SMBC Consumer Finance Starts Accepting Applications for 2026 'Mirai Oen Scholarship'

SMBC Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Terumasa Takahashi, hereinafter referred to as 'the Company') will implement the 2026 'Mirai Oen Scholarship' program for university students. This scholarship program is a distinctive initiative that combines financial support with the financial and economic education expertise cultivated by the Company. Compared to last year, the number of eligible universities and scholarship recipients has been increased.

1. Background and Purpose of the Initiative

In Japan, the scholarship recipient rate has doubled over the past 30 years, and it is now an indispensable system used by one in two university students (daytime division). On the other hand, due to insufficient understanding of financial knowledge, some students experience delays in repayment, creating a situation where financial literacy is required to be acquired while still a student.

To achieve the 'pursuit of social value' advocated by the Company, the 'Mirai Oen Scholarship' provides financial support through a grant-type scholarship and an educational program utilizing the financial and economic education expertise cultivated by the Company. Through this initiative, the Company aims to provide young generations with opportunities to acquire the skills to survive and contribute to the development of a sustainable society.

2. Overview of the 'Mirai Oen Scholarship' System

Eligible Applicants: (1) 3rd and 4th-year students of universities designated by the Company (2) Residing in Japan and in need of financial support (3) Not on leave of absence or repeating a year at the time of application (4) Able to submit all necessary documents (5) Participate in the 'Financial and Economic Education Program' provided by the Company (6) Have taken the 'Financial Literacy Test' (Financial Affairs Research Institute, General Incorporated Association) *1

Amount: 150,000 yen (lump-sum grant)

Number of Recipients: 100 (planned)

Grant Period: Late August 2026

Application Method: Students submit necessary documents to the Company's designated email address

Features: Implementation of an educational program for grant recipients utilizing financial and economic education expertise

*1 Special site: https://www.promise-plaza.com/

3. Designated Universities for 2026 *2

This year, applications will be accepted from students of the following 37 universities, mainly those where the Company provides credit-earning lectures.

List of Designated Universities

Aichi University Otemon Gakuin University Obirin University Osaka Kyoiku University Osaka Keizai Hoka University Osaka Metropolitan University Osaka Seikei University Otaru University of Commerce Kagoshima University Kyushu University Gifu University Kumamoto University Kobe Gakuin University Sapporo University Josai University Tokyo Woman's Christian University Tohoku Gakuin University Nagoya University Nara Women's University Niigata Sangyo University Nishogakusha University Nihon Bunka University Hannan University Hyogo University of Teacher Education Hiroshima University Hiroshima Shudo University Hiroshima Jogakuin University Fukui University Hokkaido University Hokkaido University of Education Matsuyama University Meijo University Miyazaki University Mejiro University University of the Ryukyus

*2 35 universities that have granted permission for publication are listed in alphabetical order. (There are 2 other universities.)

In 2026, we will continue to strengthen support for the young generation who will lead the future and contribute to the development of a sustainable society.

End