Globally, the higher education enrollment rate for people with refugee backgrounds stands at just 9% (UNHCR Education Report 2025). For many young people, attending university remains a significant barrier, and efforts are underway in countries around the world to achieve the target of 15% by 2030 within the framework of the SDGs. The “Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship” was established based on the strong will of its donor, Mr. Toshizo Watanabe, who hopes that by providing young people with refugee backgrounds the opportunity to pursue higher education, they will play active roles in Japanese society and, in turn, become a driving force in transforming Japan into a nation where diverse talent can thrive.
A scholarship award ceremony was held in Tokyo on April 18, 2026. A record-high 25 students were selected as scholarship recipients this year, and the event was attended by approximately 40 people, including graduates from the previous year, their families, and supporters. As each student took the stage to speak about their past experiences and future aspirations, the venue was filled with a warm atmosphere of encouragement and celebration.
This scholarship is a non-repayable grant designed primarily to support young people holding time-limited residence statuses—a group that has historically found it difficult to access financial aid—by covering both tuition and living expenses. Recipients pursue studies across a wide range of educational institutions, from junior colleges to graduate schools, deepening their knowledge in their chosen fields of specialization.
This year, we received 226 applications—a significant increase over the previous year—and selected 25 scholarship recipients following a review by a selection committee composed of experts and other qualified individuals. The recipients come from a diverse range of countries, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and Cameroon; the group consists of 16 women and 9 men, reflecting a slightly higher proportion of women.
＊Please click here for an overview of the Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship.
＊*Please click here for the results and report regarding the applications.
On the day of the award ceremony, each scholarship recipient gave a speech about their experiences to date and their aspirations for the future. Although their backgrounds and fields of study vary, they have all faced various hardships—such as conflict and human rights violations in their home countries—yet found hope in learning and paved the way to study at Japanese universities. In their speeches, they spoke specifically about what they hoped to learn in their respective fields and their future goals. A common theme was their strong determination to grow as individuals and contribute to society, as expressed in statements such as, “I will strive to become a person who can contribute to the development of society and the local community in the future.”
Scholarship recipients whose support was renewed from the previous academic year shared updates on their progress, discussing how they have deepened their studies in their respective fields, broadened their experiences outside of university, and set new goals. In addition, former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Masaharu Nakagawa joined the event for the second consecutive year and offered words of encouragement to the refugee and displaced student attendees, saying, “I look forward to seeing you take your next big step.”
On the day of the event, scholarship recipients who graduated in the 2025 academic year also participated and spoke about their current jobs and future goals. Graduates working outside the Tokyo metropolitan area joined online. As symbolized by statements such as “I want to continue growing and become someone who can contribute to society” and “I want to serve as a bridge between my home country and Japan,” their focus is already directed toward the next generation and society at large. University official, who have long watched over their growth, also offered words of strong encouragement.
＊Please click here to view the scholarship recipients’ speeches.
Seeing scholarship recipients and alumni interact across national borders and fields of interest, We could find that this program offers more than just financial support—it cultivates a community where members support one another as they move forward together. These connections also serve as a source of strength for young refugees and displaced persons facing difficult circumstances, helping them move forward.
Pathways Japan will continue to walk alongside each scholarship recipient, supporting young people as they strive to build their futures through education.