Japan expands study abroad stipends to 30,000 students

Recipients to increase by 70% under initiative to broaden pool of global talent

In a 2018 survey of 1,000 young people, over half said they did not want to study abroad, citing financial and language barriers. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)

HIROYUKI OMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

August 26, 2023 01:00 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese government plans to offer stipends to 30,000 Japanese students studying abroad starting in April, up 70% from current levels as it seeks to raise economic competitiveness.

The boost follows a recommendation from a government panel in April that set a goal of 500,000 Japanese students studying abroad by 2033, up from 222,000 students before the pandemic.