7 Best Scholarships in Japan for International Students

Japan is one of the most attractive destinations for international students who want to pursue higher education in Asia. With globally recognized universities, advanced research facilities, and opportunities to study in English or Japanese, the country attracts students from around the world.

The good news is that several scholarships in Japan for international students can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other educational expenses.

Whether you are planning to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, this guide introduces seven scholarship and university funding opportunities worth exploring.

Each program has its own official application or information page, eligibility requirements, and funding conditions.

Last verified: October 31, 2026

Scholarships in Japan for International Students – Overview

Scholarship	Degree level	Funding
MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship	Undergraduate, postgraduate and other categories	Comprehensive funding
JASSO Honors Scholarship	Eligible undergraduate, postgraduate and other students	¥30,000–¥48,000/month
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program	Master’s	Comprehensive funding
OIST PhD Financial Support	PhD	Funded doctoral program
Honjo International Scholarship	Master’s, PhD	¥180,000–¥230,000/month
Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship	Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD	¥100,000–¥140,000/month
iCLA University Scholarship	Bachelor’s	10%–100% eligible fee waiver

Important: These programs have different eligibility requirements. Some require admission to a Japanese institution before applying, while others allow applications from overseas.

1. MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship

The Japanese Government Scholarship, commonly known as MEXT, is one of Japan’s best-known funding opportunities for international students.

The program is administered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

MEXT offers several scholarship categories, including undergraduate, research, teacher training, Japanese studies, and specialized training programs.

Scholarship Benefits

Depending on the scholarship category and current guidelines, benefits include:

• Exemption from eligible tuition fees.
• Monthly living allowance.
• Round-trip airfare under applicable conditions.
• Support for Japanese language preparation where required.
• Opportunities to study at recognized Japanese educational institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements vary by scholarship category.

For example:

• Undergraduate applicants generally must meet the published age and school-education requirements.
• Research scholarship applicants must qualify for graduate-level admission.
• Applicants must satisfy nationality and academic requirements.
• Language and examination requirements depend on the scholarship category.
• Applicants must meet the relevant Japanese embassy or university selection criteria.

How to Apply

There are two main routes:

Embassy Recommendation: Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your country.

University Recommendation: Apply through an eligible Japanese university that has a MEXT recommendation quota.

Application Deadline

The embassy-recommended 2027 recruitment cycle generally took place in spring 2026, with country-specific schedules. Students should monitor the next cycle or eligible university-recommended opportunities.

Students interested in Japanese government funding can also explore our detailed MEXT Scholarship 2027 guide for eligibility, benefits, and application information.

2. JASSO Honors Scholarship

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for privately financed international students studying in Japan.

This scholarship is particularly useful for students who are already enrolled at eligible Japanese institutions and need additional financial assistance.

Scholarship Benefits

• ¥48,000 per month for eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
• ¥30,000 per month for eligible Japanese language institute students.
• Scholarship periods of six or twelve months, depending on the award.

This is a partial scholarship and does not automatically cover full tuition or all living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants generally must:

• Be privately financed international students.
• Hold eligible student residence status.
• Study at a qualifying institution in Japan.
• Meet academic performance requirements.
• Meet applicable Japanese or English language requirements.
• Satisfy financial and other conditions specified by JASSO.

Students receiving certain other scholarships may not be eligible.

How to Apply

Applications are normally handled through the student’s Japanese educational institution.

Contact the international student office or scholarship coordinator to learn whether your institution can recommend applicants.

Application Deadline

Deadlines vary by institution and scholarship intake.

3. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) supports eligible students from ADB developing member countries who want to pursue postgraduate education at participating institutions.

One participating opportunity is the Master’s program offered by the School of International Health at the University of Tokyo.

Scholarship Benefits

The University of Tokyo’s published 2027 program includes:

• Entrance and tuition fees.
• Monthly subsistence allowance of ¥147,000.
• Round-trip travel support.
• Other applicable allowances.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the program’s requirements, including:

• Citizenship of an eligible ADB developing member country.
• Relevant academic qualifications.
• Admission requirements for the selected Master’s program.
• Applicable English language requirements.
• Additional ADB–JSP eligibility conditions.

The University of Tokyo’s International Health program is not a general scholarship covering every degree at the university.

How to Apply

1. Review the University of Tokyo’s ADB–JSP admission guidelines.
2. Check the list of eligible countries.
3. Prepare academic records and language test results.
4. Complete the required admission and scholarship documentation.
5. Submit the application through the university’s specified procedure.

Application Deadline

Check the official 2027 admission guide for the exact application window.

4. OIST Fully Funded PhD Program

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) offers an internationally focused doctoral program in science and technology.

Unlike a conventional scholarship attached to a separate degree, OIST provides financial support as part of its PhD program.

The university offers research opportunities across several scientific and interdisciplinary fields.

Financial Benefits

OIST describes its PhD as a fully funded five-year program.

Published financial support includes:

• Research assistantship funding.
• Financial assistance related to tuition.
• Travel and relocation support under applicable conditions.
• Assistance with accommodation and administrative arrangements.

The university’s published materials describe research assistantship support starting at approximately ¥2.6 million annually, with potential increases under the applicable conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent qualification before admission.
• Demonstrate academic preparation for doctoral research.
• Meet the university’s admission requirements.
• Submit required academic and supporting documents.
• Participate in the selection process if shortlisted.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the OIST graduate admissions process.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an admissions workshop.

Application Deadline

November 15, 2026, for the application round advertised on the OIST admissions website.

5. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation supports eligible international students pursuing Master’s or doctoral degrees at Japanese graduate schools.

One advantage of this program is that it welcomes applicants from different academic disciplines and nationalities.

Eligible students may apply directly to the foundation, including from overseas when they meet the admission requirements.

Scholarship Benefits

The monthly scholarship amount depends on the normal duration of the degree:

• ¥230,000 per month for a one- or two-year degree.
• ¥210,000 per month for a three-year degree.
• ¥180,000 per month for a degree lasting longer than three years.

The scholarship does not automatically include a separate tuition waiver.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the foundation’s requirements, including:

• Admission to or enrollment in an eligible Japanese graduate school.
• Applicable age requirements.
• A suitable academic and research background.
• Commitment to the foundation’s international and social objectives.
• Other conditions specified in the official application guidelines.

How to Apply

1. Read the official application guidelines.
2. Prepare the required academic and research documents.
3. Complete the online application.
4. Upload the requested documents and research presentation video.
5. Save the application number for future reference.

Application Deadline

October 31, 2026, for the published 2027 scholarship round.

Because this is the final application date, applicants must check the official portal immediately for its exact closing time and current status.

6. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship

The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for eligible international students who plan to study at Japanese universities or graduate schools.

The overseas candidate program allows qualified students to apply before beginning their studies in Japan.

Scholarship Benefits

For the published 2027 overseas candidate program:

• Undergraduate students: ¥100,000 per month.
• Master’s students: ¥140,000 per month.
• Doctoral students: ¥140,000 per month.
• Possible travel subsidy of up to ¥250,000 under the program conditions.

The scholarship does not automatically cover all tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Plan to enroll at an eligible Japanese university or graduate school.
• Meet the program’s Japanese language requirement of JLPT N3 or higher.
• Apply for admission to the intended institution.
• Provide the required university application evidence.
• Submit a supervisor’s recommendation when required for graduate study.

Research students who are not enrolled in an eligible degree program are not covered by this overseas candidate route.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the foundation’s application process and upload the required documents through its official portal.

Application Deadline

The published 2027 overseas application period ended at 1:00 PM Japan Standard Time on October 31, 2026.

Status: Closed for this round. Students should monitor the next recruitment cycle.

7. iCLA Scholarship at Yamanashi Gakuin University

The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) at Yamanashi Gakuin University offers scholarships for eligible undergraduate applicants.

This opportunity is especially relevant for international students who want to pursue a liberal arts education in Japan.

Scholarship Benefits

iCLA offers several scholarship tiers:

• 10% fee waiver.
• 25% fee waiver.
• 50% fee waiver.
• 75% fee waiver.
• 100% fee waiver.

The scholarship applies to specified tuition, facility, and equipment fees, with a reduction in the enrollment fee.

Awards may continue through the four-year degree, provided students meet the applicable academic performance requirements.

Important: Even a 100% fee waiver is not necessarily a fully funded scholarship covering accommodation, food, and travel.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Meet the university’s undergraduate admission requirements.
• Apply through the relevant admissions process.
• Demonstrate academic merit.
• Submit the scholarship essay and other required materials.
• Maintain the required GPA to continue receiving the scholarship.

How to Apply

Applicants can request scholarship consideration through the iCLA admission process.

Scholarship results are communicated as part of the university’s offer.

Application Deadline

Deadlines depend on the relevant admission round.

Which Scholarship in Japan Should You Choose?

The best scholarship depends on your academic level, financial needs, and current location.

Your situation	Scholarships to consider
Planning to study in Japan from overseas	MEXT, Honjo, eligible ADB–JSP programs
Already studying in Japan	JASSO Honors Scholarship
Interested in scientific doctoral research	OIST PhD Program
Applying for a Japanese graduate degree	Honjo, eligible Rotary Yoneyama programs
Interested in undergraduate liberal arts	iCLA Scholarship
Need broad government scholarship support	MEXT

Students should check each program’s requirements rather than applying solely on the basis of the scholarship amount.

Students looking for university-specific funding opportunities can also explore the University of Tsukuba Scholarship for international students interested in studying in Japan.

General Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in Japan

Requirements vary, but many scholarship programs consider:

• Academic qualifications and grades.
• Citizenship or nationality.
• Admission to a recognized educational institution.
• English or Japanese language proficiency.
• Research interests or academic goals.
• Financial circumstances.
• Age or work experience where applicable.
• Academic recommendations and personal motivation.

Some programs accept international applicants from abroad, while others are intended for students already studying in Japan.

Required Documents

Applicants may need the following documents:

• Valid passport.
• Academic certificates.
• Official transcripts.
• Updated CV or resume.
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter.
• Recommendation letters.
• Research proposal for postgraduate study.
• English or Japanese language certificates.
• University admission or enrollment documents.
• Financial information where required.
• Additional scholarship-specific forms.

Always use the official checklist for the selected program.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Japan

Step 1: Choose Your Degree

Decide whether you want to pursue undergraduate, Master’s, or doctoral study.

Step 2: Find an Eligible Scholarship

Compare funding, degree level, nationality restrictions, language requirements, and application deadlines.

Step 3: Research Japanese Universities

Identify universities offering suitable programs in your academic field.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Collect academic records, language certificates, recommendations, and other requested materials.

Step 5: Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Explain your educational goals, reasons for choosing Japan, and how the scholarship supports your future plans.

Step 6: Apply Through the Official Channel

Depending on the program, applications may be submitted through a Japanese embassy, university, scholarship foundation, or online admissions portal.

Step 7: Prepare for Selection

Some programs require interviews, written examinations, or research presentations.

Step 8: Monitor Your Application

Check your email and official scholarship portal regularly for results and further instructions.

Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Application

Choose scholarships that match your qualifications. Applying to programs for which you are ineligible wastes time.

Highlight your academic achievements. Explain important projects, research work, awards, and relevant experiences.

Write a specific motivation letter. Avoid sending the same generic statement to every university or foundation.

Prepare early. Scholarship applications may require official transcripts, language tests, and recommendations that take time to arrange.

Understand the funding. A tuition waiver is different from a comprehensive scholarship that covers living and travel expenses.

Check official deadlines. Application periods can vary by country, university, and admission cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Japan?

Yes. The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship and OIST doctoral funding are examples of programs offering comprehensive support to eligible applicants.

2. Which scholarship is best for studying in Japan?

MEXT is a strong option for students seeking government-funded study. However, the best choice depends on degree level, nationality, academic background, and eligibility.

Students looking for university-specific funding opportunities can also explore the University of Tsukuba Scholarship for international students interested in studying in Japan.

3. Can I study in Japan without IELTS?

Some Japanese universities accept alternative evidence of English proficiency. However, scholarship and university admission requirements must both be satisfied.

4. Are scholarships available for undergraduate students?

Yes. MEXT offers undergraduate scholarship categories, while universities such as Yamanashi Gakuin University provide eligible undergraduate fee-waiver programs.

5. Can I apply for Japanese scholarships from Pakistan, India, or other countries?

Many programs accept applicants from eligible countries, including Pakistan and India. However, nationality requirements differ by scholarship, and some funding programs are limited to specific countries.

6. Do I need Japanese language proficiency?

Not always. Some English-taught programs accept students without advanced Japanese proficiency. Other scholarships, such as the Rotary Yoneyama overseas candidate program, have specific Japanese language requirements.

Final Thoughts

Scholarships in Japan for international students provide valuable opportunities to pursue higher education at respected universities and research institutions.

Students seeking substantial financial assistance should explore MEXT, eligible ADB–JSP programs, and OIST doctoral funding. Applicants already enrolled in Japan may find JASSO useful, while Honjo, Rotary Yoneyama, and university scholarships offer additional funding routes.

The most important step is to select a scholarship that matches your qualifications and verify the current application guidelines before applying.

After securing university admission and funding, international students should review our Japan Student Visa Guide to understand the visa application process, required documents, and important preparations before traveling to Japan.

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Author: Muhammad Khayam Afridi — Founder & Editor, Global Scholarship Point

Last verified: October 31, 2026