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Japan now has more than 2 million foreigners calling it home- whether for work or studies. This means there is a large number of dependents attending school. The public education system is relatively free outside of lunch and some materials which are usually subsidized by municipals in different ways. On the other hand for those attending international schools, senior high schools and universities the costs must be borne by the individuals. Sometimes scholarships and loans are available to offset some costs but these are largely available to persons with PR status, and certain visa types. There has been recent news of universities raising the fees for foreign students studying at the tertiary level here. No wonder many persons and lobby groups are hopeful of the newly proposed government plan to extend scholarships to more foreigners. This is commendable (my daughter in university would be able to benefit) however the criteria of twelve years of Japanese education translates to being living in Japan prior to the beginning of elementary school education. This measure inadvertently rules out a large percentage of those who could benefit (my daughter automatically doesn’t qualify, since she has only completed Jnr and senior high education here. Do you have children attending or soon to attend university here? What are your thoughts on this offering and it’s criteria?