Obuchi Student Scholarship
Obuchi Student Scholarship supports Okinawan residents in graduate study and leadership development at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa to strengthen Okinawa’s development and Asia-Pacific engagement.
Funder: East-West Center
Due Dates: August 16, 2026 (Application opens) | December 1, 2026 (Scholarship and UH applications) | January 10, 2027 (Supplemental materials and departmental application)
Funding Amounts: Substantial funding for master’s and doctoral graduate study
Summary: Supports Okinawan residents pursuing graduate study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in fields beneficial to Okinawa’s development.
Key Information: Applicants must document permanent domicile or residence in Okinawa.
Description
The Obuchi Student Scholarship is part of the East-West Center’s Graduate Degree Fellowship program, offered in partnership with the Okinawa Prefectural Government through cooperation between the United States and Japanese governments. It supports Okinawan residents pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in fields beneficial to Okinawan development. Its mission is to strengthen Okinawa’s human resources for a proactive role in Asia-Pacific intellectual, research, and business activities.
The fellowship combines degree study with educational, cultural, residential community-building, and leadership development programs. Fellows live together and participate in intellectual and social activities, including internships, cultural exchange, community service, and service-learning. These experiences build an Asia-Pacific community, prepare participants for leadership, and foster lasting connections with students and alumni committed to positive change across the region.
