International students can now apply for the Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) 2025 JICA Scholarship. This distinguished fellowship seeks to develop future leaders among Japanese emigrants and their descendants by offering them the chance to study at graduate institutions in Japan. Let's look at the essential features, rewards, and how to apply for this fantastic opportunity.

The JICA Scholarship Overview

The JICA Scholarship Program 2025 aims to aid Japanese emigrants in their relocation efforts and develop sustainable lifestyles by cultivating leadership in Nikkei communities. This program is offered to Nikkei (Japanese emigrants and descendants) from 11 countries and provides complete support for graduate study in Japan.

Anticipated Number of Participants: For the program in 2025, JICA will choose around 10 individuals.

JICA Scholarship Benefits

The JICA Scholarship 2025 provides comprehensive financial support to students pursuing graduate studies in Japan. Below are the key benefits:

Travel Allowance: Economy-class airfare for travel from your home country to Japan and back.

Living Allowance: A daily living stipend of 4,953–5,052 yen, covering everyday expenses such as accommodation, meals, and books. This allowance is deposited into the student’s Japanese bank account every two months.

Outfit Allowance: Upon arrival in Japan, a 100,000 yen allowance is provided to cover the cost of essentials for daily living in Japan.

Moving (Housing) Allowance: Between 164,000 and 224,000 yen is provided to cover rental expenses and necessary furniture purchases when securing accommodation.

Tuition Fees: JICA covers actual costs of enrollment, tuition, and examination fees, paid directly to the university.

Additional Allowances: This includes airport facility fees and transportation costs within Japan, to be reimbursed by JICA.

Candidate Eligibility

In order to qualify for the JICA Scholarship 2025, candidates need to fulfill the subsequent requirements:

Japanese Language Proficiency: Adequate Japanese language skills are required for daily living and studies in Japan.

Employment Status: If currently employed, applicants must resign or take leave of absence before enrolling. Work during the scholarship period is not permitted, except for activities authorized under Japan’s visa policies.

Health Requirements: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to complete their studies in Japan.

Age Limit: Applicants must be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2025 (born after April 2, 1985).

Academic Qualifications: Must have completed undergraduate-level  education (bachelor’s degree) by March 2025.

Graduate School Admission: Applicants must be accepted as full-time graduate students at a Japanese institution or have received informal consent from a Japanese graduate school for admission upon passing the entrance exam.

Application Process

The application process for the JICA Scholarship 2025 is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The steps are as follows:

Gather the Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Completed Application Form (Form 1)
• A recent photograph (4cm x 3cm)
• Personal Information Form (Form 2)
• Certificate of Health (Form 3)
• Essay on Future Plans (Form 5)
• Letter of Recommendation (if applicable)
• Official Transcripts from your university
• Certificate of Graduation or Expected Graduation
• Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency (if available)
• Passport or valid ID
• Letter of Admission (if already admitted to a Japanese university)

Please submit your application.

Applications must be sent to the JICA abroad office of the applicant's native nation if they are from outside of Japan.

Applications must be sent to the Association of Nikkei & Japanese Abroad in Yokohama by applicants who live in Japan.

The Process of Interviews and Selection

There are 2 (two) primary phases to the selection process:

Document screening: Performed by JICA in association with each nation's diplomatic delegation.

Interview: To determine whether a shortlisted applicant is a good fit for the program, interviews will be held with them. The interview will take place at the potential graduate school in either English or Japanese, the language of instruction.

Last-Minute Choice

The JICA overseas office will notify the successful candidates of the decision, which will be made by the JICA Headquarters based on the interview results.

Deadline for JICA Japan Scholarship Applications

September 24, 2024 is when applications for the JICA Scholarship 2025 are accepted. Consequently, all paperwork needs to be sent by the appropriate JICA office by September 24, 2024!

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