Student Exchange Programme

The cross-border exchange of the young people who are to steer the global future is extremely important for the mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. In particular, student exchange helps promote friendship and goodwill with other countries and gain their understanding toward Japan. It also drives Japan to internationalize its higher education institutions, revitalize its regions and businesses, and foster human resources capable of shouldering the future of the developing countries. From that perspective, Japan promotes student exchange programs with various countries, welcoming young people from around the world to study in Japan.

1. Number of international students studying in Japan (as of May 1, 2008)

As of May 1, 2008, the number of international students studying in Japan reached a record 123,829. Looking at the students' countries of origin, about 92% are from the neighboring countries and regions of Asia (of which the top three shares are China at about 58.8%, Korea at about 15.2%, and Taiwan at about 4.1%). These students are expected to play an important role in the building of relationships of trust between Japan and its neighboring countries in the future.

2. Efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

The Government of Japan is promoting the "Plan to accept 300000 International Students," an initiative aimed at accepting 300,000 international students by 2020. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) cooperates with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), which is the major agency responsible for admitting students into Japan, and other relevant ministries to provide wide-ranging services for international students. This includes information for prospective students and assistance for former international students in Japan.

(1) Accepting international students

[Before coming to Japan]

(A) Providing study abroad information

MOFA offers various forms of information through its overseas missions to those interested in studying in Japan. It also offers university and school guidance, scholarship guidance, introductory videos about studying in Japan, and pamphlets on studying abroad. In China, Korea, Taiwan, and other countries with a substantial number of applicants, overseas missions of Japan post former international students to Japan as "study abroad advisors" to respond to questions and consultations.

Information about studying in Japan is also available on the Internet website: STUDY IN JAPAN: COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE .

(B) Recruiting and screening of government-sponsored international students (Japanese Government Scholarships)

At present, prospective students from about 160 countries and regions interested in obtaining Japanese Government Scholarships can apply to Japan's overseas missions to be shortlisted for a further selection procedure in Japan.

(C) Orientation event before coming to Japan

Japan's overseas missions provide orientation for Japanese Government scholarship students about to travel to Japan.

Reference: STUDY IN JAPAN

(D) Support for the fostering of human resources in developing countries

Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS): JDS is a grant aid project to provide the necessary funds to support human resources development of developing countries, targeting highly capable, young administrative officials who are expected to engage in formulating and implementing social and economic development plans and to play a leading role in their countries.
Japanese ODA Loans for International Students (International Student Loans): To support human resource development plans in developing countries, Japan has provided a total of 76.4 billion yen in Japanese ODA loans to the governments of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia (on the E/N bases), and accepted 4,119 students as of November 2008. (Among Japanese ODA loans provided upon the request of the recipient government, those loans for human resource development plans including studying in Japan are specially called "International Student Loans.")

[While staying in Japan]

MOFA provides necessary support to international students in Japan by working together with MEXT. It actively backs the domestic support projects for those students which are initiated by local governments and private institutions.

In addition, MOFA implements the United Nations University Financial Assistance Programme for Students from Developing Countries (FAP) to help privately-funded students from developing countries complete their academic pursuits in Japan and thereby contribute to human resources development in their home countries. In this program, the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provide funds to the United Nations University to make loans to eligible students of cooperating universities (up to 400,000 yen interest-free for each student). A total of 727 students received loans through this program (totaling approximately 170 million yen) as of November 2008.

Reference: UNU Financial Assistance Programme for Students from Developing Countries in Japan

[After returning from Japan]

After completing their study in Japan, international students are expected to use their experience to play active roles in their home society. They serve as a valuable bridge between Japan and their home countries, and thereby contribute to the deepening of the understanding toward Japan and friendly relationships between other countries and Japan. MOFA carries out the following support projects for former international students to Japan through overseas missions to ensure that they keep in touch with Japan.

(A) Support for the compilation of an alumni list of former international students to Japan

(B) Support for organizing alumni associations of former international students to Japan, support for various alumni events, provision of gathering opportunities, and assistance for publishing and distributing newsletters

(C) Providing platforms, such as speech events, for former international students to Japan to present their achievements from studying in Japan.

(D) Subsidies via the Japan Foundation for the operational cost of alumni offices (especially for alumni associations in ASEAN countries)

(E) "Reunion of Former International Students in Japan"

Every year, MOFA invites about 70 former international students in Japan who are active participants in their home countries to Japan. This serves as a great opportunity for the former students to socialize with one another, deepen exchanges with their Japanese counterparts, and refresh their views about Japan. In 2008, former international students from 10 countries in Southeast Asia, 5 countries in Southwest Asia, 7 countries in the Middle East, 2 countries in Central Asia, China and Mongolia were invited to Japan.

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