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 resources in the fields of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources in the Philippines through quality higher education and research training in the 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 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, December 16, 2025, the delegation from the Philippines visited Kyoto University for the signing ceremony of the MOU for the scholarship program. The delegation included Dr. Reynaldo Ebora, Executive Director, and Dr. Fezoil Luz Decena, Chief Science Research Specialist from PCAARRD; Mr. Albert G. Mariño, Deputy Director of SEI; and Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Prior to the ceremony, the delegation visited GSGES to meet with Professor Chihiro Tanaka, Dean of GSGES, and Professor Izuru Saizen, Vice Dean. During the meeting, an overview of the graduate school was presented, followed by a discussion regarding the implementation of the program.

The signing ceremony was attended by 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), and Professor Shuji Hisano (Graduate School of Economics). Professor Eiji Nawata (Director of the Kyoto University ASEAN Center) also participated online. During the 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 even after the completion of graduate degrees. It was confirmed that 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.