CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary at SOAS University of London 2025

• The CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary in Japanese Religions is a scholarship offered by the Centre for the Study of Japanese Religions (CSJR) at SOAS, University of London.
• Here is a detailed overview of the scholarship, eligibility criteria, and application process:

Scholarship Overview:

• Total Value: £5,000 for one year (for full-time or part-time programmes).
• Purpose: The scholarship provides a contribution towards tuition fees. If the recipient already has fee coverage from another funding body, the bursary can be used towards maintenance costs.

Eligible Programmes:

• Full-time or part-time Research Degree in Religions in Japanese Religions.
• Full-time or part-time MA in Buddhist Studies with a focus on Japanese Religions and/or Japanese Buddhism.
• Full-time or part-time MA in Buddhist Studies and Intensive Language (Japanese) with a focus on Japanese Buddhism.

Candidate Criteria:

• Eligible Applicants: Open to both Home and Overseas fee status applicants.
• New Admissions Only: The scholarship is available for those enrolling in programmes starting in September 2025.
• Focus on Japanese Religions: Taught Master's applicants must focus on Japanese Religions and/or Japanese Buddhism, and this should be reflected in their application statement and choice of modules.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to use Japanese sources in their application statement.
• Academic Qualifications:Taught Master's (MA): Must possess or expect to obtain a First-Class Honours degree or an international equivalent.
• Applicants with a 2.1 may apply but will not be given preference.
• MPhil/PhD: Must possess or expect to obtain a First-Class Honours master’s degree or an international equivalent.
• Applicants with a 2.1 may apply but will not be given preference.
• English Language Requirement: Applicants must meet the English language condition of their offer to study at SOAS (if applicable).

Assessment of Candidates:

• Selection Panel: Candidates will be evaluated based on academic merit and their personal statement.
• The primary focus of the study should be Japanese Buddhism, and applicants must show proficiency in using Japanese sources.
• The assessment will consider the following:Academic references
• Degree results
• Statement of purpose
• CV
• Research proposal (for MPhil/PhD applicants)
• The Selection Panel reserves the right not to make an award if no suitable applicants are found.

Application Procedures:

• Step 1: Apply for your programme (Master’s or MPhil/PhD).For Master’s programmes, apply through the Taught Masters application process.
• For MPhil/PhD programmes, apply via the Doctoral School.
• Guidance for applying to a research programme and completing an application can be found on the How to Apply webpage.
• Step 2: Apply for the scholarship by 12:00 PM (midday) UK local time on 21 March 2025.Submit your scholarship application through the online application form.

Important Notes:

• Ensure that your application for admission is complete and submitted as soon as possible.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• You must have an unconditional offer for your programme by the time the Scholarship Panel meets to review applications.
• It may take up to 4 weeks for a complete application to be considered by the Department, and up to 6 weeks during busy periods.