News

REJ Publishes10-year Report

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Japan ICU Foundation’s efforts to expand higher education opportunities for students with refugee backgrounds. This work began with a simple idea: in the midst of the Syrian conflict, even admitting a small number of Syrian students to International Christian University would be a meaningful expression of JICUF and ICU’s commitment to peace and human rights. At the time, the JICUF team did not anticipate that this initiative would m

Mar 311 min read

The Asahi Shimbun's with Planet publishes REJ Director's Article

On February 13, with Planet , the global issues platform of The Asahi Shimbun, has published an article by Aki Takada, Director of REJ and Vice President of JICUF. Titled “ Why Universities Should Open Their Doors to Refugee Students ,” the article highlights the urgent global refugee education crisis and explores how Japanese universities can play a meaningful role. It also introduces JICUF’s efforts to expand higher education opportunities for refugee students. Today, more

Mar 171 min read

JICUF and ICU Establish a Graduate Scholarship for Students Impacted by Conflict

This month, JICUF and ICU agreed to establish a graduate scholarship for students who have fled conflict and relocated to Japan. JICUF and ICU already offer full undergraduate scholarships to two new students with refugee backgrounds annually through the Japan Education Pathways program, and will add one full scholarship in the master’s program starting spring 2026.

Jul 23, 20251 min read

JICUF President Paul Hastings Chairs a Session on Language Education at UNHCR's Annual Meeting in Geneva

JICUF President Paul Hastings chairing a session at the CRCP, June 25, 2025 JICUF President & CEO Paul Hastings was in Geneva from June...

Jul 23, 20254 min read

JICUF Co-Hosts a Conference on Refugee Education at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Participants of the meeting in Payap University on Day 2 (June 13, 2025) On June 12 and 13, JICUF co-hosted a Global Task Force on Third...

Jun 24, 20254 min read

JICUF Co-hosts Events on Refugee Higher Education with Wilfrid Laurier University

JICUF co-hosted a series of events with Canada’s Wilfrid Laurier University and Pathways Japan in late April. Wilfrid Laurier University,...

May 19, 20255 min read

JICUF Co-Hosts a Workshop on Skills-Based Pathways for Refugees at the Embassy of Canada to Japan

Participants of the workshop at the Embassy of Canada to Japan, Nov. 20, 2024 (Photo by Yosuke Kobayashi) On November 20 and 21, JICUF...

Dec 11, 20243 min read

JICUF Participates in UNHCR Annual Meeting in Geneva

Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways, or CRCP in short, is the most important multilateral forum hosted annually by...

Aug 2, 20243 min read

JICUF Co-hosts a Reunion for Ukrainian and Syrian Students in Japan, Her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Akishino Observes the Event

On March 18, JICUF co-hosted a reunion for refugee students at Sophia University, and H.I.H. Crown Princess Akishino observed the event.

Apr 29, 20242 min read