Fully funded Japan scholarships 2025-2026 for international students

Your ultimate Guide to Japan Scholarships for International Students (2025–2026)

How to apply for MEXT Embassy Scholarships

1. MEXT University Scholarships

Program	Level	Deadline	Benefits
Institute of Science Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026	Master’s	1 Dec 2025	Full tuition & fees ¥143,000/mo stipend Round‐trip airfare	Apply via Embassy
University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship 2026	UG / Master’s / PhD	Varies	Full tuition & fees ¥143,000–¥145,000/mo stipend Round‐trip airfare	Tsukuba Scholarship Info
Osaka University MEXT Scholarship 2026	UG / Master’s / PhD	1 Sep 2025	Full tuition & fees ¥143,000–¥145,000/mo stipend Round‐trip airfare	Osaka U Scholarship
Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026	Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD	10 Dec 2025	Full tuition & fees ¥143,000–¥145,000/mo stipend Round‐trip airfare	Hokudai Scholarship

Step-by-step JSPS Postdoc application in Japan

2. Government & Fellowship Programs

Program	Level	Deadline	Benefits
JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–27	Postdoc	29 Aug 2025	¥362,000/mo stipend ¥200,000 settling‐in Round‐trip airfare	Apply via JSPS
MEXT YLP Scholarship Program 2025	Master’s (1 yr)	Varies by embassy	Full tuition & fees ¥242,000/mo stipend Round‐trip airfare	Apply via Embassy
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program 2025	Master’s	Varies by university	Full tuition & fees ¥144,000/mo stipend Housing, books & airfare	ADB–JSP Info
IATSS Forum Leadership Program 2026	Leadership Training	30 Sep 2025	Seminar fees & accommodation Networking events & travel	Apply via IATSS

3. University Scholarships & Internships

Program	Level	Deadline	Benefits
UTokyo University-Recommended MEXT	Master’s / PhD	Nov–Dec 2024	Full MEXT benefits via UTokyo nomination	Apply Here
KUT SSP (Kochi Univ. of Technology)	PhD	17 Oct 2025	Tuition waiver, ¥150k/mo stipend, ¥150k relocation	Apply Here
RIKEN IMS Internship Program	Internship	Varies	Stipend, research support, travel allowance	Apply Here
OIST Internship Program	Internship (2–6 mo)	15 Oct 2025	Interdisciplinary research, living allowance	Apply Here

4. Cultural & Leadership Programs

Program	Level	Deadline	Benefits
AYFN Autumn Japan Culture Camp 2025	Cultural Exchange	1 Aug 2025	Home-stay, language & culture immersion	Apply Here
YBB Japan Youth Summit 2025	Youth Leadership	15 Jul 2025	Workshops, networking in Osaka	Apply Here
Japanese Govt. UG Exchange (MEXT)	Undergraduate Exchange	Varies	Tuition, stipend, airfare	Apply Here
Kyoto University ADB Scholarship 2025	Master’s	Varies	Full tuition, stipend, housing, airfare	Apply Here

5. Private & Foundation Scholarships

Program	Level	Deadline	Benefits
Honjo International Scholarship	Master’s, PhD	31 Oct 2024	¥180k–¥230k/mo stipend (depending on program)	Apply Here
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship	UG, Master’s, PhD	1–31 Oct 2024	¥100k/mo (UG), ¥140k/mo (PG), ¥250k travel	Apply Here
Matsumae International Foundation	Postdoc Fellowship	1–30 Jun 2025	¥220k/mo, ¥120k arrival, airfare, insurance	Apply Here
Nitori International Scholarship	UG, Master’s	Varies	¥80,000/mo stipend	Info Here

6. Research Fellowships & Specialized Programs

Program	Level	Deadline	Benefits
Rotary Peace Fellowship (ICU, Tokyo)	Master’s (Peace Studies)	15 May 2025	Tuition, fees, living, airfare, field-study	Apply Here
Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship	Research (2–12 mo)	Dec 2024 – Jan 2025	Stipend, airfare, research grant	Apply Here
UNU-IAS JFUNU Scholarship	Master’s (Sustainability)	12 Feb 2025	Tuition waiver, ¥120,000/mo stipend	Apply Here
Vulcanus in Japan (EU-Japan)	Language + Internship	Jan 2025	¥1.9M grant, accommodation	Apply Here

Japan offers a wealth of fully funded scholarships—covering tuition, living stipends, airfare, and insurance—to study at world-class universities, conduct research, or join cultural and leadership programs. Below is a comprehensive compilation of government, university, foundation, and research fellowships open to international students for the 2025–2026 academic year. Each entry includes eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and official application links.

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Step-by-step Scholarship application to Japan institutions for international students without cost

1. Japanese Government Scholarships (MEXT & JASSO)

1.1 MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship

Provider: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT)
Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Japanese Studies (1-year), Teacher Training, Technical/Vocational, Young Leaders’ Program (YLP)
Benefits: Full tuition waiver, all fees covered, monthly stipend (¥117,000–¥242,000 depending on program), round-trip airfare
Eligibility: Nationals of countries with diplomatic ties to Japan; age limits vary by category (e.g., under 25 for UG, under 35 for research students); required academic qualifications, language ability as specified per category
Application Routes:

• Embassy Recommendation: Apply via Japanese embassy in your country (call typically Apr–May 2024 for 2025 intake). Primary screening (documents, tests, interview) by embassy; finalists then seek university admission.
• University Recommendation: Some universities nominate admitted students (Nov–Dec 2024 deadlines) directly to MEXT.

Deadlines: Vary by route and country (embassy: Apr–May 2024; university: Nov–Dec 2024)
Official Info:MEXT Scholarship (Study in Japan portal)

1.2 JASSO Honors Scholarship

Provider: Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
Levels: Enrolled Undergraduate & Graduate international students (self-funded)
Benefits: Monthly stipend ¥48,000 for university students (¥30,000 for language institute students) for 6 or 12 months
Eligibility & Selection: Nominated by host university based on academic merit (GPA) and financial need; also via EJU reservation program
Application: University office nominates; no direct student application prior to arrival
Official Info: JASSO Scholarships

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2. Government & Multilateral Programs

2.1 JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship

Provider: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Level: Postdoctoral research (non-degree)
Benefits: ¥362,000/month stipend, ¥200,000 settling-in allowance, round-trip airfare, insurance
Eligibility: PhD holders within 6 years of degree; host researcher in Japan must apply on fellow’s behalf
Deadline: Host proposals due Aug 29, 2025 for FY2026 Standard Program
Official Info: JSPS Fellowship

2.2 Young Leaders’ Program (YLP)

Provider: MEXT
Level: One-year Master’s (mid-career professionals)
Benefits: Tuition, ¥242,000/month stipend, airfare
Eligibility: Nationals of selected countries, mid-career experience required
Deadline: Varies by embassy (check local Japanese embassy announcements)
Official Info: MEXT YLP

2.3 ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)

Provider: Asian Development Bank & Government of Japan
Level: Master’s in development-related fields
Benefits: Tuition, ¥144,000/month subsistence, housing & books allowance, medical insurance, round-trip airfare
Eligibility: Citizens of ADB borrowing member countries; admission to eligible program required; 2+ years work experience; age ≤35
Application: Apply through participating university (deadlines vary)
Official Info: ADB–JSP

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

Provider: Government of Japan & World Bank
Level: Master’s in development fields
Benefits: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, travel allowance, health insurance
Eligibility: Nationals of World Bank member developing countries, 3+ years work experience, good academic record
Deadlines: Window 1: Feb 28 2025
Window 2: May 23 2025
Official Info: JJ/WBGSP

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3. University Scholarships & Internships

3.1 UTokyo University-Recommended MEXT

Fully funded MEXT slots via The University of Tokyo. Deadlines typically Nov–Dec for April intake.
Apply via UTokyo

3.2 Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP)

Level: English-taught PhD
Benefits: Full tuition waiver, ¥150,000/month stipend, ¥150,000 relocation allowance
Eligibility: Master’s degree, ≤35 years old, find faculty supervisor
Deadline: Oct 17, 2025 for April 2026 enrollment
Info: KUT SSP

3.3 Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Deadline: Dec 10, 2025
Apply via Hokkaido U

3.4 RIKEN IMS Internship Program

Level: Research Internship
Benefits: Stipend, research support, travel allowance
Deadline: Varies by program
RIKEN IMS

3.5 OIST Internship Program

Level: 2–6 month research internship
Deadline: Oct 15, 2025 (Spring cohort)
OIST Internship

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4. Cultural & Leadership Programs

4.1 AYFN Autumn Japan Culture Camp 2025

Level: Cultural exchange (2–4 weeks)
Deadline: Aug 1, 2025
AYFN Programs

4.2 YBB Japan Youth Summit 2025

Level: Youth leadership summit
Deadline: Jul 15, 2025
YBB Summit

4.3 Japanese Government UG Exchange Scholarship

Level: 1-year Japanese Studies
Deadline: Varies
Apply via Embassy

4.4 Kyoto University ADB Scholarship

Level: Master’s (development studies)
Deadline: Varies by department
Kyoto U ADB‐JSP

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5. Private & Foundation Scholarships

5.1 Honjo International Scholarship

Levels: Master’s, PhD
Benefits: ¥180k–¥230k/month stipend (depending on program length)
Eligibility: Admission to Japanese graduate school; apply directly in Sept–Oct
Deadline: Oct 31, 2024 (for 2025 start)
Honjo Foundation

5.2 Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship (Overseas)

Levels: UG, Master’s, PhD
Benefits: ¥100k/month (UG), ¥140k/month (PG), ¥250k travel allowance
Eligibility: JLPT N4+ Japanese ability, proof of university application
Deadline: Oct 1–31, 2024 (for 2025 intake)
Yoneyama Foundation

5.3 Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship

Level: 3–6 month postdoctoral research
Benefits: ¥220,000/month, ¥120,000 arrival allowance, airfare, insurance
Eligibility: PhD, ≤45 years old, host invitation required
Deadline: June 1–30, 2025 (for 2026 fellowships)
MIF Fellowship

5.4 Other Key Private Scholarships

• Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship: Health-related fields, ¥1.5–2.5M/year
• Yoshida Scholarship (YKK Leaders 21): Asia students, leadership focus
• Nitori International Scholarship: ¥80,000/month for UG & Master’s
• JEES-managed Donor Scholarships: Various foundations, apply via university

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6. Research Fellowships & Specialized Programs

6.1 Rotary Peace Fellowship (ICU Tokyo)

Level: Master’s in Peace Studies
Benefits: Tuition, fees, living expenses, airfare, field-study support
Eligibility: 3+ years related work, bachelor’s degree, Rotary endorsement
Deadline: May 15, 2025 (for 2026–27 intake)
Rotary Peace Fellowship

6.2 Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship

Level: Short-term research (2–12 months)
Benefits: Stipend, airfare, research grant
Deadline: Typically Dec 2024–Jan 2025
Japan Foundation

6.3 UNU-IAS JFUNU Scholarship

Level: Master’s in Sustainability Science
Benefits: Tuition waiver, ¥120,000/month stipend
Deadline: Feb 12, 2025
JFUNU (UNU-IAS)

6.4 Vulcanus in Japan (EU-Japan Internship)

Level: 4-month language + 8-month internship
Benefits: Grant ~¥1.9M, accommodation
Deadline: Jan 2025 for 2025–26 session
Vulcanus in Japan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for MEXT?

Decide Embassy vs University route. Embassy calls are Apr–May; university recommendations in Nov–Dec. Use the Study in Japan portal for embassy applications. Can I hold more than one scholarship?

Fully funded programs typically prohibit simultaneous major scholarships; always verify dual-funding rules in eligibility guidelines. Where can I find more private scholarships?

Check your university’s international office and JASSO’s “Privately Financed International Students” brochure for a full directory of private foundations.

Get Started on Your Japan Study Adventure!

Bookmark this guide, prepare your documents early, and apply to multiple programs for the best chances. Good luck!

Cost to Study in Japan

• Tuition & Fees: ¥820,000–¥1,640,000 per year (varies by university type)
• Living Expenses: ¥75,000–¥109,000 per month (JASSO survey, June 2023)
• Travel: Round-trip airfare covered by most fully funded scholarships

MEXT Scholarship: Key Eligibility

Criteria	Requirement
Nationality	Must hold non-Japanese citizenship from a country with diplomatic ties
Health	Medically fit (certificate by physician)
Academic	12 years school for UG; bachelor’s for PG; age limits apply (UG < 25, PG < 35)
Language	Sufficient Japanese or English ability (varies by program)

Frequently Asked Questions – Others

When do MEXT Embassy vs. University applications open?

Embassy track: April–May 2024 for 2025 intake (screening in May/June)
University track: November–December 2024 (nominations by universities)

What does the MEXT stipend cover?

Undergraduate: ¥117,000/month
Graduate: ¥143,000–¥145,000/month
YLP: ¥242,000/month plus full tuition & airfare

How can I find local embassy deadlines?

Visit your country’s Japanese Embassy page (see the comprehensive list here).