Application Guideline
1.

Application Period
April 1st – May 10th 2021

2.

Program starting date
October 1st 2021
Due to the spread of Covid-19 (corona virus), ARIISW may change the starting date of
the program.

3.

Residency in Japan
Two (2) years, maximum

4.

Program Period
Three (3) years, maximum

5.

Thesis Topics(A) International Social Work/Social Welfare Studies or(B) Buddhist Social Work

6.

Degree to be awarded
Ph.D. in Social Welfare, Shukutoku University

7.

Qualifications
Applicants must:(1) be the holder of a master’s degree (or its equivalent, preferably in social work).
(2) be ready to submit a completed thesis draft, or be ready to write a thesis from theprogram starting day at the latest. (Applicants must have a thesis topic and aconceptual framework, and preferably will have already written some parts of thethesis.)(3) be able to attend and understand the courses (below 11.(1) which the Asian ResearchInstitute for International Social Work (hereinafter referred to as ARIISW) will provide(4) be a member of a school of social work or a social work agency/organization in Asia or
its equivalant. (See 8.(2) below)(5) be non-Japanese, and not residing in Japan when applying for the program.

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(6) be ready to submit the following three letters of recommendation/reference:a. One by the applicant’s school/university or agency which includes following“guarantees”:(i) permission to be off campus, (ii) having no school/university or agency
assignments, and (iii) the guarantee of good conduct, for the two years’ residence
in Japan as a Visiting Researcher; and (iv) the guarantee of a position upon
return after the two years expire.
[A substitute letter in case of an independent researcher without affiliation
would be discussed with the ARIISW.]
b. One referring to the applicant’s research capabilities.
c. One character referrence.
[One of the three letters should refer to the applicant’s English and/or Japanese
proficiency.](7) have the following experience as a researcher after graduating from school:a. at least three years’ research experience since the completion of a master’s course,orb. at least five years of research experience since the completion of an undergraduate
course, orc. be recognized by the Shukutoku University graduate school as having researchexperience equivalent to the above.
See the attached Appendix, Q & A, or contact us for more information about the
Qualifications.
8.

Selection(1) The core criterion for selection is our confidence in the applicant’s ability to complete
the dissertation within two years, as well as the quality of the proposed thesis.
(2) The priority for selection is given in the following order in the event that the levels ofabove (1) are similar: Applicants who are affilitated with 1) APASWE (Asian andPacific Association for Social Work Education) member schools, 2) non-APASWE
member schools in Asia, 3) social work agencies/organizations, and 4) no institutions.
(3) Higher priority is assigned to applicants who have started their research. We willconsider your readiness level for writing the thesis.
(4) Applicants will be selected by a fair and independent committee. No details
concerning the process of the selection will be provided. The Selection Committee will
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consider that the applicant’s eligibility may be subject to certain conditions which may
affect the acceptance or the rejection.
(5) Please note that the Selection Committee may determine the acceptance undercertain conditions, (See Q&A p.10)(6) Conditional AcceptanceFor the applicant who would be selected on his/her valuable topic and conceptual
framework. ARIISW will support and advices to submit the draft within one year
after the selection.(See Q&A pp.10-11)
9.

Process and schedule (Participants should consult with ARIISW to determine their schedule.)①

Application Period (April 1st – May 10th 2021)②

Online Interview with the Selection Committee③

Acceptance notification (June, 2021)④

Visa Application (ARIISW will submit your Certificate of Eligibility to the the
Immigration Services Agency of Japan.)⑤

Arrival at ARIISW (October 2021)⑥

The writing of the thesis while receiving ARIISW’s support and services including
several courses (from October 2021 to June 2023; the applicant may complete thewriting of the thesis at anytime up to this date. The Graduate School accepts
applications twice (June/December) in a Fiscal Year).

⑦

Submission of your thesis to ARIISW. (June 1st, 2023)⑧

Final submission of your thesis to the Graduate School by June 30th,2023.

⑨

The Review and judgment by the Preliminary Examination Committee in the
Graduate School (July – September 2023).

⑩

Return home (September 2023).

⑪

Examination by the Dissertation Committee (September 30th 2023).

⑫

The Review, oral examination, and judgment by the school’s dissertation committee
and the faculty meeting. Applicants attend the oral examination to defend

thedissertation thesis (October 2023 – March 2024).
⑬

The award of Ph.D. (March 2024)

10. Thesis writing(1) Applicants should write their theses completely independently. No supervisor will beassigned by ARIISW although assistance and advice are provided as a resource. If
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necessary, applicants should find their own supervisors for assistance.
(2) Applicants may submit their theses to Shukutoku University anytime once they arecompleted, but this must be done within the program’s time framework.
(3) Language: English or Japanese.

In the case of English submissions, an additional

summary in Japanese must be attached. The translation of this summary should bearranged by the applicant.
(4) The dissertation committee is usually composed of three Shukutoku University Graduate
School professors and one or two professors from other universities in or outside Japan.
11. Courses to be offered
Several courses are provided by ARIISW as a service to master future skills. See more details
in the Q&A, pp.13-14.
(1) Subjects①

Research Methods and Research Design I: Quantitative Research②

Research Methods and Research Design II: Qualitative Research③

Program designing-monitoring-evaluation (currently closed)④

Thesis writing skills⑤

International Social Work⑥

The Essence of Social Work (for non-MSW holders)⑦

Japanese Language and Culture (currently closed)⑧

Special lecture/seminar (depending on the interest of participants)[No courses on subjects such as poverty, the elderly, children, disabilities, disasters and
HIV/AIDS are offered.](2) Method
Courses are tutorials.

The sessions are given face to face in a classroom, online, or

combination of both. The language is in English.
(3) Certificate
Certificates are issued in the ARIISW director’s name after the satisfactory completion ofeach course.
(4) Lecturers
A Lecturers’ Panel is composed of leading professors from various universities both insideand outside of Japan.
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12. ARIISW’s Recommendation to the Graduate School
The following three items must be submitted to ARIISW to obtain the recommendation:(1) The completed dissertation manuscript, which after review by ARIISW judges has been
deemed to meet the standards of the Graduate School.
(2) The certificates of all courses (See 11. above) which ARIISW provided for the Visiting
Researcher.
(3) The applicant’s books and refereed and non-refereed articles, which satisfy the Graduate
School’s requirement for all Ph.D. candidates. The Graduate School usually requires a few
refereed articles in addition to the Ph.D. thesis.
The Graduate School of Shukutoku University requires a) more than one book relating to your
Ph.D. thesis, b) more than three peer-reviewed articles relating to your Ph.D. thesis published inacademic journals, c) more than two peer-reviewed articles published in academic journals ormore than five articles approved by the Graduate School as academic papers, or d) the recognitionby the Graduate School that the Ph.D. candidate has reached the equivalent academic level. The
applicant may be able to write one or two articles with or without peer-review during his/her staywith the program, if making effort.
(Shukutoku University Graduate School of Integrated Human and Social Welfare Studies Degree Thesis
Evaluation Criteria)

13. Fellowship (financial support)
All payments will be made in Japanese yen.
① A roundtrip international economy class air ticket between the home country and Tokyo② An allowance for initial expenses (JPY50,000)③ A stipend during your residency up to for two years (JPY200,000 per month) (The stipend
will be provided from the arrival in Japan to the submission of the thesis upon thedeparture from Japan for the home country. (See 9. above)④ Accommodation (an apartment room for a single. The utility costs (gas, water andelectricity) are to be paid by the resident.)⑤ Course fees and thesis review and examination fees (exempted)⑥ The English-Japanese translation fee for the summary of the final thesis, if necessary.
⑦ A roundtrip international air ticket between the home country and Tokyo and theaccommodation fee for the oral examination.
14. Number of fellowships to be awarded
One (1) per year

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15. Documents to be submitted① Application form
② Draft of the Ph.D. thesis (if available)③ Three (3) recommendation letters (See 7.(6) above)④ Certificates of degrees (in English)⑤ Health form (Only for those accepted as the Visiting Researcher.) The Visiting
Researcher will be required to send the form to ARIISW after the acceptance
notification.
All these application documents (①-③above) may be sent in PDF form by email or in
hardcopy form by postal mail by the application deadline. In the case of postal mail,registered mail is preferable considering the postal conditions in some countries. If the
documents are sent by postal mail, please inform us by email of their submission. Allapplication documents must arrive at ARIISW by the deadline.
16. More information
See the attached Appendix, Q & A, which is regarded as part of this guideline.
17. Submit your application to:
Asian Research Institute for International Social Work
Shukutoku University
200 Daiganji-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba-City, Chiba 260-8701 Japan
Tel +81(43)265-9879 Fax +81(43)265-7339
Email asiainst@soc.shukutoku.ac.jp

Feel free to contact us for more information.

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Appendix

Q&A
Q“Rompaku”

A

What is the “Rompaku”“Rompaku” is a dissertation-only doctoral program. There is no supervisor and no

program?

course work required at the Graduate School. In Japan, there are two ways to receivea Ph.D. One is similar to the Western (American) process, i.e. through course work andthesis; the other one is the traditional Japanese way, i.e. through thesis only. While theformer degree, which is usually obtained in one’s late 20s or early 30s as a sort of “entrance
ticket” to the university/academic community, the latter degree has been considered moreprestigious, as sort of an “award” for academic achievement. Ph.D. applicants submit aquasi-lifework thesis usually in their 50s or 60s. Until approximately 20 years ago, Japan
only had the latter program. Basically, our program belongs in the latter category, but someoriginal conditions such as age have been eased and some courses at ARIISW have been
added to improve your teaching skills not as a Ph.D. candidate but as a future member offaculty staff.
Please note that Rompaku is not a discounted Ph.D. program, and may, in a sense,
be more difficult to complete than the more internationally common western-styleprogram.

What is the difference between

There is a significant difference between the western-style Ph.D. program and thea “Rompaku” program and“Rompaku” program. The western-style Ph.D. course provides the doctorate throughPh.D. course program?

advanced courses at the Graduate School. In the "Rompaku" program, candidates haveto finalize their thesis by themselves, and ARIISW does not provide supervision.
Candidates must be experienced and/or promising scholars ready to write their
thesis. However, ARIISW will give the normal “between colleagues” support.
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Q

A

It seems to be a shortcut

Two years are designed for writing and finalizing your thesis, not for attending advanced

program to get a Ph.D. in only

courses of the Graduate School. Please note that the coursework at ARIISW is designed

two (2) years.

to provide candidates with an opportunity to increase their skills as future educators.
Applicants are expected to have completed at least some data collection, analysis,
and necessary supervision prior to application. Applicants are also expected to havesufficient academic achievements or experience.

Who would be my supervisor?

The program does not provide a supervisor, but, ARIISW provides faculty support for
the visiting researcher as colleagues. This is a program for mature researchers. You mayof course find and assign your own supervisor.

Eligibility

What is the definition/range of

There is leeway regarding both definitions. It is possible to justify either definition"international social work" andconvincingly depending on your own situation.

"Buddhist social work"?
To what extent do you require

The applicant is required to finish his/her thesis within the 2-year-stay (within the 3-year-

us to have started writing the

program in some cases). Higher priority will be given to projects already in the writing

thesis theme and framework?

process or with well-developed content.

Am I ineligible if I could not

The applicant is strongly requested to provide a letter of recommendation, and will beobtain a recommendation letter

required to explain the reason why it was not possible to obtain one from thefrom my university?

university/faculty. Please note that priority will be given to those who were able to provide
a letter of recommendation.

I don’t live in the Asian region.

This fellowship is primarily for the members of universities, agencies and organizations of

May I apply to this fellowship?

social work in Asia. Please judge for yourself what comprises the area of the Asian region.

What is the scope of "Asia"?
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Q

A

Is it possible to participate in theYes, you may join the program at your own cost. Facility usage and course fees will be

program even if I could not get

waived for the non-fellowship researcher. However, the program does not cover travel,

the fellowship?

accommodation, living and research expenses of non-fellowship participants. The Asian
Research Institute for International Social Work (ARIISW) will always open its door to all
people who wish to use it as a “research base.” We welcome you as a general visiting
researcher/research fellow. It is also possible to come as non-participant of the program.

Content of

Do you have medical insurance

All people registered as residents in Japan are required to take part in the National Healththefor us? What is covered under

Insurance (NHI) system operated by the Japanese Government. It will cover most of the

fellowshipthe medical insurance plan?

medical treatment for injuries and diseases (including dental treatment). Thirty-percent(financial(30%) of medical expenses will be charged to you directly when you receive treatment.

support)Participants in this program are required to join the NHI system. Registration procedures
will take at least one (1) week after entry in Japan, so please cover this initial period withgeneral travel insurance.
Are travel expenses for

No. This program provides no provision for accompanying persons. There is no financial

accompanying family covered

support for the family.

by the fellowship?
When the family accompanies

A small American style apartment/flat will be prepared. If you are accompanied by yourthe participant, is there any

family, you will be responsible for finding housing at your own expense. ARIISW will support

reasonable space for them toyou in finding housing and schooling for your children as long as possible.

live in the apartment? Howshould the participant arrange
for schooling of their children?
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Q

A

Does the fellowship program

The utility costs (gas, water and electricity) must be paid by the resident. Note that thecover the utility cost in theapartment is not equipped with a phone. If you want to use a phone, you must purchase itapartment?

yourself. You will be responsible for the monthly telephone charges.

Is a Visiting Researcher allowed

Generally not.

to find a part-time job during

Ph.D. thesis. Remember that additional permission and procedures will be requested, intheir stay in Japan?

the case that you need to work part-time. Please refer to the Immigration Services Agency

Please note that the intent of this program is to fully concentrate on theof Japan for details.

Selection

Who will select the participants

Process and for this fellowship program, andMethods

Applicants will be selected by a fair and independent committee. No details concerning theprocess of the selection will be provided.

how are they selected?
When and how will the

ARIISW will send all official documents (including visa application forms) by PDF promptly

applicants be notified of theafter the selection date written on the application form and on the guidelines for all

results?

applicants.

Will I have an interview at theYes.

It will depend on how far the work on your dissertation has progressed.

Selection?
Though I have idea for my

The Selection Committee might advise the applicant to delay his/her arrival in Japandissertation research, I am notbecause of his/her insufficient readiness. In such cases, the Selection Committee will agree

ready to start writing yet.

to a conditional acceptance and you will be allowed to use the VRPhD status fromARIISW. A VRPhD may make a short-visit to Japan for the formulation of the writing planat ARIISW. In this case, VRPhD is expected to resubmit the draft to ARIISW. The Selection
Committee will reexamine the draft.

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Q

A

What does it mean “theFor the applicant whose readiness for writing is judged as insufficient by the selection

conditional acceptance”?

committee, but the topic and conceptual framework is valuable, may be conditionallyaccepted.
The VR with the conditional acceptance will complete the thesis draft in a year (He/she canrequest some advice to ARIISW), and submit it to the following year's review. If accepted,
the applicant will come to Japan as a VR and start writing in the following October.

Application

May I apply online?

How

You may send all application documents in PDF form by email or in hardcopy form by postal

should I send the application to

mail by the application deadline.

In case of postal mail, registered mail is preferable

you?

considering the postal conditions in some countries. When sending your application by
postal mail, please inform us of your application submission by email. All application
documents must arrive at ARIISW by the deadline.

Preparation

What kind of visa is required?

Although your status is Visiting Researcher, "Student visa" is the resident status designatedfor travel

Will you be sending me all theby the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. All necessary documents will be sent to you.

required documents to apply forthe visa?
How and when will theIt will be paid in Japanese yen at the same time as the October stipend, after arrival inparticipant receive travel costs?

Japan.

Arrival atWhat date should the

The participant is expected to arrive in Japan on the program starting date. Due to the

Shukutoku

participant arrive in Japan?

spread of Covid-19 or in case of a disaster, ARIISW may change the starting date of the

University

program based on the mutual agreement.

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Q

A

May participants expect help

Yes. ARIISW will dispatch staff to welcome you at the airport. The staff will wait with yourwith transfer from the airport toname card at the arrivals lobby after passing through Customs. A member of staff will also

the hotel/residence?

accompany you to your hotel/residence.

Writing

When should the Ph.D. thesis

Submit your Ph.D. thesis as soon as it is completed. The conferment of the Ph.D. degree

Ph.D.

be finished and submitted?

is scheduled to be 6 months after submitting the thesis. Therefore, participants who want

Thesisto get their Ph.D. in 2 years should finish and submit their thesis in one and a half year.
Ph.D. degree candidates who submit their thesis after 2 years, when they leave ARIISW
and Japan, will be conferred 6 months after submittal.

In the case of a participantYes, but ARIISW will provide you necessary travel expenses for the oral examination andleaving Japan after submitting

the examination at the public reviewing board (public defense).

their Ph.D. thesis, is it
necessary to return to Japan forthe oral examination and theexamination at the public
reviewing board (publicdefense)?
Should the participant prepare aYes. Prepare it yourself. It is the author’s responsibility to find a translator, if necessary, andJapanese translation of his/her

submit a quality abstract. ARIISW cannot take responsibility for the quality of translation. If

Ph.D. thesis summary

a translation fee is necessary, ARIISW will provide it within reason.

himself/herself?

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Q

A

What happens when the

The participant can apply for the Ph.D. degree of Shukutoku University Graduate Schoolparticipant is not able to finish

as a Visiting Researcher of ARIISW within 3 years from the starting date of this program.

and submit the Ph.D. thesis

However, we recommend you finish and submit the thesis during your 2-year-stay in Japan

within 2-year-stay?

to avoid the inconvenience of online communication.

What happens if the participant

In this case, the fellowship will be terminated. Depending on why the participant was not

is not able/allowed to stay inable to continue/finish the Ph.D. thesis, in some cases the participant may be requested toJapan, or not able to continue

refund fellowship funds already received.

the research and writing of thethesis anymore?
I have heard that in some cases

Such cases include:

the fellowship can be

If the participant doesn't earnestly continue research and thesis writing activities.

terminated. Can you describe

If the participant acts in a way that doesn’t reflect the values of ARIISW or Shukutoku

such cases?

University.
In the case of false statements on the application form.
If the participant violates Japanese law or rules.
If the type of visa status is changed.
If the participant receives any other scholarship or fellowship.

CourseWhich courses will be provided?

work

Several courses described in the information and guidance materials will be provided. Afterconsultation with the participants, ARIISW may provide courses or some special seminars,
if necessary.

What is the subject matter ofA syllabus with details on all courses will be provided at the start of the program.

the courses?
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Q

A

How will be these courses

At least one participant will take part in these courses. In some cases, a visiting researcher

conducted?

from Japan or from abroad (both without fellowship) may take part in the coursework. The
sessions of courses are given face to face in a classroom, online, or combination of both.
The contents of the coursework may be different from other common Ph.D. programs
because the participant is already an university staff, and because this is the Ph.D. throughthesis program (“Rompaku”).

Do participants get credits in

No. This is not coursework for students, so there are no credits. But the subject matter ofthese courses?

courses to be provided are as or more challenging than the regular Ph.D. program courses
at university. Participants who accomplish the coursework will receive the certificate issued
in the ARIISW director’s name.

What happens if the participant

If the participant doesn't accomplish the program courses, he/she will not receive ARIISW‘s

is not able to accomplish therecommendation to the Graduate School of Shukutoku University. Of course, the participant

course work?

may submit his/her Ph.D. thesis to the University as a common "Rompaku" thesis, without
the recommendation.

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Q

A

From thesis

Can you describe the procedure

After finishing your thesis, submit it (including Japanese and English summary) to thesubmission

from submitting the Ph.D. thesis

Graduate School of Shukutoku University. The Preliminary Examination Committee willto the Ph.D.

to receiving the Ph.D. degree

review it and judge whether to accept it or not. If accepted, your Ph.D. thesis will bedegreeconferment?

examined via documents and oral examination by the referee (dissertation) committee

conferment

composed of three Shukutoku University Graduate School professors and one or two
professors from other universities in or outside of Japan. After passing this examination,
you will have the presentation (including questions and comments) at public defense, andyour Ph.D. thesis will be submitted to the Committee of the Graduate School of Integrated
Human and Social Welfare Studies at Shukutoku University where it will be finally reviewed.
If successful, the Ph.D. degree will be awarded.
When will be the participant be

The deadline for Ph.D. thesis submission is March and September every year. (Theawarded the Ph.D. degree?

deadline for the preliminary examination is December and June.) The degree is conferred
6 months after submitting the thesis, i.e. the following September or March.

Taking partAs a visiting researcher, may I

During guidance at the start of your stay, ARIISW provides information about its researchin thetake part in some ARIISW

activities. If you are interested, you can join ARIISW activities but it is not compulsory. No

ARIISW

research activities (besides mymonetary reward will be provided.

activities

Ph.D. thesis writing and course
work)? Or is the participation insome ARIISW activities
compulsory?

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Q

A

Temporary

During the two years of the

Please note that the intent of this program is to fully concentrate on your Ph.D. thesis in our

returnprogram am I allowed to leave

Institute. Please consult ARIISW first about any temporary leave. Then the director willor return home temporarily?

permit it or not depending on the reason. No travel expenses will be provided in the caseof a temporary return. The fellowship may be reduced, depending on how many days you
leave Japan.

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