Burma Study Abroad Website

Scholarships by Country

Scholarships in Japan

 

Introduction

Burmese students can compete for Monbusho Scholarships, offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education. Monbusho scholars must be in their 4th year of undergraduate courses or entering graduate school. Scholars may be supported for up to 3 years.

Burmese students can apply from inside Burma or from Japan, if they are already studying there. Burmese applicants in Burma/Myanmar must typically be nominated by the Myanmar government as participate of a government-to-government exchange. Contact the Japanese embassy for more information.

Scholarships for undergraduate students are generally difficult to obtain, particularly the first year. Once the student has been in the university for a year or two however, it may be possible to apply for scholarships from the prefecture or through the university.

 

Contents

Japanese Government (Monbusho) Scholarships
Aichi-ken Aichi Scholarship
The Okazaki Kaheita International Scholarship Foundation
The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Doctoral Candidates

Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program (SEASREP)
Japan Dental Association
Yoshida Scholarship Foundation
The Asia Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange

Bank of Tokyo Scholarship

Bijutsu Kogei Shinko Sato Kikin Scholarship
CWAJ Scholarship for Non-Japanese Women
Emori Asian Exchange Student Scholarship
Fuchigami Scholarship Foundation
Fuji Bank International Foundation

FUJI XEROX Setsutaro Kobayashi Memorial Fund/Grants for Doctor's Program Students

Fujitsu Scholarship
The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
The Hashiya Scholarship Program
Hattori Kaigai Ryugakusei Ikueikai
Heiwa Nakajima Foundation Scholarship for Foreign Students Staying in Japan
Hirose International Scholarship Foundation  

The Hiroshima Sogo Bank Scholarship  
Ichikawa International Scholarship Foundation
Inner Trip Foundation
International Communications Foundation/Scholarship for Foreign Students

International Research Exchange Foundation for Japanese Studies
The Ishizaka Foundation
ITOH Scholarship
Iwaki Scholarship Foundation
The Iwakuni Foundation for Scholarship University Undergraduate Scholarship
Iwatani International Scholarship

Kambayashi Scholarship Foundation 
Kato Asao International Scholarship Foundation
Kawanishi Memorial Shin Maywa Education Foundation
Kohnan Asia Scholarship Foundation

Kyoto Shimbun Research Scholarship for Overseas Students 
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. Panasonic Scholarship

Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
AIEJ Short-term Student Exchange Promotion Program (Inbound) Scholarship

Atsumi International Scholarship Foundation (AISF)
Rohm Music Foundation Scholarship
The United Nations University/Institute of Advanced Studies (Tokyo, Japan)
Yokoyama International Scholarship Foundation

Japanese Government (Monbusho) Scholarships

There are six types of Japanese government scholarships.

1) Research Student (Graduate School Student & Research Student) Scholarships  

Duration: 2 yrs
Age limit: under 35
Fields of Study: Humanities and Social Sciences (Literature, History, Aesthetics, Law, Politics, Economics, Commerce, Pedagogy, Psychology, Sociology, Music, Fine Arts, etc.); Natural Sciences (Pure Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Fisheries, Pharmacology, Medicine, Dentistry, Home Science)
Other Requirements: University or college graduates (or prospective)
Monthly allowance: 185,500
Japanese language training: 6 months (those with sufficient Japanese are exempted)
Other: transportation (one round-trip ticket), tuition (remission of examination, entrance and tuition fee), arrival allowance (25,000Yen), medical fee reimbursement: (80%of actual cost)
Number of grantees: 3,650

 

2) Teacher Training Students

Duration: 1 and a half years
Field of study: Education
Other requirements: University or Teacher Training college graduates who have over 5 years of experience as (1) teachers in active service of primary or secondary schools, or (2) teachers in teacher training service, or (2) teachers on teacher training service, or staff of educational administration services
Monthly allowance: 185,500
Japanese language training: 6 months (those with sufficient Japanese are exempted)
Other: transportation (one round-trip ticket), tuition (remission of examination, entrance and tuition fee), arrival allowance (25,000Yen), medical fee reimbursement: (80%of actual cost)
Number of grantees: 155

3) Undergraduate Students

Duration: 5 years (7 years: Medicine, Dentistry, Animal Husbandry)
Age limit: 17-21
Fields of study: Social Science and Humanities (Law, Politics, Economics, Business Administration, Education, Sociology, Literature, History, Japanese Language and Others), Natural Sciences (Science (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry), Electric & Electronic Studies (Electronics, Electrical Eng., Information Eng.), Mechanical Studies (Mechanical Eng., Naval Architecture, Agricultural Eng.), Civil Eng., and Architecture (Civil Eng., Architecture, Environmental Eng.), Chemical Studies (Applied Chemistry, Chemical Eng., Industrial chemistry, Textile Eng.), Other fields (Metallurgical Eng., Mining Eng., Mercantile Marine, Biotechnology)  Agricultural studies (Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Forestry, Food Science, Fisheries) Hygienic Studies (Pharmacy, Hygienics, Nursing), Science (Biology)  Medicine, Dentistry)
Other requirements: Those who have completed secondary school, and are eligible for entering a university in their country
Monthly allowance: 142,500Yen
Japanese language training: 1 year
Number of grantees: 450

 

4) Special Training College Student

Duration: 4 years (4 1/2 yrs: Marine Eng.)
Fields of study: Mechanical Eng., Electrical Eng., Electronics, Electronic Control Eng., Information Eng., Industrial Chemistry, Civil Eng., Architecture, Material Engineering, Chemical Engineering. Mercantile Marine
Monthly allowance: 142,500Yen
Japanese language training: 1 year
Number of grantees: 90

 

5) Senshu-gakko Student (Professional Training School Student)

Duration: 3 years
Age limit: 18-21
Fields of study: Civil Eng., Architecture, Electrical Eng., Electronics, Telecommunication, Nutrition, Infant Education, Secretarial studies, Tourism, Hotel Management, Fashion, Design, Photography, Others
Monthly allowance: 142,500Yen
Japanese language training: 1 year
Number of grantees: 90

6) Japanese Studies Student

Duration: 1 school yr
Age limit: 18-29
Fields of study: Japanese Language, Life and cultures of Japan
Other requirements: University Students (undergraduates)
Monthly allowance: 142,500Yen
Number of grantees: 340

 

Application Procedure

Applications for Japanese government (Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture) scholarships are made either through Japanese embassies or consulate-generals overseas (embassy recommendations) or through a university in Japan (university recommendations).

With regard to embassy recommendations, screening is carried out by a Japanese embassy or consulates overseas in cooperation with the local central government.  With regard to university recommendations, Japanese universities either make recommendations to the Ministry of Education, concerning students who wish to study in Japan after screening them, through a university exchange agreement, or the like (overseas adoption) or select students from among
privately-financed foreign students already studying in Japan and recommend them to the Ministry of Education (domestic adoption).  Applicants must pass this first stage and then a second stage of screening by the Ministry of Education (document screening) before a final decision is made.

(a) Embassy Recommendation (Application through Japanese Embassies)

Recruiting covers all scholarship categories.  However, because recruiting targets will differ by country and region, potential applicants should check closely with the Japanese embassy in their own specific country or region.

The initial screening is comprised of a document inspection, a written test and an interview.  Subjects of the written test vary somewhat by country and region, but generally consist of the following.

Category

Test

Research Student

Japanese*

Teacher Training Student

Japanese, English*

Senshu-gakko Student

Japanese*

Undergraduate Student

Japanese*, English, Mathematics, World History or Science

College of Technology Student

Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, Japanese*

Japanese Studies Student

Japanese

 

*The test will be given to screen applicants for the level of language education to be given in Japan

The local Japanese embassies conduct their screening on the basis of these test results, and then make their recommendations to the Ministry of Education of Japan. The Ministry of Education confers with the selection committee, deliberates with the host schools, and then makes it final selections.  While candidates may express their preferences for specific schools of study, the final decision will be made by the Ministry of Education.

For further details, candidates should contact the Japanese embassy in their own specific country or region.

 

(b) University Recommendation (Application through Japanese Universities)

Overseas Selection (Selection of New Applicants Before They Arrive in Japan)
Based on the university exchange agreement, Japanese universities conduct their examinations of the foreign student candidates, with recommendations made to the Ministry of Education as research students or Japanese studies students.  The Ministry of Education confers with the selection committee, and then makes its selections.  For further details, candidates should contact their current school of enrollment.

Domestic Selection (Selection of Privately Financed Students Already in Japan)
Targeted under this category are privately financed students currently studying at Japanese universities. Qualified are third-year undergraduates expected to advance to fourth-year regular student status (sixth-year status in the case of medical or dental students), fourth-year students expected to advance to regular Master's program student status, or Master's or Doctoral students expected to remain as regular students for one year or longer. Applicants with excellent academic records are chosen to attend from the new school year as undergraduate or research students.

Fourth-year undergraduates will lose their qualification if they fail to advance into a Master's degree program (cancellation of selection).

For further details, candidates should contact their current school of enrollment.

 

Recruiting, Arrival in Japan

The recruiting period will differ by country and region.

Back to Top
 
Aichi-ken Aichi Scholarship 

Selections are made after the applicants' arrival in Japan

Includes: tuition, round-trip ticket, moving allowance, residence subsidy, Japanese study subsidy 185/m
Level of study: master's degree
Age Limit: 35
Designated countries: Southeast Asia
Designated schools in Japan: Graduate Schools in Aichi prefecture
Note: a recipient from the previous year is permitted to reapply
Duration: two and a half years  

Application Deadline: May 20

Contact Information: Aichi-ken Aichi Scholarship
Aichi Prefectural Office,
3-1-2 Sannomaru, Naka-ku,
Nagoya-shi, Aichi 460-0001
(Tel 052-961-2111)
ext. 2062  

 

Back to Top

 

 

The Okazaki Kaheita International Scholarship Foundation

Selection are made prior to the applicants' arrival in Japan
Level of Study: Japanese Language Institutes other than University Japanese Programs, master's degree
Age Limit: 29
Designated field of study: All except the medical field
Contents: Japanese language study 100/m, master's degree 120/m, Admission, Tuition, Dormitory Room
Duration: 2yr
Application Deadline: D&W&I
Contact Information:
The Okazaki Kaheita International Scholarship Foundation
Haneda Kuko, 3-3-2, Ota-ku,
Tokyo 144-0041
(Tel 03-5757-4101)
(Fax 03-5757-4103)  

 

Back to Top

The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Doctoral Candidate

Selection are made after the applicants' arrival in Japan

Level of Study: Doctorate
Age Limit: 35
Designated countries: All countries that have Diplomatic relations with Japan
Designated fields of study: Humanities/social science
Includes: 310/m Air fare, etc.
Duration: 4-14 months
Application Deadline: Sep-Dec 1 (Nov 1 in the US)

Note: a recipient from the previous year is permitted to reapply (3 yr later)

Contact Information:The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Doctoral Candidate
21F Ark Mori Bldg. 1-12-32
Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
107-6021
(Tel 03-5562-3522)
(Fax 03-5562-3497)

 

  Back to Top

 

 

Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program

In collaboration with the Toyota Foundation, the Japan Foundation Asia Center supports SEASREP, which promotes Southeast Asian studies by Southeast Asian scholars in the region. Grants are provided in three categories: (a) language training in any of the Southeast Asian languages, national or local; (b) fellowship for M.A. and Ph.D. research; and (c) regional collaboration. The program is guided by the founding SEASREP Council, consisting of four leading scholars. A separate Selection Committee of scholars from the region screens and recommends applications. The Council initiated the signing of a memorandum of understanding among eight universities in the region to facilitate the exchange of students and faculty under the SEASREP program. The program is managed by the SEASREP Council in Manila and a Joint Secretariat in Tokyo, which also publishes the biannual SEAS Bulletin.


Further information on the SEASREP grant programs and the application process can be downloaded from http://www.jpf.go.jp/e/about/program/list.html. Or contact the following:

SEASREP
The Manila Secretariat
Unit 7-D, One Burgundy Plaza Condominium
307 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights 1108
Quezon City, Philippines

Tel (63-2) 436-1669
Tel/fax (63-2) 4361668
E-mail: seasrep@maynila.com.ph


The Tokyo Joint Secretariat for SEASREP
c/o The Toyota Foundation
Shinjuku Mitsui Bldg. 37F
2-1-1 NishiShinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 163-0437, Japan
TEL : +81-3-3344-1701
FAX : +81-3-3342-6911
E-mail : seasrep@toyotafound.or.jp
 

 

 

Back to Top

 

 

 

Japan Dental Association

Selection are made after the applicants' arrival in Japan

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Doctorate
Designated countries: Asia, West pacific Nations
Designated field of study: dentistry
Note: limits are imposed on scholarships received from other sources, the maximum funding permitted is 1,000 yens; a recipient from the previous year is permitted to reapply
Includes: 150/m
Duration: 1m-3m
Deadline: June/December
Contact Information:Japan Dental Association
4-1-20 Kudan Kita, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 102-0073
(Tel 03-3262-9213)

 

Back to Top

 

Yoshida Scholarship Foundation

Master's degree program: Selections are made prior to the applicants' arrival in Japan
Age Limit: 35
Doctoral degree program: Selections are made after the applicants' arrival in Japan
Age Limit: 40
Designated countries: China, India, Korea, ASEAN (designated universities)
Designated schools in Japan: Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Keio,Waseda
Designated field of study: Engineering
Includes: Tuition 1,250/max., Travel Fee, Housing Allowance 20-40/m, Stipend 150/m, spouse Allowance 20/m
Note: applicants can reapply the next year (for 2 years)
Contact Information:Yoshida Scholarship Foundation
YKK R & D CENTER
3-22-1 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku,
Tokyo 130-8521
(Tel 03-5610-8103)

   

Back to Top

The Asia Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange
Kawaguchi Shizu Memorial Scholarship

Conditions: Those who are from Asia and are enrolled at undergraduate and graduate schools (96 designated universities)
Contents: Undergraduate 60,000; Graduate 70,000 per month (1 year)
Grantees: 20
Application period: Sep-Nov
Inquiry: School Office

   

Back to Top
 

Bank of Tokyo Scholarship

Conditions: Privately financed foreign students from Asian countries. Those who are enrolled at graduate schools and majoring in the Social Sciences.
Age Limit: 35 years old or under as of April 1, 1996.
Designated schools: Tokyo, Hitotsubashi, Waseda, and Keio Universities.
Contents: 150,000 per month (for one year)
Grantees: 7
Application period: May
Contact Information: Bank of Tokyo Scholarship
1-3-2 Hongoku-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103
Telephone:03-3245-9584
Fax: 03-3270-7761  

 

Back to Top

 

Bijutsu Kogei Shinko Sato Kikin Scholarship

 

Sponsor:

Bijutsu Kogei Shinko Sato Kikin

Address:

5-9-39 Jomyoji, Kamakura City, Kanagawa 248-0003

[Tokyo Office]

Address:

c/o Senju Metal Industry Co., Ltd. 23 Senju Hashido-cho, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0038

TEL:

03-3881-1590

FAX:

03-3881-1409

 

Details:

Target recipients

Applicants must be planning to come to Japan for research, investigation or study in the fields of Japanese art or handicrafts (metalworking, stonecutting, lacquer, dyeing or weaving). Applicants must be aiming to enroll as undergraduates, master's course students, research students or auditors at a university located within commuting distance of the residence provided by the foundation, in Kamakura City (free). Applicants must also provide a letter of recommendation from their teachers at the hosting university.


How to apply

Applicants apply through their university in Japan, or directly to the foundation. (The foundation also offers scholarships with application and selection procedures conducted in Japan.)

 

Award value:

Scholarship: 80,000 yen per month
Free accommodation is also provided. The award period is between one and two years.

 

Number of recipients and application period:

About two new recipients each year Application period is from January 1 to December 31 (i.e. anytime)

 

 

Back to Top

 

 

CWAJ Scholarship for Non-Japanese Women

Conditions: Non-Japanese women who are enrolled at undergraduate (2nd or 3rd year) or graduate schools at the time of application and plan to return to their home countries in the future. Must be non-permanent resident. Applicant may not have other financial support greater than 50,000 yen per month. Must be living in Japan at time of application. Those who must have adequate ability in written and spoken English as well as in Japanese .
Grantees: 1,500,000 per year (undergraduates); 2,000,000 per year (for graduates)
Application period:
Late October
Contact Information: CWAJ Scholarship for Non-Japanese Women
Lion's Garden Ikedayama #312 5-22-5 Higshigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141  

Website: http://www.cwaj.org

   

Back to Top

 

 

Emori Asian Exchange Student Scholarship

Conditions: Those who are from Asian countries and enrolled in national and public universities in Fukui Prefecture. 30 years old or younger for undergraduates, and 35 years old or younger for graduate students.
Contents: undergraduate 70,000 per month; graduate 80,000 per month. (for 1 year)
Grantees: undergraduate 10, graduate 4.
Application period: Nov-Dec.
Contact Information: The Emori Asian Exchange Student Scholarship Foundation
4-23-1 Bunkyo, Fukui-shi, Fukui 910
Telephone: 0776-24-0213
Fax: 0776-25-4798

   

Back to Top

Fuchigami Scholarship Foundation

Conditions: Those who are in need of financial assistance and meet the following requirements-- privately financed foreign students who come to Japan by themselves from Asian or African countries, are enrolled at undergraduate (3rd or 4th year) or graduate schools in Fukuoka prefecture and residing in the prefecture.
Contents: 50,000 per month (for two years)
Grantees: 5-8
Application period: April
Contact Information: Fuchigami Scholarship Foundation
Hakata Center Bldg. 3F, 3-5-7 Hakatakitamae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 812
Telephone/Fax: 092-413-0031

   

Back to Top

 

 

Fuji Bank International Foundation 

Conditions: Foreign students who are enrolled at graduate schools in Japan, majoring in Humanities or Social Science (including research students). 10 designated schools selected among the universities in which a number of foreign students attend.
Contents: 120,000 per month (for maximum of two years)
Grantees: 10
Application period: January 31
Inquiry: School Office

   

Back to Top
 

FUJI XEROX Setsutaro Kobayashi Memorial Fund/Grants for Doctor's Program Students 

Conditions: Those who are specializing in the fields of Humanities or Social Science and meet the following requirements--foreign students and researchers from Asian or Oseanic* countries; enrolled at doctorate programs, and plan to continue their study till they obtain their doctoral degree; duly recommended by their academic advisers. (*Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Korea, Australia or New Zealand)

Designated Schools: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Tsukuba, Tokyo, Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music, Ochanomizu, Hitotsubashi, Tokyo University of Foreign Students, Graduate School of Advanced Students, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara Women's, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Kyushu, Tokyo Metropolitan, Osaka City, Aoyama Gakuin, Asia, Gakushuin, Keio, International Christian, Sophia, Chuo, Tokai, Nihon, Japan Women's, Meiji, Hosei, Rikkyo, Waseda, Doshisya, Ritsumeikan, Kansai or Kwansei Gakuin University.
Contents: 1,200,000 per month (lump sum)
Grantees: 40
Application period: March-May
Inquiry: School Office

   

Back to Top

 

 

 

Fujitsu Scholarship

The Fujitsu Asia Pacific Scholarship (Fujitsu Scholarship) Program, sponsored by Fujitsu Limited, provides financial assistance for postgraduate education and cross-cultural management training to participants from the Asia-Pacific region. Fujitsu Limited, an international leader in information technology, telecommunications, semiconductors and electronics that is headquartered in Tokyo, established the Fujitsu Scholarship to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 1985.

The Fujitsu Scholarship program is available for academic programs at JAIMS (the Japan-America Institute of Management Science). JAIMS, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a nonprofit postgraduate institute established by Fujitsu in 1972. Many Fujitsu Scholarship recipients/graduates are now working for corporate and social-service organizations in their home countries as well as in other nations.

The Fujitsu Scholarship is available for the following academic program:

  • The Intercultural Management Program (ICMP) is a four-month graduate diploma program at JAIMS that primarily trains non-English speakers about American business management. Global business and intercultural issues are also explored. ICMP consists of coursework in Honolulu and one week in Japan. All courses are in English. The program is offered twice a year, beginning in March and September.

The Fujitsu Scholarship is available to citizens of selected Asia-Pacific countries in the following formats:

1.    Full-tuition scholarship and a monthly stipend are available to citizens of the following countries: Cambodia, China*, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar*, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam*.

2.    Full-tuition scholarship with no monthly stipend is available to citizens of the following countries/areas: State of Hawaii, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Qualifications

The Fujitsu Scholarship has key qualifications, including:

  • Country of citizenship
  • Educational background
  • English-speaking ability
  • Work experience

Please note the qualifications listed for each program:

Application Process

1.    Download necessary application materials from the Application Checklist section for ICMP. However, if you are unable to do so, request an application through the Fujitsu Ltd. local affiliated office in your country or area (see the list of local affiliated offices ) or through this website.

2.    Submit all application materials to JAIMS at 6660 Hawaii Kai Drive, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA. Submit all documents listed on the Fujitsu Scholarship Application Checklist for ICMP. Alternatively, you can apply online at http://jaims.guide.net/applications/.

3.    Deadline: All application documents, test scores and academic transcripts must be received by JAIMS postmarked by November 30 of each year. The submitted application documents will not be returned to applicants.

 

Contact: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand

Mrs. Krittinee Sivakul

Fujitsu Systems Business (Thailand) Ltd.
Tel: +66-2-302-1699
Fax: +66-2-302-1555

Address:

Exchange Tower, 22nd-23rd Fl, 388 Sukhumvit Road, Kwaeng Klongtoey, Khat Klongtoey
Bangkok
Thailand
10110

For more information, please go to: http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/responsibility/community/scholarship/

 

 

Back to Top

 

 

 

 

The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) is the first university of its kind in Japan.  A university which combines the highest ideals of post-graduate scholarship with a collaborative approach towards research, inviting the best minds from all over the world, be they currently working in government, academic institutions, private enterprise or other Non-Government Organizations. GRIPS aims at becoming an international center of excellence in the field of Policy Studies. To become a center of excellence in teaching and research, it is of primary importance for us to attract the brightest and most creative students and young scholars both from Japan and around the world. We would therefore encourage you to apply to come and study at GRIPS. Scholarships will be available for this purpose.

By offering programs taught entirely in English, we hope to provide an international environment where ideas can be exchanged freely in the most widely spoken language in the world. This will not only allow the experience of those scholars and researchers from Asia, Europe and North America to be easily incorporated into our teaching and research programs, but will also provide a unique opportunity for the new generation of executives in business, government and universities to meet colleagues from Japan and around the world and to learn from each other's experiences. You and your fellow students will be the nucleus of an international network of young people who are expected to become the future leaders in the policy arena.

For international students, the minimum residential requirement to complete a Master's degree at GRIPS is one year. In order to qualify for a Master's degree, students must earn a minimum of 36 credits for the Public Policy and Public Finance Programs, 38 credits for the GRIPS-FASID Joint Program and 40 credits for the Transition Economy Program. It will be possible for those students who study intensively to satisfy all the requirements for a Master's degree within one year. For Ph.D. candidates, who have completed a Master's degree principally at GRIPS, the minimum residential requirement is one additional year. After successful completion of the coursework, students can continue to work towards their dissertation at GRIPS or in their home country.

The programs are demanding and require a high level of commitment from the students. In order to accommodate high level education within one year, GRIPS operates on a four-term system: a Fall Term (16 weeks), Winter Term (8 weeks), Spring Term (16 weeks), and Summer Term (8 weeks).

The academic year for programs conducted in English runs from October until September.  GRIPS normally admits students in October, however, the Admissions Office accepts applications all year round, and candidates are evaluated for admission a few times a year.

To be eligible for admission to the Master's programs, an applicant must hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university of the highest standard, must satisfy the School's English language requirements, and be in good health. The school seeks a diverse pool of applicants who have been trained in a wide range of disciplines and preferably have had previous work experience in policy-making or implementation. Prior study in economics or policy studies is not a requirement for admission. It is recommended, however, that students have completed introductory courses in calculus and statistics prior to entrance.

Candidates are evaluated for admission according to their academic record and intellectual distinction, personal characteristics, motivation, evidence of leadership, promise for management and career growth, and work experience.

Applications are carefully reviewed and evaluated by the Admissions committee. The complete application including all supporting materials must be submitted to the Admissions Office before an application can be reviewed.

The following materials should be submitted to the Admissions Office:

  • completed application form
  • 3 identical photographs (30 x 40 mm)
  • 2 letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes
  • official transcripts from all academic institutions previously attended*
  • official copy of diploma or degree certificate from all academic institutions previously attended*
  • TOEFL scores or other official document demonstrating English proficiency for applicants whose undergraduate education was in a language other than English (GRIPS TOEFL code no. 9040)

After initial screening of applicants:

  • short-listed candidates must undergo a medical examination (including chest X-ray, blood tests etc.) in their respective home countries and are required to submit a health certificate obtained from a recognized/accredited hospital or clinic.

All documents must be written in English or Japanese, or be accompanied by a translation in either of those languages.

* Transcripts that do not bear the Registrar's signature and/or the institutions seal are not official and are, therefore, unacceptable.

An application form can be obtained from the Admissions Office or can be downloaded at: http://www.grips.ac.jp/applying/application.html

Full scholarships, partially managed by GRIPS, are available for exceptionally qualified candidates. These scholarships are provided by the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho, JICA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Scholarships are awarded to students who enroll in October.

The amount of all scholarships, except YLPS, is about 180,000 yen per month plus round-trip air tickets. Young Leaders’ Program Scholarship students will receive about 270,000 yen per month. Scholarship students are exempted from tuition and other academic related fees. The scholarships are given for one academic year and cannot be extended except in the case of sudden illness or other unforeseen circumstances that are entirely beyond the student’s control.

Available scholarships and their specific conditions are:

Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships

The Monbukagakusho scholarships are primarily for citizens of those countries with which Japan has established diplomatic relations. Preference is given to government officials and senior students who are planning careers as government officials. The deadline for applications is January 15. Candidates who are eligible for this scholarship may apply for the Public Policy Program.

 

Asian Development Bank Government of Japan Scholarship (ADB-JSP)

Eligibility for ADB-JSP scholarships is limited to citizens of the member countries of the Asian Development Bank with at least two years work experience in the public or private sector and with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent. The deadline for applications is January 15. Candidates who are eligible for this scholarship may apply for the Public Policy Program.

The Japan-IMF Scholarships Program for Asia

The Japan-IMF Scholarships are intended exclusively for government officials or semi-governmental staff working at a ministry or equivalent office related to macroeconomic management in Asian countries, many of which are in the process of transition from a centrally planned system to a market oriented system, namely, Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Pacific Island Countries. Inquiries regarding IMF scholarships should be made directly to:

International Monetary Fund

Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

21F, Fukoku Seimei Blgd.

2-2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011

Tel: +81-3-3597-6700

Fax: +81-3-3597-6705

The application and supporting materials for admission and financial aid must be received by January 7. The recipients of this scholarship may only enroll in the Transition Economy Program.

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

The target group for this scholarship is government officials of developing countries with quality work experience of at least three years in the field of tax policy and administration in their home countries, and with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent. The deadline for applications is January 15. The recipients of this scholarship may only enroll in the Public Finance Program.

Japanese Government (JICA) Scholarships

JICA scholarships are offered to candidates who wish to study in the GRIPS-FASID Joint Program in International Development Studies. Primarily, government officials from the following countries are eligible to apply for the JICA scholarship: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (CBT 250) or equivalent is required. Alternatively, outstanding candidates with insufficient TOEFL score (but minimum 520; CBT 190) may be accepted on the condition that they successfully complete the intensive English language course from April-September, prior to the start of the GRIPS-FASID Program in October. The application documents should be submitted to the JICA Office or the Embassy of Japan through the respective countries' aid coordination units by October 15.

Japanese Government (JICA) Scholarships

JICA scholarships are offered to candidates who wish to study in the GRIPS-FASID Joint Program in International Development Studies. Primarily, government officials from the following countries are eligible to apply for the JICA scholarship: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (CBT 250) or equivalent is required. Alternatively, outstanding candidates with insufficient TOEFL score (but minimum 520; CBT 190) may be accepted on the condition that they successfully complete the intensive English language course from April-September, prior to the start of the GRIPS-FASID Program in October. The application documents should be submitted to the JICA Office or the Embassy of Japan through the respective countries' aid coordination units by October 15.

 

As of April 2004, JICA accepted approximately 275,000 technical trainees from developing countries. To foster even more capable human resources, JICA also implements a scholarship program leading to academic degrees in cooperation with relevant government agencies. JICA provides assistance for the following three ODA Scholarship Programs:

1. Long-term Training Program

Target Countries:

ODA recipient countries

Degree Offered:

In principle, a master's degree (in some cases, a doctorate)

Methods of Recruitment and Selection:

•  Fiscal Year Plan: JICA draws up a fiscal year plan for the acceptance of participants. The target countries are notified.

•  On-site Selection: Japan's overseas diplomatic missions and JICA offices screen candidates recommended by national governments. Judgments are based on the importance of the project, degree of promise shown by the candidates, and their linguistic capabilities.

•  Domestic Selection: JICA confirms that candidates meet qualification prerequisites.

•  University Selection: Admission decisions are made in accordance with each university's designated procedures.

•  Admission

Support for Students:

•  Living Expenses: Transportation for attendance at designated school, clothing, books, data transmission, travel for research in Japan, academic society membership, etc.

•  Housing: An allowance for moving into rented housing or student dormitory

•  Others: Designated preparation expenses, cost of travel to Japan, etc.

2. JDS (Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship)

Target Countries:

Countries that receive grant aid, particularly those that are moving toward market-oriented economies (in fiscal 2003, participants came from Laos, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, and China)

Degree Offered:

In principle, a master's degree

Methods of Recruitment and Selection:

•  Open Recruitment: In consultation with target countries, participants are recruited through newspaper, TV, and radio advertisements after selection of the academic fields to be covered and targeted applicants.

•  Document Screening: Application documents are screened by the university to be attended by the student.

•  Language Screening: Applicants who pass the document screening phase take a language test (in English etc.)

•  Interviews: Faculty members of applied universities are dispatched to the applicant's country to conduct specialized interviews with those who pass the language screening phase. Comprehensive interviews are also held with relevant governments officials of the applicant's country, as well as with the staff of Japanese diplomatic missions and JICA offices.

•  Candidate Selection: The results of the screening procedures are reviewed by a committee comprising members from Japan and the target country, and candidates for study in Japan are selected.

•  Placement: JICA draws up a university placement proposal for the candidate. Institutions acting on behalf of the government of the candidate's country apply to the universities with which placement is desired. Candidates who pass all of the screening procedures are selected.

•  Admission

Support for Students:

•  Scholarships: Payment of designated scholarship

•  Housing: Housing allowance for rented housing or student dormitory

•  Others: Designated preparation expenses, cost of books, data transmission fees, research travel expenses, seminar fees, etc.

Objectives of JICA's Assistance for ODA Scholarship Programs

·                         To cooperate in the development of human resources who will contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of developing countries.

·                         To contribute to the development of future leaders of developing countries, including overseas communities of ethnic Japanese.

·                         To provide opportunities to establish research and human networks through Japanese academic institutions, such as universities.

·                         To contribute to the expansion and reinforcement of the groundwork for relationships between Japan and developing countries.

Intended Recipients

The intended recipients of the scholarships offered by JICA are persons who are expected to be active as future leaders in developing countries, including overseas communities of ethnic Japanese: (1) junior administrative officials, (2) university researchers and instructors, etc., and (3) members of institutions involved in Japanese technical cooperation projects, etc.

 

Institutions Accepting Participants

·                         Institutions able to accept foreign participants in the fields stipulated by JICA

·                         Universities that have special courses in English, and from which it is possible to earn an academic degree in English

·                         Institutions of higher learning and research from which it is possible to earn an academic degree

·                         Institutions that are promoting links with JICA's domestic activities

Follow-up after Admission and Graduation

·                         Hosting of JICA Scholarship Seminars for participants of ODA Scholarship Programs

·                         Promotion of links with JICA projects and personnel exchange

·                         Building of networks among former participants of ODA Scholarship Programs after their return home

Evaluation

·                         Periodic monitoring of participants in the Long-term Training Program and JDS recipients while in school

·                         Periodic revisions of the program content, intended recipients, and targeted countries of the Long-term Training Program and JDS Scholarships based on internal evaluations

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Headquarters

6th–13th floors, Shinjuku Maynds Tower
2-1-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8558 Japan

Phone: +81-3-5352-5311/5312/5313/5314

Email: jicagap-opinion@jica.go.jp

 

Japanese Government Young Leaders' Program Scholarships (YLPS)

The purpose of this program is to invite exceptionally promising young elite government officials or semi-governmental staff from Asian and other countries with at least several years of work experience, in order to provide them with high quality graduate education. The curriculum is tailor-made exclusively for YLP students. Professional qualifications of the candidates for this scholarship need to be considerably higher than that of the candidates for other scholarships.  GRIPS does not receive application documents for YLPS directly from candidates. Application information will be announced by Embassies of Japan. The recipients of this scholarship may only enroll in the Young Leaders’ Program.

The recipients of ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, and WCO scholarships need to undertake in writing that they will return to their home countries immediately after the completion of their Study Program or when dismissed from the school.

 

Back to Top

 

 

 

The Hashiya Scholarship Program

Conditions: Privately financed foreign students who are enrolled or have admission to special training schools (including junior colleges) or graduate schools (including research stud