Scholarship overview
Key facts
Application dates
Restrictions
The Sasakawa Fellowship Fund for Japanese Language Education (SFFJLE) was established in March 1995 by an endowment from the Nippon Foundation to Massey University. The Sasakawa Fellowship Fund for Japanese language education was established in 1995. It is funded from the interest earned on an endowment bestowed on Massey University by the Nippon Foundation Fund for Japanese Language Education Programme (NF-JLEP), (then the Sasakawa Foundation).
The purpose of the fund is to foster Japanese language in New Zealand through the training of Japanese language teachers and the provision of fellowships to students pursuing Japanese related studies.
Eleven institutions across six countries have been recipients of similar endowments by the Nippon Foundation. In addition to Massey they are: - University of Bucharest, Romania - Cairo University, Egypt - Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey - Indonesia University of Education, Indonesia - Mando State University, Indonesia - State University of Surabaya, Indonesia - Macquarie University, Australia - Monash University, Australia - University of Queensland, Australia - Griffith University, Australia.
In 2017, the NF-JLEP Association was launched to strengthen ties among all stakeholders, enabling the 1,600-plus fellows to receive additional support aimed at deepening their understanding of Japan and promoting cross-border networking. SFFJLE Fellows are encouraged to participate in the NF-JLEP Support Programmes, including the NF-JLEP Visit Japan Program for Primary and Secondary School Teachers and the Research Grant which enable young researchers to conduct language- and education-related research for up to a year at a Japanese institution of higher learning.
Management Committee
- Professor Tracy Riley (Chair), Dean Research, Graduate Research School, Massey University
- Mr Ian Kennedy, Chair of the Japan-New Zealand Business Council
- Ms Michelle Lodge, Nominee of New Zealand Association of Japanese Language Teachers (NZAJLT)
- Vacant Position, Nominee of New Zealand Association of Language Teachers (NZALT)
- Vacant Position, Nominee of New Zealand universities
- Ms Jacqueline Koenders (ex-officio), Manager, Graduate Research School, Massey University
- Mr David Basire (ex-officio), Financial Reporting Manager, Massey University
Who we're looking for
We're looking for someone with a record of academic excellence, leadership and an interest and commitment to Japanese language. You will be enrolled or intending to enrol in an undergraduate degree in Japanese language at any New Zealand tertiary institution.
What you'll be studying
This is an undergraduate scholarship. You will be enrolled in an undergraduate degree with a focus on Japanese language.
Eligibility criteria
You must be:
- a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- enrolled in or eligible to enrol in an undergraduate degree in Japanese language
- able to demonstrate evidence of leadership
You will have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to Japanese language.
Application checklist
Include the following with your application:
- a completed application form
- evidence of your New Zealand residency or citizenship (passport or birth certificate)
- a reference letter from your Japanese language teacher or school principal commenting on your leadership qualities and your commitment to Japanese language
- an Offer of Place from your tertiary institute with your intended study details (programme, major, papers, start date)
- your high school results
Selection considerations
When choosing our recipients, we will consider your academic record, leadership skills and interest in Japanese language.