TOKYO: Japan’s education ministry said Tuesday that it will create a COVID-19 vaccination program under which people planning to study abroad can get priority in receiving shots.

The ministry will also issue English certificates signed by the education minister for those who have been vaccinated.

According to the ministry, over 400 universities in the United States, including Harvard University, require students to be vaccinated before taking in-person courses.

The program will be available to those planning to study at such universities to obtain degrees.

Applicants will be able to receive shots at universities and mass vaccination venues run by the government.

“In order to nurture global talent, it is of utmost importance that we support Japanese students studying abroad,” education minister Koichi Hagiuda told a press conference the same day. “We want to support students with drive.”

JIJI Press