Kagoshima University Foreign Student Program Opportunities in Japan 2027
Kagoshima University’s Foreign Student Program offers international students an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related fields through an English-based curriculum. The program is offered by the Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and may also provide opportunities to pursue MEXT scholarship funding through specific recruitment programmes.
Students interested in sustainable agriculture, fisheries, food science, environmental studies, forestry or life sciences may find the programme relevant, particularly if they are looking for a research-focused postgraduate programme in Japan.
Kagoshima University Foreign Student Program at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Kagoshima University |
| Graduate school | Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Main language | English |
| Degrees | Master’s degree in Agronomy or Master’s degree in Fisheries Science |
| Total credits | 30 |
| Compulsory credits | 14 |
| Elective credits | 16 |
| Main fields | Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, environment and life sciences |
| MEXT opportunity | Available through specific programmes and recruitment rounds |
| Academic supervisor | Applicants are strongly advised to contact a potential professor |
What Is the Foreign Student Program?
The Foreign Student Program is intended for international students enrolled in the Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries who want to complete their master’s studies through English.
Depending on the research field and completed coursework, students can obtain either a Master’s degree in Agronomy or a Master’s degree in Fisheries Science.
The programme is designed around research and advanced study in areas connected with agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, environmental science and life sciences.
Unlike the standard curriculum, which is mainly conducted in Japanese, the Foreign Student Program provides an English-based route for international students. Some compulsory subjects are offered in English, while others may be delivered in English or a combination of Japanese and English.
What Will Students Study?
Students in the programme must complete 30 credits in total.
Compulsory Courses
A total of 14 credits are required from compulsory subjects. These include courses and research activities covering areas such as sustainable food and agriculture, fisheries science, research ethics and thesis research.
The compulsory curriculum includes:
- Technology, Sustainable Food and Agriculture — The Synergy: 2 credits
- Fisheries & Fisheries Sciences: 2 credits
- Thesis Research Advanced Ethics: 1 credit
- Thesis Research Special Study I: 3 credits
- Thesis Research Special Study II: 4 credits
- Thesis Research Special Study III: 2 credits
The language used for these subjects depends on the individual course, with English or a combination of English and Japanese specified for the programme.
Elective Courses
Students must obtain a further 16 credits from elective subjects.
Course selection is carried out under the guidance of the student’s main academic supervisor. Depending on the course, instruction may be in English or in both Japanese and English.
Areas of Study
The Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries covers a broad range of disciplines. These include:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Fisheries
- Food science
- Environmental science
- Life sciences
The wider academic focus includes issues such as sustainable resource production, environmental conservation, climate change, food production and changes affecting rural communities.
This makes the programme potentially relevant to students whose academic interests extend beyond a single traditional discipline.
MEXT Scholarship Opportunities
Kagoshima University has offered MEXT scholarship special programmes for international students within the Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The availability of these opportunities depends on the specific recruitment round. Recent special programmes have included students from regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia and Southwest Asia.
For the FY2026 recruitment, the university indicated requirements that included:
- Prior permission from the professor the applicant intended to study with
- Academic performance equivalent to at least GPA 2.3 out of 3.0
- English ability equivalent to at least CEFR B2, or an acceptable alternative demonstrating English-medium education or English ability
These requirements relate to the specified MEXT recruitment and should not automatically be treated as universal requirements for every future intake.
Why Contacting a Professor Matters
Prospective students should identify a professor whose research interests match their proposed area of study and contact them before proceeding.
A potential supervisor can discuss matters such as:
- The applicant’s academic background
- Proposed research topic
- Research interests
- Whether the professor can supervise the applicant
- Whether the professor is accepting international students
This step is particularly important for applicants interested in a MEXT special-programme opportunity, where prior approval from the intended professor may be required.
Who Can Consider This Programme?
The Foreign Student Program is intended for students seeking graduate-level study, rather than undergraduate admission.
It may be suitable for an applicant who:
- Has or expects to obtain a bachelor’s degree
- Wants to pursue a master’s degree in Japan
- Is interested in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, environmental science or life sciences
- Wants an English-based master’s programme
- Is interested in research
- Wants to explore MEXT scholarship opportunities
- Is prepared to communicate with a potential academic supervisor
Students looking for a bachelor’s degree after secondary school would need to consider a different programme because this opportunity is at master’s level.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
- https://ace1.agri.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/agrifish-en/jyuken/foreign-student-program/
- https://ace1.agri.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/agrifish-en/jyuken/youkou/
Important Points Before Applying
The programme involves more than simply selecting a university and submitting an application. Applicants should first understand the academic field they want to pursue and identify a suitable research supervisor.
It is also important to distinguish between the Foreign Student Program itself and individual MEXT special-programme recruitment. Scholarship availability and conditions can vary from one recruitment cycle to another.
Applicants should therefore check the latest university information for the particular intake they intend to join rather than relying solely on previous scholarship requirements.
Application and Programme Information
Applicants interested in the Foreign Student Program should consult Kagoshima University’s current information for the Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the relevant foreign-student admission materials.
For applicants considering MEXT funding, the applicable scholarship announcement should also be checked carefully because the eligibility requirements, recruitment schedule and available special programmes may change.
A Potential Option for Agriculture and Related Fields
Kagoshima University’s Foreign Student Program provides an English-based master’s route for international students interested in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, environmental and life-science fields.
For students considering postgraduate study in Japan, the combination of an English-based curriculum, research opportunities and possible MEXT special-programme funding makes it an option worth investigating. However, prospective applicants should confirm the current admission and scholarship conditions and establish contact with an appropriate professor before making an application.
Check also: Kagoshima University Foreign Student Program Opportunities in Japan 2027
