FAQ

Questions about the Program

Q1: What kind of degree will I earn?

A1: Students who complete the four-year program earn a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences.

Q2: What kind of courses can I take?

A2: The Discovery Program offers an open curriculum, which means that students can create a personalized course of study based on individual academic interests and career goals. Students can take courses offered by GDP in English, as well as courses offered by other departments within the university in Japanese (some restrictions may apply).

Q3: What kinds of courses are students recommended to take in the first year as part of the Discovery Program’s liberal arts focus?

Courses often taken by first-year students include: (1) Common seminars called Inquiries of Knowledge, which explores intercultural and interdisciplinary communication strategies and critical thinking skills, (2) introductory courses in academic disciplines taught at GDP, and (3) language training in English and/or Japanese as needed.

Q4: Can I take courses in other departments or faculties?

A4: Yes, students may also take courses offered by other departments on campus provided that they have sufficient language proficiency and the prerequisite knowledge for the courses they wish to take, although some restrictions may apply. Especially courses related to the acquisition of certificates and licenses are typically off-limits to GDP students.

Questions about The Application Process

Under Preparation
*Information for applicants for the 2027 academic year is currently under preparation. The Application Guide is scheduled to be released around the end of July. Last year’s Application Guide is available on the following page for your reference.
https://discovery.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/prospective_students/admission/

However, please note that beginning with the 2027 admissions process (conducted in 2026), the previous Discovery Entrance Examination and International Entrance Examination will be integrated into a new admissions system. Therefore, the contents may be subject to change.

Questions about Study Abroad and Internships

Q1: Is study abroad mandatory?

A1: No, it is not mandatory.

Q2: Does the university have any exchange relationship with universities abroad?

A2: Yes. Please refer to the following website for further information:
https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/outbound/studyabroad/sa/epok/

Q3: Do you provide internship opportunities?

A3: No, we do not provide any internship programs.

Questions about Housing, Admission Schedule and Visa

Q1: Are there any dormitories available?

A1: Yes, please refer to the following pages.

<International students>
https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/support/admissions/housing/dormitory/
*Please note that the priority residence eligibility criteria are subject to change.

<Domestic students (women’s dormitory only)>
https://discovery.okayama-u.ac.jp/jp/campus_life/housing/
* For students entering in October, this dorm can only be offered if a special vacancy happens to be available.

Q2: Where can I find information about apartments for students near the campus?

A2: For students who wish to rent apartments, Okayama University Co-op provides housing information and assistance in finding accommodation. Please refer to the following page (in Japanese):
https://www.okadai.coop/お部屋探し-1

Q3: When are the entrance ceremony and orientation held?

A3: The following schedule is typically followed each year.

<April Enrollment>
・Dormitory move-in: around April 1
・Entrance Ceremony: April 2
・Orientation: from April 2 onward

<October Enrollment>
・Dormitory move-in: around September 24
・Orientation: from September 26 onward
・Entrance Ceremony: around October 1

Q4: How do I get a student visa?

A4: Okayama University facilitates the visa process. A few months before arrival on campus, accepted students will be contacted via email to begin the application procedures.
It is very important that you follow the instructions from Okayama University to ensure a smooth visa process.

Q5: I am currently living in Japan, but my visa will expire before I begin the Discovery Program. Can Okayama University sponsor me for an extension on my current visa?

A5: Generally, students whose visas will expire before enrollment are required to return to their home country and apply for a new student visa. Additional information about visa procedures is provided in the enrollment guide sent to accepted applicants.

Questions about Scholarships

Q1: Are there any scholarship programs or tuition waiver/exemption programs available?

A1: Yes, please refer to the following page.
<Scholarships for international students(Status of Residence: Student）>
・Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
・JASSO Scholarships
https://discovery.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/prospective_students/s/

<Other Scholarships>
https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/support/scholarships/list/
※There is currently no tuition fee exemption system available.

<Scholarships for Students with Japanese citizenship or (special) permanent residency>
・Partial or Full Exemption of Admission Fees/ Tuition Fees
In accordance with new laws regarding financial aid at tertiary institutions, students with Japanese citizenship or (special) permanent residency enrolling in the Discovery Program will be eligible to apply for financial aid (partial or full exemption of admission fees and tuition fees).
For further details, please refer to the following websites:
・Okayama University https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/student/syugakushien.html
・MEXT https://www.mext.go.jp/kyufu/index.html
・JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/shogakukin/kyufu/index.html

<Other>
・Postponement for Enrollment Fee Payment
・Exemption from Enrollment Fee and Tuition Fee for students affected by a severe disaster
https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/life/seikatu_a1.html

・Other Scholarships
http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/student/seikatu_a2.html

Q2: Are there scholarships available for studying abroad from Okayama University?
A2: Yes. Please refer to the following webpage for information on scholarships for studying abroad:
https://intl.okayama-u.ac.jp/outbound/

Questions about Employment Opportunities after Graduation

Q1: I would like to proceed to graduate school. What should I do?

A1: We encourage students who are interested in continuing their formal education to attend graduate school. Many graduates from our program have enrolled in graduate schools both in Japan and abroad. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies should discuss this idea with their academic advisors early on so that graduate school entrance examinations can be considered when developing the student’s academic course plan.

Q2: What career paths are available after graduation?

A2: GDP is an educational program that prepares students not only for employment, but also for further study at graduate schools and for entrepreneurship. It is an interdisciplinary program that transcends faculty and departmental boundaries, where students learn together in English as a common language.
Within a diverse international community and with comprehensive academic support, students are provided with an environment where they can learn from one another, collaborate, and grow together. Through these experiences, students develop the ability to thrive in a constantly changing global society, which will be valuable in a wide range of career paths after graduation. For specific examples of our graduates’ career paths, please refer to the following page:
https://discovery.okayama-u.ac.jp/en/current_students/careers/