Introduction of External English test
The Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate School of Infectious Diseases changed the evaluation method of applicant English proficiency in 2020.
The formerly used proprietary English examination was discontinued in favor of external English tests such as TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, etc.
In principle, all applicants of all examination categories are required to submit a score from an external English test, together with the other application forms for Entrance Examination.
A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 55 (equivalent to Band 3 on TOEFL’s new score scale) or an equivalent score from other English tests (within 2 years before the date of the Entrance Examination) is required for application.
Therefore, all potential applicants for the Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate School of Infectious Diseases are advised to plan on obtaining a score of external English tests well in advance.
Note that obtaining English proficiency equivalent to TOEFL iBT score of 75 (corresponding to Band 4 on the new scale) is advised for a smooth start and successful PhD training since all lectures in the Graduate School are given in English.
Please contact us at an address below for further information.
※ Submission of External English Proficiency Test score for Graduate School Entrance Selection
Important notice (advance announcement):Beginning with the 2028 admission selection (including the October 2027 admission selection), the minimum requirement for the IELTS score will be raised from the current 3.3 to 4.0.
Exemption of English proficiency test
Date modified: June 6, 2025
Applicants who have received five years or more of their higher education (at university or college) in English as their primary language of instruction are exempt from submitting an external English test score.
Those who wish to be exempted must submit the appropriate form*.
*Form provided: Certification of Language of Instruction in Higher Education (if applicable)
Note: Having learned English as a foreign language for five years or more does not satisfy the above exemption requirement.
Graduate School Admissions
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