How to Apply for a Scholarship in Japan

Japan is one of the most innovative countries and offers a great learning environment for international students. What makes it even more attractive is its strengthened commitment to have more international students enrolled in its universities. In fact, this country has been focusing on efforts to add more English-taught programs, ease out admission processes for foreign students, and sponsor scholarship programs. While education cost in Japan may be low compared with other universities in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia, the living costs in its best cities can be high. Scholarship grants in Japan can help curb the costs of education in the country.

Scholarships in Japan are awarded to individuals according to their age, academic achievements, and degree program. Here’s a shortlist of various scholarship programmes and awards available for international students looking to study in Japan.

1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

Since 1954, Japanese Government Scholarships are given to eligible international students through its Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Each type of scholarship has a separate list of criteria that need to be met. Typically, MEXT scholarships are given to undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and research students who are looking to enroll in a university in Japan. The most popular degree programs for this scholarship are those in the fields of technology and engineering, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, education, and Japanese studies. Monthly stipends are estimated at ¥143,000 ($1,264) to ¥242,000 ($2,139). Some scholarships even offer a free Japanese language training for six months.

Below are the seven types of MEXT scholarships for various international students in Japan.

  • Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) Students
  • Research Students
  • Teacher Training Students
  • Undergraduate Students
  • College of Technology Students
  • Specialized Training College Students
  • Japanese Studies Students

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships

The JASSO provides the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students for academically and morally excellent international undergraduate or graduate students. This scholarship grants a monthly stipend of ¥48,000 ($424) to successful candidates. However, applicants for the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship should not be an awardee of other Japanese government scholarships.

Local Governments/Local International Associations Scholarships

Local governments of Japan are offering their own scholarship programs for international students in their area. The following is a list of local government scholarships that can provide financial assistance for eligible students:

  • Hokkaido International Exchange & Cooperation Center Foreign Student
  • Kitami City Scholarship for Foreign Students
  • Iwate International Association
  • Ohtawara-city Board of Education
  • Shinjuku-ku Foreign Student Scholarship
  • Kawasaki International Association Financial Assistance Program for Foreign Students
  • Toyama International Exchange Scholarship
  • Ishikawa Prefectural Scholarship for Privately Financed Foreign Students
  • Education Board of Fukuroi City
  • Mie Prefectural scholarship for Foreign Students
  • Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization
  • Hyogo Scholarship for Privately Financed Students
  • Kobe International Students Scholarship (Kobe/Sugawara Scholarship)
  • Hamada International Association International Students Scholarship Program
  • Kurashiki City Financial Aid for Privately Financed Students
  • Nankoku City Scholarship
  • Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation Foreign Student Scholarship
  • Nagasaki International Association Scholarships for Private Students
  • Satsumasendai City Scholarship for Foreign Students
  • Oita-ken Foreign Student Scholarship

Scholarships in Japan are available at your fingertips. With just a click and a bit of research, you can find assistance to begin your study abroad experience in Japan.

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Comments (3)

I love it thank
By Otu thank God (May, 2020) |

I appreciate your work which you do this you help people to study hard
By janeth james bakeza (Dec, 2019) |

This is an excellent article and thanks a lot for guidance. I am searching for an international scholarship and I feel very happy as I will also help other students by sharing this articles with my classmates.
By Mureed Khan (Mar, 2019) |