Pathways Japan Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded)
Description
The Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship is once again opening its doors for the 2025 recruitment cycle, offering life-changing opportunities for young refugees living in Japan. This prestigious scholarship provides full coverage for tuition fees, living expenses, and more, helping refugees from war-torn nations like Syria, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Ukraine to pursue higher education in Japanese universities and graduate schools. Applications are open from Monday, 28th October 2024, to Monday, 6th January 2025.
This program represents one of the rare and impactful initiatives in Japan, designed to give refugees a second chance at education and integration into society. With the ongoing refugee crises around the world, this scholarship program is a beacon of hope for many who have been forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, political instability, or persecution.
A Message from Mr. Toshizo Watanabe
In his heartfelt message, Mr. Watanabe, the donor and founder of the scholarship, emphasized the transformative power of education for refugees. Drawing on his experiences in the U.S., where many refugees have successfully integrated into society through higher education, he hopes Japan will follow a similar path. Mr. Watanabe believes that providing refugees with educational opportunities will allow them to contribute significantly to Japanese society or serve as a bridge between Japan and their home countries.
Why This Scholarship Matters
For refugees, education can be the key to rebuilding their lives and futures. The Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship not only offers financial support but also serves as a lifeline for those who have faced unimaginable hardships. By opening doors to higher education, this scholarship empowers refugees to thrive, whether they choose to stay in Japan or return to their home countries.
Degree Level
Pathways Japan Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Bachelor 11, Masters, PhD level programs at Japan Universities.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
Program Overview: A Pathway to Higher Education
The Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship covers both tuition and living expenses, with the scholarship amount determined based on the recipient’s financial situation. For tuition, it offers up to 1,700,000 yen per year and provides monthly living expense subsidies as follows:
- Up to 70,000 yen per month for 1-2 years of undergraduate study
- Up to 60,000 yen per month for the 3rd year of undergraduate study
- Up to 50,000 yen per month for the 4th year of undergraduate and graduate studies
Importantly, this scholarship is a benefit-type grant, meaning recipients are not required to repay the scholarship funds. It also allows for combining other scholarships, encouraging students to seek additional support.
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to students from war-torn countries and have a refugee background.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Refugee Background: Applicants must be living in Japan and have refugee status, international protection from a foreign government or UNHCR, or be unable to return to their home country due to conflict or political unrest.
- Education Requirements: Applicants must have completed 12 years of formal education (or equivalent) and have been accepted into a university or graduate school in Japan.
- Language Proficiency: For those whose academic language is Japanese, applicants must demonstrate proficiency through the EJU or JLPT exams. Those studying in English must show proficiency in English along with basic Japanese (JLPT N5-N4 level).
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial difficulties in pursuing higher education.
- Not Eligible for Government Support: Those who are already receiving government assistance under the New Student Support Program for Higher Education are ineligible for this scholarship.
Application Procedure
Key Dates and How to Apply
Applications open on 28th October 2024 and the submission deadline is 6th January 2025 (11:59 p.m. JST).
Steps to apply:
- Download and carefully review the Application Guidance.
- Fill out the application form.
- Prepare required documents such as graduation certificates, transcripts, proof of refugee status, language proficiency certificates, financial statements, and letters of recommendation.
- Submit all required documents via the online application form by the deadline.
Important Information Sessions
To assist applicants, two online information sessions are scheduled: \
- First session: 13th September 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
- Second session: 29th November 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
- Interested applicants can register here for the second session.
For more information on the application process and requirements, be sure to visit the official scholarship page when the application form becomes available on 28th October 2024.
