ＯＵ Fellowship Ｑ＆Ａ
Machine translation is used in this page so that this page does not provide 100% accurate
information.
【1. Planned Enrollment Capacity】
Q1-1

Is there a frame of number of employees for each graduate school?

A1-1

The number of employees for each graduate school has not been determined.

Q1-2

I would like to know about the prospects of the number of recruiting people after the next year.

A1-2

The OU Fellowship will continue from 2023 academic year. The number of recruiting people
will vary depending on the recruitment status of this year, so the number of people can’t beanswered clearly, but both Type A and B are planned to adopt about 10 people each year.

【2. Qualification Requirements】
Q2-1

Can foreign students can apply?

A2-1

Foreign students can apply for both Type A and B. However, students from abroad receiving
support through the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship or scholarships from their own
countries are not eligible to apply.
In addition, we will examine based on the “strengthening the support of students enrolling in
the doctoral degree program who can play important roles in science, technology andinnovation creation in Japan” which is the purpose of this project.

Q2-2

Can people who come from the doctoral and master’s course of other universities apply for ?

A2-2

It is subject to.

Q2-3

Is there any age limitation?

A2-3

Regarding the age limitation, applicants for the OU Fellowship Type A must be younger than
30 years of age (younger than 32 years of age for applicants have taken time away from theiracademic pursuits to have and raise children or for other life events/ younger than 33 years ofage for those who have enrolled in a medical field that requires clinical research) as of April 1,
2022.
Type B is no age limitation. For example, students who entered the doctoral course after
retirement also can apply for Type B, but we select the successful OU Fellowship applicantswith the purpose of this project such as “promote the development of diverse carrier paths to1

be widely active.
Q2-4

Is there a limit by grade?

A2-4

Only students who are scheduled to enroll in April 2022 can apply for Type A (In the case of
Four-year Doctoral Degree Program, Students who are scheduled to enter their second year in
April 2022 can apply for.). Type B does not limit by grade if you are students who are scheduled
to enroll in October 2021 or students enrolling in the doctoral courses as of October 1, 2021.
(However, the period of distribution of both Type A and B are limited within the standard
period of completion.).

Q2-5

I would like to know about details of the annual income limit.

A2-5

There is no annual income limit on Type A, but members of the workforce can’t apply for. In
the case of Type B, “Students who have stable income that is sufficient to live on*” are noteligible to apply for (* “Stable income that is sufficient to live on” here means 2,400,000
yen/year.). For details, please refer to “2. Qualification Requirements” of the Application
Guidelines.
If you are engaged in short-term labor such as a part-time job, in principle, you do not need tosubmit a certificate of estimated income. However, if you hold a doctor’s license and engage
in medical care in medical institutions, please submit a proof of income. (If you are engaged
in work multiple institutions, please submit multiple sheets.)
In addition, you don’t need to submit a certificate of estimated income of dependents. We don’t
consider the annual income of dependents for examination. For details, please refer to “2.
Qualification Requirements” of the Application Guidelines.

Q2-6

Are working students who do not receive sufficient living expenses from their companies
eligible for this program?

A2-6

The purpose of this project is to provide an environment where students can devote themselves
to research by providing an amount equivalent to living expenses, so if your company has asystem that allows you to receive an amount equivalent to living expenses (based on otherprograms, etc., the standard amount is 2,400,000 yen per year), you are not eligible for thisprogram in principle. If there are any circumstances that should be taken into consideration,please contact the OU Fellowship Office.

Q2-7

Are students who retired early from companies after entering the workforce and then entereda doctoral course also eligible?

A2-7

Type A is not eligible because it falls under "(2) individuals who have retired from a job that2

provides a regular income" of "Members of the workforce". Type B is eligible and you canapply.
Q2-8

For Type B, can I apply if I had income exceeding 2,400,000 yen until last year, but I do not
expect to have income exceeding 2,400,000 yen this year?

A2-8

You can apply. However, you will need to submit a certificate of estimated income.

Q2-9

Regarding Type B, "Students who have stable income that is sufficient to live on" are noteligible, but can they apply if they earn more than the standard annual income through regularpart-time work?

A2-9

If you are earning more than the standard amount of recurring income from a part-time job,
rent income, etc., you cannot apply.

Q2-10

For Type B, the income for the application requirement is either salary income or grossincome.

A2-10 It is Salary income (face value, including various allowances).
Q2-11 Is it possible to apply for a Research Fellows (Young Scientists) of the Japan Society for the
Promotion of Science in addition to the OU Fellowship?
A2-11

It is possible. Please indicate this on the application form. However, it is not possible toreceive the fellowship at the same time, so if you are selected for both fellowships, you will
have to decline one of them. Please contact the OU Fellowship Office as soon as you find out
whether you have been selected as a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow or not.

Q2-12

Is it possible to apply for a Research Fellows (Young Scientists) of the Japan Society for the
Promotion of Science while receiving an OU Fellowship?

A2-12

It is possible. However, it is not possible to receive the fellowship at the same time, so if you
are selected for both fellowships, you will have to decline one of them. Please contact the OU
Fellowship Office as soon as you find out whether you have been selected as a JSPS
Postdoctoral Fellow or not.

Q2-13

Is it possible to apply for other scholarships from outside the university at the same time?

A2-13

This program is designed to "create an environment in which doctoral students can devote
themselves to research," and is different in nature from a scholarship, so it is possible to apply
for both. Please indicate this in the application form as reference information.

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Q2-14 Can students who are in their final year as of October 2021 apply?
A2-14

In the case of this application, you can only apply for Type B for the academic year 2021, andthe scholarship will be provided only from October 2021 to March 2022. If you are enrolled
in the next school year or later (if you are enrolled beyond the standard study period), thepayment period will not be extended. (See Q4-1)

Q2-15

I am enrolled as of October 1, 2021. Can I apply for Type B for 2021 and Type A or Type B
for 2022 at the same time?

A2-15

It is possible to apply for Type B for 2021 and Type A for 2022 at the same time.
If you wish to apply for Type B for 2021 and Type B for 2022 at the same time, you may
apply for Type B for 2021 only. In this case, please check the "Prospective for the next
academic year" box on the application form for 2021.

Q2-16 Are foreign students who wish to enroll only if they are selected for an OU Fellowship (andwill not take the entrance exam next year if they are not selected) eligible?
A2-16

Those who are planning entrance examinations for graduate programs are also eligible toapply. Please note, however, that if you are selected for the OU Fellowship but are notadmitted, you will lose your eligibility.

Q2-17 Can students who are currently on a leave of absence apply?
A2-17

If you plan to return to school after October 2021, you can apply. However, the researchencouragement funding will be paid after your return to school. Please note that the period ofabsence from school will be deducted from the standard period of study.

【3. Amount of Support】
Q3-1

What are the criteria for allocating Type B research budget of 400,000 yen or less per year?

A3-1

The research budget for Type B (fixed amount) are basically 400,000 yen per year for all
applicants. The researcher is required to submit a research plan for the fiscal year (including aplan for the execution of research expenses). As for the research grant (Special Category), we
will accept proposals for initiatives to enhance (1) international perspective, (2) researchcapability, and (3) career awareness, and will allocate up to 700,000 yen per year based on thecontent of such proposals.

Q3-2

For Type B, will the research budget provided in 2021 also be up to 1,100,000 yen?

A3-2

The maximum amount of research expenses for 2021 will be 1,100,000 yen, consisting ofresearch budget (fixed amount of 400,000 yen) and research grant (Special Category of4

700,000 yen). The OU Fellowship Office will assess the research plan and other factors todetermine the amount to be allocated for each expense.
As for the research expenses (equivalent to living expenses), 900,000 yen will be paid for 6
months.
Q3-3

For Type B research grant (Special Category), how many people will be allocated the
maximum amount of 700,000 yen?

A3-3

We are unable to provide an answer at this time as it depends on the status of applications, but
we expect that the average amount of funding for the challenge quota per person will be around
200,000 yen.

Q3-4

Are there any restrictions or points to note regarding the use of research funds?

A3-4

The fellowship recipients will be asked to prepare a research plan (including an expense
execution plan) for each fiscal year, and the expenses deemed necessary to carry out the
research plan will be allocated for each fiscal year. Expenses can be used for a wide range of
purposes, in accordance with the University's accounting rules, as necessary to carry out
research, however, for example, if the expense plan for the final year includes the purchase ofcomputers, tablet PCs, digital cameras, etc., which should be prepared at the initial stage of theresearch, we may ask you to confirm the necessity of such purchases. And please note that
research budget must be used appropriately under the supervision of the university (under thesupervision of a supervisor).

Q3-5

My income is over 2,400,000 yen, so I am not eligible. Is it possible for me to receive only the
research budget and not the research encouragement funding?

A3-5

It is not possible to receive research budget only.

【4.Duration】
Q4-1

Is the period of support until the completion of the doctoral course?

A4-1

As a general rule, the duration of the scholarship is three years (four years in the case of a fouryear doctoral program, only for Type B). However, the duration of both Type A and Type B islimited to the standard period.
For Type B, if you wish to continue your research after 2023, you need to apply for renewal.
And Type A recipients will also be judged annually on their suitability as recipients bysubmitting research progress reports, etc., and a decision on whether or not to continue will be
made.

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【5. Application Procedure】
Q5-1

Is the application form to be submitted together with paper and electronic data?

A5-1

Only electronic data is to be submitted. Please send your data by e-mail to the address of the
OU Fellowship Office listed in the application guidelines.

Q5-2

Can I fill out the application form in English?

A5-2

You may fill out the application form in English. We have prepared an English version of theapplication form, which you can download from the application page.
Okayama University Science, Technology, and Innovation Creation Fellowship (OU
Fellowship) [Academic Year 2021・2022] Application Guidelines

Q5-3

Is it acceptable to change the format (font, layout, etc.) of the application form?

A5-3

There are no specific requirements other than the number of points and pages. Please use
figures and tables to describe your research in a way that is easy for non-specialists tounderstand.

Q5-4

Is it necessary to include the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in the "Other
Scholarships, etc." section of the application form?

A5-4 Please include this information as a reference. Please note that this information will not affectthe screening process.
Q5-5

Is it necessary to include loan-type scholarships in the " Other Scholarships, etc." section of
the application form?

A5-5 Please include the fact that it is a loan-type as reference information. Please note that thisinformation will not affect the screening process.
Q5-6

How long is the research plan?

A5-6 Please describe your research plan during the period of your enrollment in the doctoral course.
Q5-7

Regarding the certificate of estimated income to be attached to the application form for fiscal
year 2022, the form asks for the amount to be paid for "October 2021 to September 2022" asin fiscal year 2021, but I think this is an error for "April 2022 to March 2023".

A5-7

Since it is difficult to obtain a certificate of estimated income for the year starting April 2022
at this time, we ask that the amount of payment for "October 2021 to September 2022" bestated for applications for fiscal year 2022 as well. Therefore, the applicant's eligibility will be
determined based on the self-reported estimated income for April 2022 to March 2023 and the6certificate of estimated income for October 2021 to September 2022.
If you are in doubt about your eligibility, please contact the OU Fellowship Office.
Q5-8

Is it enough to scan and attach to an email a certificate of estimated income that has been
written and stamped by the employer?

A5-8

Yes, please send your certificate of estimated income along with the application form to theaddress of the OU Fellowship Office listed in the application guidelines.

Q5-9

Is it necessary for non-working students to submit a certificate of estimated income?

A5-9

Only working students should submit this form. If you are in doubt about the decision, pleasecontact the OU Fellowship Office.

Q5-10

I am currently employed, but will be unemployed at the end of this fiscal year due toretirement or other reasons, so what should I do if it is difficult to submit a certificate ofestimated income?

A5-10

You do not need to submit a certificate of estimated income. The applicant's eligibility will
be determined based on his/her own declaration. Please note that fellowship recipients may
be required to submit a certificate of income or other documentation to confirm their income.

Q5-11 What should I do if there is no applicable tertiary areas of the priority research fields for the"Research Field" in the application form?
A5-11 Regardless of the description in the tertiary areas, please fill in the one that you think is closest
to the description in the secondary areas. The description of the secondary areas will not affectthe selection process, but please be sure to select one of the secondary areas. If you are in
doubt about the decision, please contact the OU Fellowship Office.
Q5-12

What should I do if there is a possibility that the research plan or content will change between
the time of application and the start of research?

A5-12 Please include this possibility in your application.
Q5-13 Can I submit the application form in PDF format?
A5-13

Yes.

Q5-14 In "Research achievements" part, what does "number of theses" mean? What exactly should
I write?
A5-14

The number of theses refers to the article number of conference paper and proceedings.
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However, if there are no applicable conference paper and proceedings, you do not need towrite it.
【6. Selection Process】
Q6-1

Is the interview conducted in person or online?

A6-1

It will be conducted online.

Q6-2

For the interview screening, is it possible to have an interview in English?

A6-2

Yes, it is possible.

Q6-3

What kind of questions will be asked in the interview?

A6-3

We are unable to provide specific details about the content of the interview, but we plan to
conduct it in a format of about 15 minutes per person. The format will be approximately 15
minutes per person, with a short presentation on the research plan at the beginning, followed
by a question and answer session.

Q6-4

For the document review, will the reviewers be selected for each of the medium priority areas?

A6-4

During the document review, all reviewers will look over all applications. Please write yourresearch in a clear and concise manner on the assumption that people outside your field ofexpertise will also read your application.

Q6-5

If there is no one that clearly fits into the secondary areas of the priority research fields, I think
the closest one will be selected. Is this going to affect the review process?

A6-5

It will not affect the screening process.

【7.Other】
Q7-1

If I am eligible, can I work part-time for a short period of time or do TA/RA?

A7-1

This is fine as long as it does not interfere with your ability to work on research or careerdevelopment and training content.

Q7-2

Will there be an employment relationship between the students and the university?

A7-2

There is no employment relationship. For this reason, you will need to manage your own social
insurance, pension, etc.

Q7-3

If I become eligible, do I need to be removed from the support of my dependent (parent, etc.)?

A7-3

In addition to informing the person responsible for the support of the fellowship (parent, etc.)8that the amount equivalent to living expenses is treated as miscellaneous income under tax law,please inquire with the person in charge at the workplace of the person responsible for the
support of the fellowship (parent, etc.) regarding the treatment of support under healthinsurance, support under health insurance, support allowance, etc. Also, please inquire at yourlocal tax office regarding the treatment of dependents for income tax purposes.
Q7-4

Will the income from this project be subject to income tax and inhabitant tax?

A7-4

The amount equivalent to living expenses is treated as miscellaneous income, and is subject toincome tax and inhabitant tax. Please note that you will need to file a tax return.

Q7-5

In the application guideline, it is stated that " Participation in programs related to theimprovement of research capability and support for career path (internship, meetings withcompanies, seminars, etc.)", but how often will these projects be held?

A7-5

Currently, we are conducting (1) exchange meetings with companies (twice a year), (2)transferable skills and communication seminars (workshops, four times a year), and (3) mentor
interviews (six times a year) about once a month (30 minutes to six hours per meeting). At thesame time, students may be asked to self-learn the various skills required in this project throughon-demand materials in order to form a clear career path after completing their degree.

Q7-6

Is the income of the person with whom you share a living arrangement (parents, spouse, etc.)
relevant to the screening process?

A7-6

Income of persons other than the applicant will not be considered.

Q7-7

I understand that nationality is not a requirement for application, but are there any
restrictions on the course of study after completion? For example, is it possible to find a job
at a research institute outside Japan or at a Japanese company?

A7-7

There is no restriction on the course of study, as long as it is consistent with the purpose ofthis fellowship, which is "to cultivate young researchers capable of playing important roles inscience, technology and innovation creation in Japan”.

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