Scholarship Eligibility - Academic Year Program (AYP)
AIIU Scholarships are offered to all students who apply for our Academic Year Program. Successful applicants show that they are highly motivated students who are committed to becoming cultural ambassadors for AIIU and Australia. Students with demonstrated leadership skills, commitment to promotion of international understanding and sound academic background are invited to apply. .
Who can apply?
To become an AIIU exchange student, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must have completed grade 9,10,11 or 12* and have turned 15 by departure
- You have average or above average grades at school
- You have studied the Japanese language for a minimum of 1 year.
(* Due to Dept of Education Reciprocity Regulations in VIC and ACT, students completing year 12 are ineligible)
How do I apply to become an exchange student?
You need to follow these steps:
- Complete the Preliminary Application by 31 July (March Departure), 30 November (August Departure)
- You will then be sent an Application Booklet. This is quite detailed and needs to be filled out carefully. Allow 6 - 8 weeks to complete. Your Application Booklet will be sent to our associate organisation in Japan. This will help them select your host school and host family. When you have completed the Application Booklet, send it to the AIIU National Office by 31st August (March Departure), 31st December (August Departure) with a non-refundable $50 application fee.
- Shortly after you submit your application, you and your parents will be invited to attend an interview. The interview is designed to ascertain your ability to adapt to a new cultural environment and assess your motivation and commitment to our Student Exchange Program.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
Our office will notify you within 1 month of the outcome of your interview. AIIU will send you a formal letter of acceptance and an agreement for you to sign.
Upon receipt of your acceptance agreement AIIU will forward you a $500 non-refundable deposit invoice.
When do I leave for Japan?
You will depart at the end of August 2008 to coincide with the commencement of the Japanese school year. You will return to Australia in June 2009.
How do I prepare for departure?
Approximately one month prior to departure, you and your parents will be required to attend an Orientation Day. This orientation gives you and your parents the opportunity to speak to some of AIIU’s returnees who have recently returned from their student exchange to Japan. You will also be provided with information that will help you make preparations for your student exchange.
On arrival in Japan you will attend a 2-day Orientation in Tokyo prior to joining your host family.
Where will I go to school?
You will attend a high school in the country or a city in Japan. There are no guarantees where you will be located as this depends on the school that is recruited for you. More than likely you will have to wear a uniform. You will be advised of this cost and other school-related costs prior to your departure (eg. books, school excursions). You will also have to pay daily transportation costs to and from school which can be up to $20 per day. Many students travel by train. Some go by bicycle.
Where will I live?
You will stay with a caring volunteer host family. Most host families in Japan are part of the host school community. You may have the experience of staying with up to 5 host families during your exchange. This will give you the opportunity to experience the Japanese culture in a variety of family environments.
Do I have any other support?
Yes, AIIU together with our partner organisation in Japan offer 24-hour support for you and your parents. You will have a counsellor appointed to you from your school, who in most cases, will be an English teacher.
Staff from both the Japan Foundation for Intercultural Exchange (JFIE) and the International Student Advisory of Japan (ISA) will also be available to counsel students in Japan. JFIE has their Head Office in Tokyo with branch offices in Osaka and Fukuoka. ISA has offices throughout Japan.
How much is the program?
Scholarship assistance through AIIU and JFIE is made available to all qualifying exchange students. Participating exchange students pay only $4,500 towards the cost of their program.
What does this scholarship cover?
The Scholarship cover the following:
- Allocation to your school and host families in Japan
- Visa application procedures
- Translation of documentation and information processing
- Orientation activities in Australia
- Medical and travel insurance
- Return airfare from Australia to Japan including domestic transfers
- Departure taxes
- Orientation on arrival in Japan
- Accommodation and meals whilst at Orientation
- Return travel between Tokyo and your homestay area
- Counselling support
- Regular reports sent to your parents (approximately twice during the year)
- Support and assistance from our partner organisation in Japan (JFIE-Japan Foundation for Intercultural Exchange), for you and your parents during your student exchange
- Support from AIIU staff for you and your parents during your exchange
How much spending money will I need?
You will require everyday living-related expenses of approximately AUD$120-AUD$150 per week, depending on how careful you are with your money. This cost will cover your daily transportation, school lunches and some spending money. An estimated spending amount for a 10 month program is in the vicinity of $4000 - $5000.
Do I need to sign any agreements?
Once you have been accepted on our Student Exchange Program, all parties will sign a Statement of Commitment and a financial agreement.
More Information?
Complete our Application Form or send an email to
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and you could be on your way!
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