CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary

The Centre for the Study of Japanese Religions offers a CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary in Japanese Religions to be held at SOAS, University of London.

The total value of the scholarship is £5,000 for one year for full-time or part-time programmes, providing a contribution towards fees. If the successful candidate receives a grant to cover fees from another funding body, the bursary can be used towards maintenance.

Applications are invited from outstanding students of Japanese religions, regardless of nationality.

Eligible programmes

• Full-time/part-time Research Degree: Religions and Philosophies in Japanese Religions (Department of Religions & Philosophies, School of History, Religions & Philosophies).
• Full-time/part-time MA Buddhist Studies focusing on Japanese Religions/Japanese Buddhism.
• Full-time/part-time MA Buddhist Studies and Intensive Language (Japanese) focusing on Japanese Buddhism.
• New admissions only (programmes starting in September 2024).

Candidate criteria

• Applicants must possess an outstanding academic record.
• Taught Master's (MA) applicants must focus on Japanese Religions/Japanese Buddhism. Evidence of this should be included in the statement of their application and reflected in their choice of modules.
• Taught Master's (MA) and Research Degree (MPhil/PhD) applicants should give evidence in the statement of their application of their ability to use sources in Japanese.
• Open to UK/EU and Overseas candidates.
• Applicants must have applied to SOAS but are not required to have received an offer of admission by the scholarship deadline. An offer will need to have been received by the time the relevant panel meets to discuss scholarship applications.
• Applicants must meet the English language condition of their offer of admission to study at SOAS as soon as possible.

Candidate assessment

• Candidates will be assessed on academic merit by a Selection Panel. The Centre reserves the right not to make an award in the event that no suitable application is received.
• Candidates will be assessed on evidence that the primary focus of their study is Japanese Buddhism and that they have sufficient knowledge of Japanese to use sources in Japanese.
• The assessment of your application will be based on the information in your application for admission. Selectors will be looking at academic references, degree results, statement, CV, research proposal (MPhil/PhD applications only) and other relevant information.

Scholarship application deadline

• Scholarship applications must be received by 12:00pm (midday UK local time) on 22 April 2024.
• Applicants must submit an application for your programme as soon as possible and then submit an application for this scholarship in order to be considered. Please note that complete applications for admission can take up to 4 weeks to be considered by the department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year. You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods.
• You will need to have a firm offer for your programme by the time the scholarship panel meet.
• Late or incomplete scholarship applications will not be considered.

Notification of results

The scholarship shortlisting and awarding period is expected to be completed by the end of June 2024, at the earliest. Successful candidates will be contacted first and once all awards have been allocated, the unsuccessful candidates will be notified. 

Scholarship application procedures

There is a two-step procedure:

Step 1:  Apply for your programme

For guidance to apply for admissions and information on what makes an application, please see how to apply (research).

For guidance to apply for admissions and information on what makes an complete, please see how to apply (postgraduate).

Step 2:  Apply for the scholarship

You must apply for this scholarship by by 12:00pm (midday UK local time) on 22 April 2024 via the online application form.

Scholarship enquiries

• Email: scholarships@soas.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)20 7074 5090