FAQ: For Prospective Students – “EPOK” (Exchange Program Okayama)
Q1: Who can apply for EPOK?
A1: Candidates recommended by the EPOK partner universities can apply for EPOK.
Please visit our website for the information about EPOK Partner Universities:
https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/inbound/programs/epok/partner/
Q2: How can I apply for EPOK once I am nominated?
A2: All application documents have to be submitted through EPOK online site.
Please visit “Online Apply” page on our website:
https://e-apply.jp/ds/okayama-u-epok/
You need to receive password to enter the application page from the study abroad advisor of youruniversity.
Q3: I am a non-native English speaker. What is the requirement of English ability?
A3: TOEFL (500PBT/ 61 iBT) and IELTS (5.5 overall).
Please note that EPOK does not accept any domestic English qualification score. See Q4.
Q4: I only have an English qualification within my country.
Do you accept it as the application document?
A4: No. We only accept internationally acknowledged qualifications such as TOEFL (500PBT / 61 iBT)
and IELTS score (5.5 overall).
Q5: How can I book my accommodation where I stay during EPOK?
A5: Your room at Okayama University International Student Shared House would be automaticallyreserved after you are selected as EPOK student at Okayama University.
We will inform you the details when your room is decided.

Please refer to EPOK website:

https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/inbound/programs/epok/timeline/
If you have special request for a dormitory accommodation (e.g. in relation to your healthcondition), please state it on the application form.
Q6: Can I choose a dormitory?
A6: No. We will arrange your accommodation at the International Student Shared House. Only if you
have special need you can state it on the application form.
Q7: Is there any information about courses offered in EPOK?
A7: Please visit our website for the course list and curriculum:
https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/inbound/programs/epok/curriculum/Q8: Is there any scholarship for EPOK students?
A8: JASSO Scholarship may be available for EPOK program under a condition, which is notapplicable individually. We strongly recommend that you prepare sufficient fund which would
support you all through the EPOK period.
Q9: What is the cost of living at Okayama?

How much do we have to prepare?

A9: Please visit our website and check “Life support Info. – Cost in Japan”:
https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/inbound/programs/epok/timeline/
Q10: Is it possible for EPOK students to take classes in the Faculty and Department of a major?
A10: Most of the classes in the faculty or department are conducted in Japanese.
If you have sufficient command of Japanese and prerequisites for the course that allows nondepartmental students, your enrollment can be approved by the instructor.
Q11: I have heard that Okayama University is under the Quarter System (4-term system).
Would it be possible for me to participate in the exchange program only for the 1st Quarter (fromApril to the beginning of June)?

Or start from the 1st Quarter and finish at the 3rd Quarter (fromApril to November)?
A11: At the moment EPOK accepts students for 5 months (two quarters) or 11 months (four quarters)
starting from April (1st Quarter) or October (3rd Quarter).
Students are expected to stay for two quarters (one semester) or four quarters (twosemester=1year).
Q12: Is there any Japanese language proficiency requirement for EPOK?
A12: No. We accept students with NO Japanese language.
Q13: Is there any GPA requirement for EPOK?
A13: We do not set GPA requirement for entering EPOK.

However, we expect candidates to be ofdecent academic standing at their home university as well as the duration of EPOK. GPA 2.3 (3.0scale) is a good target. The GPA also affects the availability of JASSO scholarship.