On Friday October 22nd, the 2021 Soka University Academic Fee Exemption Scholarship for International Students and Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship for International Students conferral ceremony was held online.

The Soka University Academic Fee Exemption Scholarship is a scholarship system unique to the university that reduces tuition fees for international students who have difficulty continuing their studies due to economic reasons, based on their grades, etc. The purpose is to help international students concentrate on their studies.
In addition, the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship for International Students was established to support students who have financial difficulties studying in undergraduate and graduate schools. This time, it was awarded to international students who entered the university in autumn.

At the conferral ceremony, after being awarded the certificate by Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Yasunori Tashiro, Andrew Valentine (3rd year, Faculty of Letters) from Italy said, "Immediately after entering the university, I had to study in my home country due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and also because of the time difference classes were held in the middle of night. However, thanks to the support of my friends and staff at Soka University, I was able to get through the difficulties. I am very happy to study on campus now. I will not waste this opportunity to learn with the scholarships, and we will study hard while encouraging each other."

Mikiya Takanashi, President of the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation, said, "Each International student has a great mission to contribute to the happiness of humankind and world peace through their studies and research at Soka University. Please take care of your health, continue to learn, and keep working on your studies and research."

Finally, President Yoshihisa Baba said, "More than 50 international students continue to study online, regardless of the time difference in their respective countries. Although it is a difficult situation, Soka University will do its best to support students learning all over the world. Because all of you have a great mission, please challenge yourselves through this trial, demonstrate your ability to create value, and continue learning. I look forward to seeing you on campus in Hachioji as soon as possible."