Japan Scholarship For International Students: Do you want to study in Japan? Good news! There’s a wide range of scholarship programs which are funded by the government, Universities, or charity/private organisations. In this guide, we’ll provide a list of 10 fully funded Japan scholarships for international students.
When it comes to innovation in technology and quality education, Japan is not far behind, it is one of the most forward-thinking nations. As a result, the country is drawing students from all over the world.
However, there is one issue that many students confront: “Can I afford to study in Japan?” Well, the good news! There is a solution to this problem. There are a diverse number of scholarship grants which Foreign students can apply for. Some of these awards are specifically designed for international applicants to provide financial support.
These Japanese scholarship programs can help cover tuition, lodging, and travel expenses. And they open for various fields of study, including junior colleges, colleges of technology, professional training colleges, graduate schools, and undergraduate institutions. Some of Japan’s most well-known scholarships are listed below.
Fully Funded Japan Scholarship For International Students ~ Top 10
1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology offers the scholarship program known as MEXT. The scholarship program is a fully funded opportunity which has seven different categories. They include students in specialised training schools, research programs, teacher training programs, undergraduate programs, Japanese studies programs, and the Young Leaders Program (YLP), as well as students in the College of Technology.
Every year, these scholarships offer financial aid to support foreign students who are having trouble paying their tuition fees, accommodation. The program also offers a monthly living allowance and round-trip airfare from your home country to Japan. It’s designed for high-achieving students across various study levels: undergraduate, master’s and PhD, who want to continue their education at any university in Japan.
- Type: Fully Funded
- Location: Japan
- Host University: Multiple universities in Japan
- Funded By: Government of Japan
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. students
2. Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) Scholarships
Students from foreign countries can also enroll for the Japan Student Services Organisation scholarship. This program is designed to support privately financed international students who are enrolled in universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, colleges of technology, and even specialised training colleges.
To be considered for this scholarship program, an individual must hold a student residency status, have been accepted by a Japanese university or college, and demonstrate exceptional academic performance and character while simultaneously facing financial challenges in their education.
- Type: Fully Funded
- Location: Japan
- Host University: Multiple universities in Japan
- Funded By: Government of Japan
- Study Level: Undergraduate degree, Master’s degree, and PhD degree
3. University of Tokyo, Japan Scholarships For International Students
The University of Tokyo offers many different scholarship opportunities to international students who want to pursue a degree at the institution. Some of these scholarships are directly offered by the university, while others are either by the government or outside/private organisations.
These scholarships, for instance, the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship, cover all expenses for students earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate.
- Type: Fully and Partially Funded
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: University of Tokyo
- Funded By: Government of Japan, University of Tokyo, or Private organisations
- Study Level: Undergraduate degree, Master’s degree, and PhD degree
4. Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) Scholarships
International students in Japan can apply for a variety of scholarships offered by JEES, depending on their course of study or country of origin. Students at any level of study, from community college to doctoral programs, are eligible for the scholarships.
- Type: Fully and Partially Funded
- Host Country: Japan
- Funded By: Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)
- Study Level: College of Technology, Undergraduate, Master’s program, Doctoral program, Other Professional Degrees
5. Hokkaido University Scholarship For International Students
For students who want to attend Hokkaido University, there are a number of competitive scholarships available with varying benefits. Among the various scholarships available is the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship.
This MEXT program is entirely funded and open to all International students from all over the world. They provide an exceptional chance to enrol in Master’s and Ph.D. programs at Hokkaido University. In addition, foreign students are eligible for certain school-sponsored scholarship programs as well as private scholarships.
- Type: Fully Funded
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Hokkaido University
- Funded By: Government of Japan (MEXT)
- Study Level: Master’s and PhD degrees
6. University of Tsukuba, Japan Scholarship For International Students
The University of Tsukuba is one of the top national universities in Japan, known for its interdisciplinary strategy and leadership in academic research. The university offers a wide range of scholarship programs for international students, including the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship.
These scholarship programs are aimed at supporting academic pursuits in Japan. Tuition fees are completely covered for one academic year or throughout the program, depending on the scholarship award. The University of Tsukuba scholarship awards are open to qualifying students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate.
- Type: Fully, or Partially Funded
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: University of Tsukuba
- Funded By: Government of Japan, University of Tsukuba, or External bodies
- Study Level: Master’s and Ph.D programs
7. Japan Study Support Scholarship
Next on our list is the Japan Study Support Scholarship. This scholarship award gives students from overseas the chance to enrol in top Japanese institutions and study undergraduate or graduate degrees across various disciplines.
This Japan Study Support Scholarship is funded by the Government, and it aims to help students pay for their tuition, living expenses, and housing so they may concentrate on their studies without worrying about money.
- Type: Fully Funded
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Various Japanese Universities
- Funded By: Government of Japan
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs
8. The Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNO) Scholarship (UNO-IAS)
The JFUNO is a fully funded award that gives international students the chance to study in Japan without worrying about financial challenges during their studies. The program is available for applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
The Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship offered by the United Nations University will pay for all tuition costs and, for a maximum of 24 months, a living expense allowance of 150,000 yen per month. The student will pay for their own travel expenses to and from Japan, visa processing fees, and health/accident insurance.
- Type: Fully Funded
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: United Nations University
- Funded By: United Nations University
- Study Level: Ph.D. in Sustainability Science
9. Waseda University Scholarships (Waseda University)
Waseda University, abbreviated as Waseda, is a private research university that provides several scholarships for foreign students. Among these scholarships, some are supported and funded by the University, while others are either recommendations or external scholarships.
The majority of these scholarships require that students have a strong academic history and need financial help. The scholarship’s financial value varies, but it typically pays tuition costs.
- Type: Fully and partially funded
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Waseda University
- Funded By: Waseda University, or External foundations
- Study Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
10. World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)
Students from developing nations who want to pursue a master’s degree in Japan can apply for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship award. The program is jointly supported by the World Bank Group and the Japanese government. The goal of this Graduate program is to train future leaders who will promote economic and social progress in their native nations.
Please be aware that you are only eligible to apply for a JJ/WBGSP Scholarship if you are accepted into one of these 41 Participating Master’s Programs.
- Type: Fully Funded
- Host Countries: Europe, the U.S., Japan, Africa, and Oceania)
- Funded By: World Bank & Government of Japan (JJ/WBGSP)
Study Level: Master’s degree