Here’s a comprehensive list of scholarships available in Japan for international students, along with their eligibility criteria:
| Scholarship Name | Type | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship | Fully Funded | International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan; various categories (undergraduate, master’s, doctoral). | Tuition, monthly stipend (approx. ¥144,000 for master’s, ¥145,000 for doctoral). |
| JASSO Scholarship | Partially Funded | Enrolled international students in Japanese universities; requires good academic standing. | Monthly stipend of ¥48,000 (¥30,000 for language school students). |
| Honjo International Scholarship Foundation | Fully Funded | International students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in Japan; no nationality restrictions. | Monthly stipend of ¥230,000 (1-2 years), ¥210,000 (3 years), ¥180,000 (4-5 years). |
| Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange | Partially Funded | Students from Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Vietnam; must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in Japan. | Monthly stipend of ¥150,000; additional support for overseas research activities. |
| Atsumi International Foundation Scholarship | Partially Funded | Undergraduate students from Asia studying in Japan; must apply directly to the foundation. | Monthly stipend of ¥60,000. |
| Iizuka Takeshi Scholarship Foundation | Partially Funded | Doctoral students in their final year; must be enrolled in a Japanese university. | Monthly stipend of ¥250,000. |
| Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) | Partially Funded | Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students studying in Japan; application through the school is required. | Monthly stipend of ¥55,000. |
| Yokohama National University MEXT Scholarship | Fully Funded | International students applying for master’s or doctoral programs at YNU; must meet MEXT eligibility criteria. | Tuition and monthly stipend similar to MEXT standards. |
| World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | Fully Funded | Master’s students from developing countries; must be accepted into a partner university under the World Bank program. | Tuition coverage and living expenses during the study period. |
Additional Notes:
- Each scholarship may have specific application procedures and deadlines.
- Some scholarships may require prior acceptance into a Japanese university or specific programs.
- Language proficiency in Japanese or English may be beneficial but is not always mandatory.
This list provides a solid foundation for international students seeking scholarship opportunities in Japan for their studies.
Japan offers a variety of scholarships for international students, each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits. Here’s a comprehensive list of notable scholarships available as of 2025:
MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship)
Provider: Japanese Government (MEXT) Eligibility: International students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., or training studies. Applicants must be from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan and meet age and academic requirements. Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel expenses. Application Process: Apply through Japanese embassies or directly to Japanese universities.
JASSO Scholarship
Provider: Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Eligibility: Privately financed international students with excellent academic records and financial need. Coverage: Monthly stipend (approximately ¥48,000). Application Process: Apply through Japanese educational institutions.
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Provider: Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the Japanese government Eligibility: Students from ADB’s developing member countries pursuing postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields. Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel expenses, medical insurance. Application Process: Apply through designated institutions in Japan.
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship
Provider: Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Eligibility: International students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Japan. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and Japanese language proficiency. Coverage: Monthly stipend (¥100,000 for undergraduates; ¥140,000 for graduates). Application Process: Direct application to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation.
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Provider: World Bank and Japanese Government Eligibility: Students from World Bank member countries pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields. Applicants must have professional experience and a commitment to contributing to their country’s development. Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance. Application Process: Apply through participating universities in Japan.
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
Provider: Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Eligibility: International students pursuing graduate studies (master’s or Ph.D.) in Japan. Applicants should have a strong academic record and a clear research plan. Coverage: Monthly stipend (¥200,000 to ¥300,000) and travel expenses. Application Process: Direct application to the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation.
University-specific Scholarships
Provider: Various Japanese universities Eligibility: International students enrolled in specific universities. Eligibility criteria vary by institution. Coverage: Tuition waivers, monthly stipends, accommodation allowances. Application Process: Apply directly through the university’s international student office.
General Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Japan:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Age: Specific age requirements vary by scholarship; generally, applicants should be under 35 years old for graduate programs.
- Academic Background: Applicants must have completed the required education level for the intended program (e.g., a bachelor’s degree for master’s programs).
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, proficiency in Japanese or English may be required.
- Health: Applicants should be in good physical and mental health.
Application Tips:
- Research Early: Start researching scholarships and their requirements well in advance of application deadlines.
- Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, language proficiency test scores, and research proposals.
- Contact Institutions: Reach out to Japanese universities or embassies for specific application guidelines and support.
- Adhere to Deadlines: Ensure all application materials are submitted before the specified deadlines.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official websites of the scholarship providers or contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
Here’s a comprehensive list of scholarships available in Japan for international students, along with their eligibility criteria:
| Scholarship Name | Type | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship | Fully Funded | International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan; various categories (undergraduate, master’s, doctoral). | Tuition, monthly stipend (approx. ¥144,000 for master’s, ¥145,000 for doctoral). |
| JASSO Scholarship | Partially Funded | Enrolled international students in Japanese universities; requires good academic standing. | Monthly stipend of ¥48,000 (¥30,000 for language school students). |
| Honjo International Scholarship Foundation | Fully Funded | International students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in Japan; no nationality restrictions. | Monthly stipend of ¥230,000 (1-2 years), ¥210,000 (3 years), ¥180,000 (4-5 years). |
| Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange | Partially Funded | Students from Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Vietnam; must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in Japan. | Monthly stipend of ¥150,000; additional support for overseas research activities. |
| Atsumi International Foundation Scholarship | Partially Funded | Undergraduate students from Asia studying in Japan; must apply directly to the foundation. | Monthly stipend of ¥60,000. |
| Iizuka Takeshi Scholarship Foundation | Partially Funded | Doctoral students in their final year; must be enrolled in a Japanese university. | Monthly stipend of ¥250,000. |
| Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) | Partially Funded | Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students studying in Japan; application through the school is required. | Monthly stipend of ¥55,000. |
| Yokohama National University MEXT Scholarship | Fully Funded | International students applying for master’s or doctoral programs at YNU; must meet MEXT eligibility criteria. | Tuition and monthly stipend similar to MEXT standards. |
| World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | Fully Funded | Master’s students from developing countries; must be accepted into a partner university under the World Bank program. | Tuition coverage and living expenses during the study period. |
