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 only for full-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 2023).

Candidate criteria

• Applicants must possess an outstanding academic record
• Taught Masters (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 Masters (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 12:00 (UK local time) on 28 April 2023
• 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

Due to the competitive nature of the scholarship only the successful candidate with an offer to study at SOAS will be notified by the end of July 2023. If you have not heard from us by then, assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

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).

Step 2:  Apply for the scholarship by 12:00 (UK local time) on 28 April 2023

You must apply for this scholarship via the online application form.

For scholarship enquiries:

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