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Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Faculty of Science
Saitama University

ADMISSION

University Entrance Examination

Admission Policy

Molecular biology is a scientific field that aims to elucidate the mechanisms of life at the molecular level. It is closely related to biochemistry, which explores the structure and function of biological molecules from a chemical perspective, and serves as a vital foundation for advancing other disciplines such as medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, and biotechnology. We now live in an era in which the complete genetic information (genome data) of various organisms—such as the Human Genome and Rice Genome—has been revealed through large-scale projects. In the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, we address post-genomic challenges by conducting research that integrates molecular genetics, biochemistry, and information science. Our efforts include the genetic exploration of novel genes, functional analysis of genes with unknown roles, and comprehensive genome-wide analyses based on plant and bacterial genome information.

The department seeks students with a keen interest in understanding how life works and a strong desire to explore its mysteries. For this reason, in addition to the six subjects and eight areas of the Common Test for University Admissions, the school recommendation-based selection and the general entrance examination (first schedule) include interviews to comprehensively assess students’ knowledge, understanding, logical thinking, and communication skills in natural sciences, particularly biology. To advance molecular biology in the post-genomic era, it is essential to possess a solid understanding of biochemistry, biophysics, and bioinformatics—disciplines that are grounded in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This requires a broad and strong foundation in general natural sciences.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology welcomes motivated students and is committed to providing a dynamic and stimulating learning environment where individuals can inspire one another and fully develop their unique talents and abilities.

For more information about the admission policy of the Faculty of Science at Saitama University, please refer to the following website:

https://www.saitama-u.ac.jp/sci/examinee/

Entrance Examination Information

University Information Sessions and Open Campus

Please refer to the open campus website.

Application Periods
School Recommendation-based Selection: Nov 4 – Nov 7, 2025
General Entrance Examination: Jan 26 – Feb 4, 2026

Examination Dates

School Recommendation-based Selection: Nov 15, 2025 (Includes an interview with oral questions on molecular biology and general natural sciences)
First Round: Feb 26, 2026 (Interview including oral questions on molecular biology and general natural sciences)
Second Round: Mar 12, 2026 (Written examination in mathematics and one science subject selected from physics, chemistry, or biology)

Number of Available Seats:
School Recommendation-based Selection (5), First Round (25), Second Round (10)

For details, please visit Saitama University’s Entrance Examination Information page.

Graduate School Entrance Examination

The Master’s Program in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, part of the Life Science Division of the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, is conducted by faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, along with visiting professors from RIKEN and AIST. After two years of study—including lectures, seminars, and an individual research project—students submit and present a master’s thesis to obtain a Master’s degree.

In the Doctoral Program, faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology contribute to the Life Science Division as part of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program. After three years of research-focused study, students are required to complete and defend a doctoral dissertation to obtain a Doctoral degree (Doctor of Science or Doctor of Academic Studies).

Admission Policy

Desired Applicant Profile for the Master’s Program

  1. Individuals interested in elucidating the fundamental mechanisms and physiological phenomena of life at the genetic level using microorganisms, plants, and other materials, aiming to become researchers or professionals in fields related to life, environment, or lifestyle.
  2. Individuals seeking to acquire specialized knowledge in life sciences, recognize their role in society, and strive for personal growth through sincerity and diligence.

Desired Applicant Profile for the Doctoral Program

Individuals with a background in chemistry, physics, mathematics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, neuroscience, or other biological sciences, who resonate with the rational principles governing life phenomena and the concepts of coexistence and symbiosis necessary for maintaining biological societies and environments, and aim to pursue one of the following:

  1. Individuals aiming to become educators or researchers at universities or higher education institutions in the field of life sciences.
  2. Individuals seeking to contribute to society through public institutions, companies, academic organizations, or non-profit activities by leveraging knowledge in life sciences.
  3. Individuals aiming to acquire biotechnology skills related to life sciences and create new industrial technologies in the fields of life and environment.

Entrance Examination Information

Graduate School Entrance Examination Information Session

The information session will be held on May 24, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Classroom 11, 2nd Floor, Building 3, Faculty of Science (Poster). University students, working professionals, and those considering enrollment in the doctoral program who are interested in advancing to a graduate school in life sciences are welcome to attend.

For transportation details to Building 3 of the Faculty of Science, please refer here.

Entrance Examinations

Master’s Program – Admissions for April 2026 and October 2025 Entry

The following is an overview of the recruitment for the Master’s Program. Please refer to the application guidelines for details.

Application Period
June 2, 2025 to June 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Submission Address: Graduate School of Science and Engineering Support Office, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 338-8570

Intake Capacity (Total: 27 students)
Oral Examination: Approximately 15 students
Written Examination: Approximately 12 students
Please consult thoroughly with your desired academic advisor before applying. Applications without prior consultation will generally not be accepted.

Examination Dates
Oral Examination: July 12, 2025, 9:00 AM
Scoring (Total: 800 points)
Oral Examination: 600 points
English*: 200 points

*English proficiency is evaluated using TOEIC L&R (including IP), TOEFL (PBT, iBT, ITP), or IELTS scores. Scores from tests taken within four years prior to the submission date are valid. Applicants must submit the original and one copy of their TOEIC score (Official Score Certificate or Score Report) or TOEFL score (Examinee Score Report) at the time of application or examination. Original documents will be returned after the interview. TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS scores are converted to a 200-point scale for evaluation.

Written Examination:
August 21, 2025, 10:00 AM – Specialized Subject Examination
Following the written examination, applicants will write about their graduation research or current research interests within 30 minutes as part of the interview materials.
August 22, 2025, 10:00 AM – Interview
Scoring (Total: 800 points)
Specialized Subject: 500 points
Interview: 100 points
English*: 200 points

*English proficiency is evaluated using TOEIC L&R (including IP), TOEFL (PBT, iBT, ITP), or IELTS scores. Scores from tests taken within four years prior to the submission date are valid. Applicants must submit the original and one copy of their TOEIC score (Official Score Certificate or Score Report) or TOEFL score (Examinee Score Report) at the time of application or examination. Original documents will be returned after the interview. TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS scores are converted to a 200-point scale for evaluation.

Doctoral Program – Admissions for April 2026 and October 2025 Entry

The following is an overview of the recruitment for the Doctoral Program. Please refer to the application guidelines for details.

Application Period
June 23, 2025 to June 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Submission Address: Graduate School of Science and Engineering Support Office, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 338-8570
Please consult thoroughly with your desired academic advisor before applying. Applications without prior consultation will generally not be accepted.

Examination Dates
Written Examination: August 21, 2025, 10:00 AM
Oral Examination: August 22, 2025, time to be announced later

Scoring (Total: 300 points)
Written Examination (English)*: 100 points
Oral Examination: 200 points

*The written examination is conducted in English (for international students, it may include Japanese). English proficiency is evaluated through a program-specific test or external test results, with the program determining which test is used. External tests include TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS (no expiration date for scores).