#Japan #Tokyo #HIS #NCN #US Scholarship Program

Introduction

In a significant move to support Japanese students aspiring to study in the United States, HIS (Hokuriku International Service) has entered into a business contract with NCN (National College Network of America). This collaboration aims to promote the US University Scholarship Program and assist Japanese students in their path to higher education abroad. This initiative marks a pioneering effort, as it's the first time an organization has joined forces with a travel agency to expand this scholarship program.

Addressing Financial Barriers

The recent economic climate, characterized by historical depreciation of the yen and inflation, has created challenges for many students and their families who wish to study overseas but feel financially constrained. According to a survey conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in May 2026, the number of Japanese students studying abroad has decreased significantly, with a reduction of nearly 20% compared to 2018. Specifically, there has been a notable decline of 6.6% in students heading to the United States compared to 2023. This situation has been exacerbated by rising costs associated with studying abroad. Despite these hurdles, the demand for global human resources continues to grow, creating a pressing need for affordable yet high-quality international education.

HIS's Role

Leveraging its extensive network and experience in engaging with younger audiences, HIS aims to popularize NCN's repayment-free scholarship system across educational institutions in Japan. The partnership seeks to alleviate students' financial anxieties and worries about living abroad while ensuring they have access to world-class education. The collaboration is designed to create an educational environment where students can thrive without the burden of excessive costs.

Key Initiatives of the Partnership

1. Promotion of the US University Scholarship Program: HIS plans to utilize its nationwide network to promote the scholarship program to Japanese schools. By advocating the unique scholarship that waives around half of the tuition fees, HIS will assist schools in globalizing their curricula and providing diverse opportunities for their students.

2. Overseas Study Consultation Sessions: HIS will act as a liaison between Japanese schools and NCN to conduct overseas study consultation sessions within schools. These events will provide students with information on the benefits of studying at US universities and the intricacies of securing scholarships, tailoring NCN’s expertise to meet each school's specific needs.

3. Comprehensive Support from Application to Graduation: Once students have decided to study abroad, HIS will seamlessly assist with flight arrangements and travel support. Upon arrival, NCN will provide ongoing educational support through their affiliated universities, guided by Japanese advisors, ensuring a smooth transition for students throughout their studies and into their careers.

About the NCN US University Scholarship Program

The NCN US University Scholarship Program offers Japanese students attending partner universities in the U.S. a unique tuition reduction scheme that does not require repayment. This system is based on academic performance and individual qualifications, significantly lowering financial barriers for students wishing to study abroad. With a solid track record of sending over 7,500 Japanese students to U.S. universities and ongoing support through graduation, the program boasts impressive employment outcomes post-graduation. Remarkably, over 90% of new recipients each year benefit from these non-repayable scholarships.

Conclusion

HIS and NCN’s collaboration represents a bold step towards making U.S. higher education more accessible and less financially burdensome for Japanese students. As they work together to provide support from the initial stages of study preparation right through to graduation, they aim to fill the gap created by economic challenges and enhance the opportunities available for future global leaders.

About NCN

Founded in 1990, the National College Network of America (NCN) aims to facilitate study abroad opportunities for Japanese students by connecting them with American universities. The organization not only manages scholarship programs but also offers comprehensive support services tailored to the needs of Japanese high school students. For more information, visit NCN’s official website.