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