For Prospective Students

If you want your thesis to end in a material you can hold and test rather than a simulation, this is that kind of laboratory. What we make from waste is described on the research page; what you would get out of working here is below.

The SusMatLab sign outside the laboratory entrance

Notice: Doctoral course positions for 2027 entry are filled. Inquiries about doctoral admission in 2027 will not be considered.
Because of the large number of inquiries about the Master's course, we can reply only to applicants whose academic level and research background closely match our requirements.

What you get here

  • You publish. Students are first authors in Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Cleaner Production, Waste Management and Bioresource Technology. See our publications.
  • You work internationally. English is the working language, and students join from across Asia and Europe.
  • You collaborate. Joint projects with the Geotechnical Laboratory (Civil Engineering), the Chemical Process Engineering group and the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute.
  • You present abroad. Recent student talks in Bangkok, Kuching and Busan.
  • You are supervised directly. Every student discusses their data with the supervisor regularly.

Who we are looking for

Our work is experimental chemistry. Applicants must have:

  • A strong background in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field.
  • Solid hands-on experimental experience in a chemistry or materials science laboratory.
  • A degree from a major university in your region, with a GPA above 3.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent academic standing.
  • English proficiency at TOEIC 750, TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent.

Preferably, applicants also have research experience in one of our core areas:

  • Recycling of plastic waste
  • Synthesis of MOFs and their adsorption or catalytic applications
  • Soil conditioning and ground improvement
  • CO2 utilization

We are unable to supervise applicants whose academic background lacks substantial chemistry or materials science components. Priority is given to applicants who intend to enter the Master's course and continue into the Doctoral course.

Admission

There are two entrance examinations per year: the first in early August, the second in late January or early February. TOEFL or TOEIC scores must be obtained in advance, no earlier than two years before the examination. Past written examinations are available for 2023, 2024 and 2025 (PDF files on Japanese pages).

Self-supported students with an excellent academic record can instead apply to the G30 program between November and January. Selection is by document screening and online interview, and the degree is taught entirely in English.

Students admitted through the standard route may also join the Global Environmental Leaders Program (NUGELP).

Course website 
Funding

Most of our international students are funded. The routes currently in use in the group are:

Contact us