The Watanabe Toshizo International Scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for refugee and displaced youth residing in Japan who wish to pursue higher education but face financial or legal barriers. This scholarship, established by Toshizo Watanabe, provides a pathway for students affected by conflict or persecution to pursue university or graduate studies in Japan.
Scholarship Benefits
The Watanabe Toshizo International Scholarship offers generous financial support to ensure students can focus on their studies without the burden of high tuition and living expenses.
- Tuition Assistance: Up to 1.7 million yen per year is available, covering tuition, facility fees, laboratory training costs, and other necessary expenses. The exact amount is determined based on the applicant’s financial needs and other scholarships they may be receiving.
- Living Expenses Support: Depending on the student’s academic year, monthly living subsidies are offered:
- 1st & 2nd-year undergraduate students: Up to 70,000 yen per month
- 3rd-year undergraduate students: Up to 60,000 yen per month
- 4th-year undergraduates and graduate students: Up to 50,000 yen per month.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Have a refugee background and reside in Japan under a legal status like “Student” or “Designated Activities.” This includes:
- Those recognized as refugees by a foreign government or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
- Individuals accepted into Japan through the Complementary Pathways program.
- Those unable to return to their home country due to conflict or political upheaval.
- Have completed 12 years of school education in Japan or abroad (or expect to complete it by March 2025).
- Face financial hardship that prevents them from pursuing higher education in Japan.
- Be proficient in Japanese (JLPT N5-4 or equivalent) and English for entrance exams.
- Have been accepted into a university or graduate program in Japan (before or after the scholarship application process).
Application Process
Applying for the Watanabe Toshizo International Scholarship is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the scholarship criteria.
- Download the Application Form: The form will be available starting October 28, 2024.
- Prepare Required Documents: Collect documents such as transcripts, proof of refugee background, language proficiency certificates, financial status certificates, and a recommendation letter.
- Submit Application: Upload all required documents through the online application portal between October 28, 2024, and January 6, 2025. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on January 6.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2025 Watanabe Toshizo International Scholarship close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025.
