Scholarships in Japan for International Students 2024-2025/2026July 1, 2024 by Digital Vaults Editorial Team

Top institutions in Japan are offering more than 500 scholarships to international students for the preceding academic year. These scholarships include tuition, health insurance, housing costs, and travel expenses. In addition, there is an average monthly stipend of $2000.

When it comes to education and technology, Japan is one of the most forward-thinking nations. Because of this, the nation is always drawing in international students from around the Globe.

Higher education institutions can be classified into one of five types. They consist of junior colleges, professional training colleges, graduate schools, colleges of technology, and undergraduate institutions. Both local and distant students may attend any of these educational establishments.

Join our Telegram Channel to Get the Latest International Scholarship Alerts and Tips.

Here is the list of scholarships from top-notch institutions in Japan:

Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) Scholarships

International candidates can choose from a variety of JEES scholarships in Japan, depending on their subject of study or place of origin. Your eligibility will determine which of the JEES scholarship categories you can apply for. Students pursuing degrees at various academic levels, from junior colleges to doctorates, are eligible for scholarships. The courses are offered in association with private organizations that help learners in different professions.

Nationality-specific, institution-specific, and scholarships that support learning Japanese are among the most well-liked scholarship categories. Some scholarships include subject- and field-specific offerings.

Offered by: Japan Educational Exchange and Services (JEES)
Institutions: Institutions of Japan
Type: Fully Funded or Partially Funded, depending on the Category
Degree Program: Bachelor, Master’s, Ph.D
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: 40,000 JPY per Month
Application Procedure: Through the School
Deadline: Around May of every year
Official website: http://www.jees.or.jp/index.htm

Japan Foundation of UNU

You have the great opportunity to study for a doctoral degree in Japan as an international student since the Japan Foundation of UNU will cover all of your tuition costs (JFUNU). You are immediately considered a contender for this non-application prize when you submit your initial application for the course.

You must first be from a developing nation in order to get selected for this grant in Japan. The JFUNU grants are primarily intended for students from those countries who are having difficulty meeting the financial requirements of their chosen programs.

If you are enrolled at the same university for a second Ph.D., you are not eligible. If you are chosen as a recipient, in addition to the tuition fee waiver, you will also earn monthly allowances totaling $145,000. Nevertheless, these benefits will only be available for the first 36 months of your study time.

Offered by: Japan Foundation of UNU
Institutions: Institutions of Japan
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Ph.D
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: a Stipend of 120,000 JPY each Month
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around February of every year
Official Website: https://unu.edu/

Click here to apply for the Scholarship from the Japan Foundation of UNU.

Yokohama National University Scholarship

International students are supported via the scholarship program offered by Yokohama National University. It is based on academic excellence, individual success, and leadership abilities. It is given to pupils who have proven their ability to succeed in academics.

In Yokohama, Japan, there is a private institution called Yokohama National University. As a junior college, it was established in 1949, and a national university was established in 1951. Through its 13 colleges and schools, it provides doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees.

You have to submit your application form together with your resume and academic transcript in order to be considered for this Japan scholarship. Also, you must have a diploma from high school and obtain a score on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test of at least 80. (JLPT).

Offered by: Yokohama National University
Institutions: Yokohama National University
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: Around 120,000 yen for undergraduate study and under 150,000 yen for graduate study
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around April of every year
Official Website: https://global.ynu.ac.jp/en/

Click here to apply for the Yokohama National University Scholarship.

MEXT Scholarships

The MEXT scholarship is administered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. It is a fully financed scholarship in Japan. This yearly financial aid is intended to assist overseas students having trouble meeting their chosen program’s costs. It is accessible to any Japanese university’s undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in advancing their studies.

The application procedure is normally announced by the relevant authority in April of each year. Afterward, you must adhere to the instructions listed on the official website. There are many MEXT scholarships, with the Young Leaders Program and the Japanese Government Scholarship being the most well-known.

Offered by: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan
Institutions: Institutions of Japan
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Program Duration: 5 Years
Scholarship Amount: 117,000 yen each month (Additional 2,000 or 3,000 yen if you attend classes in particular locations)
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around January of every year
Official Website: https://www.mext.go.jp/en/index.htm

Click here to apply for the MEXT Scholarships.

Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarships

The Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarships provide diverse opportunities for undergraduate, Master’s, PhD studies, and more, allowing international students to pursue their dreams in Japan.

Eligibility: These scholarships cater to undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students, as well as college of technology students and those interested in Japanese studies. Different eligibility requirements apply to each type of scholarship.
How to apply:
To start the application process, candidates must typically be screened by the Japanese embassy in their country. Applications usually open around April and close between May and June, with deadlines varying depending on the country of origin. For Japanese studies and some research scholarships, a university recommendation may be required instead of an embassy recommendation.
Official website:
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarship/types/

Grants for Hokkaido Universities

In Sapporo, Japan, there is a public research university called Hokkaido University. In 1876, the administration of the former Hokkaido Prefecture built one of the earliest universities in Japan. For students from foreign nations who desire to enroll in university, scholarships are offered. It pays for housing costs as well as living costs, including tuition. It pays for housing costs as well as living costs, including tuition.

The university contains ten faculties that provide undergraduate degrees and thirteen graduate schools that offer Ph.D. degrees, including schools of medicine and law. There are more than 35,000 students enrolling there each year.

For students from other countries who want to attend the institution, scholarships are available. It pays for housing costs as well as living costs, including tuition.

Students from all around the globe can apply for this award, although students from developing nations are given priority. It is available for two years, with the choice to extend for an additional year.

Offered by: Government of Japan
Institutions: Hokkaido University
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: 144,000 Yen per Month for the Master’s Program and 145,000 Yen per Month for Doctoral Program
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around October of every year
Official Website: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/

Click here to apply for Grants from Hokkaido University.

Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) for Human Resource Development Scholarship

Who is for?
Government officials expected to contribute to social and economic development plans as future leaders in their countries.

Scholarship summary: The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) is a Japanese Government-funded program offering two-year Master’s programs in English at Japanese universities for government officials.

Eligibility: Applicants must be government officials from eligible countries, currently employed in specific departments that participate in the JDS program.

How to apply: Submit applications to the JDS project office in your country of origin. The selection procedure includes filling in and submitting an application, an English and mathematics test, and three sets of interviews.

Official website: https://jds-scholarship.org/step/index.html

Japan – IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA program)

Who is for: Government officials who may serve as macroeconomic policymakers in the future, aiming to contribute to the economic development of their countries.
Scholarship summary: The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) is a Japanese government-sponsored program that offers two tracks for graduate-level studies in macroeconomics and related fields: the Partnership Track and the Open Track.
Eligibility: Applicants must be government officials from eligible countries who may serve as macroeconomic policymakers in the future.
How to apply:

- Partnership Track: Enter the required documents into the official online application system. Applications usually close around December. Selected applicants will go through interviews and a math test. More information can be found here ↗.
- Open Track: Apply to the university of your choice, then submit an admission letter or certificate showing you applied for the program with your scholarship application through the official online application system. Applications usually open around April and close around June. More information can be found here ↗.
Required documents:

Partnership Track: More information about the required documents and list of eligible countries for the program can be found here ↗.

Open Track: An admission letter or certificate showing you applied for the program. More information about requirements and application procedures can be found here ↗.

Asia Pacific University Scholarship Japan

For students who are studying in Japan, there is a program called the Asia Pacific University Scholarship Japan. It includes all tuition fees, living expenditures, insurance premiums, and textbook charges. Particularly candidates from underdeveloped nations are welcome.
Leading private institution Asia Pacific University is situated in Tokyo, Japan. It is the first institution in the country to provide classes in a foreign language after receiving approval from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).
It serves students from all over the world by providing undergraduate, graduate, and short-term courses as a top private university in Japan.
Furthermore, two letters of recommendation are also needed. Also, you must compose a statement outlining your reasons for wanting to attend APU and how it differs from other universities in Japan and overseas. The letter should be provided as an attachment to an email and should not exceed one page in length.
Offered by: Asia Pacific University Scholarship Japan
Institutions: Asia Pacific University Japan
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: Monthly living expenditures of 144,000 JPY
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around April of every year
Official Website: https://admissions.apu.ac.jp/graduate/
Click here to apply for the Asia Pacific University Scholarship in Japan.

Waseda University Japanese Government Scholarship

The International Priority Graduate Program is supported and improved by a number of Japanese government-selected universities (PGP). One of those universities is Waseda University.

It gives every overseas applicant for a graduate program the opportunity to apply for the scholarship program. It is a component of the MEXT financial assistance schemes.
Students are evaluated by the Graduate School of Information, Production, and Systems (IPS). Anybody who submits an application to IPS Waseda will be evaluated. And if they pass the exam, the Japanese government will be notified of their status. The prize will subsequently be given to the chosen students in accordance with the government’s goals and regulations.
Offered by: Government of Japan
Institutions: Waseda University Japan
Type: Fully Funded or Partially Funded, depending on the Program
Degree Program: Master’s and PhD
Program Duration: 5 Years
Scholarship Amount: Accommodation and Tuition fee
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around January of every year
Official Website: https://www.waseda.jp/fire/gsaps/en
Click here to apply for the Waseda University Japanese Government Scholarship.

KUAS Undergrad Scholarship

For its undergraduate students, the Kyoto University of Advanced Science provides institution-based scholarship programs.

The university offers KUAS-E and Super KUAS-E scholarships. These are the two primary categories of scholarship programs. According to their academic achievements, recipients of the former earn entrance and tuition cost discounts of 100%, 50%, or 30%.
Individuals who meet the requirements for the Super KUAS-E scholarship will no longer be required to pay tuition or entry fees. The pupils also get $110,000 per year for maintenance.
It’s also important to note that applicants for this Japan grant for overseas students must enroll in the engineering faculty. Also, your performance must fulfill the minimal standards since your performance will be evaluated using all of your academic records.
Offered by: Kyoto University Japan
Institutions: Kyoto University Japan
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Undergraduate
Program Duration: 4 Years
Scholarship Amount: Annual Allowance of 1,200,000 JPY
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around January of every year
Official Website: https://www.kuas.ac.jp/en/
Click here to apply for the KUAS Undergraduate Scholarship.

ADB Japan Government Scholarship, University of Tokyo

Students of Asian descent who intend to enroll in the University of Tokyo’s programs in engineering, economics, law, or finance may apply for the ADB Japan Government Scholarship. It is funded by the Asia Development Bank (ADB). It is available to all students and may be used to get a Master’s degree, especially those from poor nations. It will pay for both the monthly stipend and tuition.

Although the application procedure is lengthy, it can be completed online. The online application form, which asks for personal information, academic background, and contact information, should be filled out first.
Together with your application, you will need to include documentation of your financial situation and a cover letter explaining why you want to attend the University of Tokyo. Applicants will be asked to participate in an interview when this round is over.
In addition, candidates must be under 40 years old at the time of allocation, have a GPA of 3.5 to 4.5, possess an undergraduate degree with honors, and speak English effectively. Also, they shouldn’t have another scholarship that pays for tuition or other costs.
Offered by: Asia Development Bank (ADB) Japan
Institutions: The University of Tokyo
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Masters
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: 100,000 Yen per two years
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around December of every year
Official Website: https://www.ilo.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/
Click here to apply for the ADB Japan Government Scholarship.

Scholarship at Ritsumeikan University

This Japanese scholarship program is intended for students who want to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees at Ritsumeikan University. It pays for students’ tuition, housing costs, monthly stipend, and other study-related expenditures.

For almost a century, the institution has offered top-notch education. Dr. Nitobe Inazo, Japan’s first prime minister, created it in 1869. Alumni from the university make up the majority of those who have won Nobel Prizes and Oscars globally.
Offered by: Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
Institutions: The Ritsumeikan University
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Program Duration: 1 Year
Scholarship Amount: 48,000 yen per month
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around January of every year
Official Website: https://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/
Click here to apply for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship.

Scholarship at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

International students can apply for scholarships through the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan Scholarship program. It is aimed at helping individuals with stellar academic records who are enthusiastic about studying in Japan. It aspires to aid smart students all around the world to realize their potential and develop into leaders on a global scale.

The Tokyo Institute of Technology is a public research university. As Japan’s first national engineering school, it was founded in 1881. There are about 4,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs throughout its seven faculties.
The scholarship includes tuition, health insurance, housing, and daily living costs. Before receiving their scholarships, students should take part in the university’s orientation program.
Offered by: The Government of Japan
Institutions: Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Master’s and PhD
Program Duration: 2 Years for Masters and 3 Years for phD
Scholarship Amount: Stipend for a Master’s is 147,000 yen/month, and for Doctorate is 148,000 yen/month
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around December of every year
Official Website: https://www.titech.ac.jp/
Click here to apply for the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan scholarship.

Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship

Students from nations without Rotary Clubs or from nations where Rotary Clubs lack the capacity to offer financial aid can apply for scholarships through the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Japan. The scholarship intends to make it possible for young people who are dedicated to improving their communities via volunteerism and leadership in the community to continue their education at one of the partner institutions in Japan.

Offered by: The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Program, Japan
Institutions: Institutes of Japan
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: 140,000 JPY/Month for Masters and 140,000 JPY/Month phD
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around October of every year
Official Website: http://www.rotary-yoneyama.or.jp/english/
Click here to apply for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Program, Japan.

Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship

A fully financed master’s scholarship is available to overseas students under the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program. It will pay the whole cost of school, housing, economy-class airfare, and a monthly living allowance.

Outstanding students from underdeveloped nations can apply for scholarships offered in partnership with the World Bank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
The Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship is available to students from all social science and humanities disciplines who are pursuing careers in development studies or other professions. Its goal is to foster global understanding and interchange.
Offered by: The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Institutions: Newcastle University
Type: Fully Funded
Degree Program: Master’s
Program Duration: 2 Years
Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition Fee
Application Procedure: Through the Online Application Form
Deadline: Around may of every year
Official Website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/home
Click here to apply for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.