Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is the ASIA KAKEHASHI Scholarship program?

ASIA KAKEHASHI is a Japanese Government-sponsored scholarship program. AFS Intercultural Programs, Japan(AFS JPN) was appointed to implement the ASIA KAKEHASHI Project in collaboration with AFS Partner organizations and NGOs in Asia.

Sputnik International Sri Lanka Organization(SISLO) in collaboration with AFS JPN conducts the sending procedures of Sri Lanka.

+ Where is the destination of this scholarship?

ASIA KAKEHASHI is an intercultural scholarship to Japan.

+ Do I have to pay for this scholarship?

No. This scholarship is absolutely free.

+ What is included in this scholarship?

The scholarship covers domestic and international round-trip airfare, Food and beverage; or meal allowance; safe lodging at a local host family or school dormitory, free education at a Japanese high school, health insurance cover, timely medical care and other required costs during the stay. (Applicants should bear any other personal expenses that are not relevant for the program by themselves!)

+ What is the duration of this scholarship program?

ASIA KAEHASHI scholarship can be as long as 6 -10 months. However, the duration depends on the Japanese Government regulations.

+ Who can apply for this scholarship?

Awarded for Japanese learning students who are between 15 - 18 years of age (ideally junior high; Grade 10/11, or high school; Grade 12 students) can apply for this program. Potential candidates should have excellent academic records, good leadership skills and GET- GO attitude. Those who have a strong desire to study abroad and motivation to participate in school-based activities are encouraged to apply.


Delegating as ambassadors, selected individuals should be able to represent Sri Lanka among all other participating nations, immersing themselves in intercultural learning and sharing. AFS is committed to diversity and welcomes students from any background.

+ When can I apply for this program?

Sputnik International Sri Lanka Organization(SISLO) calls for applications via Social media platforms, Newspaper advertisements, sending letters and emails to schools island wide.

+ How can I get help in applying for this scholarship?

The online application process is very easy to follow. You may find all the necessary information, instructions, downloadable documents here.

Quick inquiries over the phone or email can be made to Sara at 077-649-3104/ ipsneranji@yahoo.com or Tharusha at 071-102-4335/ d.tharushan123@gmail.com .

+ What kind of interview/s would I have to go through?

Once the deadline closes, applications will be reviewed using a systemic evaluation form selecting 24 semifinalists. The Semifinal round will consist of a Physical Test, Writing test, a Presentation, a Talent showcase, and an interview selecting 12 finalists. The final round will be held at the Embassy of Japan declaring the order of the potentiality of each candidate as the matrix for each year differs.

+ Shall I get help in preparing myself for the departure if I get selected?

SISLO will hold a series of orientations and preparatory guide sessions upon the completion of the screening process.

+ Where will I be placed in Japan?

Students who are awarded this scholarship will be placed at local Japanese host families or high school dormitories determined by AFS. During winter vacations and other school holidays, temporary host families will be arranged for those who are placed at school dormitories.

+ Who will support me during the program?

All participants will be supported by a network of AFS JPN experts, professionals, and local volunteers. There is an AFS buddy system, a Liaison Person and a 24/7 duty officer system to address any troubleshoot.
AFS organizes frequent orientations and gatherings for open discussions and does research about the progress of each and every scholar during the period of stay. All students will be monitored closely to administer their physical and mental health from the arrival to Japan till the departure.

+ I have not yet received my last term test results. Can I still submit my application?

Yes, you can submit your application without your last term test results. Clearly mention that you have not received the term test results and send us the latest term test results you have got.

+ I have received some of my term test results. Can I still submit my application?

Yes, you can submit your application with the existing results. Clearly mention the subjects that you have not received results by the time of application.

+ I have changed my school for A/L studies and I didn’t join any club activity at my new school yet. What can I do in this case?

If you have engaged in club activities in your previous school, it is alright to use the club activities history in your previous school. Please mention the name and contact information; phone number and email; of the club in-charge as we may need to contact them.

+ Do I need to produce the O/L certificate certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Can I produce the local certificate that the Department of Examinations issued?

No, you do not need to submit the O/L certificate certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Examinations- issued local certificate will be enough. If you do not have the local certificate issued by the Department of Examinations, please send us the school- issued O/L results sheet acknowledged by the principal with signature and school stamp.

+ Do I need to have a passport by the time of application?

NO! – You don’t need to possess one nor do you need to make a new one unless you are so instructed.

+ I have a passport but I have not yet travelled to Japan or any other country before. Do I need to send my passport information in this case?

NO! – You don’t need to send us your passport information if you have not travelled to Japan previously.

+ I have a trouble obtaining the testimony form from my school due to COVID-19 pandemic. What can I do in this case?

Please mention the name/s and contact information; phone number/s and email/s; of the teacher/s in-charge of the particular subject/club/association/group/team...etc. as we may need to contact them.

+ I have not studied Japanese language as a subject for my O/L studies, but I hope to take Japanese language as a subject for my A/L studies. Am I still eligible to apply for the scholarship?

Yes, you are welcome to apply for the scholarship.

+ I have studied Japanese language as a subject for my O/L studies, but my A/L stream is/will be different. Most probably I won’t be able to take Japanese language as a subject for my A/L studies in this case. Am I still eligible to apply for the scholarship?

Yes, you are welcome to apply for this scholarship.

+ I do not have sports achievements, but I have aesthetic achievements. Am I eligible to apply for the scholarship?

Yes, you can still apply. Please submit your supplication with whatever the achievements you have got.

+ I do not have aesthetic achievements, but I have sports achievements. Am I eligible to apply for the scholarship?

Yes, you can still apply. Please submit your application with whatever the achievements you have got.

+ I have both aesthetic and sports achievements but I don’t have engaged in any club activities at my school. Am I eligible to apply for the scholarship?

Yes, you can still apply. Please submit your supplication with whatever the achievements you have got.

+ I don’t have aesthetic or sports achievements neither do I have club activities history at my school. However, I have aesthetic/ sports and/or club activities history out of the school. Can I include them into my application?

Yes, you can include them into your application.

+ There is no space for Dhamma school prefectship. Where should I include that?

Please attach your Dhamma school prefectship details to the aesthetic achievements. (attachment no.04)

+ Can I use extra papers for my essays?

NO! You may use the given spaces ONLY. In case if you have violated the general rules and conditions for application, your application will be disregarded.

+ Is having health and food-restrictions disqualify me for this scholarship?

Complicated situation! It depends on your preference but we would co-operate with you at our best.

+ Few members of my family (siblings) belong to the prescribed age range of this program. Can we all apply for this scholarship?

Yes, you all may apply for the scholarship. Please make sure to send separate applications for each applicant.

+ Is the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka and schools are aware of this program?

Yes. We are contacting principals for documentation procedures once your screening comes to an end.

+ If I skip my O/L exam this year due to this scholarship, would I still be able to take the examination upon my arrival back to Sri Lanka?

Certainly yes! You would be able to take the examination upon your arrival to Sri Lanka. If you are selected to the sending team, we will be instructing you to contact your school for smooth functioning of your studies

+ Will I be granted entry for a Japanese University taking part in this scholarship program?

No. You would not be granted entry for a Japanese university taking part in this scholarship.