social program giving you an opportunity to meet existing students and faculty members.
For those invited to attend the workshop, the travel costs will be paid by OIST, and accommodation and all meals will be provided at OIST. The workshop will comprise a minimum of three full days in Okinawa, with flexibility regarding additional time.
Final Selection
After the Admissions Workshop, the Graduate Admissions Committee will make a final selection of applicants who will be offered a place in the graduate program. Successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified within a week or two. The successful applicants will be sent an official letter offering admission to the graduate program, which they must accept or decline within 30 days. The deadline for accepting or declining the offer may be extended by the Admissions Committee. A ranked list of reserves will be kept for a second round of offers if places become available.
Number of Students Admitted
In accordance with best-practice graduate teaching methods where low numbers of students for each faculty member are essential, and in line with overseas prestigious universities, the Graduate School will accept about 20 full-time graduate students per year.