Japan has become a top destination for international students because of its cutting-edge technology, cultural heritage, and globally recognized education system. However, pursuing education in Japan can be expensive for students from overseas. To ease the financial burden, Japan offers numerous scholarships for undergraduates, graduates, and researchers. Many of these scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs.
Below, we have listed the top 10 scholarships available in Japan for international students.
1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
- Overview: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) provides fully funded scholarships for undergraduates, graduates, and researchers. This is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Japan.
- Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Varies by category (undergraduate, graduate, or research).
- Application Process: Through Japanese embassies or universities in Japan.
2. JASSO Scholarship
- Overview: The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships for short-term and degree programs in Japan.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend (around ¥48,000).
- Eligibility: Students with excellent academic records and financial need.
- Application Process: Directly through the host university.
3. Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
- Overview: This program is aimed at graduate students from ADB’s developing member countries pursuing postgraduate studies in economics, management, and technology in Japan.
- Coverage: Tuition fees, housing, living expenses, and travel allowance.
- Eligibility: Graduates with professional experience in development-related fields.
- Application Process: Through designated Japanese universities.
4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- Overview: Designed for students from developing countries who want to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields.
- Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, round-trip airfare, and medical insurance.
- Eligibility: Graduate students with relevant work experience in development.
- Application Process: Through participating universities.
5. Japan Foundation of UNU Scholarship
- Overview: This scholarship supports students pursuing master’s degrees at the United Nations University in Japan.
- Coverage: Monthly allowance of ¥120,000 and full tuition waiver.
- Eligibility: Graduates with interest in sustainability and global issues.
- Application Process: Directly through UNU.
6. Yokohama National University Scholarship
- Overview: Offered to master’s and doctoral students under the MEXT scholarship program.
- Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, and travel expenses.
- Eligibility: High academic performance and recommendations.
- Application Process: Through Yokohama National University.
7. Kyushu University Friendship Scholarship
- Overview: Kyushu University offers scholarships for students enrolled in short-term exchange programs.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend of ¥80,000.
- Eligibility: Enrolled students in partner institutions.
- Application Process: Via the student’s home university.
8. University of Tokyo Fellowship
- Overview: The University of Tokyo provides various scholarships for international graduate students, focusing on research programs.
- Coverage: Tuition waiver and monthly stipend.
- Eligibility: Graduate students with research potential.
- Application Process: Through the University of Tokyo.
9. RIKEN International Program Associate (IPA) Scholarship
- Overview: Geared toward Ph.D. candidates, this scholarship supports research in science and technology.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend and travel expenses.
- Eligibility: Enrolled Ph.D. students.
- Application Process: Through RIKEN research institutions.
10. Honda Foundation Scholarship
- Overview: This scholarship supports engineering and technology students. It aims to foster innovation in science and technology.
- Coverage: Partial tuition and monthly living allowance.
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students with technical expertise.
- Application Process: Direct application to the foundation.
Comparison Table of Top Scholarships in Japan
| Scholarship Name | Target Group | Coverage | Application Process |
| MEXT Scholarship | Undergraduate, Graduate | Tuition, stipend, airfare, living costs | Japanese embassies or universities |
| JASSO Scholarship | Short-term, Degree programs | Monthly stipend (¥48,000) | Through host university |
| ADB-JSP | Graduate | Tuition, housing, living allowance | Through designated universities |
| World Bank Graduate Scholarship | Master’s students | Tuition, living expenses, airfare | Via participating universities |
| UNU Scholarship | Master’s students | Monthly stipend, tuition waiver | Through UNU |
| Yokohama National University | Master’s, Doctoral | Tuition, stipend, travel costs | Via YNU |
| Kyushu University Friendship | Exchange students | Monthly stipend (¥80,000) | Through home university |
| University of Tokyo Fellowship | Graduate students | Tuition waiver, stipend | Through the University of Tokyo |
| RIKEN IPA | Ph.D. candidates | Monthly stipend, travel expenses | Via RIKEN research institutions |
| Honda Foundation | Engineering students | Tuition support, living allowance | Direct application |
Tips for Applying
- Start Early: Scholarship deadlines vary, so begin your application process at least 6-12 months before your intended start date.
- Prepare Documents: Common requirements include transcripts, recommendation letters, a research proposal, and language test scores (like IELTS or JLPT).
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your statement of purpose for each scholarship. Highlight your goals and why you are the ideal candidate.
- Leverage University Support: Reach out to the international office at your prospective university for guidance.
By exploring these scholarships, you can make your dream of studying in Japan both affordable and achievable. Plan carefully, apply strategically, and step closer to a world-class education!
If you found this blog helpful, check out more related articles here!