Special Course in Agricultural Science For the Global Future of Life, Food and the Environment

Special Course in Agricultural Science For the Global Future of Life, Food and the Environment at Kyoto University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by modern agriculture and environmental management. This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to innovate sustainable solutions for food security, biodiversity conservation, and ecological resilience in a rapidly changing world. Participants will engage in cutting-edge research and collaborative projects that span multiple disciplines, including plant and soil sciences, ecology, environmental policy, and agricultural technology. The curriculum emphasizes an integrative approach, combining scientific understanding with socio-economic considerations to develop holistic strategies for global sustainability. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and fieldwork opportunities within Japan’s diverse agro-ecosystems, fostering hands-on experience. The program also promotes international perspectives through exchanges and collaborations with global research institutions. Graduates will be well-prepared to lead initiatives in sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and food systems management, contributing effectively to the global efforts to preserve life and natural resources for future generations. Facing challenges such as climate change, population growth, and resource depletion, this course aims to nurture innovative thinkers and responsible leaders dedicated to creating a sustainable and resilient future for life, food, and the environment worldwide.

Crop Production Ecology

Introduction to Genetic Analysis

Forest Resources and Society

Tropical Forest Environments

Tropical Forest Resources

Forest Utilization I

Forest Utilization II

Fibrous Biomaterials I

Fibrous Biomaterials II

Science for Humano-habitability I

Sciences for Humano-habitability II

Applied Life Sciences VI

Plant Nutrients -Function and Acquisition-

Applied Microbiology for Human Life

Advanced Applied Biochemistry

Bioorganic Chemistry

Advanced Genetics I

Advanced Genetics II

Marine Ecosystem Dynamics

Current Topics in Marine Microbiology

Aquatic Cell Physiology

Ecology of Marine Living Resources

Reproductive Biology

Special Lecture for Applied BiosciencesVIII

Forest Ecology

Forest Biochemistry

Phytobiomass

Tropical Agricultural Ecology

Soil Science

Biogeochemistry

Special Lecture on Ecological Information

Special Lecture in Ecological Management

Hydrological Environment Sciences

Agricultural Systems Engineering

Terramechanics

Field Automation

Bio-Sensing Engineering

Physicality of Agricultural Products

Environment Radiation Control

Seminar I on Agricultural Process Engineering

Seminar II on Agricultural Process Engineering

Regional Environmental Economics I

Regional Environmental Economics II

Development Micro-economics I

Development Micro-economics II

Food Engineering (Advanced Course)

3. Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

3.1 Master’s Program

Applicants must satisfy both of the following requirements, 3.1.1 and 3.1.2. 

3.1.1 Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements 3.1.1.1 to 3.1.1.3.

3.1.1.1 Applicants must satisfy either of the following requirements (a) or (b) and receive adequate recommendation from the relevant university or organization. (a) Those currently enrolled in or have graduated from universities which Kyoto University or the Graduate School of Agriculture have Academic Exchange Agreements, or from universities which have previous exchange arrangements with Kyoto University. (b) Those who have established close communication with faculty members of Graduate School of Agriculture and are recognized as eligible by Graduate School of Agriculture.

3.1.1.2 Those who have obtained consent from a prospective supervisor of the Graduate School of Agriculture (who will supervise their studies upon enrollment).

3.1.1.3 Those who can acquire “student” residence status at time of enrollment. 

3.1.2 Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following requirements 3.1.2.1 to 3.1.2.3. Those who do not satisfy any of these requirements at time of application must meet one of these requirements by the end of March 2015 for April 2015 enrollment.

3.1.2.1 Those who have completed 16 years of school education in a foreign country.

3.1.2.2 Those who have completed 15 years of school education in a foreign country, and who are recognized by the Graduate School of Kyoto University as having earned recognized credits with excellent grades.

3.1.2.3 Those who are qualified through the individual eligibility screening by the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University and are judged to have academic ability equivalent to or superior to university graduates, and who are 22 years of age or older. 

Scholarships for Students of Special Course in Agricultural Sciences

• The International Priority Graduate Programs (PGP)   by Monbukagakusyo (MEXT)

Must check points for eligibility of this scholarship: 

1.  Its priority allocations are the following 12 countries: Turkey, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Russia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa

2.  Under 35 years old

3.  Hold GPA 2.3 out of 3.0 or higher

4.  Newly   enter Japan for the purpose of study upon receipt of the scholarship.

Application   period - In December

• Asia Development Bank: ADB-JSP Scholarship

Must check points for eligibility of this scholarship:

1.   Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country.

2.  Possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent including a superior academic   record.

3.  Have at   least two years of full-time professional working experience.

4.   Proficiency in oral and written English communication skills to be able to     pursue studies.

5.   Not be more than 35 years old at the time of application.

6.   Agree to return to his/her home country after completion of studies under the   Program.

Application   period - At the time of application for the “Special Course in Agricultural Sciences”

• JICA PEACE Project

Must check points for eligibility of this scholarship:

1.Citizens of Afghanistan

2.Between 22 and 39 years old

3.A civil servant (permanent/contract basis) from target ministries or

a faculty member (permanent) in the Universities under the Ministry of

Higher Education.

4. Having at least 6 months working experience in current

organization

5.Clearly understand the objective of this program and have a strong will to contribute to the industrial development of their country while broadening and   strengthening the linkage between their country and Japan

6. Not Military personnel

Application   period - Please check from PEACE project HP by JICE

• JICA ABE Initiative

Must check points for eligibility of this scholarship

1.Citizens of one of the 54 African countries

2.Between 22 and 39 years old

3.Applicants from government sectors/ educators who have both of the following:

-At least 6 months working experience at their current organization

-Permission from their current organization to apply

4.Clearly understand the objective of this program and have a strong will to contribute   to the industrial development of their country while broadening and   strengthening the linkage between their country and Japan

5. Not   Military personnel

Application   period - Please check from ABE Initiative HP by JICA

The Special Course in Agricultural Science For the Global Future of Life, Food and the Environment at Kyoto University is designed to address critical challenges related to global food security, environmental sustainability, and the future of agricultural practices. This program focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture in the context of a rapidly changing global climate and population growth. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating agricultural sciences with environmental studies, socio-economic analysis, and technological innovation. Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on research, fieldwork, and international collaboration, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between agriculture, ecosystems, and human societies. The program leverages Kyoto University's strengths in cutting-edge research and global partnerships to prepare graduates capable of contributing to sustainable development goals. Students are encouraged to explore areas such as climate-resilient crop production, sustainable water management, agro-biodiversity preservation, and environmentally friendly farming techniques. The program also aims to develop leadership skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work in diverse international contexts, making its graduates well-suited for roles in academia, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. With a focus on the future-oriented application of agricultural science, this course prepares students to become catalysts for positive change in ensuring the security and sustainability of life, food systems, and ecological balance worldwide.