Japan is fast becoming a famous study-abroad destination. This is evident in the influx of students, with over 300,000 foreigners studying in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’—and the number is steadily increasing.
And why not?
Japanese institutions promise quality education. Five are in the top 100 brackets of the World University Rankings.
You will have access to job opportunities, both while you are a student and after you finish your studies, in Japan. You will also have opportunities and reasons to learn Japanese.
Studying in Japan also offers an incredible opportunity to dive deep into everything Japanese. You can experience the rich culture, fascinating traditions, and mouthwatering food.
See my complete guide to studying abroad in Japan through scholarships for more information.
With increased educational opportunities, higher education is a foregone conclusion for students worldwide. Studying at a foreign university has become a signal of intelligence and composure.
But first…
Table of Contents
- Why choose Japan for higher studies?
- Different types of Scholarships in Japan
- What is included & benefits?
- Should you try for Japanese scholarships?
Why choose Japan for higher studies?
Japan has survived the worst of times and emerged like a phoenix from the ashes (literally). It offers plenty in terms of lifestyle and culture. So, it is vital to consider this when deciding whether to stay there, even for a short time.
Japan is the proud home of rich history and customs that instill in everyone the ideals of devotion and passion. Furthermore, the Japanese have skillfully integrated contemporary principles and technology into their culture, offering the best of both worlds.
Unique cuisine, scenic, relaxing shrines, and a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
The most astonishing thing about studying in Japan is that you can leave the city whenever you want and enjoy the country’s stunning nature.
Excellent-quality, fresh, and delicious food is available at is economical price. Street food vendors at local markets make students’ lives more accessible and enjoyable at low prices.
International students are welcomed warmly in Japan. The Japanese are some of the friendliest people in the world.
The Japanese are keen to learn English and other cultures. This makes them feel more comfortable speaking and enables information exchange. As a result, you can also teach English in Japan as a foreigner.
All these factors make Japan a great place to live and adapt to, ensuring a seamless start to education. Also, studying abroad allows you to live, work, and learn about a new culture once in a lifetime.
Japan is an incredible location for education. It offers academic and personal improvement while providing a friendly environment.
Tuition at Japanese public institutions is about 535,800 yen (roughly $5,500) each year. Compared to $10,000 or more in the United States for an “in-state” student, “out-of-state” and international tuition costs several times more.
This makes Japan’s prices nearly half of the worldwide average.
As you begin your research, knowing that study-abroad scholarships in Japan are meant to support your education may be helpful. This also enables you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Different types of Scholarships in Japan
There are various kinds of scholarships in Japan.
It is essential to note that only a few scholarships in Japan cover the full cost of education. Most cover only a portion of the student’s living expenses and tuition fees.
Be sure to select scholarships that suit your preferences.
Due to the many options, I’ve included some basic information to help you understand how they work.
Here are some of the well-known Japanese scholarships for international students.
1. MEXT Scholarships by the Japanese government
MEXT scholarship is known as the Monbukagakusho scholarship. It is among the most available foreign student scholarships. It is popular because it is government-regulated.
They are given to international students interested in higher education at Japan’s top universities. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, and Culture grants it.
These scholarship programs aim to bring excellent human resources to Japan. International students from other countries have also come here.
It fosters mutual understanding and builds human networks to strengthen Japanese universities’ educational and research capabilities. And it also makes international intellectual contributions.
The MEXT scholarship is highly beneficial and covers tuition fees until graduation.
Depending on the degree level, they offer a stipend for living expenses ranging from 120,000 to 144,000 yen. You also receive flight tickets to and from Japan (excluding personal trips).
You also get a chance to know fellow MEXT scholars through networking activities.
As part of the prerequisites, you must apply for this scholarship through your country’s embassies and consulates or institutes of higher education in Japan.
This implies that your country’s selection process may indicate that you or the institution will be selected after you receive an admission letter.
They do not expect the candidates to speak Japanese to be considered for this scholarship. But if you wish to work in Japan later, you must learn. This is because most jobs are for Japanese speakers.
The government continues to encourage them to be prepared to learn the language and to be passionate about Japanese culture upon arrival.
They are granted for various backgrounds and purposes, such as:
- Research Student (for Research Studies).
- Undergraduate Students (Undergraduate level leading to a Bachelor’s Degree).
- College of Technology Students (Undergraduate level leading to an Associate Degree Diploma).
- Specialized Training College Students (Undergraduate level leading to Certificate).
- Japanese Studies Students (Undergraduate level leading to Certificate).
- Young Leaders’ Program Students (Master’s Degree course).
- Teacher Training Students (Undergraduate level leading to Certificate).
2. JASSO Scholarships
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers two categories of scholarships. This is other than the MEXT.
The first is the “Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students.”
This is available to students admitted to Japanese higher education institutions, such as specialized training colleges and language schools.
You will get a monthly stipend of 48,000 yen for a year throughout your studies in Japan as part of this scholarship. But as the title states, you will still pay your tuition and other charges.
JASSO also offers the “Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-Term Study in Japan).” This is for individuals approved by Japanese schools.
They do this through student exchange agreements (8— 12 months) and other exchange arrangements for students whose institutions are outside Japan.
This award is not for students who want to complete their studies in Japan.
This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 80,000 yen. However, you will still be responsible for your tuition and travel to and from Japan during your exchange.
To be qualified for the JASSO scholarship, you must apply directly to higher education institutions. The one to which they have admitted you.
3. Hanjo Foundation Scholarship in Japan
The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships to international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at Japanese graduate schools. Apply between September and October for the next academic term.
The selection process comprises document screening and interviews, and the final results are announced annually during the last week of March.
Monthly stipends from the scholarship depend on the length of your degree program.
- ¥230,000 per month for 1–2 year degrees
- ¥210,000 per month for 3-year degrees
- ¥180,000 per month for 4–5 year degrees
Eligibility criteria include:
- Non-Japanese citizenship
- Enrollment in a Japanese graduate school by April
- Master’s applicants must be under 30 years old; doctoral applicants under 35
- A commitment to contribute to one’s home country after graduation
- Japanese proficiency is required, as interviews will be conducted in Japanese.
- To apply, apply with a research plan and a two-minute video about your research. Detailed guidelines and application forms are available on the foundation’s official website.
Interested applicants should check the foundation’s website for updates on future application deadlines and prepare accordingly.
4. Yokohama National University MEXT Scholarship
Yokohama National University (YNU) offers the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.
This scholarship is funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) and provides comprehensive financial support. This includes coverage of tuition fees, monthly living stipends, and round-trip airfare.
Application Timeline:
- Application Period: December to January
- Application Deadline: January
- Notification of Results: Mid-February
- Final Scholarship Confirmation from MEXT: Mid-June
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Applicants must hold the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Age: Applicants should be 34 or younger as of 1 April.
- Academic Qualifications:
Master’s Program: You need a bachelor’s degree and a strong academic record to apply.
Doctoral Program: Outstanding academic records are needed for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. - Language Proficiency: Provide proof of English proficiency (like TOEFL or IELTS scores) or an official certificate showing English as the language of instruction.
Application Procedure:
- Find a Prospective Academic Advisor: Applicants should identify and contact a potential academic advisor at YNU to discuss research interests.
- Prepare Application Documents:
- Completed Application Form
- Field of Study and Research Plan
- Academic Transcripts
- Academic Performance Entry Sheet
- Certificates of Graduation or Degree
- Recommendation Letter from a high-ranking university official
- Proof of Language Proficiency
3. Submit Application: Applications must be submitted online through YNU’s official portal during the specified application period.
Financial Support:
- Monthly Stipend: ¥144,000 per month for master’s students and ¥145,000 per month for doctoral students
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage by MEXT.
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare provided.
- Accommodation: Assistance in securing university housing.
Important Considerations:
- Application Review: YNU assesses applications considering academic achievements, research potential, and alignment with its research areas.
- Interview: We may contact shortlisted candidates via email or online.
- Final Selection: MEXT will approve YNU’s recommendations, with the outcome announced by mid-June.
For application forms and more detailed information, please visit YNU’s official admissions page. The application process and deadlines may change, so applicants should check YNU’s website regularly for updates.
5. Scholarship options at Universities
When you enroll at one of Japan’s Top Global Universities, you’ll almost certainly be eligible for the university’s monthly scholarship.
Each institution has its own regulations, which differ. Thus, it is necessary to make personal queries to learn how much each university offers.
According to public sources, the monthly stipend ranges from 60,000 to 120,000 yen per month.
The criteria for receiving a scholarship also vary.
For example, one university will need you to be in the top 1% of your program’s students. You can also retain the scholarship if you continue to perform well.
6. Local governments and international organizations
You can also apply for scholarships from local governments in the cities or areas where you want to study.
Hokkaido International Exchange & Cooperation Center, Kitami City, 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, and the Education Board of Fukuroi City is only a few of them.
7. Scholarships by Private Foundations
Several private foundations and corporations in Japan provide scholarships to overseas students.
Some may be country- or department-specific, with separate application deadlines. Some popular ones include:
• The Freeman Foundation’s Freeman— ASIA Award is one of them. These scholarships are available to anyone seeking education in East or Southeast Asia. Depending on financial need, they are designed to help undergraduate students in two-year or four-year programs.
• The Asahi Glass Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Japanese glass. This applies to the 2026-2027 scholarship year. You can use it at school. You must be a resident of Japan at the time of application and available for Master’s and Doctoral programs.
You must also be a resident of Japan at the time of the application. Indonesia, Thailand, China, Korea, and Vietnam are eligible countries. The monthly stipend would be 150,000 yen.
• The Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange provides the Kawaguchi Shizu Memorial Scholarship. This applies to the school you want to enroll in. This is the place of residence in Japan at the time of application. It caters to the academic level of undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral programs. This is open to students from across Asia and offers a stipend of 120,000 yen per month.
What is included & benefits?
Most non-government-funded scholarships focus on tuition fees. Yet, each has different benefits depending on the type of scholarship and your eligibility criteria.
However, the Japanese Government Scholarship offers fantastic benefits. As already mentioned, it provides both financial and non-financial benefits.
Financially, scholarships provide two significant benefits. One is through direct scholarship, and the other is through an exemption or reduction system that would waive a percentage of the fee.
Eligibility criteria
The criteria are specific to the scholarship type. While MEXT has streamlined the requirements, other eligibility criteria are set by the institution offering them.
MEXT accepts applications from overseas students who meet the following criteria and conditions to study in Japan.
The applicant needs to be a citizen of a country with which Japan maintains diplomatic relations. Applicants who are Japanese citizens at the time of application are ineligible.
Persons with dual nationality who are Japanese citizens and reside outside Japan at the time of application are eligible to apply.
Knowledge of Japanese increases your chances. Thus, taking the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) would be preferable.
Only when they choose another country’s residency and renounce their Japanese citizenship upon their arrival in Japan.
- To be considered, all applicants should have been born on or after 2 April 1987. They made exceptions only when MEXT believed the applicant was outside the qualifying age. This limit may be due to the applicant’s country’s status or circumstances, without exception for personal reasons.
- Academic Background: Applicants must meet the admission requirements for a master’s or doctoral program at the Japanese graduate school where they intend to begin their studies. These differ from the kind of MEXT scholarship you wish to apply for. You can find more specific information in the guidelines on their website.
- To be considered, applicants must be willing to study Japanese, have a strong interest in Japan, and be prepared to learn more about it. Finally, applicants must be able to conduct research and adapt to life in Japan.
How to apply?
You usually submit scholarship and financial aid applications through your current school.
You can easily find the application portals for the other scholarships on the respective websites or online platforms.
These follow their guidelines for such applications. Sometimes schools will recognize your achievements and recommend you for a scholarship.
On the other hand, the deadline for submitting application materials for MEXT varies by Japanese diplomatic post.
They screened most financial assistance applications based solely on the documents submitted. Still, some organizations may require an interview or a written exam to assess your general education and field expertise.
They may also ask about your language skills. If you know Japanese, you can take the JLPT or NAT exam to show your ability.
Each Japanese diplomatic mission sets its schedule for the first screening and communication of screening results.
Applicants who pass the initial screening should contact the Japanese institutions where they want to study and request temporary admittance.
After clearing the first screening, applicants must submit a completed Placement Reference Application Form to the Japanese diplomatic position.
The submission deadline for this form varies by the Japanese diplomatic mission you are contacting.
MEXT conducts a second screening and university placement. MEXT Scholarship grantees who pass the second screening and have an acceptable university will be admitted.
Applicants are advised of their results through the Japanese diplomatic representation.
Should you try for Japanese scholarships?
Japan is a country of endless possibilities. And what is better than studying there? If you need funding, a scholarship is the ultimate choice.
You may apply for a scholarship at your chosen institution and travel across Japan. With your experience and knowledge, you will become a global asset.
Before applying, carefully check the eligibility criteria and their requirements. One advantage of applying for a scholarship in Japan is that there are options for almost every type of course.
Get ready to explore Japan’s beauty and culture with a top-quality education at your disposal. Besides, you will benefit from learning Japanese, enhancing your career prospects.
I hope my article on the best scholarships for international students in Japan was helpful. If you have any questions, share them in the comments below.
I’m international student from nepal.