Admission Policy

Master’s Program

　In line with its educational goals, Osaka University seeks to admit individuals who possess a solid academic foundation, specialized knowledge, and a capacity for self-directed learning cultivated through their prior studies. We value candidates who are highly motivated to independently identify and investigate complex issues.

　Based on this principle, the United Graduate School of Child Development welcomes applicants who demonstrate strong academic potential and a sincere commitment to solving the complex challenges related to child mental health. We are looking for individuals who possess the following qualities:

　１．Purpose and Aspiration: Individuals with a clear sense of purpose regarding challenges in child mental health and a strong aspiration to
　　　contribute to society by discovering evidence-based solutions.

　２．Open-mindedness and Scientific Curiosity: Candidates who challenge conventional wisdom, remain open to interdisciplinary perspectives,
　　　and are committed to maintaining a scientific and objective viewpoint.

　３．Proactive Learning and Problem-Solving: Applicants who demonstrate a strong passion for learning and possess the skills for proactive
　　　and independent problem-solving.

　４．Collaboration and Empathy: Individuals capable of collaborative and flexible thinking, equipped with the social skills to interact with
　　　empathy and insight, particularly when working with vulnerable members of society.

Basic Policy for the Entrance Examination

As part of our admissions policy, all applicants will take a standardized entrance examination consisting of the following:

　１．Use of external English test scores
　　We will use your scores from an external English proficiency test to assess whether you have the English skills needed to read
　　academic papers.

　２．Oral examination
　　The oral examination will assess applicants’ motivation, enthusiasm, and potential, as well as how they intend to address children’s
　　mental health challenges in the future. It will also evaluate their basic knowledge in this field, communication skills, logical thinking
　　skills, and other relevant abilities.

Doctoral Program

　To cultivate the human resources described in its educational objectives, The University of Osaka welcomes applicants with a solid academic foundation, sufficient expertise in their field of specialization, and an attitude of independent learning developed through undergraduate, master’s, and/or professional programs. We seek individuals who are highly motivated to identify and explore issues on their own. To select such applicants appropriately, each graduate school/major evaluates candidates from multiple perspectives.

　In accordance with the admission policy of The University of Osaka, the Joint Graduate School of Child Development (The University of Osaka, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu Medical University, Chiba University, and the University of Fukui) seeks applicants who demonstrate a strong desire to learn and excellent academic ability, together with a strong sense of mission and a sincere commitment to addressing children’s mental health issues. Specifically, we seek individuals who:

　１．Have a clear purpose regarding children’s mental health issues and aspire to contribute to the future of Japan by developing scientifically
　　　grounded approaches that meet internationally accepted standards.

　２．Are not constrained by conventional assumptions, maintain an open attitude toward experts from diverse backgrounds, and strive to
　　　develop new scientific perspectives.

　３．Possess a lifelong commitment to learning and the ability to identify and solve problems independently with initiative and motivation.

　４．Can think cooperatively and flexibly, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and show deep empathy and insight toward socially
　　　vulnerable populations, with the potential to become leaders in support networks for children facing difficulties.

Basic Policy for Admissions Selection

　As a basic policy for admissions selection, the Joint Graduate School conducts a unified entrance examination as follows:

　２．Oral examination
　　The oral examination will assess your attitude toward addressing issues related to children’s mental health in the future, as well as
　　your motivation, enthusiasm, and potential. It will also evaluate your communication skills, logical thinking ability, and other
　　relevant qualities.