On 28 January 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) received and held a formal meeting with Mr Takao Hisano, Executive Director and representative of the Okazaki Kaheita International Scholarship Foundation (Japan). The visit aimed to introduce scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students aspiring to pursue Master’s degrees in Japan.

The meeting was chaired by Prof. Ngô Đại Nghiệp, Head of the External Relations Office at HCMUS. Attendees included Ms Hồ Thị Lệ Thuỷ, a lecturer from the Faculty of Japanese Studies at VNUHCM–University of Social Sciences and Humanities, whose department has collaborated with the Okazaki Foundation for many years in coordinating and promoting scholarship information within Viet Nam. Personnel from the HCMUS External Relations Office and students interested in postgraduate opportunities in Japan also participated in the session.

During the proceedings, Mr Takao Hisano provided an overview of the Okazaki Kaheita International Scholarship Foundation. Established in 1990, the Foundation seeks to foster peace and global development by supporting the cultivation of high-quality human resources across Asian nations, whilst enhancing international exchange and mutual understanding.

According to the presentation, the Okazaki Scholarship focuses on supporting candidates for Master’s programmes at Japanese universities. The funding period extends up to three years, including an initial year of Japanese language training. The selection process is conducted directly in the candidate’s home country, with successful applicants receiving support for living expenses and accommodation in accordance with Foundation regulations. To date, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to 152 Asian students, including 16 from Viet Nam.

 

The representative from the Okazaki Foundation and Ms Hồ Thị Lệ Thuỷ also shared insights into the outcomes of long-standing collaborations with member universities of the Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, notably HCMUS and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Through these networking and introductory activities, numerous students from both universities have successfully applied for and completed postgraduate studies in Japan, thereby strengthening academic ties and human resource exchange between Viet nam and Japan.

 

Through this engagement and scholarship briefing, HCMUS continues to uphold the role of the University as a primary hub for international academic connections. Such initiatives enable students to access prestigious scholarship programmes that align with the educational objectives and global integration strategy of the University.