Freedom Degree | Education Pathways Scholarship

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Find opportunities that are right for you to continue your education outside your home country.

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Education Pathways Scholarship

Supports students at risk

Overview The Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS) is a new scholarship that is being launched in 2024. It is a full undergraduate scholarship for refugee students who meet the criteria below to attend International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo. Two undergraduate students will be recruited annually for at least four years from 2025 to 2028. The scholarship will cover full tuition and fees, on-campus accommodation and stipend in principle. ICU scholarship is still running, but applications for spring 2027 are closed. REED Japan’s current Japan Education Pathways page lists two undergraduate scholarships at ICU for spring 2027. Applications ran from 9 July to 2 August 2026; results are expected by December 2026.

Overview

International Christian University (ICU)

Tokyo, Kantō region, Japan

Full-time

English, Japanese

Modern Languages & Literatures, Sociology, Public Policy, Psychology, Politics, Communication, Film & Media Studies, Linguistics, Education, History & Archaeology, Economics & Econometrics, Marketing, Business & Management Studies, Accounting & Finance, Veterinary Science, Biology (Human), Anthropology

Detailed Information

Qualifications

Displaced students who relocated to Japan through an education pathways program administered by Pathways Japan. (Students who did not relocate to Japan through a program administered by Pathways Japan but currently attend Pathways Japan's partner language schools may also apply this year.) Age 25 or under at the time of enrollment in the university (April 1, 2025) Single with no dependents Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N3 level or above (Even if the applicant has not taken the N3 exam, they will be considered if they have proficiency at that level) No restriction on nationality Important note about students applying to UNHCR Japan's Refugee Higher Education Program (RHEP): If you apply to RHEP and are selected to be recommended to one of the member universities in early September, please do not apply to EPS. RHEP does not allow finalists to withdraw once they are accepted, and the same applies to EPS.

Procedure

Application for Enrollment in Spring 2025 Application will be open for a month from September 1, 2024 on this website. The application form will become available on September 1. *There is no fee to apply. Timeline: Spring~Summer 2024: Online information sessions September 1~October 1, 2024: Application open October~November, 2024: Document screening and interviews December 2, 2024: Announcement of results Required documents: Online application form (Only accessible from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1, 2024. Please click the "Appy" button at the bottom of the page.) Proof of high school completion (Copy of high school diploma and English translation) High school transcript Upload a copy your high school transcript with an English translation if the original is not in English. ICU requires a transcript for the last 3 years of your high school education. (This means that if high school ends in 11th grade in the country you attended high school in, you must submit your report card for 9th, 10th and 11th grades.) If you attended more than one high school, please upload transcripts for all schools. If you are unable to obtain a copy of the official version of your transcript, please write to admissions-center@icu.ac.jp and CC information@jicuf.org. The subject line should be "EPS: Lack of official high school transcript. National/standardized examination results (Please inquire for details) Two recommendation letters If you are applying as a regular student, both recommenders should be your high school teachers (e.g. principal, guidance counselor, other teaching staff). One must be a high school instructor who has taught you a core academic subject. If you are applying as a transfer student, both recommenders should be your college/university faculty members. (If you have not completed one academic year of college/university work at the time of application, one of the two may be submitted by your high school teacher.) If you are unable to obtain recommendation letters from the above, you will be asked to explain the reason. English proficiency test score (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test are accepted. There is a minimum score requirement for each: TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo English Test 110.) Personal statement in English, 500-600 words. Please address the following in your statement. Your current situation and reason for applying for this opportunity Study and career plans Your thoughts about the merits of using both English and Japanese in your studies Contributions you can make to realize ICU's idealsWhat are your study and career plans? Short essay on a current issue in English, 400-500 words Write an essay on one of the topics listed below. The essay needs a title at the beginning. A) Discuss a current issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. B) Describe a work of art (painting, literature, music, etc.), a historical episode, or a scientific achievement that has impressed you and explain how it has affected your outlook on life. C) Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, challenge, or ethical dilemma you have accomplished/faced and its impact on you. *Please note that all documents must be prepared in English.

Academic Transfer

Accepts transfer credit.