The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan (MEXT) is now accepting applications for the 2nd round of Tobitate! Ryugaku Scholarships which will be awarded to 500 Japanese senior high school (SHS) students. What is notable for UK institutions is that some new categories were added to this scholarship programme, including one category allowing 140 students to study languages at language schools. Another 100 places will be allocated for students participating in summer academic courses provided by universities and schools.

Students will need to apply for the scholarships through their schools by mid-February 2016. However, a certain number of scholarships will be allocated to students who will enter senior high schools in April 2016 and their applications will be accepted until mid-April. Students will need to have a concrete plan including which institution they aim to study at, but will not be required to have confirmation from the institution at the point of application for the scholarship.

For detailed information on the scholarship programme, please see the PDF attached below.

The scholarship programme consists of 6 courses;

1. Academic Takeoff: 2-3 weeks of language study and cultural exchange experience
2. Academic Short: Academic study between 2 weeks and 3 months (e.g. summer school provided by high schools and universities)
3. Academic Long: Longer-term (4 months – 1 year) academic study at high schools
4. Professional: Practical training or internships in a technical area such as tourism, IT, culinary arts, farming and mechanics
5. Sports & Art: Skills training at a sports training centre, education institution or art school
6. International Volunteer: participation in support activities organized by an NGO or international cooperation study at a relevant organisation

Below is a list of advice for UK institutions.

• New Opportunities for UK institutions, especially English language teaching providers – Academic Takeoff course
  In the previous round, pure language study was not accepted. However, 2-3 weeks of language study will be possible for the 2^nd round through the newly introduced Academic Takeoff course. MEXT is offering 140 places for this course. This will create opportunities for any UK institutions offering English language courses for Japanese students aged 15-18.
   
• Opportunities for universities and schools: Academic Short course
  Universities and schools which provide academic summer schools for 16-18 year-olds are advised to actively promote their programmes. The focus of such programmes should be academic study, rather than language learning. If the main part of your programme(s) is language learning, students should apply for the Academic Takeoff scholarship.   
   
• Working with Japanese agents
  While some of the applicants may contact institutions directly, most students and teachers are expected to rely on agents to find study abroad options. MEXT is also planning to publish a list of study abroad agents whose courses meet the scholarship requirements on their official campaign website. If your institution has a partner agent in Japan, we recommend you ask them to help promote your courses, especially if your partner agent is on the MEXT list. Additionally, any institutions which have worked with Japanese senior high schools are advised to contact the schools directly for potential collaborations.
   
• Professional Course
  Last year, we helped promote a number of courses provided by further education colleges for this category. However, this year, MEXT has clarified that scholarships for this category will be allocated to students who will participate in hands-on activities such as professional training and internships in workplaces rather than academic studies at colleges.
   
• Hands-on activities and Ambassador activities
  Applications for any category must include plans for cultural exchange experiences outside of the school, such as introducing Japanese culture.  If any part of your programme(s) can help students achieve this, it should be highlighted when promoting.

If you have any enquiries, please contact Rui Ogura at rui.ogura@britishcouncil.or.jp.