The 2024 Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship Grant is now open to aspiring Filipinos looking to pursue higher education in Japan. The program aims to support deserving individuals who require financial assistance to pursue postgraduate studies in the field of food science, human nutrition, and green engineering. The deadline for applications is on March 1, 2023.
A full scholarship in a master’s course at prestigious designated universities in Japan namely the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ochanomizu University, Waseda University, and Kagawa Nutrition University.
“The annual scholarship program is Ajinomoto’s way of giving back and empowering the future of food science in the Philippines,” says Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co.
The scholarship grant will cover the candidate’s examination, admission and tuition fees, medical and psychological exams, Japanese language training, airfare, and monthly allowance.
“It is now almost a year and a half since I became a master’s student here and I am experiencing Japan at its best. The Ajinomoto Foundation provides me with unfailing assistance, and opportunities and even providing me with emotional support. My family and I are forever grateful to everyone in the Ajinomoto Foundation,” shared 2021 awardee Audrey Mae V. Orillaza who is currently taking her masteral in Applied Biological Chemistry at the University of Tokyo.
As a screening process, the grant requires applicants to have excellent academic records – a graduate or expecting to graduate within the top 5% of their class or with a grade point (GPA) of 3.7 or higher. In return, the chosen scholar is sure to gain a lot from the program in terms of academics as well as life experiences.
“I have the opportunity to learn new methodologies and research breakthroughs from the classes I am attending, most of which are taught by researchers working with private companies and institutions. But more than that, I also get to travel and experience a lot of firsts in my life. The most notable one is experiencing four seasons,” added Orillaza.
The annual scholarship program is one of Ajinomoto’s key efforts to enrich food science through supporting education advancement. It is the company’s vision to contribute to greater wellness for people worldwide. Through the grant, APC aims to contribute more to resolving food and health issues in the Philippines, through innovations driven by its passionate scholars.
“While I enjoy my studies here, I always remind myself that I came here as a Filipina researcher. I have experienced doing research with meager resources and working with local fermenters in far-flung areas, most of them undervalued, some even unnoticed. These circumstances all motivate me to keep putting in the effort so I can contribute to the development of the food sector in the Philippines,” shared Orillaza.