Kyoto University has recently launched the “PhilDOST-Kyoto University Graduate Scholarship Program” in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and the Science Education Institute (SEI), both under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Republic of the Philippines.
This scholarship program aims to contribute to the development of high-quality human capital in the fields of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources in the Philippines through higher education and research training in Japan. Scholars will receive comprehensive support, including full tuition at Kyoto University, monthly living allowances, and round-trip airfares from the Philippines to Japan, as well as research travel grants and re-entry research funding upon completion of their degrees. The program was established with the support of three KyotoU graduate schools that share a high affinity with these fields and have been accepting multiple students from the Philippines: the Graduate School of Agriculture, the Graduate School of Biostudies, and the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES).
On Tuesday 16 December 2025, an MOU signing ceremony for the scholarship program took place at Kyoto University with four officials from the Philippines in attendance: Dr Reynaldo Ebora, executive director, and Dr Fezoil Luz Decena, chief science research specialist, from PCAARRD; Engr Albert G Mariño, deputy director of SEI; and Dr Jose V Camacho, Jr, chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
The delegation had earlier visited GSGES and met with Professor Chihiro Tanaka, dean, and Professor Izuru Saizen, vice dean. The meeting included an overview of the graduate school and a discussion on the implementation of the program.
The ceremony was conducted in the presence of the following KyotoU officials: President Nagahiro Minato; Professor Hiroshi Kokubu, executive vice-president for education, student affairs, and admissions; Professor Takao Hirajima, director of the Division of Graduate Studies; Professor Shuji Hisano from the Graduate School of Economics; and Professor Eiji Nawata, director of the Kyoto University ASEAN Center, who participated online.
During this meeting, the participants shared insights into the current status of international students from the Philippines and their expectations for the program. President Minato emphasized the importance of sustaining research activities and academic networking beyond the completion of graduate degrees.
Through this program, which provides integrated support from enrollment to post-graduation, Kyoto University will strengthen its partnership with the Philippines to further develop academic and research exchanges.
Meeting with GSGES
The Philippine delegation with GSGES’ Dean Tanaka and Vice Dean Saizen
Discussion at the signing ceremony
From left: SEI Deputy Director Mariño, PCAARRD Executive Director Ebora, and KyotoU President Minato
Signing ceremony attendees
AloJapan.com