Introduction

This programme aims to accept students from ASEAN universities who aspire to work in their home countries' medical or public health sectors into Japanese medical universities. The initiative focuses on developing effective models for international student admission, enhancing their educational experience, and ensuring a smooth transition into medical professionals. Ultimately, this research contributes to improving medical standards and health equity in the ASEAN region.

Programme Overview

Students who pass the required examinations and are accepted by participating Japanese universities will be admitted to the medical faculty of their home university. They will undergo 6 years of medical education in Japan and, after passing the national medical examination, will complete 2 years of clinical training. This initiative promotes research on the acceptance of medical exchange students.

ERIA (The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) will cover tuition, textbook costs, and living expenses, provided that graduates work in the medical or public health sector in their home country after completing their 2-year clinical training in Japan.

Assignments

Participating universities will be responsible for:

• Recruiting international students and conducting selection examinations in English or Japanese.
• Providing 6 years of medical education and 2 years of initial clinical training as physicians. Japanese language education will be provided for students selected through the English examination method, starting 6 months before enrolment.
• Offering training and internship opportunities at domestic companies engaged in medical equipment R&D at least once during the 6-year programme.
• Providing students with opportunities to learn about medical standards and healthcare conditions in their home country at least once during the 6-year programme.
• Submitting an annual 'Study Abroad Status Report' to ERIA on the progress of international students.
• Conducting research on the acceptance of international students and reporting findings to ERIA.
• Supporting international students in acquiring Japanese language skills based on their proficiency levels.
• Assisting students with daily life needs, including living expenses, health insurance, and accommodation.
• Referencing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for detailed assignments.

Eligibility of the University

Japanese universities with a medical school, as stipulated in Article 1 of the School Education Law (Law No. 26 of 1947), are eligible to apply.

Application Timeline

• Call for Proposals Opens: 28 February 2025
• Briefing Session: 7 March 2025, at 14:00 (JST)
• Proposal Submission Deadline: 19 March 2025, by 19:00 (JST)
• Selection Results Announced: 31 March 2025

How to Apply

Eligible Japanese universities are encouraged to review the TOR and submit an Application Form (ANNEX 6), a  detailed Project Proposal (ANNEX 7), Budget Proposal (ANNEX 8-1), and, if applicable, an additional Budget Proposal (ANNEX 8-2). These documents can be accessed via the clickable links at the bottom of this page.

Please note that proposal submissions must be in Japanese. Universities should also provide supporting documents for the selection committee's reference. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted to [email protected] by 19:00 (JST) on 19 March 2025.

Announcement of Selected Proposal

ERIA will notify applicants after receiving their proposals. Selected universities will be informed by the end of March 2025, with the results published on the ERIA website.

Briefing Session

An online briefing session will be held on Friday, 7 March 2025, at 14:00 (JST). Interested participants must register by emailing [email protected] by 19:00 (JST) on 6 March 2025.

東アジア・アセアン経済研究センターは、厚生労働省の協力のもと実施する、外国医療人材育成促進事業（医学部外国人留学生受入れモデル構築のための調査実証事業）に参加する日本国内の大学を公募します。詳細は下記添付資料をご確認ください。

1. Call for Proposals: The ASEAN–Japan Medical Scholarship Programme 2026–2034 (Only for Japanese Universities) (in Japanese Language) / 令和７年度外国医療人材育成促進事業 （医学部外国人留学生受入れモデル構築のための調査実証事業）の公募について

2. Terms of Reference (in Japanese Language) / 公募要領 

3. ANNEX 6: Application Form (in Japanese Language) / 別添６応募申請 (MS-Word)

4. ANNEX 7: Project Proposal (in Japanese Language) / 別添７企画提案書(MS-Word)

5. ANNEX 8-1: Budget Proposal (in Japanese Language) / 別添８－１経費内訳書 (MS-Excel)

6. ANNEX 8-2: Budget Proposal for Universities that choose English Examination Method (in Japanese Language) / 別添８－２ 経費内訳書（英語選抜方式による選考試験を採用する場合に限る。）(MS-Excel)