http://www.dajf.org.uk/scholarships/general-information

The Daiwa Scholarship is a unique 19-month programme of language study, work placement and homestay in Japan.

Daiwa Scholarships offer young and talented UK citizens with strong leadership potential, the opportunity to acquire Japanese language skills, and to access expertise and knowledge relevant to their career goals.

No previous experience of Japan or Japanese is necessary. 

As of  April 2012, 135 Daiwa Scholars – including scientists, artists, academics, lawyers and architects – will have benefited from the Daiwa Scholarships.

Daiwa Scholarships are provided by the Foundation to encourage better understanding between both countries.

The closing date for Daiwa Scholarship 2013 applications is Thursday 6 December 2012. The online application will be available from September 2012.

The Foundation is also happy to provide advice about possible applications – please contact scholarships@dajf.org.uk.

Programme

DURATION
Daiwa Scholarships last 19 months, starting in mid-September and finishing at the end of March.

ORIENTATION
The selected Daiwa Scholars undertake an orientation course in the UK in mid- September and then move to Japan for the rest of the Scholarship. There is also a short orientation on arrival in Tokyo.

LANGUAGE STUDY (Months 1-12)
All Daiwa Scholars undertake intensive Japanese language study at the Tokyo School of the Japanese Language, known also as the Naganuma School, and complementary communication classes. After 15 months, they are expected to reach an upper-intermediate level of language ability and are encouraged to sit Level N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

Level N2 is the second most advanced stage in the JLPT and is a challenging but achievable objective. To attain Level N2, candidates must demonstrate an understanding of a high level of grammar, kanji (Chinese characters), vocabulary and the ability to converse, read and write about matters of a general nature.

SEMINARS (Months 2-3)
A series of weekly seminars in English are held for Daiwa Scholars at Hosei University in Tokyo. These are designed to give Scholars an introduction to Japanese life, culture and society.

HOMESTAY (Month 13)
Daiwa Scholars spend one month with a family outside Tokyo at the end of the first year to improve their language ability and to enhance their understanding of Japan.

WORK PLACEMENTS (Months 14-19)
The Foundation arranges individual work placements appropriate to each Daiwa Scholar’s career goals. Previous Daiwa Scholars have been based at organisations including government ministries, NGOs, universities, think-tanks, media companies, architecture practices and law firms. A high standard of Japanese is essential to benefit from a successful work placement.

GRADUATION
Completion of the programme is marked by a graduation ceremony in Tokyo at which each graduating Scholar gives a short speech in Japanese. Scholars then automatically become members of the Daiwa Scholars Alumni Association.

Naganuma School (external link)

JLPT (external link)

Hosei University (external link)

Eligibility

Candidates for the Daiwa Scholarships must be:

– British citizens

– aged between 21 and 35 years of age by the time of departure.

Candidates should be:

– graduates or due to graduate by the time of departure

– equipped with a strong degree in any subject* or with a strong record of achievement in their field

– in possession of clear career objectives and a commitment to furthering UK-Japan links.

*Graduates in Japanese language studies are not eligible to apply for Daiwa Scholarships but may wish to apply for support through the Foundation’s grant schemes.

TUITION
The Foundation meets all tuition and examination fees associated with the Scholarship.

MAINTENANCE GRANT
Daiwa Scholars receive a maintenance grant equivalent to ¥3,120,000 per annum for the duration of the Scholarship to cover accommodation and living costs. Scholars may not undertake remunerated work in Japan.

TRAVEL
The Foundation meets the cost of economy-class travel to and from Japan at the beginning and end of the Scholarship.

ACCOMMODATION
For their first weeks in Japan, Daiwa Scholars are accommodated in a hotel in central Tokyo. During this period, they will look for rented apartments in which they will live for the remainder of the Scholarship.