The EPS for 2024 is a hope for every refugee student who aims to pursue higher education in Japan and needs financial support. This scholarship, initiated with the specific purpose of academic advancement and personal development of the students, offers an opportunity for displaced students to take undergraduate programs at the International Christian University (ICU), Tokyo. The EPS as a scheme incorporates a broad range of support measures to cover student’s expenses and relieve financial pressures to let them concentrate solely on their studies and personal development.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Overview of the Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS)
The program is branded as the EPS, which offers undergraduate scholarships for the 2025- 2028 academic year for two students per year. According to this scheme, it aims to assist refugees who have relocated to Japan to further their education. It hence pays for tuition fees, other compulsory charges, an on-campus board, and a stipend, reinforcing students’ focus on their learning without worrying about other expenses. More than providing educational opportunities and scholarships, this initiative also provides a supportive environment for personal and educational development.
Scholarship Benefits and Support
The EPS offers a comprehensive support package that covers various aspects of a student’s academic life. The scholarship includes:
| Benefit | Description |
| Full Coverage of Tuition and Fees | All tuition and associated fees are covered, removing financial barriers to education. |
| On-Campus Accommodation | Recipients will be provided with housing at ICU, ensuring a stable and conducive living environment. |
| Monthly Stipend | Recipients will be provided with housing at the ICU, ensuring a stable and conducive living environment. |
Table 1: Benefits of the Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS).
This extensive financial support allows students to immerse themselves in their academic pursuits without the added stress of economic concerns, enabling them to fully engage with their studies and university life.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EPS, applicants must meet several criteria.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
| Displacement and Relocation | Must have relocated to Japan through Pathways Japan or attend partner language schools. |
| Age Limit | Japanese proficiency is equivalent to JLPT N3 level or higher. |
| Marital Status | Single with no dependents. |
| Language Proficiency | There are no nationality restrictions. |
| Nationality | No nationality restrictions. |
Table 2: Eligibility Criteria for the Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS).
These criteria ensure that the scholarship targets those who have faced significant challenges due to displacement and are prepared to pursue their education at the ICU.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process for the EPS is straightforward and designed to be accessible.
· Application Period
The admission window for applying for enrollment in the spring of 2025 is between 1 September 2024 and 1 October 2024. At this time, applicants can get the scholarship application form on the scholarship’s official site.
· Document Submission
In order to apply, applicants must provide their high school diplomas, high school transcripts, recommendation letters, TOEFL/IELTS scores, personal statements, and short essays.
· Selection Process
After application, all documents submitted will be sifted through during the post-application period. The shortlisted candidates will be required to go for an interview. The final choice results will be declared on December 2, 2024. This process ensures that all eligible scholarship candidates are given proper rigorous scrutiny and assessment of their academic performance, essays, and worthiness to be granted the scholarship. This timeline also means that applicants have enough time to prepare for the program and unfailing deadlines for each phase of the application process.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide several documents to complete their application.
| Required Documents | Details |
| Online Application Form | Accessible from September 1 to October 1, 2024. |
| Proof of High School Completion | Two letters are required: high school teachers for regular students and university faculty for transfer students, with specific conditions. |
| High School Transcript | Transcripts for the last three years of high school education, with an English translation if necessary. |
| National/Standardized Examination Results | Submission of relevant exam results as required. |
| Recommendation Letters | Two letters required: high school teachers for regular students; university faculty for transfer students, with specific conditions. |
| English Proficiency Test Scores | Accepted tests: TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (with respective minimum scores). |
| Personal Statement | A 500-600 word statement in English detailing current situation, study and career plans, and contributions to ICU’s ideals. |
| Short Essay | A 400-500 word essay on a current issue or significant experience, with a title at the beginning. |
Table 3: Required Documents for the Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS) Application
These documents are crucial for demonstrating the applicant’s eligibility and readiness for the scholarship.
FAQs
Who can apply for the Education Pathways Scholarship (EPS)?
The EPS is open to refugee students who have relocated to Japan through Pathways Japan or its partner language schools, are 25 years old or younger, and have Japanese proficiency at JLPT N3 level or above.
What does the EPS cover?
The EPS covers tuition fees and on-campus accommodation and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
What is the application deadline?
The application period for the EPS is from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2024.
What documents are required for the application?
The required documents include the online application form, proof of high school completion, a high school transcript, recommendation letters, English proficiency test scores, a personal statement, and a short essay.
When will the results be announced?
Results will be announced on December 2, 2024.
Disclaimer
The information given in this article should not be considered professional advice; rather, it should be up to date. EPS regulation is dynamic, and some Scholars are likely to experience a change in the scholarship benefits and conditions. The administrators have some privileges where they can alter the program’s eligibility, benefits, and deadline, among others. It is particularly important to stress that an applicant should check the information on the official EPS website or address the program managers to receive more comprehensive and relevant information. The Education Pathways Scholarship program and all the related organisations are also not responsible for the final differences or missing information. On that score, it is only proper that those intending to apply check all facts and conditions to get a perfect record of the application process.