Obuchi Student Scholarships are part of the Graduate Degree Fellowship program and support students from Okinawa for master's or doctoral degree study at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM) in fields deemed beneficial to Okinawan development needs. These scholarships are offered through a joint partnership of the United States and Japanese governments, specifically through the East-West Center and the Okinawa Prefectural Government. The program's mission is to help Okinawa develop and strengthen its human resources in order to take a proactive role in Asia Pacific intellectual, research, and business activities. Priority in the student selection process is given to those studying in fields of benefit to Okinawan development. Applicants must be residents of Okinawa, Japan, who have the intention of returning to contribute to its development needs. By December 1, a curriculum vitae or resume; UHM application admission acknowledgment; and copy of the passport biodata page (for international students only) must be submitted. Then on January 10, official transcripts from each college or university attended; an official IELTS, DUOLINGO, or TOEFL score; and three letters of reference, two of which address the applicant's academic abilities and professional objectives and the third which reflects on the applicant's involvement in any community service, civic engagement, or extra-curricular activities must be submitted. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the East-West Center for more information.