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Japan Scholarships Guide

Scholarships available, eligibility by country, and how to apply step-by-step.

Major Scholarships in Japan

Most international students apply through these main routes.

Students studying in Japan

MEXT Scholarship (Government)

Fully or highly funded scholarship by Japan Government for undergraduate, masters, PhD, and research students.

  • Tuition coverage
  • Monthly stipend
  • Usually round-trip airfare
Official Details Apply Info
University scholarship opportunities

University Recommendation (MEXT)

Students apply directly to Japanese universities; university nominates selected candidates to MEXT.

  • Strong academics required
  • Research proposal for graduate routes
  • Early contact with professors helps
Official Details Find Universities
International scholarship support

JASSO & Local Scholarships

JASSO and private foundations provide partial support for living expenses and tuition assistance.

  • Often partial funding
  • Available after admission in many cases
  • May require Japanese language ability
Official Details Scholarship Search

Who Can Apply? (Country Eligibility)

General rule: applicants from countries with Japanese diplomatic relations can apply, but final eligibility is announced each cycle.

Always verify your country list and age criteria from your local Japanese Embassy website and the target university official page.

Route Who Can Apply Country Scope
Embassy Recommendation (MEXT) Students who meet academic + age + language requirements Most countries where Japanese embassy/consulate accepts applications
University Recommendation (MEXT) Students applying to a Japanese university directly Broad international eligibility, depends on university program rules
JASSO / Foundation Scholarships Usually admitted or enrolled international students Open to many nationalities; specific scholarship may limit region

Frequently Eligible Regions

South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Latin America.

Important

Exact country names can change by year and scholarship type. Check official calls each year.

Commonly Seen Eligible Countries (Examples)

Examples below are indicative only and may differ by scholarship year/program.

PakistanIndiaBangladeshNepalSri Lanka IndonesiaMalaysiaPhilippinesVietnamThailand EgyptKenyaNigeriaMorocco TurkeyKazakhstanUzbekistanBrazilMexico

Other Scholarships You Can Consider

These are popular alternatives in addition to MEXT/JASSO routes.

Graduate scholarship planning

ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

Mainly for students from selected ADB developing member countries pursuing approved postgraduate programs.

  • Master's-level focus
  • Partner universities only
  • Country list is fixed by ADB
Official Details Apply Procedure
International student in Japan campus

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

Supports international graduate students studying in Japan, especially with strong research plans.

  • Master's / PhD friendly
  • Interview-based selection
  • Nationality restrictions may apply by cycle
Official Website Apply Info
International student community

Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship

One of Japan’s largest private scholarships for international students already enrolled in Japanese institutions.

  • Monthly stipend support
  • Selection through recommendation channels
  • Community/service orientation valued
Official Details Application Updates
Scholarship application documents

Mitsui-Bussan Scholarship & Similar Corporate Funds

Corporate or foundation scholarships often target specific countries, degree levels, or partner institutions.

  • Usually country-specific calls
  • High competition
  • Strong academic profile needed
Official Scholarship Portal Private Scholarships
World Bank and university education funding

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship

For selected development-related graduate programs and applicants from eligible developing countries.

  • Development sector focus
  • Work experience often required
  • Program list changes by cycle
Official Details Apply Portal

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1

Choose degree level and scholarship route (Embassy or University).

2

Prepare documents: transcripts, passport, recommendation letters, statement of purpose.

3

For graduate routes, prepare a focused research plan and potential supervisor list.

4

Submit during official intake window and complete exams/interview if required.

5

If selected, complete university placement and visa process.