This program is designed to help international students at universities and other institutions in Kitami City to
pursue academic/research activities in order to promote the city’s internationalization.

Eligibility

International students resident in Kitami, enrolled at a university (incl. junior colleges and vocational
schools) in the city and meeting the requirements below are eligible:
1. Enrollment at a university or other institution in the city as of April until March of the following year;
2. Outstanding academic performance and character as well as recognition by the head of the university or other institution of affiliation that financial aid will be beneficial to the individual’s scholastic/research achievements in Kitami;
3. No current assistance from a Japanese Government Scholarship or any foreign government scholarships.
4. No outstanding payments to the city. (city tax, insurance, etc…)

Aid Amount and Number of Students Covered (FY 2020)

Annual aid amount per student: 200,000 yen
No. of students: 15
Aid Period: the aid covers a period of one year (from April through March of the following year), and will be paid in two installments (in July and December).

Application Method

Applications will be accepted through the universities or other institutions at which applicants are enrolled.

Selection of Successful Applicants

Successful applicants will be promptly selected through consultation with an independently appointed panel
of judges.

Notification of Changes in Circumstances

In the event that financial-aid beneficiaries become ineligible to receive such aid or if there are any important
changes in their circumstances (such as absence or suspension from school), they are required to report the
details promptly.

Payment Discontinuation and Repayment

If any of the following conditions apply to financial-aid beneficiaries, support will be discontinued and the
individual may be required to repay the amount already received.
1. Application documentation is found to contain false information.
2. The beneficiary takes a leave of absence from school or is absent for an extended period.
3. It is otherwise deemed appropriate to cancel the decision to provide financial aid and have the student return the amount already received.
4. The student becomes ineligible for financial aid as stipulated in the eligibility guidelines.

Schedule up to Payment Decision

1. Early April: Notification of start of application acceptance (Kitami City → Universities and other institutions)
2. Late May: Application deadline (Universities and other institutions → Kitami City)
3. Late June: Notification of screening results (Kitami City → Applicants, universities and other institutions)
4. Late July: Bank transfer of financial aid funding (first installment) (Kitami City → Grantees)
5. Late December: Bank transfer of financial aid funding (second installment) (Kitami City → Grantees)