- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,056
- 18,910
Just a few weeks ago, we heard of Japan's plans to attract foreign academic talent...
The Japanese government's decision to end financial support for foreign doctoral students has sparked a wave of frustration and disappointment among students and academics, who say the move is unfair and runs counter to the ideals of an open and inclusive academic community. Until now, international PhD students in Japan have been eligible to receive up to 2.4 million yen (approximately $16,400) each year to help cover their living expenses. However, under a new plan proposed in late June, the education ministry plans to restrict that support to Japanese nationals only. If approved by a ministry panel, the change could come into effect as early as fiscal 2027.
Yusuke Kazama, a lecturer at Nara Prefectural University, stated that the government's policy reflects a rise in xenophobia within Japanese society, citing the growing influence of right-wing populist parties, such as Sanseito. Kazama warned that foreign residents, who make up a small minority, appear to be increasingly targeted or blamed as part of this trend. He emphasised that international students who have come to Japan with a genuine passion for learning and who have actively chosen the country as their place of study should not be excluded from support or treated unfairly.
The Japanese government's decision to end financial support for foreign doctoral students has sparked a wave of frustration and disappointment among students and academics, who say the move is unfair and runs counter to the ideals of an open and inclusive academic community. Until now, international PhD students in Japan have been eligible to receive up to 2.4 million yen (approximately $16,400) each year to help cover their living expenses. However, under a new plan proposed in late June, the education ministry plans to restrict that support to Japanese nationals only. If approved by a ministry panel, the change could come into effect as early as fiscal 2027.
Yusuke Kazama, a lecturer at Nara Prefectural University, stated that the government's policy reflects a rise in xenophobia within Japanese society, citing the growing influence of right-wing populist parties, such as Sanseito. Kazama warned that foreign residents, who make up a small minority, appear to be increasingly targeted or blamed as part of this trend. He emphasised that international students who have come to Japan with a genuine passion for learning and who have actively chosen the country as their place of study should not be excluded from support or treated unfairly.
FOCUS: Cut to foreign PhD student support deals blow to Japanese academia
The Japanese government's plan to end financial support for foreign doctoral students has drawn criticism from students and academics who have labeled the step unjust and counterproductive to fostering a diverse, inclusive and thriving academic environment.