Japan offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, provided by the Japanese government, universities, private foundations, and international organizations. These scholarships support undergraduate, graduate, and research-level studies. Below is a comprehensive list of the most important scholarship programs in Japan, along with detailed information:
🇯🇵 1. MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship)
(Most prestigious and fully funded government scholarship)
● Provider: Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
● Programs Covered: Undergraduate, Research, Master’s, PhD, Japanese Studies, Teacher Training
● Eligibility:
○ Non-Japanese citizens from MEXT-eligible countries
○ Excellent academic record and health
○ Age: typically under 25 (undergraduate) and under 35 (graduate)
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition fees
○ Monthly allowance (¥117,000 to ¥145,000 depending on level)
○ Airfare (round trip)
○ Preparatory Japanese language training (if needed)
● Application:
○ Embassy Track: Apply through the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
○ University Track: Apply directly to a Japanese university.
● Website: Study in Japan – MEXT
🎓 2. JASSO Scholarship (Japan Student Services Organization)
(Government-affiliated body offering support to self-financed students)
● Programs Covered: Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral, Exchange students
● Eligibility:
○ International students studying in Japan at recognized institutions
○ Good academic and financial standing
● Benefits:
○ Monthly stipend: ¥48,000 (Undergrad), ¥65,000 (Graduate)
○ No tuition waiver, but can be combined with other support
● Application:
○ Apply through your Japanese university after enrollment
● Website: JASSO Scholarships
🏫 3. University-Specific Scholarships
(Many Japanese universities offer scholarships to attract talented students)
Here are a few examples:
a. University of Tokyo – Global Science Course Scholarship
● Eligibility: Undergraduate transfer students in science majors
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition waiver
○ Monthly stipend: ¥150,000
○ Airfare (one-way)
● Website: UTokyo Global Science Course
b. Kyoto University International Education Scholarship
● Eligibility: Graduate international students in select programs
● Benefits:
○ Tuition waiver
○ Monthly stipend (amount varies)
● Website: Kyoto University Scholarships
c. Osaka University – Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
● Eligibility: Privately funded students with strong academic performance
● Benefits: Monthly stipend (¥50,000 to ¥100,000)
● Website: Osaka University International Scholarships
d. Waseda University – Scholarships for International Students
● Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students with strong performance
● Benefits: Varies; some offer full tuition, others partial + stipends
● Website: Waseda Scholarships
e. Keio University International Student Scholarships
● Eligibility: All international students with excellent records
● Benefits:
○ Full or partial tuition waiver
○ Monthly stipend depending on the scholarship
● Website: Keio University Scholarships
🌐 4. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program
(Funded by Asian Development Bank and the Japanese government)
● Programs Covered: Master’s degree programs in economics, science, technology, and management
● Eligibility:
○ Nationals of ADB member countries (e.g., Nepal, India, Bangladesh)
○ Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of work experience
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition
○ Monthly living allowance
○ Airfare and medical insurance
● Application:
○ Apply through participating Japanese universities like:
■ University of Tokyo
■ International University of Japan
■ National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
● Website: ADB–Japan Scholarship Program
💼 5. JICA Scholarships
(For government employees or professionals from developing countries)
● Programs Covered: Master’s and PhD programs, especially in development-related fields
● Eligibility:
○ Employees in government or public sector from JICA partner countries
● Benefits:
○ Full tuition
○ Living costs
○ Travel and other allowances
● Application:
○ Through your country’s JICA office or Japanese embassy
● Website: JICA Scholarship Programs
💰 6. Private Foundation Scholarships
(Numerous non-government organizations offer funding support)
Here are some notable ones:
a. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship
● Eligibility: Students pursuing undergraduate/graduate degrees in Japan
● Benefits:
○ Undergraduate: ¥100,000/month
○ Graduate: ¥140,000/month
● Website: Rotary Yoneyama
b. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
● Eligibility: Graduate-level international students
● Benefits:
○ ¥150,000 to ¥200,000/month
○ Scholarship duration: 1–5 years depending on degree
● Website: Honjo Scholarship
c. Yokohama National University – MEXT University Recommendation
● Eligibility: International graduate students in select engineering and science programs
● Benefits:
○ Same as MEXT benefits (full tuition, airfare, stipend)
● Website: YNU Scholarships
d. Kwansei Gakuin University International Scholarships
● Eligibility: Self-financed international students
● Benefits: Up to ¥300,000/year depending on program
● Website: KGU Scholarships
5. Japanese Government (Honors) Scholarships by Recommendation
Offered by: JASSO via universities
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctorate
Eligibility:
● International students with outstanding academic performance. Benefits:
● Monthly allowance (around ¥48,000). Application:
● Apply after enrollment via your Japanese university. Website: JASSO Honors Scholarship
🟢 6. Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships
Offered by: Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Eligibility:
● Students enrolled or accepted into Japanese universities. Benefits:
● ¥100,000–¥140,000/month depending on program level.
● Transportation support (one-time). Application:
● Apply before coming to Japan; Japanese proficiency preferred. Website: Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship
🟢 7. INPEX Scholarship
Offered by: INPEX Corporation (Oil & Gas company)
Level: Master’s degree in natural sciences
Eligibility:
● Indonesian students only.
● Must return to Indonesia after graduation. Benefits:
● Tuition and fees.
● Living allowance.
● Airfare. Website: INPEX Scholarship
🟢 8. MIF – Research Fellowship Program (Postdoc)
Offered by: Matsumae International Foundation
Level: Postdoctoral Research
Eligibility:
● PhD holders under age 49.
● Strong research background. Benefits:
● ¥220,000/month.
● Airfare and research support. Website:MIF Fellowships
🟢 9. APU – Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Scholarships
Offered by: APU (Private university)
Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
Eligibility:
● Strong academic record and leadership potential. Benefits:
● Tuition reduction (30% to 100%).
● Some scholarships cover accommodation and living expenses. Website: APU Scholarships
🟢 10. Japan Foundation for UNU (United Nations University) Scholarships
Offered by: United Nations University, Tokyo
Level: Master's in Sustainability, Public Policy
Eligibility:
● Applicants from developing countries. Benefits:
● Full tuition.
● Monthly living allowance (~¥120,000/month). Website: UNU Scholarships
✅ Tips for Applying to Japanese Scholarships
● Start early: Most deadlines are 6–12 months before enrollment.
● Language proficiency: Some programs require Japanese (JLPT) or English (TOEFL/IELTS).
● Documents: Prepare academic transcripts, recommendation letters, SOP, passport, and health checkup forms.
● Check university pages: Many scholarships are listed on university-specific websites.
✅ Tips for Applying to Scholarships in Japan
● Start early: Some scholarships (like MEXT) have deadlines nearly a year before the program starts.
● Check embassy announcements: Embassy-track MEXT scholarships are announced annually on your local Japanese Embassy website.
● Language skills: While many programs are in English, knowing basic Japanese (or showing willingness to learn) is helpful.
● Documents needed:
○ Academic transcripts
○ Research proposal or study plan
○ Language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS or JLPT)
○ Recommendation letters
○ Valid passport
