Japan offers many great scholarship opportunities for international students who wish to study in the country. In this post, we will discuss the top 10 most prestigious and Fully-funded Japan scholarships available for international undergraduate and postgraduate students. We will provide details on eligibility criteria, awarded benefits, application deadlines, and processes for each scholarship program.
1. MEXT (Monbukagakusho: Honors) Scholarship
The Japanese government offers a number of scholarships, but the MEXT Honors Scholarship is arguably the most prestigious. It is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).
Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. They must be under 35 years old (as of April 1st of the year of arrival in Japan) and have a superior academic record. Prior Japanese language skills are not mandatory but will strengthen the application.
Awarded Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend (around $1,100 USD), round-trip airfare, and an additional settlement allowance. It is awarded for up to 5 years of undergraduate or postgraduate study at a Japanese university.
Application Deadline: Early October. The application process is highly competitive, with acceptance rates around 1-2%.
Application Process: Interested candidates must first apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Shortlisted candidates will then take the Japanese proficiency test (JLPT) and undergo a rigorous interview process. Academic transcripts, references, a study plan, and a personal statement are key components of the application.
For more info, visit: the Mext ScholarshipsÂ
2. Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship
This is one of the largest scholarship programs for foreign students in Japan, run by JASSO. It supports students across all academic disciplines.
Eligibility:Â Applicants must be a non-Japanese citizen enrolled at an accredited Japanese university as an undergraduate or postgraduate student. Prior Japanese language skills are not mandatory.
Awarded Benefits: Monthly stipends ranging from ÂĄ48,000 to ÂĄ95,000, depending on GPA and course level. The typical award duration is 1 year, but it can be renewed contingent on academic performance.
Application Deadline:Â Rolling basis throughout the academic year.
Application Process: All applications are submitted directly online through the JASSO portal after enrolling at a university in Japan. Academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation are required. JASSO notifies recipients 4-6 months after submission.
For more info, visit: the Jasso ScholarshipsÂ
3. Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarships
Mitsubishi Corporation is a major Japanese multinational trading and investment company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. They offer international scholarships every year for undergraduate and graduate students to study in Japan.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be an international student from a country outside of Japan
Be enrolled or admitted to a university in Japan for the upcoming academic year
Demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.3 or equivalent
Have a good command of the Japanese or English language
Show leadership qualities and commitment to positively impact society
Scholarship Benefits
The key benefits of a Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarship include:
- Full tuition waiver for the duration of the degree program at a Japanese university
- Monthly stipend of 120,000 to 200,000 yen depending on the degree level
- Round-trip airfare to and from Japan
- Opportunity for summer internships at Mitsubishi Corporation
- Networking opportunities with Mitsubishi Corporation staff
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Application Process
The application process is online and involves submitting the following:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal statement of ambitions and goals
- Language proficiency documents
- University admission or enrolment certification
The application deadlines are usually in late January/early February for enrolment in the following academic year. All documents must be in English or Japanese.
This is a highly competitive scholarship and only a select few students are awarded each year. But it provides an excellent opportunity to study in Japan with full financial support from a leading global company. So aspiring students should definitely consider applying!
For more info, visit: the Mitsubishi ScholarshipsÂ
4. Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Program
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Program is a bilateral collaboration between the Japanese government and various African governments. It aims to promote human resource development and strengthen ties between Japan and Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must:
Be citizens of eligible African countries that have a diplomatic relationship with Japan.
Be enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree program at a Japanese university partner institution.
Have academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Have sufficient Japanese or English language skills.
Be under 35 years of age.
Scholarship Benefits
The benefits of this scholarship include:
Full tuition waiver at designated Japanese universities.
Monthly stipend of approximately 120,000 yen.
Round-trip airfare to and from the home country.
Health insurance coverage for the duration of the study.
Opportunities for internships in Japan.
Application Process
The application process involves:
Submitting an online application form on the program website.
Uploading the required academic documents.
Obtaining a recommendation letter from the affiliated African embassy.
I am appearing for an online interview.
Application deadlines are in early December for enrollment the following year. The number of scholarships awarded varies each year based on country quotas.
This fully-funded program is a great opportunity for motivated African students to gain a globally recognised Japanese university degree while developing cultural understanding.
For more info, visit: the Japan Africa Scholarships
5. The Honjo International Scholarship Program
Tottori University in Japan is a prestigious scholarship provider and offers the Honjo International Scholarship Program. It was established in 1990 to promote international exchange and cultural understanding.
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Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be citizens of countries other than Japan.
- Be studying or planning to study at Tottori University for an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
- Have proficiency in Japanese or English.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful recipients receive:
- Full tuition waiver for the duration of their degree program
- Monthly stipend of 80,000 to 100,000 yen
- Airfare to and from Japan
- Health insurance coverage
- Opportunity to participate in cultural exchange activities
Application Process
The application timeline is:
- October-December: application period
- January: screening of applications and online interviews
- Late January: Announcement of results
Applicants need to submit:
- Application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Letter of recommendation
- Study plan
- Proficiency certificates
Selection Process
Selections are made based on academic merit, language skills, reference letters, and responses during interviews. Personal character, ambition, and commitment to cultural exchange are also evaluated.
It’s a very competitive scholarship that fosters internationalisation at Tottori University. The full financial support makes it an attractive option for talented global students.
For more info, visit: the Honjo international scholarships
6. University of Tsukuba Scholarships for International Students
The University of Tsukuba in Japan offers a variety of scholarships exclusively for international students. Some key scholarship programs include the following:
The Tsukuba Global 30 Scholarship
Provides a full tuition waiver to 30 outstanding international freshmen each year at the undergraduate level.
Tsukuba Global 300 Scholarship
Covers full tuition for 300 international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
MEXT Scholarship
Supported by the Japanese government, it offers full tuition and a stipend to students from eligible partner countries.
ASAHI Glass Scholarship
Open to SEAsian students, it covers full tuition with a monthly stipend of 80,000–100,000 yen.
Eligibility
Academic excellence is required with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in a degree program taught in English. Proficiency in Japanese or English is also assessed.
Application process
Applications are accepted between January and March every year. Required documents include academic transcripts, language certificates, research proposals, and letters of recommendation.
Benefits
All scholarships provide a full tuition waiver for the duration of study. Most also include monthly stipends, airfare, health insurance, and opportunities for internships.
Receiving a University of Tsukuba scholarship gives international students a high-quality education at one of Japan’s top national universities, free of cost-related constraints. It’s a valuable opportunity to study in a global, research-focused environment.
For more info, visit: the University of Tsukuba Scholarships
7. Kochi University of Technology Scholarship Program
Kochi University of Technology in Japan offers generous scholarships exclusively for international students joining its undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must be citizens of countries other than Japan and have gained admission to Kochi, UT. Academic excellence, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, is required. Proficiency in English or Japanese is also assessed.
Types of scholarships
- President’s Recommendation Scholarship: Full tuition waiver. Awarded to the top 5 students each year.
- International Student Support Scholarship: Covers 80–100% of tuition based on academic merit and financial need.
- Japanese Studies Program Scholarship: For students in the Japanese language and culture program. Includes stipend.
- Graduate Studies Scholarship: Full tuition waiver for master’s and PhD programs.
Benefits
All scholarships provide a full or partial tuition waiver for the duration of the degree. Some include monthly living stipends up to JPY 80,000, airfare, and health insurance.
Application Process
Applications are accepted year-round, along with admission applications. Students must submit transcripts, language certificates, research proposals, references, and a written statement of goals or interests in Kochi, UT.
These prestigious scholarships open doors to world-class engineering and tech education for deserving international talents. The scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden, allowing students to focus on academic excellence.
For more info, visit: the Kochi university of technologyÂ
8. Joint Japan/ World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
It is a merit-based scholarship program funded jointly by the Government of Japan and the World Bank.
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- The program aims to support advanced study for individuals from World Bank client countries seeking graduate degrees in development-related fields at participating universities in Japan.
- Eligible fields of study include economics, public policy, finance, international relations, engineering, agriculture, and other subjects relevant to international development.
- Scholarships are available for master’s degree programs taught in English at select Japanese universities. The program does not support PhD studies.
- Benefits include a tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and Japanese language lessons.
- Candidates must be citizens of eligible World Bank member countries. They should have outstanding academic records and demonstrated leadership potential.
- English proficiency is required, and previous work experience in international development is preferred.
- The selection process is competitive. Factors like country/gender diversity and development impact are considered.
- Successful scholars commit to working in their home countries for a minimum period after graduation to utilize their skills.
The application deadline is typically in October or November each year for enrolment the following September.
For more info, visit: the World bank graduate scholarship program
9. Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program
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- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is in charge of managing and funding it.
- The program aims to contribute to economic and social development in ADB’s developing member countries by supporting citizens to obtain advanced degrees from partner universities in Japan.
- Scholarships cover full tuition, a monthly stipend, roundtrip airfare, health insurance, and Japanese language lessons for 1-2 years of master’s degree study in fields related to development.
- Candidates must be citizens and residents of ADB-developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific.
- Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree, English proficiency, and 1-3 years of relevant work experience.
- Areas of study include economics, public policy, finance, infrastructure, agriculture, the environment, and other development topics.
- Selection is merit-based and considers academics, leadership potential, country representation, and development impact.
- Scholars are required to work in their home country for 2–3 years after graduation to apply their enhanced skills.
- Application deadlines are typically in October for enrolment starting the following September.
The program strengthens human and institutional capacities to support sustainable economic growth in Asia and the Pacific region.
For more info, visit: the ADP
10. Yokohama National University Scholarship Program for International Students
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- The scholarship program aims to promote internationalization and cultural exchange on campus by attracting talented students from overseas.
- Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate degree programs taught in English at YNU across various faculties, including engineering, science, and international studies.
- Full tuition waiver scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and the potential to contribute to campus diversity.
- There is no minimum language requirement, but recipients are expected to learn Japanese during their studies.
- International students from any country are eligible to apply. Selection weighs factors like GPA, recommendations, study plan, and extracurricular achievements.
- Benefits include a full tuition waiver for the standard program duration, assistance in securing campus housing, and cultural interaction opportunities.
- Undergraduate candidates usually apply directly to YNU by designated winter or spring deadlines and learn of their decision by late summer.
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It’s a highly competitive program that lowers the financial barrier for top international students to study at one of Japan’s leading national universities.
For more info, visit: the YNU
