2026 University of the Ryukyus Support Program for Descendants of Okinawa Prefecture.

This program was established to strengthen exchanges with Okinawan communities worldwide, and we welcome Uchinaanchu from Hawaii to pursue opportunities for academic learning and research with us at Ryudai.

Ryudai’s partnership with HUOA has been one of the University’s most valued collaborations. To celebrate the 125th anniversary of emigration from Okinawa to Hawaii and our long-standing relationship, our inaugural offering for students from Hawaii is a program that provides financial support, including tuition waivers, study preparation funds, and a monthly stipend, for students recommended by HUOA. Each year, one student will have the opportunity to study in Okinawa (six months or a year) to experience Ryudai’s academic environment and life in Okinawa firsthand.

All relevant documents concerning this support program—including application guidelines, forms, and promotional materials—are available in the folder below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tkajLHda3f4P6McmiTTAlzgpYgpul9A6?usp=sharing

Application Documents (Folder Contents)

1. Application Guidelines (Japanese/English)
2. Application Form – Auditing (Non-degree) Student (Japanese/English)
3. Application Form – Research Student (Japanese/English)
4. Poster (Japanese/English)
5. Poster for Online Information Session (Japanese/English)

*Note: Applicants must select the appropriate Excel application form (for either category of Auditing Student or Research Student).
Kindly advise applicants to complete and submit all required forms accordingly.

Application and Selection Process

* Applicants must submit their documents to HUOA.

* By October 16, 2025, Hawaii time: candidate to submit Form 1 to HUOA at info@huoa.org
* Submission Deadline from HUOA to the University: 5pm, Friday, November 14th, 2025 (Japan time)

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Reference: University Information

* University of the Ryukyus Official Website (https://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/)
* Faculties and Graduate Schools (https://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/faculty/)
* Curriculum and Course Information (https://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/campuslife/curriculum/)
* Researcher Database (https://kenkyushadb.lab.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/search?m=home&l=ja)
* Global Education Center (https://isu.skr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/)
* International Office (https://ges.skr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/)
* Student Dormitories (https://ges.skr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/future-students/dormitory/)
Program participants will be eligible to stay in the Senbaru student dormitories, but not the International House.
* Information for Auditing Students and Japanese Language Courses (Fall 2025 Reference)
(https://ged.skr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/02-R7F-Guidelines-for-Auditors-International-Students6.24-v2.pdf)

It is with great excitement and heartfelt gratitude that we announce we are preparing for the 2026 Leadership Tour — an opportunity designed to inspire, empower, and cultivate the next generation of leaders within our HUOA family.

We’re excited to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Leadership Tour, in partnership with N&K Travel. A big ippee nifee deebiru to Nadine and Tomomi for helping us share the spirit of Uchinaanchu culture!

• Limited to 15 Participants
• Must be 21+ by October 2, 2026
• Three-year leadership commitment required

💲 Estimated Tour Cost: $4,800

• 1/3 (Participating Individual)- $1,600
• 1/3 (Participating Club)- $1,600
• 1/3 (HUOA)- $1,600

📞 Questions?

Contact HUOA at (808) 676-5400

View the photo album: https://huoa.smugmug.com/2023-Leadership-Tour

Youth of Okinawan descent from across the globe will have the opportunity to explore Okinawan history, culture, and nature while living alongside local Okinawan youths of the same age. This experience will foster strong connections and enhance their understanding of their Okinawan heritage. Additionally, local Okinawan students will gain a broader international perspective, contributing to the growth of the next generation that will carry forward the Uchinaa Network.

Program consists of 3 parts:
Part 1 and 2, Zoom meetings. Part 3, 7-day stay in Okinawa, at the end of July

Application deadline is March 10, 2026. Send us an email at info@huoa.org for more information.

Find all the forms and more information here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aWMqTPWnbkI3gOqvJthj0_fpzzoAm4CZ?usp=drive_link

Click to see Frequently asked questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/192-I1Nlw2dQmN-UVZO8ve0GbUKskEDOQUnbaUNzGeQ0/edit?usp=sharing

Application period for 2026 is closed. 

Okinawan Prefectural Government offers a scholarship for young persons of Okinawan descent an opportunity to learn about Okinawan culture and other subjects of interest so that they can return to their communities and share what they have learned and experienced. Selected individuals will study at the University of the Ryukyus, Meio University (Nago City), Okinawan Prefectural University of Arts (Geidai), Okinawa International University (TBD). This scholarship includes air transportation, tuition, books, room, and board. For more information, please contact HUOA at  info@huoa.org.

Guidelines, checklist, and forms:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wcd20jA04BrBLGj9J6VrqN2p71r_KnfI?usp=sharing

2027 Cultural Grant: Deadline for submission is May 31, 2026.
Hui O Laulima Cultural Grant Announcement Click here for information and application

A few of the criteria for selection include:
• Interest in the study, perpetuation and promotion, including goodwill projects of Okinawan culture (music, dance, art, or other forms of artistic expressions), language and history;
• Leadership ability;
• Community service;
• Financial need;
• Overall potential for success;
• Clarity of goal(s);
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives.

All prospective grant projects/activities should take place from January through December, 2027.

Hui O Laulima has provided grants to individuals and organizations in our local Okinawan community with the greatest potential for the preservation, promotion, and perpetuation of the Okinawan culture.

Visit Hui Makaala’s website for the latest update on the awarding of these scholarships to students going to college.

The deadline for applicants is usually in May.