Daiwa Anglo Japanese Foundation - Daiwa Scholarship

Benefit

You will receive a monthly scholarship of about 1,660 EUR (280,000 yen) for approximately 20 months in Japan, where you will learn Japanese and undertake an internship tailored to your career goals. The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation will also cover your language course and examination fees, economy-class flights to and from Japan, hotel accommodation during your first few weeks in Tokyo, and private health insurance. The programme is structured in several phases: a one-month intensive Japanese language course in the UK, approximately one year of language study in Tokyo with the aim of reaching JLPT level N2 (upper intermediate) level, an exchange of around one month with a Japanese host family, and an internship placement arranged for you. Former scholarship holders have worked in museums, universities, law firms, theatres and architectural practices, amongst other places. Upon completion, you will become a member of the Daiwa Scholarship Holders’ alumni network. The scholarship covers living expenses for one person; therefore, you are not permitted to undertake any paid part-time work during the programme.

Eligibility

• Nationality: You must be a British citizen. That is a strict rule.
• Degree: At the time of commencing your studies, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in any subject area, with the exception of Japanese. You may also apply without a degree if you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in your field of study.
• Field of study: All disciplines are welcome. Graduates in Japanese Studies should instead apply for the separate Daiwa scholarships for Japanese Studies.
• Japanese level: Your knowledge of Japanese must not exceed JLPT N3 level. No prior knowledge of Japanese or experience of Japan is required; however, you must demonstrate a strong aptitude for and keen interest in language learning.
• Goals: You have clear career goals, leadership potential and are genuinely committed to building relations between the UK and Japan.
• University: You can apply from any UK university.

How to apply

Please submit the online application form and three letters of recommendation by 3 December. Shortlisted candidates will attend an initial interview in London in February, followed by an online language aptitude test. The finalists will have a final interview with the members of the Board of Trustees in March. Up to eight scholarship holders are selected each year.

How realistic are your chances?

Each year, no more than eight places are awarded, and applicants come from all over the UK – so it is a genuine selection process. The strict eligibility criteria limit the pool of applicants: you must be a British citizen, hold a university degree not obtained in Japan, and have little or no knowledge of Japanese. If you meet these criteria and can demonstrate genuine leadership qualities, clear career goals and a strong feel for language, you stand a good chance – but be prepared for stiff competition.