20 Popular Scholarships in Japan for International Students

By Writer On Jan 17, 2023

The Most Sought-After Scholarships in Japan for International Students: There are a number of fully-funded scholarships available in Japan with Japanese language instruction. But just a few colleges provide undergraduate and possibly graduate programs lasting four years that are taught exclusively in English.

While accepting applications from overseas students to study in Japan, MEXT also offers scholarships to defray those additional study fees since the majority of international students are obliged to study Japanese at a language school before continuing to their major program.

However, the major goal of Japanese scholarships for international students is to develop human resources through study abroad programs that will serve as friendly links between the applicant’s nation and Japan. Moreover, they will so contribute to the growth of both their own nations and the rest of the world.

Most-Sought-After Scholarships in Japan for International Students

Here are the most-coveted scholarships in Japan for international students.

Government of Japan (MEXT) Scholarships for Research Students

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) of the Japanese government provides scholarships to students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate programs at graduate schools, as well as to those conducting specialized research at undergraduate departments, graduate programs, and institutes affiliated with universities.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Government of Japan (MEXT) Scholarships:

Application Deadline:

5th January. Refer to individual country embassies for more information.

Number of Awards:

Not specified

Scholarship Value:

Full funding (tuition fees)

Allowance:

Each month, normal students enrolled in Master’s or professional graduate courses pay 144,000 yen, regular students enrolled in doctorate courses pay 145,000 yen, and research students (non-regular students) pay 143,000 yen. (2,000 or 3,000 yen extra per month will be added if the winner conducts their research in a certain area.) Due to budgetary constraints, the dollar amounts each year may vary.)

Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships in Japan for International Students

Scholarships are given by the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation to international students who wish to enroll in Japanese institutions or graduate programs or do research there. Rotarians from all around Japan donate to the organization’s scholarship fund. The Foundation is the biggest private scholarship provider in Japan in terms of the scope of its programs and the number of scholarships it awards.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Scholarships:

Application Deadline:

16th October

Number of Awards:

Several

Scholarship Value:

Undergraduates: 100,000 yen per month
Masters students: 140,000 yen per month
Doctoral students: 140,000 yen per month

Only for the first year of the scholarship, a supplemental of 400,000 yen is provided upon arrival in Japan.

United Nations – Nippon Foundation of Japan Fellowship Program for Developing Countries

The fellowship’s goal is to give government representatives and other mid-level professionals from developing States access to advanced education and research opportunities in the fields of ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related disciplines, such as marine science in support of management frameworks, so they can gain the knowledge they need to help their nations develop comprehensive ocean policies and implement the legal framework.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the United Nations – Nippon Foundation of Japan Fellowship Program for Developing Countries.

Application Deadline:

15th September

Number of Awards:

Scholarship Value:

Fully-funded. Fellows will receive a stipend in accordance with the cost of living in the country in which he/she will be studying; travel costs and other support.

University of Tokyo Global Science Course Scholarship for Transfer Students

The “School of Science Scholarship for Transfer Students” will be automatically offered to students who are accepted into the Global Science Course (GSC) Undergraduate Transfer Program. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist students in covering their annual tuition costs as well as living expenses.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the University of Tokyo Global Science Course Scholarship for Transfer Students.

Number of Awards:

A few

Scholarship Value:

150,000 Japanese yen per month

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Programme for African Students

The Japan Africa Scholarship (JADS) Program, a joint project of the African Development Bank and Japan, aims to provide two-year scholarship awards to highly accomplished African graduate students so they can pursue post-graduate studies (i.e., a two-year Master’s degree program) in priority development areas both on the continent and abroad. It focuses on building capacity in the energy sector through skills development for sustainable development (including in Japan). The Japanese government is responsible for funding the JADS program.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Programme for African Students

Application Deadline:

Varies according to universities (Earliest date 30th April)

Number of Awards:

Several

Scholarship Value:

The scholarship program provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance.

Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Scholarship for African Scientists

The scholarship pays for a candidate to pursue an MSc in a field related to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in Africa at either the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK, or the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan. The LSHTM offers both residential and online master’s degree programs. The Institute of Tropical Medicine in Nagasaki will require applicants who are accepted to live in Japan for the duration of the course.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Scholarship for African Scientists.

Application Deadline:

30th September

Number of Awards:

Four

Scholarship Value:

Up to a maximum award of US$50,000 each to cover tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.

Rotary Peace Fellowship for Masters and Professional Programs

The Rotary Peace Centers have prepared more than 900 fellows for careers in peacebuilding in a little more than ten years. Professionals with work experience in international relations, peacekeeping, or the prevention and resolution of conflicts are eligible for the Rotary Peace Fellowship. The quest for peace, community service, and foreign service are all priorities for fellows. There are two different kinds of fellowships for peace:

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Rotary Peace Fellowship for Masters and Professional Programs.

Application Deadline:

31st May

Number of Awards:

Up to 100

Scholarship Value:

The Rotary Peace Fellowship covers:

Tuition and fees
Room and board
Round-trip transportation
Internship/ field study expenses.

Joint Japan World Bank Group Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) for Students in Developing Countries

Women and men from developing nations who are applying to master’s degree programs in development-related fields and have relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts are eligible for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP). At colleges in the U.S., Africa, and Japan, the JJWBGSP offers scholarships for over 200 Preferred Programs covering a wide range of development issues as well as for 14 Partner Programs in crucial areas of development like infrastructure management, tax policy, and economic policy management.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Joint Japan World Bank Group Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Application Deadline:

12th April

Number of Awards:

Several

Scholarship Value:

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides annual awards to cover the cost of completing a master’s degree or its equivalent; air travel + $500 travel allowance for each trip; tuition and the cost of basic medical and accident insurance usually obtained through the university; a monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, including books.

Keio University Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) for Masters Students in Developing Countries

With its Master’s Degree Program in Taxation Policy and Management, Keio University’s Graduate School of Business and Commerce has been preparing qualified tax professionals for careers in tax administration and policy since 1996. In a partnership between public and private entities, this program brings together the participation of Keio University, the National Tax Agency of Japan (NTA), and the World Bank. The program was started as one of the collaboration programs of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) by Keio University, a renowned private university in Japan.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Keio University Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Application Deadline:

31st October

Number of Awards:

Scholarship Value:

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:

Economy class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start of your study program and immediately following the end of the scholarship period. In addition to the two-way air travel, scholars will receive a US $500 travel allowance for each trip;
Tuition for your graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance are usually obtained through the university.
A monthly allowance of JPY 152,000 to cover living expenses, including books.

MIF Research Fellowship for Natural Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Building on the founder’s idea of “Towards A Greater Understanding of Japan and a Lasting World Peace,” the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) launched the Research Fellowship Program.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the MIF Research Fellowship for Natural Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Application Deadline:

31st August

Number of Awards:

Scholarship Value:

Stipend for research and stay, Insurance, Air transportation (a round-trip air ticket to/ from Tokyo), Lump-sum on arrival

The University of Tokyo Scholarships in Japan for International Students

The University of Tokyo offers scholarships for emergency loans, student discounts, emergency school expense exemptions, and scholarships to international students. This scholarship has two goals: to increase the number of international students and to provide financial assistance to internationally supported students who excel in the classroom.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the University of Tokyo Scholarships.

Application Deadline:

1st April to 1st May

Number of Awards:

Not specified

Scholarship Value:

150,000 yen monthly stipend.

Japan-WCO International Scholarships for Young Customs Officials

Customs officials from developing nations have the opportunity to pursue Master’s studies and training in customs-related fields in Strategic Management and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) at the Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) in Tokyo, Japan, thanks to the Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Programme (Scholarship Programme). The Master’s degree program is divided into two parts: the academic portion and the practical portion. The academic portion begins with the targeted instruction of fundamental concepts in IPR and strategic management. With the assistance of Japan Customs, including the Japan Customs Training Institute, the practical portion is taught.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Japan-WCO International Scholarships for Young Customs Officials

Application Deadline:

August

Scholarship Value:

Full tuition payment

A monthly stipend of 147,000 yen as well as accommodations, transportation, medical treatment, insurance, and various miscellaneous expenses related to your study at AGU.

ABE Initiative Masters Scholarship + Internship Program for African Students

The master’s degree and internship program for the ABE Initiative is designed to assist young professionals who have the capacity to contribute to the growth of African industries. This initiative provides young African men and women with postgraduate chances to enroll in master’s programs at Japanese institutions as international students (referred to as participants from here on) and complete internships at Japanese businesses.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the ABE Initiative Masters Scholarship + Internship Program

Application Deadline:

August to October

Scholarship Value:

Tuition at Japanese university master’s degree programs (and research student), round-trip airfare
Allowances for living expenses, outfits, shipping, etc.

Japan Foundation United Nations University (JFUNU) Scholarships for Ph.D. Students from Developing Countries

The Japan Foundation for United Nations University (JFUNU) Scholarship uses an innovative interdisciplinary approach that unites the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address urgent global issues such as sustainability, climate change, development, peace-building, and human rights. The program provides an exceptional chance to study at a worldwide institution within the framework of the United Nations and is designed for recent graduates, professionals, and practitioners.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Japan Foundation United Nations University (JFUNU) Scholarships

Application Deadline:

27th April

Scholarship Value:

The JFUNU scholarship grants a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY for living expenses for a maximum of 36 months in addition to covering the entire cost of tuition. The student is responsible for paying all related expenses, including those for getting to and from Japan, processing visas, and health and accident insurance.

United Nations/ Japan Long-term Fellowship Programme for Developing Countries

A long-term fellowship program on nano-satellite technologies has been developed by the United States Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Government of Japan in collaboration with the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) for citizens of developing nations or non-spacefaring countries. Through the use of the nano-satellite development and testing capabilities available at Kyutech, the Program will offer broad research opportunities in nano-satellite systems.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the United Nations/Japan Long-term Fellowship Programme for Developing Countries

Application Deadline:

28th January

Number of Awards:

Up to two students in the Master’s course and up to four students in the Doctorate course.

Scholarship Value:

For the period of their fellowship studies, the selected candidates will each receive a grant from the Japanese government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) scholarship (Research Students) in the amount of roughly 145,000 yen per month to cover lodging, food, local transportation, and other costs.

The University of Tsukuba Program in Economic Policy (PEP) Scholarships for Developing Countries

Applications are now being accepted for the University of Tsukuba’s Program in Economic and Public Policy (PEPP) studies through the World Bank’s Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP). The Program in Economic Policy (PEP) aims to provide the training and skills required for the formulation, planning, and implementation of development policies within the allotted time frame. With a transdisciplinary approach, we concentrate on international development while addressing the economic and social issues in developing nations and former socialist countries.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the University of Tsukuba Program in Economic Policy (PEP) Scholarships

Application Deadline:

28th February

Number of Awards:

Not specified

Scholarship Value:

Full tuition, monthly stipend, national health insurance
Round-trip air travel (economy class) between the home country and Japan, plus a travel allowance of US$ 500 for each one-way trip
Other program expenses such as Japanese lessons, educational trips, internships, etc.

Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program SSP for Doctoral International Students

The Special Scholarship Program (SSP) was created in 2003 to promote the university’s advanced research by enlisting the aid of exceptionally bright students, particularly those from other nations. The institution enrolls chosen Ph.D. candidates for particular research projects twice a year, in April and October. (With the exception of Japanese students) The students work as research assistants for their host professor while also pursuing their doctoral degree in English (RA). KUT wants to strengthen its international connections with intellectual and educational institutions all around the world through this program.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program SSP

Application Deadline:

March and September

Number of Awards:

Scholarship Value:

Exemption from the 30,000 yen entrance examination fee, 300,000 yen enrollment fee, and 535,800 yen/year tuition fee
To support living expenses, 150,000 yen/month is paid for research project work.
150,000 yen is provided for travel and initial living costs. (given only to international applicants who are living outside Japan, and who have, or have the intention to acquire, “Student” status of Japanese residence at the time of entry into Japan)

AAUW International Fellowship Program for Women Leaders

Women from all over the world can apply for fellowships through the Japanese Association of University Women (JAUW) International Fellowship Program to conduct research or pursue advanced studies in Japan. When you decide that staying in Japan is desirable or crucial for advancing your ongoing study or research, this program will provide core funds to assist you to arrive and stay there.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the AUW International Fellowship Program for Women Leaders

Application Deadline:

31st March

Number of Awards:

Up to two fellowships will be awarded under this Program.

Scholarship Value:

The program will allow a maximum of 2 recipients, each winning between Yen500,000 and up to Yen1,000,000 to support transportation to and from Japan and the cost of her stay in Japan.

Japan Student Services Organization (JSSO) Follow-up Research Fellowship

Researchers who have previously traveled to Japan to study from a developing country, area, etc. are given the Follow-Up Research Fellowship for Former International Students in Japan by the Japan Student Services Organization. The fellowships’ purpose is to provide researchers with the chance to work with academic advisors on short-term research projects at Japanese universities (excluding junior colleges). The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology formed the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) as an independent administrative organization.

Furthermore, here’s an overview of the Japan Student Services Organization (JSSO) Follow-up Research Fellowship

Application Deadline:

30th November

Number of Awards:

Not specified

Scholarship Value:

Round-trip Airfare, Daily allowance (¥11,000/day) for the recipient, and Remuneration for cooperation (up to ¥50,000) for the research advisor.