[Social Insurance Labor Attorney Explains] Before Paying High Referral Fees: How to Enhance Recruitment and Prevent Turnover with the "Scholarship Repayment Assistance Program" for New and Young Graduates

The Clea Human Resource Development Association (Headquarters: Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yasuhiro Sakai) has released a new video explaining the "Corporate Scholarship Repayment Assistance Program," a powerful tool for recruitment and retention, aimed at corporate executives and HR managers struggling with "difficulty attracting applicants even with job postings" and "high turnover despite paying high fees to recruitment agencies."

In the current job market, it is said that over half of students pursue higher education with the help of some form of scholarship. For young people starting their careers with millions of yen in debt, monthly repayments represent a significant financial burden. Therefore, the "Corporate Repayment Assistance Program" offered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is gaining attention as a key to recruitment. This system allows employers to repay scholarship loans on behalf of their employees. As of fiscal year 2024, over 3,000 companies have registered, and more than 12,000 young employees have received support.

The biggest advantage of this program is that instead of paying high recruitment costs (such as referral fees to agencies) externally, companies can invest directly in their own employees. By reducing their financial burden, employees feel a strong sense of gratitude towards the company, leading to a significantly lower turnover rate compared to other employees. Furthermore, the amounts supported by the company can be treated as "deductible expenses" rather than salary, offering significant tax benefits (tax incentives).

Summary Explainer Video for This Seminar

A summary version of this seminar is being previewed on YouTube for media representatives and corporate personnel. The video provides a concise overview of the program's outline and key points.

Individual Q&A Session for Media and Corporations

Our dedicated Social Insurance Labor Attorney will directly answer your questions regarding the background of this initiative and more specific case examples that could not be fully covered in the video.

Date: July 9, 2026 (Thu) 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Time adjustment possible for individual consultations)

Format: Phone or Online (either is acceptable)

Target Audience: Media representatives, press, and corporate personnel

Cost: Free

Application: Please contact the secretariat at [[email protected]].

Questions and Inquiries Addressed

- Why is the "Corporate Scholarship Repayment Assistance Program (JASSO)" gaining attention now?

- How does the cost-effectiveness compare to relying on recruitment agencies?

- What are the "tax incentives (deductible expenses)" that companies implementing the program can receive?

- Why does scholarship repayment assistance directly lead to a "reduction in turnover" among young employees?

- What points regarding work rules and other regulations should companies be aware of when implementing the program?

Speaker Introduction

Jun Ono Certified Social Insurance Labor Attorney. Has presented over 400 harassment and labor training sessions for companies and educational institutions. Known for practical lectures that emphasize "how to implement laws in the field." Also supervises and lectures for the "Employment Clean Planner" qualification.

About the Clea Human Resource Development Association

Established in 2023 as a group company of SA Co., Ltd. Engaged in qualification and training programs specializing in employment, labor, and harassment prevention. Over 750 individuals nationwide have obtained the "Employment Clean Planner" qualification and are active in companies, local governments, and educational settings.

Official Website: https://koyo-clean.com/