Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentships in Japanese Studies 2026/27

Available to students proposing to pursue a MA by Research or a PhD in Japanese Studies starting October 2026. PhD students already in their first and second year of study at the University of Leeds are also eligible to apply.

<p>The<a href="http://www.gbsf.org.uk/studentships/"> Sasakawa Japanese Studies Postgraduate Studentship Programme </a>was launched by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and is now in its 12th year. Up to three studentships will be available for the academic year 2026/27.</p> <p>These scholarships are available for students proposing to pursue a MA by Research in Japanese Studies or a PhD in Japanese studies, starting in October 2026.<br />  <br /> The Sasakawa Postgraduate studentships are open to both UK and international students. In general, non-UK nationals intending to do a MAR are eligible only if they are settled in the UK or have been ordinarily resident for at least three years immediately preceding the start of their MAR course. This does not apply to PhD studentship candidates.</p> <p><strong>The Studentships are worth £15,000 and they are tenable for one year only</strong>. It will be possible to reapply to the competition the following year, for up to a maximum of three years (for those studying for a PhD) or four years (for students pursuing MAR, and then PhD). The studentships cannot be held together with other full funding. </p> <p>Any aspect of Japanese studies or any discipline subject where the primary focus is on Japan will be considered, though applications in international relations, development studies, history, literature, cinema and anthropology are encouraged. Prior knowledge of the Japanese language is not a condition.</p> <p><strong>Other conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded a doctoral degree, although they can be currently studying for a doctoral degree in their 1st or 2nd year of study at the University of Leeds.</li> <li>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time (UK applicants only) research study leading to the degree of PhD or MAR. Students who are already registered for PhD research study are not excluded from applying.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> <li>Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award. </li> </ul>

<p><u><strong>Stage 1</strong></u></p> <p>First, apply for a place of study on a <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">research degree (MAR or PhD)</a> at the <a href="http://C:\Users\dcokse\Downloads\ahc.leeds.ac.uk\languages">School of Languages, Cultures and Societies</a>. You should apply via the suitable online application form for either taught masters or research degrees (linked above) by 25^th March 2026 5pm UK time.</p> <p>Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is the ‘Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship in Japanese Studies’. You will be expected to meet our eligability criteria for MAR or PhD candidates.</p> <p>In order to be considered for the Studentship you must submit all the required supporting documents for the degree programme you are applying for (please see our websites for further details of supporting documents required).</p> <p>Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.</p> <p><u><strong>Stage 2</strong></u></p> <p>Provide a personal statement and a detailed CV by 25^th March 2026 5pm UK time.</p> <p>The personal statement should include your name and student ID number at the top, and be organised around the following headings:</p> <ul> <li>Reasons for application: please suggest reasons why you are a suitable candidate for the studentship (up to 200 words);</li> <li>Research proposal (300 words); students already enrolled in a PhD programme should include an abstract of research to date (300 words);</li> <li>Extent of funding from other sources: the funding/scholarships you are in competition for, or have secured already;</li> <li>Future academic or career plans;</li> </ul> <p>Please e-mail your personal statement and CV to Dr Irena Hayter (i.hayter@leeds.ac.uk) by 25^th March 2026. Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their applications early to mid-June 2026.</p> <ul> <li>All scholarship applications will be considered after the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered. </li> <li>The final list of awards are based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account</li> <li>An unsuccessful application for this scholarship does not exclude you from applying for other research study opportunities or scholarships offered by the University of Leeds.</li> <li>Due to the large volume of applications typically received, the University of Leeds will not enter into any correspondence regarding the progress of an application until the outcome is known.</li> <li>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second-class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

Applicants should meet the English language requirements for the MAR or PhD they are applying for. Postgraduate research (PhD or MAR) applicants to the School of LCS whose first language is not English would need an English language qualification, for example IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components. <br />

<p>For further information related to the MAR and PhD application process please email the Admissions Team at ahcpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk </p> <p>For further information related to the Sasakawa studentship please contact Dr Irena Hayter at i.hayter@leeds.ac.uk</p>