The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad ScholarshipAbout the Scholarship

The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship provides financial assistance to American
undergraduates or graduate students for a semester or year-long study abroad program in Japan. From2016, a generous endowment gift of $10 million from Mr. Toshizo (Tom) Watanabe to the U.S.-Japan
Council makes it possible to award scholarships to students for whom study abroad would not be possible
without financial support. The scholarship program grants awards to recipients in amounts determined byfinancial need and other qualifications. As part of Watanabe Scholarship’s initiative to develop the next
generation of leaders, the scholars will have an opportunity to participate in a leadership training program
during their scholarship year.

Eligibility Criteria
Please visit website for the full list.

1. U.S. citizen or permanent resident
2. Will be enrolled in an exchange program orcredit-bearing course of study at a university
in Japan*
3. Demonstrates financial need for international
study

How to Apply
All students must complete an online application
using the scholarship portal. The following
materials comprise the materials that must besubmitted in an application for the scholarship.
Selection scheduled to be conducted solely on
application materials, no interviews.
∙ Application Form

∙ Study Abroad
Certification Form*

4. Preference will be given to applicants who
have been raised by a single parent and/or
first generation to go to college/university∙ Personal
Statement Essay∙ Resume∙ Financial Aid
Certification Form**Applicants who have not confirmed a study abroad
school or are already enrolled in a Japanese school as adegree-seeking student are eligible. However, scholarshipcannot be used for language schools.

∙ Letter ofRecommendation∙ Academic Transcript(optional)*Template will be provided

Scholarship Timeline
November - December: Virtual Info Sessions
Mid-January: Online Application Opens
Late February: Application Deadline
Early June: Scholarship Decisions Announced
Early July: Scholarship Disbursement Begins∙ More than 100 recipients todate (as of Sept. 2022)∙ Open to any school or major(except language schools)∙ Scholarship amount varies*Schedule subject to change. Please visit our website for details.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are graduate and degree-seeking students eligible for this scholarship?
Yes. However, the scholarship is only for a maximum of one year of support. If you receive it,
you may reapply for a second or third year. But please note that there is no guarantee that you
will be awarded again.
Can I combine the Watanabe Scholarship with other financial aid I may receive?
Yes, you may combine other scholarships with the Watanabe
Scholarship up to the full cost of attendance for your study abroad.
If I am selected, how will I receive the scholarship award?
The scholarship award will be paid in one lump-sum, to scholar’sinstitution (either the U.S. or Japanese institution), not to thescholar directly.

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What makes the Watanabe Scholarship Unique?
∙ Scholars participate in dedicated leadership development program – all expenses covered & freeof cost
∙ Scholars can join programs and events hosted by the USJC
∙ Networking opportunity with USJC Members in various fields and professions

About the U.S.-Japan Council
The U.S.-Japan Council develops and connects global leaders to create a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship.
It is an organization whose members believe people-to-people relationships are a powerful way tobring together leaders in the U.S. and Japan to address and create solutions to mutual concerns.
The Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization that was founded in 2008 and isheadquartered in Washington, DC with staff in California, Hawaii and Tokyo. In 2012, the U.S.-Japan
Council (Japan) was created to support the administration of the TOMODACHI Initiative, and in 2013,
it became a Public Interest Corporation (koeki zaidan hojin). The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) maintains anoffice in Tokyo, Japan.

Contact
For questions, email
WatanabeScholarship@usjapancouncil.org
No telephone inquiries please.

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