9 Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Japan (Besides MEXT)

Introduction

9 Scholarship Opportunities for International Students: Japan is a hub for academic excellence, with its universities offering high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences. While the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship is widely known, there are numerous other scholarships available to international students aiming to study in Japan. These scholarships are provided by the Japanese government, universities, private foundations, and local governments, each with its own unique eligibility requirements. Below is an extensive guide on the scholarships available for international students who wish to study in Japan. By the way, I made another post that goes through a bunch of scholarships with more specific details, if you’re interested, you can check it out here.

1. JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Scholarships

JASSO offers various scholarships to international students based on merit and financial need.
Scholarships Offered:   – Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship: Available for international students already enrolled in universities or those preparing to enroll in universities in Japan.   – Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan): For international students participating in short-term exchange programs between Japanese and foreign universities.

Eligibility

• Academic excellence (minimum GPA of 2.30 or higher on a 3.0 scale).
• Financial need.
• Enrollment in a recognized Japanese institution or part of a student exchange program.

Stipend

Varies depending on the scholarship type, typically between ¥48,000 and ¥65,000 per month.

2. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

This scholarship is designed for students from developing countries, including those in Japan. It aims to help individuals pursue master’s degrees that contribute to development in their home country.

Eligibility

• Must be a national of a developing country (World Bank member countries).
• Must not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
• Must have 3+ years of professional experience in a development-related field.
• Applicants should have unconditional admission to a master’s degree program.

Stipend

Full tuition fees, living allowance, travel expenses, and medical insurance.

3. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

Funded by the Asian Development Bank, this scholarship is for students from ADB member countries, aiming to help them pursue postgraduate studies in various fields like economics, management, science, and technology.

Eligibility

• Must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country.
• Must have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of full-time professional work experience.
• Be 35 years or younger.
• Must be in good health and agree to return to their home country after completing the study program.

Stipend

Covers full tuition, a monthly subsistence allowance, housing allowance, medical and travel insurance, and airfare.

4. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation to international students attending Japanese universities or graduate schools.

Eligibility

• Must have a strong academic record and leadership qualities.
• Should have already obtained an admission letter or have been admitted to a Japanese university.
• Must be proficient in either Japanese or English.

Stipend

• Undergraduate students: ¥100,000 per month.
• Graduate students: ¥140,000 per month.

5. Japan Foundation for UNU Scholarships

These scholarships are aimed at students pursuing postgraduate degrees at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS).

Eligibility

• Applicants must be from developing countries, including Japan.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Should be interested in sustainability-related courses, especially environmental or social issues.

Stipend

Full tuition fees, with a monthly stipend of ¥120,000.

6. Private Foundation Scholarships

Several private foundations also offer scholarships to international students. Most of these are merit-based, and some are need-based. These scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements based on nationality, academic achievement, and field of study.
Some Prominent Foundations Include:
– The Nitori International Scholarship Foundation: Provides scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. Stipend: ¥80,000 per month.
– The Heiwa Nakajima Foundation: Offers scholarships to international students enrolled in graduate or undergraduate programs in Japan. Stipend: ¥100,000 per month.
– Kyoritsu International Foundation: Provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, offering ¥60,000-¥100,000 per month.

7. Local Government Scholarships

Several Japanese prefectures and cities offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships are designed to attract talent to specific regions and promote cultural exchange.
Examples:   – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Scholarship: For students who enroll in universities within Tokyo. Stipend: ¥200,000 annually.   – Fukuoka City International Foundation: Offers the “Asian Scholarship” to international students studying in universities within Fukuoka. Stipend: ¥60,000 per month.

8. University-Specific Scholarships

Many Japanese universities offer scholarships to attract international students to their campuses. These scholarships often cover partial or full tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even accommodation. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, research potential, and sometimes need.
Examples:
– University of Tokyo Fellowships: Offers several scholarships for graduate students, including tuition waivers and monthly allowances.
– Kyoto University Scholarships: Offers a variety of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students.
– Sophia University New Student Scholarship: Offers tuition reductions of 30%, 50%, or 100% for new students based on academic merit and financial need.

9. The INOUE Masaru Scholarship for International Students

This scholarship, provided by the Inoue Masaru Foundation, is designed for international students who are pursuing advanced degrees (masters or doctoral) in science and engineering fields.

Eligibility

• Must be studying in the science or engineering field.
• Should have a recommendation from the academic advisor.
• Should have a strong academic background.

Stipend

Although they don’t cover the tuition fees, you’re still entitled for ¥50,000 per month.

General Conditions for Eligibility Across Scholarships

• Academic Merit: Most scholarships require a strong academic record and evidence of consistent performance.
• Financial Need: Some scholarships consider the financial situation of the applicant.
• Enrollment Status: The applicant must be enrolled or have been accepted into a Japanese institution.
• Nationality: Certain scholarships target specific nationalities or regions (e.g., ADB-Japan Scholarship for ADB member countries).
• Language Proficiency: For many scholarships, proficiency in either Japanese or English is required.
• Commitment to Home Country: Scholarships such as the JJ/WBGSP and ADB-JSP require students to return to their home country after completing their studies.

More Resources and Help

If at any point in the process you’re feeling stuck, I’m here to help! I offer personal consultations to help you at every step, whether it’s picking the right program, creating a research plan, or even just clearing your doubts.

Also, if you’re looking for real-life insights into studying and living in Japan, check out my YouTube channel, where I document my experiences and share tips for prospective students like you.

Conclusion

Japan offers a wide range of scholarships, catering to students from all over the world. With numerous options available, students should explore each scholarship’s unique conditions and apply to those best suited to their needs. Whether funded by the Japanese government, universities, private organizations, or local governments, these scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden of studying in Japan while offering invaluable academic and cultural experiences.
For more details and application deadlines, students are advised to visit the official websites of the scholarships and the universities they are applying to. If you need help along the way, feel free to reach out for consultation—whether it’s about your application, research plan, or just general questions. Good luck!