students

What kinds of scholarships are available for students who are planning to study in Japan? For those who are planning to study at Japanese language schools, vocational colleges, universities, graduate schools or short-term study programs, there are some scholarships available to you. The following is a list of some of the major scholarships for studying in Japan. For a complete list, please download this pamphlet and read it through carefully. We generally recommend that while you consider some of the major scholarships, you keep an eye out for those that may especially be qualified for, such as those only offered to students from your home country, etc., where available. In addition to the major scholarships outlined below as well as the comprehensive list found in the pamphlet above, some schools offer their own scholarships. We would be happy to provide further guidance regarding schools that offer scholarships.

Important Notes:

  • 1

    Because students from all over the world come to Japan to study Japanese, in order to establish a common baseline, most scholarships for Japanese language studies will use an educational record in Japan as a major qualifier, which is commonly 6 months of Japanese language study at the school in Japan. That is to say, you will only become eligible to apply to the scholarship after you have begun studying for 6 months in Japan.

  • 2

    Despite that we encourage you to apply for scholarships, it is important for you to be able to demonstrate to the Japanese Immigration that between you and your financial sponsor you have the sufficient financial support to cover the costs of your studies & living expenses without depending on scholarships or prospects of part-time work in Japan.

JASSO

student

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) JASSO provides a wide range of scholarships for Japanese and international students studying in Japan, and for Japanese students studying abroad. The main way to apply for this scholarship is through schools (universities, colleges, language schools etc.). Students wishing to apply for scholarships provided by JASSO should refer to their institutions in Japan, their home institutions (if applicable), and other related information. Note that JASSO cannot provide scholarships to students who are receiving governmental scholarships, including the Japanese government and other countries’ governments. Students wishing to apply for this scholarship should also note that JASSO expects applicants to have achieved high grades at school prior to application, and therefore is highly competitive. Also note that there may be specific requirements for the financial status of the applicant.



JASSO Scholarship Programs

JASSO: Mombukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students

General Information:

This scholarship is offered to a wide range of international students. It does not have age limits or specific requirements of what the student needs to study. Application procedures and notifications of the result for this scholarship will be sent from JASSO to schools, who then notify applicants. Students who have taken the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and who will newly enrol in a university undergraduate program, a junior college, a college of technology, or a special training school may be eligible for the reservation program of this scholarship (students enrolling in graduate school are not eligible). The reservation program is a set of slots for scholarship candidates, specially reserved for students who have achieved a high score in the EJU exam. The program allows students to be selected directly by JASSO, rather than have the students apply through their respective Japanese schools.

Quick Facts:

  • Students studying in Japan or prospect. Students in Japanese language institutions are eligible. For detailed lists of schools, consult the JASSO website and guidelines.
  • Applications for this scholarship will be conducted through schools. Selections will be made by JASSO.
  • Approximate payment: 48,000 yen/month (30,000 yen/month for Japanese language school students) for the duration of 1 year.
  • Application: March to May (varies according to school)
  • Quota: about 7,800.

Conditions:

  • Other scholarships: Students receiving scholarships from the Japanese government or other foreign government(s) are not eligible.
  • Age limits: None.
  • Academic background: Applicants must be accepted into a Japanese educational institution prior to application.
  • Visa Status: Applicants must have a ‘college student’ visa.

JASSO: Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan)

General Information:

Students studying in Japan up to a year under a student exchange program that has been selected by JASSO are eligible for this scholarship. Application procedures and notifications of the result will be sent through the home institutions of the student. As to whether or not your exchange program is qualified, students should consult their home institutions.

Quick Facts:

  • Students currently enrolled in a higher education institution outside Japan and who are accepted to a Japanese school under an exchange program.
  • Applications for this scholarship will be conducted through the home institution of the student. Selections will be made by the accepting institutions in Japan.
  • Approximate payment: 80,000 yen/month for the duration of the exchange program.
  • Application: varies according to school.
  • Quota: about 5,000.

Conditions:

  • Nationality: The applicant must have a nationality that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Applicants from Taiwan and Palestine are also eligible.
  • Age limits: None.
  • Academic background: The applicant should be currently enrolled in a higher education institution (post-secondary education) outside Japan, and who are accepted to a Japanese school under an exchange program.

MEXT Scholarships

students

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology (MEXT / ‘Mombukagakusho’) Scholarships The MEXT Scholarship was established in 1954 with the aim of supporting foreign talents with full scholarships. Students can apply directly to the school or Japanese Embassy / Consulate in their country. MEXT Scholarships are available to international students selected through application forms, recommendations and several screenings. The Ministry will cover examination, matriculation (registration) and tuition fees, and cover the transportation expenses to and from the applicant’s country of residence and Japan. MEXT may require the applicant to be a student (or prospect) at specific universities listed on the website. There are 3 main ways to apply: Embassy Recommendation, University Recommendation, and Domestic Selection. The types of scholarships available differ according to application pathways. Students wishing to apply must refer closely the MEXT website, university-specific guidelines and the Embassy of Japan in the applicant’s country of residence for details, conditions and application deadlines. *Monthly payment are subject to change according to government budget. Payment amount may vary according to area or at special occasions.

Training time

Successful candidates to graduate programs: April or May in Japan. Successful applicants to college programs: April in Japan

  • Graduate level: 3 to 5 years (including 6 months of Japanese language);
  • University degree: 5 to 7 years (including 12 months studying Japanese);
  • Higher level: 4 years (including 12 months studying Japanese);
  • Intermediate professional: 3 years (including 12 months studying Japanese).

Mode scholarship

Candidates received under this scholarship program will be granted airfare, living expenses and tuition fees by the Government of Japan for the entire period of study.


MEXT Scholarship Programs

MEXT: College of Technology

General Information:

This scholarship is offered to specifically support students wishing to pursue studies in engineering and other fields related to technology.
Quick Facts:
  • Applicants will study as an undergraduate in universities designated by MEXT after completion of a 1-year preparatory course (Japanese language training). A detailed list of study areas can be found here. For more details, consult the Embassy of Japan in your country.
  • Applicants must have completed 11 years of education (or an educational course equivalent to secondary school) or prospect, and meet the university-specific requirements.
  • Approximate payment: 117,000 yen/month for 4 years.
  • Japanese language training: 1 year.
Conditions:
  • Nationality: The applicant must have a nationality that has diplomatic relations with Japan and cannot be Japanese. Look here for a list of applicable countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Countries or regions that do not have diplomatic relations with Japan include: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Palestine and North Korea.
  • Age: 17 to 25. Exceptions may apply. For details, consult the application guidelines.
  • Academic background: Applicants must have completed 11 years of education (or an educational course equivalent to secondary school) or prospect, and meet the university-specific requirements.
  • Japanese Language Ability: Applicants should be eager to learn Japanese.
  • Arrival in Japan: MEXT will designate the date of arrival and prepare necessary travel documents.
  • Visa Status: Student (留学).

MEXT: Japanese Studies

General Information:

This scholarship supports international students wishing to enroll in Japanese Studies (Japanese culture and language) in an undergraduate program at designated universities in Japan over the course of 1 year. Applicants are required to submit application forms individually to the Embassy of Japan in their residential country.
Quick Facts:
  • For students of Japanese Studies
  • Enroll in 1 year program upon approval of scholarship
  • Approximate payment: 11,700 yen/month for the duration of one academic year.
  • Application: April to May (varies according to year and country of residence)
  • Quota: about 500.
Conditions:
  • Nationality: The applicant must have a nationality that has diplomatic relations with Japan and cannot be Japanese. Look here for a list of applicable countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Countries or regions that do not have diplomatic relations with Japan include: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Palestine and North Korea.
  • Age: 18 to 29. Exceptions may apply. For details, consult the application guidelines.
  • Academic Background: At the point of commencing the program, the applicant must be an undergraduate at a foreign university, be majoring in Japanese language and/or Japanese culture, and as of September 1, 2019, will have studied Japanese Studies for a total period of one year or more by the time of departure to Japan.
  • Japanese Language Ability: The applicant must have Japanese language abilities sufficient for receiving education in Japanese at a Japanese university. Japanese language training will not be offered.
  • Arrival in Japan: MEXT will designate the date of arrival and prepare necessary travel documents.
  • Visa status: Student (留学).

MEXT: Research Students

General Information:

This scholarship is offered to students who will pursue graduate level studies or research in Japanese universities in Japan for a specific length of time.
Quick Facts:
  • Applicants will attend graduate level courses. Applicants should pursue fields of study related to their undergraduate degree program.
  • Approximate payment: 143,000 – 145,000 yen/month. Duration of payment and monthly payment varies according to student status (non-degree, master’s course, or doctoral course).
  • Japanese language training: 6 months (exemptions may apply)
Conditions:
  • Nationality: The applicant must have a nationality that has diplomatic relations with Japan and cannot be Japanese. Look here for a list of applicable countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Countries or regions that do not have diplomatic relations with Japan include: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Palestine and North Korea.
  • Age: Under 35.
  • Academic background: University or college graduate (or prospect), or equivalent, and has been accepted to a graduate or higher level course in a Japanese university (or is highly likely to) at the time of application. Japanese Language Ability: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level or equivalent, or other requirements for respective universities and institutions.
  • English Language Ability: CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B2 level or equivalent, or other requirements for respective universities and institutions.
  • Arrival in Japan: MEXT will designate the date of arrival and prepare necessary travel documents.
  • Visa Status: Student (留学)

MEXT: Specialized Training College

General Information:

This scholarship supports students studying specific fields, including technology, personal care and nutrition, education and welfare, fashion and home economics, culture and general education, and other fields of study.
Quick Facts:
  • Applicants will study as an undergraduate in universities designated by MEXt after completion of a 1-year preparatory course (Japanese language training). A detailed list of study areas can be found here. For more details, consult the Embassy of Japan in your country.
  • Applicants must have completed 12 years of education or prospect.
  • Approximate payment: 117,000 yen/month for 3 years.
  • Japanese language training: 1 year.
Conditions:
  • Nationality: The applicant must have a nationality that has diplomatic relations with Japan and cannot be Japanese. Look here for a list of applicable countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Countries or regions that do not have diplomatic relations with Japan include: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Palestine and North Korea.
  • Age: 17 to 25. Exceptions may apply. For details, consult the application guidelines.
  • Academic background: Applicants must have completed 12 years of education or prospect, and meet the university-specific requirements.
  • Japanese Language Ability: Applicants should be eager to learn Japanese.
  • Arrival in Japan: MEXT will designate the date of arrival and prepare necessary travel documents.
  • Visa Status: Student (留学).

MEXT: Teacher Training

General Information:

This scholarship is offered to specifically support students wishing to pursue studying education or teaching at designated universities.
Quick Facts:
  • Applicants will receive graduate (master/doctoral) level education as Education students.
  • Approximate payment: 143,000 – 145,000 yen/month. Duration of payment and monthly payment varies according to student status (non-degree, master’s course, or doctoral course).
  • Japanese language training: 6 months (exemptions may apply)
  • Quota: About 100.
Conditions:
  • Nationality: The applicant must have a nationality that has diplomatic relations with Japan and cannot be Japanese. Look here for a list of applicable countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Countries or regions that do not have diplomatic relations with Japan include: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Palestine and North Korea.
  • Age: Under 35
  • Academic background: University or teacher training college graduates. Applicants must also have over 5 years of experience as (1) teachers of primary or secondary schools in their home countries, or (2) teachers on teacher training schools in their home countries (excluding universities).
  • Japanese Language Ability: Applicants should be eager to learn Japanese.
  • Arrival in Japan: MEXT will designate the date of arrival and prepare necessary travel documents.
  • Visa Status: Student (留学).

MEXT: Undergraduate Students

General Information:

This scholarship supports international students wishing to study at Japanese universities in Japan and covers a wide range of fields.
Quick Facts:
  • Applicants will undergo undergraduate study at universities designated by MEXT after completion of the 1-year preparatory course (Japanese language training). For information about accepting universities, consult the Embassy of Japan in your country.
  • Applicants must have completed 12 years of education (or an educational course equivalent to high school) or prospect, and meet the university-specific requirements.
  • Approximate payment: 117,000 yen/month for 5 years. For students studying Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Pharmaceutical Sciences of 6 years system, the duration of payment is 7 years.
  • Japanese language training: 1 year.
Conditions:
  • Nationality: The applicant must have a nationality that has diplomatic relations with Japan and cannot be Japanese. Look here for a list of applicable countries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Countries or regions that do not have diplomatic relations with Japan include: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Palestine and North Korea.
  • Age: 17 to 25. Exceptions may apply. For details, consult the application guidelines.
  • Academic background: Applicants must have completed 12 years of education (or an educational course equivalent to high school) or prospect, and meet the university-specific requirements.
  • Japanese Language Ability: Applicants should be eager to learn Japanese.
  • Arrival in Japan: MEXT will designate the date of arrival and prepare necessary travel documents.
  • Visa Status: Student (留学).

MEXT: Young Leaders Program (YLP)

General Information:

This scholarship supports students wishing to study in Japan and who will play an active role as leaders in Asia and other areas.
Quick Facts:
  • Applicants will be studying a graduate-level course at a designated Japanese university as a student in their desired field of study from the following: (1) School of Government, (2) Local Governance, (3) Healthcare Administration, (4) Business Administration, and (5) Law. Courses are conducted in English.
  • Application: Through Embassy Recommendation.
  • Quota: About 70.
Conditions:
  • Nationality: Described in detail in the application guidelines. In previous years, nationalities of eligible students were mainly from Asia and East Europe.
  • Age: Under 40. Exceptions may apply.
  • Academic/Professional background: Bachelor’s degree, college graduate or equivalent. In addition, each field of study requires the following: School of Government, Local Governance students: 3 years of work experience in the public sector. Healthcare Administration students: 2 years of work experience in healthcare fields of the public sector. Business Administration students: 3 years of work experience. Law: 4 years of work experience in the law sector of the applicant’s home country.
  • English Language Ability and other requirements: School of Government, Local Governance students: minimum TOEFL iBT score 79, IELTS Academic score 6.0 or equivalent. Healthcare Administration students: minimum TOEFL PBT score 550, TOEFL CBT score 213, TOEFL iBT score 80 or equivalent. Business Administration students: minimum TOEFL PBT score 600, TOEFL CBT score 250, TOEFL iBT score 100, IELTS 7.0 or equivalent. General Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score of 600 or more is not required but is ideal. Law: TOEFL PBT score 550, TOEFL ITP score 550, TOEFL iBT score 80, IELTS Academic score 6.0 or equivalent.
  • Commencement of the Program: September to October.
  • Visa Status: Student (留学). There may be specific requirements to obtain this visa. Check the application guidelines for detailed information.

AYF Scholarship (ASIAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP)

General Information:

Consultation weeks are held 3 times per term to match certain academic advancement pathways, actively supporting students so they can each progress to the route suitable for them. The main on-campus seminars are held on twice yearly, divided by academic field (sociology, international studies, economics, tourism, CG etc.) in May-June and by school in July-August, providing students with ample information about schools. Aside from this, seminars are also constantly held where entrance exam staff from each school come to talk to students directly about their schools’ characteristics, exam content, exam preparation, employability and more.

Other Scholarship Programs

Lee Soon Hyun Asia Scholarship Fund (LSH)

  • Approximately 100,000 yen.
  • Established in honour of the bravery of Lee Soon Hyun
  • Write a review essay in Japanese after learning about Lee Soon Hyun.
  • School reviews your application, approves it and applies on your behalf.

Scholarships from the School (depending on the regulations of each school)

  • Approximately range from 30,000 to 70,000 yen.
  • Scholarships allow for admission to schools for students with Japanese Certificates
  • Some scholarships are available for students who succeed in passing the JLPT or EJU ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 yen.
  • Full-time school scholarships available for full-time students can start at 30,000 yen.

Japan Foundation

The Japan Foundation provides scholarships to students who will take an active role in cultural exchange between Japan and other areas. Many of the scholarships are for students undergoing doctorate education, and who will take part in projects organized by the Foundation. An example of programs available include:

  • The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program