Japan : ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia

Brief description:

The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) was established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan.   It aims to provide an opportunity for well-qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member countries to undertake postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region.

Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

Host Institution(s):

ADB-JSP provides scholarships only to participating academic institutions under the Program.

Field(s) of study:

Programs covered by the ADB-JSP are postgraduate studies in economics, management, health, education, agriculture,  environment, natural resource management, science and technology, and other development-related fields.

Only programs at the 20 participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Regions are eligible for ADB-JSP funding.

Number of Scholarships:

About 300 scholarships are awarded annually.

Target group:

The scholarships are open to citizens of ADB’s developing member countries.

Scholarship value/inclusions:

The ADB-JSP provides full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, an allowance for books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses.

For scholars engaged in research, a special grant may be available for thesis preparation. In special circumstances computer literacy, preparatory language and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.

The scholarship is for one year with an extension to the second year of study, as appropriate, which shall be conditional on the scholar maintaining a satisfactory level of performance as determined by the institute.   The maximum duration of scholarship award is two years for masters and doctorate programs.

Eligibility:

1. A national of an ADB borrowing member country (applicants from countries that are no longer borrowing from ADB are not eligible for the ADB-JSP Scholarship).

2. Gained admission to an approved MA/PhD course at an academic institution .

3. A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with superior academic record.

4. At least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience (acquired after a university degree) at the time of application. Proficiency in oral and written English communication skills to be able to pursue studies.

5. Not more than 35 years old at the time of application. In exceptional cases, for programs which are appropriate for senior officials and managers, the age limit is 45 years old.

6. In good health.

7. Should agree to return to his/her home country after completion of studies under the Program.

8. Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management and staff of ADB, consultants, and relatives of the aforementioned are not eligible for the Scholarship.

9. Staff of academic institutions are not eligible for the Scholarship.

10. Applicants living or working in a country other than his/her home country are not eligible for scholarships.

11. ADB-JSP does not support applicants who are already enrolled in graduate degree programs.

12. ADB-JSP does not sponsor undergraduate studies, distance learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, and research projects.

Application instructions:

The procedure in applying for ADB-JSP Scholarships is outlined below:

1. Applicants should request information and application forms from the chosen Academic Institution(s. Applicants are encouraged to access various resources, including the institutions’ websites and handbooks, and institution information sessions held in-country, to assist them in making an informed decision on the academic institution and course they wish to undertake.

2. Applicants should indicate to the academic institution that they are applying for admission and that they would like to be considered for the ADB-JSP Scholarship. The completed Institution application form and required documentation, including the ADB-JSP Information Sheet form, should be submitted to the academic institution. Applicants must ensure that they submit accurate and complete documentation. Failure to do so may result in an application not being processed or to an award being terminated if documentation or information provided is later determined to be false. Applicants are required to submit their latest Income Tax Return or Certification of their Annual Salary/Monthly Salary, whichever is available. They should also submit a Certification of Family Income (Parent’s Income).

3. The academic institution will screen and rank the applicants, based on its own selection criteria, keeping in view the eligibility requirements and selection criteria of the ADB. In the evaluation process, the academic institution may contact the candidates for further information. The academic institution will then submit its ranked list of applicants to ADB, including a description of the score/grading system which is the basis for the ranking.

4. ADB will review the submission from the academic institutions and recommend awardees based on the selection criteria of ADB to the Executive Director of Japan for formal approval.

5. Upon approval by the Executive Director of Japan, ADB will advise academic institutions on the successful candidates.

6. The academic institution will inform all applicants of the outcome of the selection process and begin to make arrangements for the awardees take up their scholarships.

7. The academic institutions will arrange for the signing of the Acceptance of Scholarship Award by awardee wherein the scholars agree that after completion of their study, they will return to their home country.

8. ADB will send an appropriate congratulatory letter to each scholar.

No separate application to ADB is necessary.  Send applications for scholarships at least six months prior to the planned time that you wish to commence studies.   Please refer to the normal month of intake and deadline of application in the participating academic institutions.

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website:

Official Scholarship Website:  http://www.adb.org/site/careers/japan-scholarship-program/main

Deadline: varies

Course starts 2013

Japan : Setsutaro Kobayashi Memorial Fund 30th Foreign Students Research Grants

Fujixirox Co. Ltd Setsutaro Kobayashi Memorial Fund is offering research grants for foreign students. The maximum amount of grant is 1,200,000 yen per grantee will be awarded for one year. Foreign students or researchers from an Asia-Pacific country/area who are living in Japan are eligible to apply for the grant. Due date of application is February 28, 2013.
Study Subject(s): Grants shall be conferred for individual research (not group research) in the field of Humanities (Cultural Science) or Social Sciences, with special emphasis on themes that help deepen the researcher’s understanding and awareness of Japanese or Asian/Oceanian society and culture and enhance international interchanges among them in the future.
Course Level: The scholarship is available for pursuing research program.
Scholarship Provider: FUJIXEROX CO. Ltd Setsutaro Kobayashi Memorial Fund
Scholarship can be taken at: Japan
Eligibility: -Foreign students or researchers from an Asia-Pacific country/area listed below who are currently staying in Japan. East Asia: (Korea, China, Taiwan, Mongolia), Southeast Asia: (Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos), South Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives) and Oceania: (Australia, New Zealand, Island countries in Oceanian region).
-Students or researchers who are presently enrolled in a doctorate program (not in a master program) of Japanese universities. Those who already received or will receive doctorate degrees before the issuance date of the grant are not allowed to apply.
-Students or researchers who are recommended by their supervising professors or mentors.
Scholarship Open for Students of Following Countries: The students of East Asia: (Korea, China, Taiwan, Mongolia), Southeast Asia: (Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos), South Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives) and Oceania: (Australia, New Zealand, Island countries in Oceanian region) can apply for the scholarship.
Scholarship Description: Development of international understanding and cooperation is all the more important to achieve a peaceful and harmonious global society, which is the long-term goal of humanity in the 21st century. Although Japan has dramatically elevated her position in the world in the decades following World War II, it is also true that Japan has not yet fully lived up to the role expected of her. In particular, Japan does not seem to have the best relations with her Asia-Pacific neighbors in terms of politics, economics and culture despite their geographic proximity and long history of cultural interchanges with Japan. In this respect, further mutual understanding and reliance on continued efforts to foster friendship through interchanges among nations have great significance in today’s world.
Duration of award(s): The duration of the grant shall be for one year from the date of the grant.
What does it cover? Maximum 1,200,000 yen per grantee will be available to approximately 32 grantees. An amount from 280,000 to 1,200,000 yen per grantee was provided to 32 grantees for the 2012 program. (Depending upon the results of the Grantee Screening Committee’s assessment, the actual amount for some grantees could be less than the originally requested amount.).
Selection Criteria: Selection shall focus on evaluation of the following three aspects:
-Originality: While the research theme and method should be based on an applicant’s original concept or unique idea, such method should be attainable.
-Social value: The theme should have strong potential for promotion of mutual understanding among people and nations/regions in Japan and Asia-Pacific.
-The results of the research shall be reflected in the thesis submitted for a doctorate and shall have strong potential for obtaining the doctoral degree in the near future.
Notification: The Grantee Screening Committee shall screen the applicants and nominate candidates, and the Fund Operational Committee shall make a final decision on selection by May 31, 2013.
How to Apply: Further information can be obtained from Dr Karl Ng (Medical Foundation Building K-25, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006), The University of Sydney NSW 2006. Applications should be sent direct to Dr Karl Ng at the above address and should include curriculum vitae, a copy of an academic transcript, and the names and contact details of at least two referees.

Scholarship Application Deadline: Due date of application is Thursday, February 28, 2013.

Japan : ADB-Japan Scholarship Programme for Students of Developing Countries

Government of Japan is offering ADB-Japan Scholarship Programme for students  of Asian Development Bank’s developing member countries. The scholarship is to undertake postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region. The scholarship is for one year with an extension to the second year of study. Students must have a bachelors degree and are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries. The ADB-JSP covers tuition fees, airfare, Basic cost of living, health and medical insurance and also research grant. Applications should be electronically or by post.

Study Subject(s): Programs covered by the ADB-JSP are postgraduate studies in economics, management,health,education, agriculture, environment, natural resource management, science and technology and also other development-related fields. Only programs at the 27 participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Regions are eligible for ADB-JSP funding.

Course Level: This scholarship is for pursuing master’s degree level.
Scholarship Provider : Government of Japan
Scholarship can be taken at : Participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region.

Eligibility: -A national of an ADB borrowing member (applicants from countries that are no longer borrowing from ADB are not eligible for the ADB-JSP Scholarship).

-Gained admission to an approved MA/PhD course at an academic institution .
-A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with superior academic record.
-At least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience (acquired after a university degree) at the time of application. Proficiency in oral and written English communication skills to be able to pursue studies.
-Not more than 35 years old at the time of application. In exceptional cases, for programs which are appropriate for senior officials and managers, the age limit is 45 years old.
-In good health.
-Should agree to return to his/her home country after completion of studies under the Program.
-Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management and staff of ADB, consultants, and relatives of the aforementioned are  not eligible for the Scholarship.
-Staff of academic institutions are not eligible for the Scholarship.
-Applicants living or working in a country other than his/her home country are not eligible for scholarships.
-ADB-JSP does not support applicants who are already enrolled in graduate degree programs.
-ADB-JSP does not sponsor undergraduate studies, distance learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, and research projects.

Scholarship Open for Students of Following Countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, People’s Republic of Cook Islands, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia ,Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Federated States of Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islandds, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (Special Office), Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu,Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam.

Scholarship Description: It aims to provide an opportunity for well-qualified citizens of the ADB’s developing member countries to undertake postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region. Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

Participating Host Institutions: The following institutions participate in the Program:
1. Crawford School of Economics and Government (National Centre for Development Studies)
Australian National University Canberra, Australia
2. University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia
3. University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
4. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi, India
5. Hitotsubashi University
School of International and Public Policy Tokyo, Japan
6. International University of Japan Niigata, Japan
7. Keio University
International Graduate Programs on Advanced Science and Technology
Graduate School of Economics
Graduate School of System Design and Management Yokohama, Japan
8. Kobe University
Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies Kobe, Japan
9. Kyushu University
Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences Graduate School of Law Fukuoka, Japan
10. Nagoya University
Graduate School of International Development Nagoya, Japan
11. National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
(formerly Graduate School of Policy Science, Saitama University) Tokyo, Japan
12. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies Oita, Japan
13. Ritsumeikan University
Graduate School of Economics Kyoto, Japan
14. Saitama University
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering Saitama, Japan
15. Tokyo Institute of Technology Tokyo, Japan
16. The University of Tokyo
Department of Civil Engineering
Department of Urban Engineering
Graduate School of Public Policy
Institute of Environmental Studies
School of International Health Tokyo, Japan
17. Tsukuba University
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences Ibaraki, Japan
18. University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
19. Lahore University of Management Sciences Lahore, Pakistan
20. Asian Institute of Management Manila, Philippines
21. International Rice Research Institute
University of the Philippines, Los Banos Laguna, Philippines
22. Nanyang Technological University Nanyang Business School Singapore
23. National University of Singapore Singapore
24. Asian Institute of Technology Bangkok, Thailand
25. Thammasat University Bangkok, Thailand
26. East-West Center, University of Hawaii Hawaii, USA

Number of awards offered: Not Known

Duration of award(s): The scholarship is for one year with an extension to the second year of study, as appropriate, which shall be conditional on the scholar maintaining a satisfactory level of performance as determined by the institute. The maximum duration of scholarship award is two years for masters and doctorate programs.

What does it cover? The ADB-JSP provides
-full tuition fees
-a monthly subsistence and housing allowance
-an allowance for books and instructional materials
- medical insurance
-travel expenses
For scholars engaged in research, a special grant may be available for thesis preparation.
In special circumstances computer literacy, preparatory language and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.

Selection Criteria:
-Qualifications of the candidate.
-Priority to the ranking, or order of merit, proposed by the DIs.
-Applicants with less than two years of work experience will not be selected.
-Preference to women candidates.
-Preference to applicants with lesser financial capacity
-The Program will, in principle, not support applicants who have previously studied abroad.
-The Program will, in principle, not support applicants who are pursuing a second MA or a second PhD degree.
-Candidates who are applying at a DI in their own country may not be selected.
-Diversification of nationality in the overall Program as well as at each DI level will be considered.
-The Program encourages studies in line with core areas of ADB’s Strategy 2020, which address poverty reduction through -infrastructure, environment, regional cooperation and integration, finance sector development, and education.

Notification: A selection process will take place after the application closing date and all applicants who have submitted complete applications will be notified of the outcome by the end of November 2013.

How to Apply: Applicants should request information and application forms from the chosen Academic Institution(s).The completed Institution application form and required documentation, including the ADB-JSP Information Sheet form, should be submitted to the academic institution.

Scholarship Application Deadline: Send applications for scholarships at least six months prior to the planned time that you wish to commence studies. Please refer to the normal month of intake and deadline of application in

Japan : UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowships Programme for Researchers of Developing Countries in Japan, 2013

Each year UNU-IAS offers postdoctoral fellowships for researchers of developing countries in Japan. Especially women are encouraged to apply. Around two fellowships are offered for a period of 12 months. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of JPY 300,000- 360,000 after deduction of accommodation charges. A onetime allowance of JPY 80,000 will also be granted for relocation, adjustment expenses, and ground transportation and incidental costs. The deadline for applications for the 2013 Fellowships is 28th February 2013.

Study Subject(s): Research proposals are invited in the following areas: Science and Technology for Sustainable Societies, Sustainable Urban Futures, Biodiplomacy Initiative, Sustainable Development Governance, Traditional Knowledge Initiative, Marine/Coastal Governance and Urban Biodiversity (UNU-IAS OUIK)
Course Level : This fellowship is offered for pursuing postdoctoral program.
Scholarship Provider : United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies
Scholarship can be taken at : Japan

Eligibility: Applicants must have obtained a PhD (or at least successfully defended their doctoral dissertation), in an area broadly associated with the UNU-IAS thematic focus, prior to the application deadline. Language proficiency in English is essential. Applicants from developing countries and women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Applicants from developing countries and women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Description: In April 1996, the UN Secretary–General inaugurated UNU-IAS as an in–house community of scholars mandated to research issues located at the intersection between societal and natural systems. The Institute’s mission is to advance knowledge and to promote learning for policy making to meet the challenges of sustainable development. As an advanced studies institute, UNU-IAS is forward-looking and multidisciplinary. Since October 2000, UNU-IAS offers Postdoctoral Fellowships for recent PhD graduates to provide them with the opportunity to put the knowledge and expertise acquired during their doctoral research to practical policy-relevant use. So far, over 40 Fellows from some 20 countries have passed through the Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme. Of those completing the programme about one third have been women, and developing country participants have outnumbered developed country participants. The Fellows are resident at UNU-IAS in Yokohama or UNU-IAS OUIK in Kanazawa, Japan for the full term of the fellowship. This gives them the opportunity to gain from the broader research programme of lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences arranged by UNU-IAS. The Institute’s close links with Japanese affiliated professors and visiting professors from key universities and think tanks in Japan also allow Fellows to link into the broader Japanese academic and research community.

Number of award(s): Around two Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded each year.

Duration of award(s): UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a period of 12 months.

What does it cover? The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of JPY 300,000- 360,000 (depending on experience) from which a monthly usage charge for accommodation is deducted. A one-time-only settle-in-allowance of JPY 80,000 will be granted to each Fellow at the beginning of the programme for relocation, adjustment expenses, and ground transportation and incidental costs. UNU-IAS provides Fellows with a return air ticket between his/her country of residence and Narita Airport. Settle-in-allowance and air tickets are, however, not provided for Fellows already residing in Japan before the commencement of the fellowship. Postdoctoral Fellows will be provided accommodation by UNU-IAS. Usage charges other than utilities (electricity, water, gas, telephone, etc.) are as follows: Single room apartment (for one person)- JPY80,000 or more per month and Twin room apartment (for couples) – JPY130,000 or more per month.

Selection Criteria: Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:
(i) the research objectives of the applicant and the quality of the research proposal,
(ii) the relevance of the research proposal to the ongoing or planned research activities of the applicant’s selected Research Programme at UNU-IAS, and
(iii) the applicant’s academic merit and the potential for successful research while at UNU-IAS.

Notifications: Short-listed candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview and request of reference letters. The final result for the 2013 fellowships will be announced in May 2013.

How to Apply: Interested and eligible candidates are invited to complete the online-application. The online form and the required documents indicated in the form must be in English. If the supporting document is in another language, please also attach an English translation.

Scholarship Application Deadline: The deadline for applications for the 2013 Fellowships is 28th February 2013.

Japanese Government Scholarships for International Students

Brief description:

The  Japanese Government offers scholarships in Japan to international students who wish to study at Japanese universities as research students under the Japanese Government Scholarship Program.  The scholarship program is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).  See also Japanese Government Scholarships for Undergraduate Students.

Host Institution(s):

Universities in Japan

Fields of study:

Fields of study must be subjects which applicants will be able to study and research at Japanese universities. Keep in mind, however, that a student who majors in medicine, dentistry or welfare science will not be allowed to engage in clinical training such as medical care and operative surgery until he/she obtains a permit from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare under applicable Japanese laws.

Majors in traditional entertainment such as Kabuki and classical Japanese dances, or in subjects that seek practical training in specific technologies or techniques at factories or companies are excluded.

Number of Scholarships:

To date, some 83,000 students from approximately 160 countries and regions around the world have studied in Japan under the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship program established in 1954. As of May 1, 2009, there were 10,168 foreign students studying in Japan as Japanese government scholarship students.

Target group:

The scholarships are awarded to nationals of countries which has diplomatic relations with the Japanese government.

Scholarship Benefits:

(1) Allowance: Under the fiscal 2011 budget, each grantee will be provided monthly with 143,000 yen (Research Student course), 144,000 yen (students enrolled in a Master’s program or a professional degree program), or 145,000 yen (students enrolled in a doctoral program) (an additional monthly stipend of 2,000 or 3,000 yen may be provided to those undertaking study or research in specially designated regions) .However, these amounts are subject to change depending on the annual budget of each year. The scholarship will not be paid to a grantee who takes a leave of absence or is long absent from his/her university.

Scholarship will be cancelled for a grantee if:

•  any of his/her application documents is found to be falsely stated;

•  he/she is in breach of his/her pledge made to the Minister of MONBUKAGAKUSHO(MEXT);

•  he/she is subjected to disciplinary action, such as expulsion or removal from register, taken by his/her university or the preparatory Japanese-teaching institution;

•  it becomes definitive that the grantee will not be able to complete his/her course within the standard course term because of his/her poor academic achievement or suspension;

•  his/her resident status of “College Student” as provided for in Paragraph 1-4 of Appendix to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act changes to any other status; or

•  he/she is provided with another scholarship(except for a scholarship designated for research expenses).

(2) Traveling Costs

•  Transportation to Japan: Each grantee will be provided, according to his/her itinerary and route as designated by MEXT, with an economy class air ticket from the international airport closest to his/her place of residence to Narita International Airport (or following the itinerary normally used by the university where the grantee is placed). Expenses such as inland transportation from his/her place of residence to the nearest international airport, airport tax, airport usage charges, special taxes on overseas travel and travel expenses within Japan will be borne by the grantee (the place of residence of the grantee shall in principle be the address stated in the application form). Air travel from a country other than the grantee’s nationality will not be covered, nor travel to Japan before April 1, 2013.  If the grantee comes to Japan to obtain admission to a university, he/she will not be provided with traveling cost to Japan.

•  Transportation from Japan: The grantee who returns to his/her home country within the last-payment month of his/her scholarship will be provided, upon application, with an economy class air ticket for a flight from Narita International Airport (or following the itinerary normally used by the university where the grantee is placed) to the international airport closest to his/her place of return.

Note: Insurance premiums for travel to/from Japan shall be borne by the grantee. The airport the grantee departs from or returns to must be an airport of the country of his/her nationality.

(3) School Fees: Fees for matriculation, tuition and entrance examinations at a university will be paid by the Japanese government. If the grantee moves on to higher education as a nonregular student, he/she will pay for entrance examinations.

Eligibility:

(1) Nationality: Applicant must have the nationality of a country which has diplomatic relations with the Japanese government. This applies at such times to stateless persons, too. Applicant who has Japanese nationality at the time of application will not be eligible. Applicant screening will be made at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General hereinafter referred to as the “Japanese legation”) in the country of Applicant’s nationality (except where two or more countries are attended by the same Japanese Embassy/Consulate General).

(2) Age: Applicant must have been born on or after April 2,1978.

(3) Academic Background: Applicant must be a graduate from a Japanese university or have academic ability equal or superior to that of a Japanese university graduate. A person will be deemed to have academic ability equal or superior to that of a university graduate, if he/she

•  has completed or will complete a 16-year school curriculum in a foreign country (or an 18-year school curriculum if he/she desires to enroll in a doctoral course in the field of medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or pharmacy which is founded on a 6-year department or faculty); or

•  is or will be aged 22 or older and has taken an individual entrance qualification examination and has been judged by a graduate school as being equal or superior in academic ability to a university graduate (or 24 or older if he/she desires to enroll in a doctoral course in the field of medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or pharmacy which is founded on a 6-year department or faculty).

Note: Eligible applicants include those who otherwise satisfy or will satisfy qualification requirements for admission to a Japanese graduate school. As a general rule, a person who has completed a doctoral course may not apply unless he/she seeks to obtain a degree.

(4) Major Field of Study: Applicant should apply for the field of study he/she studied at the previous university or any related field.  Applicant must choose a field on which he/she can receive education and perform research at the university of his/her choice.

(5) Japanese Language: Applicant must be willing to learn the Japanese language, interested in Japan and enthusiastic about deepening his/her understanding of Japan after arriving, and capable of engaging in study and research while adapting himself/herself to life in Japan.

(6) Health: Applicant must be physically and mentally healthy enough to pursue study at university.

(7) Arrival in Japan: Applicant must be able to leave for and arrive in Japan between the 1st and 7th of April 2013, or within two weeks of the date set by the receiving university for the beginning of the semester (in principle, in September or October). Travel expenses will not be provided if the Applicant is unable to travel to Japan during this set period.

(8) Visa Requirement: Selected Applicants must obtain a College Student （ryuugaku 留学） visa prior to his arrival in Japan. Applicants who are already in Japan under a visa other than College Student are required to change it to College Student by the end of the month preceding the start of the scholarship. Applicants who change their resident status to any status other than “College Student” after their arrival in Japan will immediately lose their status as a Japanese government scholarship student.

(9) Scholarships will not be awarded in the following cases:

•  The Applicant is an active member of the military or a civilian employed by the military

•  The Applicant is unable to travel to Japan within the dates set by the receiving university

•  The Applicant was a grantee of a Japanese Government Scholarship in the past will not be selected unless he/she has had at least three years of research or teaching experience after completion of the first scholarship. This exclusion will not apply to a research-student applicant, who (i) as a foreign student in Japan received training in the Japanese language and/or Japanese culture at a university and graduated from it, or who (ii) was a foreign student in Japan under the Japan-Korea Joint Science and Engineering Students Exchange Program.

•  The Applicant is currently enrolled in a Japanese university under the resident status of “College Student,” or if he/she plans to enroll at a Japanese university as a privately-financed foreign student between the time of application for this scholarship and the time the scholarship period is due to begin.

•  The Applicant is already the recipient of a scholarship from an organization (including a governmental organization in his/her country of origin) other than the Japanese government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology – MEXT).

•  The Applicant, considered a “future graduate” and selected as such, is unable to graduate within the pre-set date or unable to fulfill graduation requirements.

Application Instructions:

Because the application process differs according to the country in which the Japanese embassy is located, please inquire at the Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country for details. Scholarship recipients are recruited and initially screened by a Japanese embassy (or consulate general, depending on the country).

The deadline of the applications differ varies per country but the application period falls around March-May each year.

It is important to read the 2013 Japanese Scholarship Guidelines for Research Students and visit the official website (links found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Deadline: March-May 2013

Course starts October 2013

Japan : Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarships in Development for International Students

Brief description:

The objective of the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships is to help create an international community of highly-trained professionals working in the field of economic and social development. The community will actively participate in the capacity building efforts in the developing countries.

Host Institution(s):

Applicants are encouraged to apply to one of the Preferred Universities 2013-2014 which, other things equal, will have priority in the scholarship award.

Program of study:

Eligible applicants should propose a program of study related to development at the master’s level, in fields such as economics, health, education, agriculture, environment, natural resource management, or other development‑related subject.

The proposed program of study should start during the academic year 2012/2013 for a maximum duration of two years. The JJ/WBGSP does not support applicants who are already enrolled (i.e., taking classes) in graduate degree programs.

Applicants should submit evidence of current unconditional admission to at least one development-related university master’s degree program and are encouraged to submit application to a second such program. Applicants are encouraged to apply to one of the Preferred Universities which, other things equal, will have priority in the scholarship award.

The Program does not support studies in the applicant’s home country.

The Program does not support applicants for MBA, MDs, M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees.

The Program does not support legal studies such as J.D., L.L.M. or S.J.D. except for L.L.M.’s related to human rights, environment, or good governance.

The scholarship program does not sponsor undergraduate studies, distance learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, research projects, and fields of studies not related to development. All these requests will not be considered.

The Program does not support certain other fields of study.

Number of Awards:

Not specified

Target group:

Citizens of World Bank Member Countries eligible to borrow.

Scholarship value/inclusions:

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides annual awards to cover the cost of completing a master’s degree or its equivalent. The awards are given for one year and, provided that the academic program is longer than one year, may be renewed for a second consecutive year or a portion thereof, subject to satisfactory academic performance in the first year and the availability of funds. There is an absolute two year maximum limit on JJ/WBGSP awards.

The scholarship provides benefits for the recipient only, covering:

•  economy class air travel between the home country and the host university at the start of the study program and one return journey following the end of the overall scholarship period. In addition to the ticket, scholars receive a US $500 travel allowance for each trip;

•  tuition and the cost of basic medical and accident insurance usually obtained through the university;

•  a monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, including books.

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship does not cover:

•  expenses for the scholar’s family

•  extra-curricular courses or training

•  language training

•  additional travel during the course of the study program

•  additional expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, or participation in workshops, seminars, or internships while at the host university; or

•  educational equipment such as computers

In addition:

•  The scholarship award is valid for the academic year immediately following the offer of award and cannot be deferred for any reason.

•  The amount of scholarship may vary depending upon the host country and the tuition charged by the host university. In recent years the annual value of a scholarship has averaged around US$35,000.

•  The JJ/WBGSP scholarship only supplements, and does not duplicate, any other source of financial support/fellowship the scholar might have. Scholars must inform the JJ/WBGSP if they have other sources of scholarship funds. The JJ/WBGSP stipend may be withdrawn completely or partially if during the scholarship period the Program has evidence of additional sources of support.

Eligibility:

To apply for a JJ/WBGSP scholarship under the Regular Program, an applicant must:

•  Be a national of a World Bank member country eligible to borrow.

•  Be born after March 31, 1972.

•  Have, by March 31, 2013, at least 2, preferably 4 to 5, years of recent full time professional experience acquired after a university degree, in the applicant’s home country or in another developing country.

•  Hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

•  Be in good health.

•  Be of good character.

•  Not be a permanent resident or a national of any industrialized country.

•  Not be residing in an industrialized country for more than one year.

•  Not be an Executive Director, his/her alternate, staff of the World Bank Group (the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, International Development Association, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, and International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes), consultant, or relative of the aforementioned.

Selection Criteria:

Eligible applications are assessed according to three main factors: academic excellence, professional experience, and relevance of program of study. Priority is given to candidates from the public sector with a high potential to impact the development in their own countries after completion of their studies. To the extent permitted by Program requirements and selection standards, the JJ/WBGSP:

•  seeks to maintain a reasonably wide geographical distribution of awards and gives priority to applicants from low-income countries

•  supports promising female candidates

•  gives priority to those candidates who, other things equal, have limited financial resources

Application instructions:

Applications are usually available as:  on-line application form presented in English, French, and Spanish or pdf files that can be downloaded from JJ/WBGSP website at this link.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the application along with ALL supporting documentation including an admission letter to a master’s degree program in ONE PACKAGE.

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

Masters Degree Deadline: 31 March 2013

Japan : JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme

1. Introduction

The JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme was launched in 2002 and is jointly organised by UNU and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

It is designed to provide promising, highly qualified, young researchers the opportunity to conduct advanced research relevant to the main thematic focus of UNU-IAS (Institute of Advanced Studies), located in Yokohama, or UNU-ISP (Institute for Sustainability and Peace), located in Tokyo, and in co-operation with their host researchers at Japanese universities and research institutions. UNU acts as the nominating authority for the JSPS-UNU Programme, and UNU-IAS administers the programme on behalf of UNU in the nominating process.

This fellowship is aimed at candidates who have completed their PhD in the past six years and also have professional and/or research experience.

UNU will assist in securing acceptance from the host researchers for short-listed candidates. After the host researcher is secured for each short-listed candidate, UNU will make formal nominations to JSPS, which funds this programme. The final award decision will be made by JSPS and Awards Letters will be issued by JSPS to the fellowship awardees. An advisor for each fellowship awardee will be selected for the period of research in Japan from among the UNU (UNU-IAS or UNU-ISP) faculty members. 

2. Fields of Research

UNU conducts research on all fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Yet, research proposals for JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowships should relate clearly to one of the current research areas of UNU-IAS and UNU-ISP as well as aim to be policy-relevant.

The following Research Programmes and Projects at UNU-IAS in Yokohama are accepting applications for JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellows:

1. Science and Technology for Sustainable Societies
2. Sustainable Urban Futures
3. Biodiplomacy Initiative
4. Sustainable Development Governance
5. Traditional Knowledge Initiative

The following Research Programmes at UNU-ISP in Tokyo are accepting applications for JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellows:

    6.    International Cooperation and Development
    7.    Global Change and Sustainability
    8.    Peace and Security

3. Eligibility

Citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals are not eligible.
Holders of a doctoral degree when the Fellowship goes into effect, which must have been received on or after 2 April 2007, or those scheduled to receive a doctorate degree before the Fellowship goes into effect.

Applicants with at least 10 months research and/or professional experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Those who have previously been awarded a fellowship under the “JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Foreign Researchers" (excluding Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (Short-term) for North American and European Researchers and Summer Program) are not eligible.  

4. Duration of the Fellowship

Fellowships are awarded for a period of 24 months.

5. Terms of Award

1. A round-trip air ticket (based on JSPS regulations)
2. A monthly maintenance allowance of JPY362,000
3. A settling-in allowance of JPY200,000, Overseas travel accident and sickness insurance coverage, etc. 

Note:

• The terms of the Awards indicated above are subject to change by JSPS.
• If the Fellow resides in Japan on the date his/her award letter is issued, the above-mentioned air ticket to Japan and settling-in allowance will not be provided.
• A research grant, “Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research”, of up to JPY1,500,000 per year (total of JPY3,000,000 for two years. The amount varies depending on the areas/disciplines of research.) is available to cover cooperative research-related expenses. Application for these grants is made by the host researcher through his/her institution.

This award is provided by JSPS, and the JSPS program guidelines will be available on JSPS' website in January 2013 .

6. Nomination of Candidates

1. UNU will act as a nominating authority of the Programme, and application should be submitted to UNU-IAS.

          UNU-IAS nominates candidates to the JSPS based on the following criteria: 
             (i) the research objectives of the applicant and the quality of the research 
                proposal,             (ii) the relevance of the research proposal to the ongoing or planned research 
                activities of the applicant's indicated Research Programme at UNU-IAS or 
                UNU-ISP, and             (iii) the applicant's academic merit and the potential for successful research 
                while in Japan .

    2.     UNU will try to inform the successful candidates of the results of 
            the nomination in May 2013.

    3.     JSPS takes up to 3 months after receiving the nominations to 
            process its award decision.

7. Starting Date and Deadline for Applications

The JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme begins on 1 September and the selected Fellows are required to be in Japan by this date. The deadline for applications for the 2013 Fellowships is 28 February 2013.

8. To Apply

Interested and eligible candidates are invited to complete the online-application form. If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact us (see the contacts below).  The online form and the required documents indicated in the form must be in English. If the supporting document is in another language, please also attach an English translation.  Short-listed candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview.  Contacts :

JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies
6F, International Organizations Center
Pacifico-Yokohama
1-1-1 Minato Mirai
Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-8502
Japan Email: fellowships@ias.unu.edu Fax: +81-45-221-2302

Application Deadline : 28 February 2013