April 8, 2011

To:
Presidents of national, public and private universities
Presidents of national, public and private junior colleges
Principals of national, public and private colleges of technology
Prefectural governors
Prefectural boards of education

From:
Kan Suzuki
Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Notification on Support for Students Affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake

We appreciate the efforts being made by the universities, colleges of technology, specialized training colleges, and miscellaneous schools (hereinafter called “universities and other schools”) that have suffered or been affected by the 2011 Tohoku - Pacific Ocean Earthquake to give due consideration to study activities of students (hereinafter called “students”) affected by the earthquake based on the notices and others released by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
We request that the universities and schools continue efforts considering the following points in supporting students including international students who will be enrolled at universities and other schools in the school year 2011.
Furthermore, we request each prefectural/designated city board of education to communicate this matter to the specialized training colleges and miscellaneous schools under their respective jurisdictions.

1.  Consideration for International Students

Concerned schools and organizations should continue giving due consideration in allowing students to utilize the financial support systems provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Japan Student Services Organization, universities, and other schools, taking flexible measures such as extending the payment due date of tuitions, and enhancing student consultation systems.
For international students who are unable to come to Japan or attend schools due to travel warnings or evacuation recommendations issued by their countries, concerned schools and organizations should give special consideration by taking measures such as extending the period for admission procedures, flexibly setting the starting date of classes, and extending the class registration period.
Furthermore, concerned schools and organizations should provide accurate information about earthquakes and other matters and communicate the procedures required for re-entry into Japan by utilizing the measures taken by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in providing information to international students in relation to the Great East Japan Earthquake so that they can re-enter Japan smoothly and safely.

(Reference: Annex)
→(See the link) "Support for International Students Relating to the Great East Japan Earthquake"

2.  Financial and Other Support for Students

For students affected by the disaster, it is necessary to provide meticulous support suitable for the actual situation of students by utilizing financial support measures that have been communicated through the notices, such as student grants for emergency use, and student grants for first-aid use, deferred tuition exemption system, and deferred tuition payment periods. For students who will still be in a serious financial situation even after those measures have taken, in particular, concerned departments and divisions in each school should collaborate to enable these students to receive multiple financial support measures such as deductions or exemptions of tuitions, and scholarships.
In addition, toward securing transportation measures for attending schools as well as a living environment for students affected by the disaster, concerned schools and organizations should collaborate with concerned companies and other parties to provide necessary information and introduce necessary facilities and guarantees.

Contacts:

Consideration for International Students
Office for Student Exchange, Student Support and Exchange Division
Tel: 03-5253-4111 (ext. 3360)

Financial and Other Support for Students
Student Support and Exchange Division
Tel: 03-5253-4111 (ext. 3050)

Specialized Training Colleges and Miscellaneous Schools
Specialized Training School Group 1, Office for the Promotion of Specialized Training College Education, Lifelong Learning Promotion Division
Tel: 03-5253-4111 (ext. 2939)