Outline

Osaka University (Japan) and Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI, India)  have launched Doctoral Program in 2024 to cultivate young researchers to become leaders in the research field of microbiology and immunology of the next generation who contribute to the world through groundbreaking research in microbiology and immunology.
The program recruits highly qualified and motivated students residing outside of Japan, and relies heavily on recommendations from THSTI, an esteemed educational and research institution with a long-standing and strong partnership with Osaka University, in order to assess the abilities and qualities of the applicants.

Students admitted to this program will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University. The Graduate School of Medicine offers an integrated curriculum that includes lectures and seminars by world-leading professors from a wide range of research fields, not only life sciences, but also other fields to promote interdisciplinary research to broaden perspectives and foster new fields of study. These courses are conducted in English. In addition, students will conduct their dissertation research under the supervision of any one of the principal investigators. These principal investigators are affiliated with the Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), or the Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS (CAMaD) at Osaka University, and they also hold positions at the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University.

Upon completion of the required coursework at the graduate school and their dissertation research, a doctoral degree will be awarded.

Students in this program are exempt from examination, entrance, and tuition fees, and will receive a scholarship for four years.


See references below:

Admission Policy

1. Microbiology and Immunology Research at Osaka University

The maintenance and improvement of global health are essential for saving lives from various diseases, including emerging infectious diseases, and for enriching society. Advancing fundamental research to help us understand the complex mechanisms in the human body is necessary to achieve this goal. In particular, the global COVID-19 pandemic these past few years severely impacted society and posed a significant threat to public health, highlighting the need for this type of research. Through fundamental research that explores the mechanisms of infection by microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, and the responses by the immune system, we can develop effective strategies to better combat the threat of such emerging infectious diseases.

Osaka University is one of Japan’s leading research universities and has a long tradition of making significant contributions to medical research, particularly in the fields of microbiology and immunology. Specifically, the Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), the Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research (CiDER), and the Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS (CAMaD) continue this tradition at Osaka University by bringing together internationally active and prominent microbiology and immunology researchers. These experts conduct research in an international standard research environment and have produced world-class research results.

Recent technological innovations in the fields of microbiology and immunology, such as the advent of single-cell analysis techniques and informatics technology, have brought about a major transformation in these traditional fields. These research institutions at Osaka University are dedicated to advancing new fundamental research aimed at elucidating human physiological mechanisms, with the goal of developing treatments for human diseases and making meaningful contributions to society.

2. Doctoral Program for Microbiology and Immunology and Recommendations from THSTI

The program aims to cultivate young researchers with a high level of expertise and profound knowledge in microbiology and immunology, thus enabling them to excel globally through the high-quality education and research opportunities in Osaka University's exceptional research environment. Furthermore, we aspire to empower these young researchers to explore new research frontiers and become leaders of the next generation who contribute to the world through groundbreaking research in microbiology and immunology.

The program recruits highly qualified and motivated students residing outside of Japan, and relies heavily on recommendations from THSTI, an esteemed educational and research institution with a long-standing and strong partnership with Osaka University, in order to assess the abilities and qualities of the applicants.

Students admitted to this program will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University. The Graduate School of Medicine offers an integrated curriculum that includes lectures and seminars by world-leading professors from a wide range of research fields, not only life sciences, but also other fields to promote interdisciplinary research to broaden perspectives and foster new fields of study. These courses are conducted in English. In addition, students will conduct their dissertation research under the supervision of a principal investigator at IFReC, RIMD, CiDER, or CAMaD, who is also affiliated with the Graduate School of Medicine. A doctoral degree can be obtained by completing the required coursework at the graduate school and their dissertation research. The standard doctoral program in the Graduate School of Medicine is four years, and it is possible to obtain a doctoral degree in "Medicine."

This doctoral program is jointly organized with the Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN Foundation). Students in this program are eligible for a tuition fee waiver, and will receive a scholarship to be provided by the BIKEN Foundation. Further details are available on the document to be downloaded at "Application and Selection" section below .

3. Applicant Eligibility

Applicants for this program must be non-Japanese nationals residing outside of Japan at the time of application and possess the qualifications in (1) and (2), and the qualities listed in (3) below.

  1. Applicants who meet any of the following qualifications by March 31st of 2026
    2.  
    1. Individuals who have completed or expect to complete eighteen (18) years of schooling in a country other than Japan by March 31st of 2026.
    2. Individuals who have received or expect to receive the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree through the completion of coursework which requires five (5) or more years of study at an overseas university or school (limited to schools evaluated by organizations that are certified by overseas governments, or relevant agencies, on the comprehensive progress of their education and research, or schools which are designated separately by the Minister of MEXT) by March 31st of 2026.
    3. Individuals who are at least twenty-four (24) years of age as of March 31, 2026, and are recognized by the Graduate School of Medicine as having academic capabilities equal to or greater than those of someone who has completed a degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy, based on a separate admission qualification evaluation. (If you have completed a 3-year Bachelor program and 2-year Master’s program, you must have at least one additional year of employment, after completing the Master’s program, as an educator or a researcher in the field of education or research at an institution such as a university, junior college, government office, research institute, or company.)
     
  2. Applicants must have sufficient English language proficiency with with either of the followings. (Japanese language proficiency is not required.)

    3.  
    1. TOEFL-iBT 80 or higher (taken after December 2023), or
    2. IELTS academic module 6.5 or higher (taken after December 2023)
     
  3. Applicants must have the following qualities:
    1. Strong interest in life sciences
    2. Curiosity to explore the unknown world
    3. Dedication to work on tasks until completion
    4. Communication skills that transcend the boundaries of academia
    5. Flexibility to incorporate knowledge from other fields without being limited to one's own field of expertise
    6. International mindset for a global tomorrow
    7. Determination to overcome difficulties
    8. Spirit of pioneering new research fields and changing the world
    9. Leadership to lead a team to achieve capabilities that transcend the individual
 

4. Schedule

By March 31st  2025 Applicants send application documents to the local selection committee at THSTI. (Deadline: March 31st 2025)
May 2025 First round selection: Local selection committee at THSTI screens application documents
June or July 2025 Second round selection: Selection committee at Osaka University interviews successful first round applicants at THSTI and/or online.
July 2025 Notification of the results of the second round selection.
October 2025 Successful applicants send documents to the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University for final confirmation.
April 2026 Admission to the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University

Application and Selection

Application

Applicants should submit their application documents to the local selection committee at THSTI by both postal mail and email (Both soft and hard copies are needed).  

  1. Local Selection Committee for OU Doctoral Program at THSTI
  2. C/O Dr. Bhabatosh Das
  3. Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)
  4. NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad–Gurugram Expressway,
  5. Faridabad- 121001 (Haryana)
  6. Email: bhabatosh@thsti.res.in

“Application to OU Doctoral Program” should be indicated on the envelope.

  1. Application deadline is March 31st  2025.
  2. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
  3. The submitted application documents will not be returned to applicants.
  4. Applicants are not required to pay for the application and the review for the selection.

Selection

The following two rounds of selection will be conducted. Applicants will be notified of the results of each selection.

  1. First round selection
    The local selection committee at THSTI will conduct their initial selection by screening the submitted application documents. The selection will be conducted around May 2025.
    Only successful applicants will be recommended by the local selection committee for the second round selection.
  2. Second round selection
    The Osaka University Selection Committee will conduct the second round selection through interviews inJune or July 2025 at THSTI and/or online.
  3. Final confirmation
    Only successful applicants can submit their documents to the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University for final confirmation.

Selection of Academic Advisor (laboratory)

Students in this program will be assigned to a laboratory headed by any one of IFReC, RIMD, CiDER, or CAMaD principal investigators affiliated with the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University, where they will conduct research in advanced biomedical fields, mainly microbiology and immunology, under the guidance of the principal investigator. The laboratory to which the student belongs to will determine their future research field and research theme. Therefore, applicants are asked to consult with the IFReC, RIMD, CiDER, or CAMaD principal investigator by whom they wish to be supervised before applying.

Please follow the procedure below.

  1. Check the list of principal investigators and their laboratories at the Laboratory List of the Program below.   
  2. Send an e-mail to the principal investigator of the laboratory of your choice, informing them of your academic background, research plan, and desired dissertation topic (required information may differ from laboratory to laboratory). At that time, be sure to inform them that you wish to apply to the "Doctoral Program in Microbiology and Immunology at Osaka University" based on a recommendation of THSTI.

Application Documents

The following documents must be prepared and submitted in English.

  1. Application form
  2. Two letters of recommendation
  3. Official academic transcripts (high school and above)
  4. *Copy of official TOEFL-iBT Test Taker Score Report
    *Official IELTS academic module Test Report Form
      *by the time of teh second round selection
  5. Certificate of employment (if applicable)
  6. Proof of date of birth
  7. Valid GRE, if aby (but not mandatory)
  8. Recent passport-sized color photo
  9. Resume
  1. Application form
    Please fill out the application form, which is available for download below.

    Notes on the selection of academic advisor (laboratory)
    • If you have already obtained the consent of a potential academic advisor at IFReC, RIMD, CiDER, or CAMaD at the time of application, please enter the name of the potential academic advisor and their research field as your first choice on the section “Laboratory choice ” of the application form (you may leave the second and third choices blank).
    • If you are in the process of selecting a laboratory and have not yet obtained the consent of your preferred academic advisor, please indicate the name and research field of your first, second, and third choice of academic advisor on the section “Laboratory choice".
  2. Two recommendation letters
    The recommendation letters should be written in English and should include the following information:
    • Name, current position, and current organization of the reference
    • Applicant's name
    • Relationship between the applicant and the reference
    • Signature of the reference and date
    • The letter should preferably include the applicant's qualifications, academic record, and skills relevant to the program, the applicant's eligibility for doctoral study and comments on the applicant's qualifications as a researcher.
  3. Academic transcripts from high school and above
    Please submit academic transcripts from all educational programs from high school and above. For transcripts written in languages other than English, please submit an English translation with the translator's seal or signature.
  4. Copy of official TOEFL-iBT Test Taker Score Report , or official IELTS academic module Test Report Form
    As proof of English proficiency, please submit a copy of your TOEFL-iBT score (Test Taker Score Report) or official IELTS academic module Test Report Form by the time of the second round selection. Applicants must have a minimum English proficiency of TOEFL-iBT 80 or higher (taken after December 2023) or IELTS academic module 6.5  or higher (taken after December 2023).
  5. Proof of date of birth
  6. Valid GRE, if aby (but not mandatory)
  7. Recent passport-sized color photo
  8. Resume

Dowonload


Notification of Results of the second round selection

Acceptance or rejection will be notified in July 2025. Successful applicants to the program will later be informed of the admission procedures to the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University for final confirmation.

Precautions Upon Application

    • Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Changes to application materials after submission will not be accepted.
    • Submitted documents will not be returned. Please keep copies of all originals for your own records.
    • If you provide false information in your application, you will be denied admission or, if you are already admitted, you will be expelled from the school.
    • If there are any changes to the application process, the changes will be immediately announced on our website.

Handling of personal information

  1. Names, addresses, and other personal information provided on the application form and other submitted documents will be used only for the purpose of processing the application. For admitted students, the personal information will be used for academic and student support purposes.
  2. Personal information may be used for monitoring the selection process and for statistical purposes.
  3. In the event that the above-mentioned operations are entrusted to a third party, a contract for the protection of personal information will be concluded with the entrusted party.

Financial support

Students in this program are eligible for a tuition fee waiver, and will receive a scholarship （250,000 yen/month）to be provided by the Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN Foundation), which jointly organizes this doctoral program. Further details are available on "Financial Support" , which can be downloaded above.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the preliminary screening, please contact the local selection committee at THSTI.

For general inquiries, please contact the Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) at Osaka University.

Laboratory List of the Program

AKIRA Shizuo Host Defense Exploration of the relationship between immune responses and mechanisms that ensure mRNA stability
KUMANOGOH Atsushi Immunopathology Research on the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of immune responses by immune semaphorins
ARASE Hisashi Immunochemistry Research on the mechanism of immune disorders as well as new therapies for immune diseases based on new findings on MHC
KISHIMOTO Tadamitsu /Sujin KANG Immune Regulation Research on the mechanisms of autoimmune disease and related cytokine signaling pathways
TAKEDA Kiyoshi Mucosal Immunology Research on the mechanisms for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis to reveal the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
SAKAGUCHI Shimon Experimental Immunology Research on the mechanisms of immunological self-tolerance by T cell-mediated dominant control of self-reactive lymphocytes
YAMAMOTO Masahiro Immunoparasitology Exploration of host defense systems and pathogenesis using the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model
NAGATA Shigekazu Biochemistry & Immunology Research on the molecular mechanism of apoptosis
YAMASHITA Toshihide Molecular Neuroscience Research on the mechanism to regulate rewiring of neural network after central nervous system injury
YAMASAKI Sho Molecular Immunology Research on the mechanism for regulation of immune responses through C-type lectin receptors in physiological and pathological settings
NAGASAWA Takashi Stem Cell Biology and Developmental ImmunologyResearch on spatiotemporal regulation of lymphohematopoiesis by environmental factors within bone marrow
HARA Eiji Aging Biology Research on the mechanisms of cellular senescence in vivo, with a focus on its positive and negative roles throughout our life course
MATSUOKA-NAKAMURA Yumi Cutaneous Allergy and Host Defense Research on the relationship between the indigenous bacterial flora in chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and the pathogenic bacteria that cause inflammation
TAKAKURA Nobuyuki Signal Transduction Research on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular formation
FUJIMOTO Manabu Cutaneous Immunology Research on skin homeostasis for new clinical treatments
MORO Kazuyo Innate Immune Systems Research on the mechanisms for differentiation, signaling and activation of ILC2 and also partner cell types
James Badger WING Human Single Cell Immunology Exploration of the diversity of Tregs and consequences of Treg impairment in a variety of settings such as autoimmunity and cancer
OKUZAKI Daisuke Human Immunology (Single Cell Genomics) Construction of single immune cell database
OKABE Yasutaka Immune Homeostasis Research on the mechanisms of tissue homeostasis and immune homeostasis
HOSEN Naoki Cellular Immunotherapy Development of CAR-T cell therapy targeting antigens in various types of cancers
KAMADA Nobuhiko Microbiology and Immunology Research on the mechanisms by which commensal microbiota cause/exacerbate disease
ISHII Masaru Immunology and Cell Biology Elucidation of the complex system for bone homeostasis in vivo and other biological phenomena by bio-imaging
SUZUKI Kazuhiro Immune Response Dynamics Research on the interactions between the nervous and immune systems through immune cell trafficking controlled by neural inputs
Daron STANDLEY Systems Immunology Analysis of immune repertoire sequence data and post-transcriptional regulation of immune responses
ISE Wataru Regulation of Host Defense Research on the mechanisms of immune memory in human and underlying long-term survival of plasma cells
MATSUURA Yoshiharu Virus Control Research on virus-host interactions involved in viral infection and pathogenicity
ITAKA Keiji Clinical BiotechnologyDevelopment of innovative medical technologies based on the science of biomaterials, DDS, and molecular biology
KOBAYASHI Takeshi Virology Research on the molecular mechanisms underlying Reoviridae virus replication and pathogenesis, and developing novel vaccine vectors
IIDA Tetsuya Bacterial Infections Research on the mechanism underlying bacterial infection and pathogenesis
IKAWA Masahito Experimental Genome Research Research on the mechanisms underlying mammalian reproductive systems through genetic manipulation of animal models
ISHITANI Tohru Homeostatic Regulation Research on cell-cell communication and behavior supporting tissue homeostasis and molecular systems controlling embryonic development, organogenesis, regeneration, aging, and disease
IWANAGA Shiroh Molecular Protozoology Research on stage-specific gene expression regulated by parasites
IWASAKI Masaharu Emerging Viral Diseases Research on molecular and cellular biology of mammarenaviruses to facilitate the development of novel antivirals and vaccines
NAKAMURA Shota Pathogen Detection and Identification Development of new methodologies for the detection of all types of pathogens using NGS based technologies
WATANABE Tokiko Molecular Virology Research on the mechanisms of host adaptation, replication, and pathogenicity of viruses
KOTANI Ai Cellular and Molecular Biology Development of novel therapies for refractory infectious and hematopoietic tumors
TSUKAMOTO Kentaro Bacterial Zoonoses Understanding the mechanism of Bartonella infection and pathogenesis, and angiogenic factor produced by Bartonella

References:

  1. Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University
  2. Research Institute of Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University
  3. Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University
  4. Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS (CAMaD), Osaka University