Cultivate Nursing Leaders

Scholarship Program

Is hospital working experience required?

Hospital working experience is not required, but it is strongly recommended that you have at least two years of practical nursing experience before enrolling in a graduate program.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit, but it is important that the fellow becomes a leader in practice, research, teaching, or other related field after earning a graduate degree.

Do I need approval or recommendation from my hospital/organization to become a Sasakawa Nursing Fellow?

No, we do not require one for our fellowship. However, you are responsible for arranging your own recommendations when applying for graduate school.

If I have completed graduate school in Japan, can I still apply?

Yes, you can.

Will you accept applications for Fellowships every year?

Yes, we will accept applications three times a year for the time being. We will announce the application period on our website and in our e-mail newsletter, so please subscribe to the newsletter and check it regularly.

I am currently living abroad for an extended period of time. Can I apply?

Yes, you can.

Can I apply with an overseas nursing license?

No, you cannot apply with only an overseas nursing license. You must hold a Japanese nursing license, regardless of your nationality.

I have already accepted by a graduate school. Can I still apply?

Yes you can, if it is one of the TOP 10 graduate schools in the U.S. or Canada. However, the scholarship will be awarded only after you complete the 6-months of training.

Are the graduate programs outside of Canada and the U.S., such as in the U.K. and Australia ineligible?

At this time, only programs in the U.S. and Canada are eligible.

I have graduated from an overseas university. Do I need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores?

Yes, it is required.

What is the acceptance rate for Fellows?

We do not disclose information.

Is it possible to become a Fellow while working as a nurse? What are the specific activities of a Fellow?

Fellows are required to attend lectures about once a month, attend meetings, and submit opinions after reading articles, papers, books, and other materials. Lectures will be given in a hybrid face-to-face/online format, and if you are unable to attend due to your work schedule, you will be able to view the lectures on demand. We encourage all fellows to participate in these activities while working as nurses. We also conduct individual career meetings with each fellow to confirm your career path before you apply for gradual programs.

What is the fellow’s obligation while studying abroad?

We ask them to report to the Foundation twice a year, and ask for your cooperation in publicizing this program.

If I enroll in Master’s program and then to a Doctoral program, can I receive 5-year support in total? 

If you continue on to a Doctoral course after completing the Master’s program, you will have another interview with the screening committee members, and only those who are approved may be able to extend the program, but we cannot guarantee five years of support. If there are many fellows who are eligible for scholarship for the first time, they may be given priority.

If I travel to the U.S. with my spouse or family, is the living allowance provided only to the student studying abroad?

Yes, only the student himself/herself is eligible.

There have been an increasing number of graduate schools offering online courses. Will online course be eligible?

Since this program emphasizes the importance of fellows enjoying diversity while they study abroad, online-only courses are not eligible for scholarship. 

Do I have to apply for the School of Nursing to receive support?

No, you do not need to be a nursing student. Rather, the program encourages nursing fellows to pursue studies in fields other than nursing.