Kobe Notebook

What is the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship?

Kobe City offers the “Kobe City International Student Scholarship (Kobe Sugawara Scholarship)” to support privately funded international students studying at universities and graduate schools in Kobe. This scholarship was established by Kobe City in 1985 and expanded in 1988 using a ¥1 billion donation from the late Mr. Ichiro Sugawara. It aims to assist privately funded international students from Asian countries and other regions who come to study in Kobe.

Overview of the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship

Eligibility: Privately funded international students enrolled in their third year or above at a university in Kobe or in a graduate program (excluding students who have repeated a year) who are not receiving other scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: ¥80,000 per month (for one year)
Application Process: Submit the required documents to the university or graduate school office in Kobe (a university recommendation is required)
Notes: Check with the university or graduate school office for detailed application requirements.

In 2024, 30 international students from 16 countries and regions were selected as scholarship recipients. This time, we interviewed one of the 2024 Kobe Sugawara Scholars, Makhmadkulov Dalerjon Vafokulovich (Daler), about his life as an international student in Kobe and tips on successfully receiving the scholarship.



Interview with Daler! Why Did you Choose Kobe as your Study Destination?

“I chose Kobe because I heard from a senior student from my home country (Uzbekistan) that it has many international students and is a comfortable place to live.”

What are you Studying at University?

“In my first and second years, I studied economics and commerce, while in my third and fourth years, I focused on hotel and tourism business. I particularly enjoy business classes and participated in a course on launching a business from scratch, including business plan creation. In the university’s business plan contest, I was selected as one of the top seven out of 200 participants.”



How is Life in Kobe?

“It’s really enjoyable. The students around me are highly motivated, which is very inspiring. Also, the Kobe International Community Center (KICC) plays a big role. By participating in KICC events, I’ve made many friends and expanded my network. I also enjoy exploring Kobe. I used the ‘Happy Memory Pass KOBE’* to visit various cultural sites in the city.”

*A pass issued by the Kobe International Community Center (KICC), an affiliated organization of Kobe City, for international students at universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools in Kobe. It allows free entry to cultural and social education facilities within the city.

How Did you Find Out About the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship?

“A professor at my university told me about it in my first year. At that time, the professor gave me two pieces of advice that were useful for both job hunting and applying for scholarships. The first was to earn as many credits as possible early in my university years. The second was to actively participate in extracurricular activities. Following this advice, I dedicated myself to both academics and extracurricular activities.”

Kids International Plaza – Introducing Uzbekistan

What Are the Key Points for Receiving the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship?

1. Active Participation in Extracurricular Activities
   

“Since my first year, I have actively participated in extracurricular activities. I was involved in the UNESCO Club at Japan University of Economics and took part in international volunteer work in the Philippines in collaboration with a Japanese NPO. I also actively participated in and helped organize KICC’s international exchange events. One of the most memorable experiences was organizing the ‘International Runway’ event (a fashion show) in collaboration with other international students in Kobe.”
 

2. Clear Goals and Objectives
   

“The application form requires you to state how you will use the scholarship funds. I wrote that I would use it to visit countries with large Muslim populations for my graduation thesis research. I actually conducted fieldwork in Saudi Arabia and completed my thesis. I am looking forward to presenting my findings at the final presentation for the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship.”


How Did You Feel About Being Selected for the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship?

“I was really happy. Thanks to the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship, I was able to focus more on my studies. In particular, it allowed me to participate in fieldwork in Saudi Arabia, study Japanese and English, and take part in various internships. Additionally, receiving this scholarship introduced me to students who were even more talented than me, which motivated me to take on new challenges.”

A Message to Those Considering Studying Abroad

“Kobe offers excellent support for international students. The Kobe International Community Center and the Kobe Sugawara Scholarship are just a few examples. Before studying abroad, set clear goals and approach your studies with a well-thought-out plan. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, I encourage you to open the door to a new world in Kobe!”