Japanese immigrant almost grasping university subject (5)

I believe the answer is:

issue

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'subject' is the definition.
(I know that subject can be written as issue)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for issue that I've seen before include "Number (of periodical)" , "Sprogs" , "Point under discussion" , "Send out or distribute for use" , "important point" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.

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