Obuchi Student Scholarship Grant

Obuchi Student Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: East-West Center
Last Updated: November 22, 2025

Summary

The Obuchi Student Scholarship, offered by the East-West Center, supports Okinawan residents pursuing master's or doctoral degrees at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, this scholarship aims to foster human resource development to address Okinawa's needs. It emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and community service, prioritizing students in fields beneficial to Okinawan development. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Japanese governments to enhance educational opportunities for Okinawan students.

Overview

About The East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Mission and Origins The East-West Center was established by the United States Congress in 1960 as a national educational institution to foster better relations and understanding among the peoples of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific islands through programs of cooperative study, training, and research. Obuchi Student Scholarship Application Obuchi Student Scholarships are part of the Graduate Degree Fellowship program and support residents of Okinawa for master's or doctoral degree study at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (UHM) in fields deemed beneficial to Okinawan development needs. These scholarships are offered through a joint partnership of the United States and Japanese governments, specifically through the East-West Center and the Okinawa Prefectural Government. The program's mission is to help Okinawa develop and strengthen human resources to take a proactive role in Asia Pacific intellectual, research, and business activities. The scholarship seeks students of merit in academic excellence, leadership and service.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. What do I need to apply for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship? Uploaded by December 1: Curriculum vitae or resume. Application Acknowledgment (screenshot or PDF of the notification you receive from UH upon submitting your online admission application to the university) for applicants applying simultaneously to UH [sample here]. Passport biodata page (for international students only).Received by January 10: Official transcripts from each college or university you attended;An official IELTS, DUOLINGO, or TOEFL score must be reported by the testing service if you are not a currently-enrolled University of Hawai‘i student and are required to provide proof of English proficiency (acceptable tests for UH graduate admission can be found at https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/english-proficiency/);Three letters of reference, two of which address your academic abilities and professional objectives and the third which reflects on your involvement in any community service, civic engagement, or extra-curricular activities. The Letter of Reference form will be provided to your referee as a link when you complete your online application.