Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS) 2024: A Gateway to Higher Education for Refugee Students in Japan

The Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS) is a newly launched initiative for 2024, aimed at providing full undergraduate scholarships to refugee students at International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo. This scholarship is designed to offer displaced students a chance to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals in a supportive environment.

Scholarship Details: Each year from 2025 to 2028, two students will be selected to receive a full scholarship that covers tuition, fees, on-campus accommodation, and a stipend. This comprehensive support package ensures that students can focus entirely on their studies and personal development without financial burdens.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the EPS, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Displacement and Relocation: Students must have relocated to Japan through an education pathways program administered by Pathways Japan. Students attending  Pathways Japan’s partner language schools may also apply, even if they did not relocate through the program.
• Age: Applicants must be 25 years old or younger at the time of enrollment (April 1, 2025).
• Marital Status: Applicants must be single with no dependents.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must have Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N3 level or above. Those who have not taken the N3 exam but possess equivalent proficiency will also be considered.
• Nationality: There are no restrictions on nationality.

Important Note for RHEP Applicants: Students applying to UNHCR Japan’s Refugee Higher Education Program (RHEP) should note that if they are selected as finalists for RHEP, they cannot apply to EPS. Once accepted into either program, finalists cannot withdraw their application.

Application Process: The application for enrollment in Spring 2025 will be open from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2024. The application form will be available on the official website during this period, and there is no fee to apply.

Application Timeline:

• Spring to Summer 2024: Online information sessions
• September 1 – October 1, 2024: Application period
• October to November 2024: Document screening and interviews
• December 2, 2024: Announcement of results

Required Documents:

1. Online Application Form: Accessible only from September 1 to October 1, 2024. Click the “Apply” button on the website to access the form.
2. Proof of High School Completion: A copy of the high school diploma with an English translation.
3. High School Transcript: Upload a copy of your high school transcript with an English translation if needed. ICU requires transcripts for the last three years of high school education.
4. National/Standardized Examination Results: Inquire for details.
5. Two Recommendation Letters:
   • Regular Students: Both letters should be from high school teachers, with one from an instructor of a core academic subject.
   • Transfer Students: Both letters should be from college/university faculty members. If you have not completed one academic year of college/university work, one letter may be from a high school teacher.
6. English Proficiency Test Score: Accepted tests include TOEFL iBT (minimum score 79), IELTS (minimum score 6.5), and Duolingo English Test (minimum score 110).
7. Personal Statement: A 500-600 word statement in English covering your current situation, study and career plans, and how you can contribute to ICU’s ideals.
8. Short Essay: A 400-500 word essay on a current issue or a significant experience, with a title at the beginning.

Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship covers the following:

• Application Fee: Waived for selected students.
• Matriculation Fee
• Tuition
• Facilities Fee
• On-campus Accommodation
• Monthly Stipend

Conclusion: The EPS is a transformative opportunity for refugee students to gain a world-class education at ICU. With full financial support and a nurturing environment, selected students will be empowered to achieve their academic and personal goals.

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