Agricultural science brings together a broad range of academic disciplines covering biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, economics and biotechnology to improve the efficiency and productivity of biological processes. To achieve these agricultural objectives, it is necessary to adopt an interdisciplinary perspective and build a balanced, sustainable relationship between nature and society. It is equally important to develop and train people to deepen their understanding of biological functions by applying broad knowledge and a flexible mindset unconstrained by conventional academic thinking. They will explore agriculture of the future that goes beyond a simple regional focus and seeks to preserve the global environment. Based on these principles, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University (a consortium of the graduate schools of agriculture at Ehime and Kagawa Universities, and Agriculture and Marine Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Kochi University) established a three-year doctoral program offering three majors: Bioresource Production Science, Applied Bioresource Science and Life Environment Conservation Science. These majors accept students with master's degrees from universities in Japan. There are also two courses for outstanding international students to pursue research in specific countries and regions. Agriculture is an academic field rich in future potential and vital for environmental and ecological conservation and improvement for sustaining a healthy life. We welcome applicants who are motivated to lead and explore the many possibilities of agricultural science from diverse perspectives. The Special Program for International Students in Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Related Sciences is aimed at research and education in the various sciences related to the production and use of biological resources and the environment that supports such activities in the tropics and subtropics. Centered on such regions, this program accepts outstanding mid-level scientists engaged in research or teaching in all parts of the world and aspires to train scientists and engineers who can positively contribute to their home countries. The Special Doctoral Course Program in Agricultural Sciences for Students from Asia, Africa and the Pacific Rim (AAP) is a unified master's course and doctoral program. The doctoral program accepts students from countries in Asia, Africa and the Pacific Rim who have completed the master's component of this program at the graduate school in Ehime university, Kagawa university or Kochi University and has the goal of training advanced researchers and engineers.

(Knowledge · Discovery ·Understanding)
1. Have general expertise in agriculture, the environment, and related sciences; have the ability to collect and analyze information in their respective fields to identify, understand, and solve problems in their area of expertise; and have the technical ability to conduct research independently or in groups.

(Ethics · Practice)
2. Have high ethical standards based on an understanding of research in Bioresource Production Sciences, Applied Bioresource Sciences, Life Environment Conservation Sciences, and related sciences, and be able to conduct research and education in agriculture, the environment, and related sciences based on a solid scientific foundation.

(Information dissemination)
3. Be able to proactively work on global issues on their own and to disseminate the results of their research to the wider world.

(Thought · Judgment · Expression · Communication)
4. Possess the ability for scientific reasoning and objective judgment, be able to see and think broadly, be able to express themselves well, and have advanced presentation and communication skills.

Applicants are interviewed (includes a presentation and oral examination) to evaluate the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their bachelor’s and master’s programs, the ability to use that knowledge and skills, and their attitude toward learning independently and collaboratively. In addition, a system is in place for international students to be admitted prior to arriving in Japan, opening the door to motivated applicants with diverse backgrounds. Applicants for Working Student Special Admission are interviewed (includes a presentation and oral examination) to evaluate the knowledge and experience they have gained through employment at companies and organizations. UGAS also offers two special courses for international students. Applicants for the Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Related Sciences Course are interviewed by a prospective supervisor and two or more members of faculty to evaluate the following: (1) Master’s thesis or equivalent research, (2) research plan after enrollment, (3) professional expertise, (4) aptitude and motivation to learn, and (5) communication skills in English. The Special Doctoral Course Program in Agricultural Sciences for Students from Asia, Africa and the Pacific Rim (AAP) is a five-year course that begins with a master’s degree and is evaluated based on the research plan for the doctoral course and a recommendation from the supervisor.