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Syrian Scholars Initiative

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Overview

The Syrian Scholars Initiative (SSI) was launched in 2017 to support Syrian students at International Christian University (ICU), a private liberal arts college in Tokyo. The initial plan was to recruit six students over a four-year period (two in 2018, two in 2019, and one each in 2020 and 2021) and offer a full scholarship throughout their undergraduate studies. The program was extended for a year, as it was difficult to recruit students during the COVID 19 pandemic. Ultimately, seven students were recruited between 2018 and 2022, and as of April 2024, four students are studying at ICU.

The last SSI student was recruited in September 2022, as we worked on a new program that would open the door to refugee students of other nationalities. The Syrian Scholars Initiative will be replaced by the Education Pathways Scholarship in 2024.

Eligibility

  • Syrian national residing in Turkey

  • Single with no dependents

  • Graduated from high school (certificate required)

  • Possess a good command of the English language 
    *Minimum score requirement IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, or Duolingo English Test 105

  • Demonstrate a strong interest in studying in Japan and in the Japanese language

  • Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a major offered by ICU

Recruitment

Two students were recruited in 2018, two in 2019, and one in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Due to the pandemic, the students who were recruited in 2020 and 2021 each started their studies one year later.

Among the seven students who were recruited, three have graduated as of March 2024. 
 

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