Master's Degree Scholarship from JICA for Syrian Refugees

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established the program "Japanese Initiative for the future of Syrian Refugees" (hereinafter referred to as "JISR") in cooperation with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for providing higher education opportunities at a Master's degree level at Japanese universities to a maximum of 100 Syrian refugees who are staying in neighboring countries.

The objective of JISR is to support Syrian refugees who have the potential to contribute to the reconstruction of Syria in the future. This program offers opportunities for young Syrian refugees (hereinafter referred to as "Participants") to study in graduate courses for their Master's degree at Japanese universities. This program intends to foster capable Syrian individuals to lead Syria's reconstruction and peace-building efforts at an appropriate time in the future, while enhancing their understanding of Japanese people, society, and systems so as to strengthen the mutual friendship between Syria and Japan.

Program Outline:

1. Program Title: Japanese Initiative for the future of Syrian Refugees (JISR).
2. Language of the Program: English.
3. Course: Master's Degree Program.
4. Number of Participants/year: Approximately 20 (Lebanon & Jordan combined).

Duration:

Admission Schedule: September 1^st to November 30^th, 2018.

1. Participants will come to Japan in July 2019 to take part in a post-arrival orientation and Japanese Language Program before admission to Japanese universities.
2. Six months or one year as a research student if necessary, and two years as a Master's student (maximum three year enrollment).

Target Participants:

This program targets Syrian refugees known to UNHCR who are currently residing in Jordan or Lebanon and who will play leading roles in Syria's reconstruction and peace-building efforts in the private, governmental, or educational sectors in the future.

Fields of Study:

• Engineering.
• Agriculture.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
• Business Administration.
• Social Science (Peacebuilding, Political Science, Public Administration, etc.).
• Japanese Language and Culture.

Requirements:

Applicants must:

1. Have the Syrian nationality.
2. Be between 22 and 39 years of age (as of September 1^st, 2019).
3. Be registered as a refugee by or known to UNHCR.
4. Be Bachelor degree holder (equivalent to at least 16 years of academic background) or university student in the final year of an undergraduate program.
5. Have English skills both in written and oral communication adequate to complete a Master's course (for those who wish to major in Japanese studies, adequate Japanese skills are also required.)
6. Have a strong intention to contribute to the peace-building and/or reconstruction of Syria in the future, as well as strengthen the mutual friendship between Syria and Japan.

Documents Required:

1. Check List.
2. Copy of UNHCR certificate.
3. Application Form.
4. Graduation certificate(s) of Bachelor’s degree.
5. Academic transcript(s).
6. Five color ID photos.
7. A copy of passport.
8. A letter of recommendation.
9. Residency permit (Lebanon only).

Please read the guidelines for more information.