Science and technology has been undergoing rapid change and development in recent years. The field of agricultural science is no exception. Agricultural science now extends beyond its traditional role in the production of bioresources to include environmental conservation, distribution systems, and biotechnology by incorporating information science and other advanced technologies. To respond to these changing circumstances, there is an urgent need to train researchers who are independent, creative thinkers, and consequently, expanding graduate school education is a matter of urgency. To meet this need, a three-year doctoral program graduate school was established in April 1985 : The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University (UGAS-EU).

UGAS-EU comprises three universities, Ehime University, Kagawa University, and Kochi University, with the main office located at Ehime University. By linking with the master’s programs at the Graduate School of Agriculture at Ehime University and Kagawa University, and the Agriculture and Marine Science Program, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences at Kochi University, UGAS-EU makes it possible to provide high-quality education and research across a wide range of fields, which would be difficult to achieve by any of these universities alone. Our goal is to produce top-class scientists with a broad range of knowledge and advanced specialized skills in fields related to the production and use of bioresources.

In April 2002 , a cooperative graduate school was established in a collaboration between UGAS-EU and the Kochi Prefecture Deep Sea Research Institute, further enhancing our contribution to society.

UGAS-EU accepts a large number of international students. In response to strong demand from developing countries to help train people in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, the Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Related Sciences program was established in 1990 through the special scholarship system of the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Japan. In October 2002 , Ehime, Kagawa, and Kochi universities established a special master’s course in agriculture for students from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Rim (now known as the Special Doctoral Course Program in Agricultural Sciences for Students from Asia, Africa, and Pacific Rim). Upon completion of their studies at UGAS-EU, international students are expected to contribute to the advancement of science and technology and the development of their home countries.

Furthermore, through the dissertation doctoral system, UGAS-EU also confers doctoral degrees on outstanding researchers engaged in agricultural and related fields at research institutions in Japan and other countries.