#Japan #Student Support #Chiyoda #Aoba-BBT #Bond-BBT MBA

Aoba-BBT's Response to US Visa Restrictions

The recent restrictions on student visa issuance by the US government have led to significant disruptions for Japanese and other Asian students aiming to enroll in MBA and university programs in the United States. In light of these developments, Aoba-BBT Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has begun exploring emergency support measures to ensure that these students do not halt their educational journey. With students aspiring to gain admission to prestigious institutions like Harvard University, unexpected shifts in their educational paths are now a reality.

Aoba-BBT recognizes the grave implications of this situation. In response, the company is leveraging its online educational resources to offer high-quality learning opportunities globally, no matter where students are located. A standout offering is the ‘Bond-BBT MBA’ program, developed in collaboration with the renowned Bond University in Australia since 2001. This advanced MBA program holds prestigious international business school accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS) and primarily utilizes on-demand online learning. Students can complete the program in as little as two years.

Bond University is consistently ranked among the top 25 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World’s Best Small Universities list, securing the 8th place in 2023 and 23rd in 2024. Additionally, it has been recognized for achieving the highest student satisfaction ratings among Australian universities, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring high-quality education and student contentment.

To address concerns over currency exchange risks, the Bond-BBT MBA program offers a fixed total tuition fee of approximately 3.2 million yen until graduation. This model allows students to balance work and studies flexibly and significantly reduces the overall costs compared to studying abroad while still offering a world-class MBA education. The program boasts high time and cost performance, making it an attractive option for many.

In response to current challenges, Aoba-BBT is evaluating several support measures to provide flexible learning opportunities:

Main Support Measures Under Consideration

• - Special Scholarship Program: This program will facilitate rapid assessments based on GMAT/TOEFL scores and a brief additional essay to determine eligibility for tuition waivers ranging from 5% to 50%, depending on academic performance and personal motivations.

• - Credit Transfer System: Aoba-BBT is developing a framework that will allow credits earned in the Bond-BBT MBA to be transferrable to US universities in the future.

• - Fully Online Classes: Students can participate in classes regardless of their location, provided they have internet access, thus mitigating issues related to travel or visa restrictions.

• - Accelerated Enrollment Process: An expedited special screening process for emergency support will drastically reduce the time between application and class commencement.

Furthermore, the Bond-BBT MBA’s Graduate Certificate course, titled ‘English Pathway,’ is designed to help students who may feel anxious about learning in a global environment. This course represents an essential support mechanism in the current context.

Aoba-BBT is also looking to enhance its collaborations with other educational institutions (such as Business Breakthrough University and Hokuriku Gakuin University) to set up additional support systems and credit transfer agreements. The company aims to continually expand its multi-layered support to help students avoid disruptions in their learning.

Details about the official support measures will be announced promptly through the company's website and social media channels once finalized.

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About the BOND-BBT MBA Program

The BOND-BBT MBA, initiated in 2001 through the partnership between Bond University Business School and BBT, represents a formal overseas MBA program. The program is accredited by internationally recognized business school accreditations (AACSB and EQUIS), with a mission to cultivate business leaders who can thrive globally. To date, it has produced over 1,300 graduates.

Students benefit from learning from both the academia-focused faculty of Bond University and the industry-experienced instructors from BBT. This dual approach bridges theory and practice, equipping students with vital management skills applicable in the real world.

The program offers a blend of online learning and offline study tours, enhancing the retention of knowledge. The study tours allow participants to engage in practical discussions with local Australian students in an English-speaking environment, improving not only their business English skills but also their critical thinking and debating abilities.

For more information, visit Bond-BBT MBA website.

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About Aoba-BBT

Founded in April 1998, Aoba-BBT aims to foster leaders who can excel globally. The company offers a diverse range of educational programs, from early childhood education to executive training, including international schools and online universities and graduate schools (MBA). By utilizing innovative educational technologies, Aoba-BBT provides tailored learning environments that help students and professionals achieve sustainable growth. As a leading company in the education sector, Aoba-BBT continually evolves to contribute to the future of education. Visit Aoba-BBT website.