Japan is renowned for its world-class education system and cutting-edge research facilities, making it an attractive destination for international students. The Japanese government and various organizations offer a wide range of fully-funded scholarships to support talented individuals from around the globe. Here are the top 20 prestigious fully-funded scholarships available for international students in Japan.
Opportunity Summary
Category: Undergraduate and Post Graduate
Sponsor(s): Japanese Government
School: Most Coveted Schools in Japan
Location: Japan
Application Deadline: Varies
1. MEXT Scholarship
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships offered by the Japanese government. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare. The scholarship is available for undergraduate, graduate, and research students in various fields of study.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be under 35 years old (under 25 for undergraduate studies)
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 3.0 scale or 3.5 on a 5.0 scale
- Proficiency in English or Japanese language
Click here to apply for the MEXT Scholarship
2. JASSO Scholarship
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships to international students enrolled in Japanese universities, graduate schools, or technical colleges. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in a Japanese educational institution
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance
- Financial need
Apply now for the JASSO Scholarship
3. Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship
The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship is awarded to privately-financed international students with exceptional academic records. It provides a monthly stipend for the duration of the student’s degree program.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a Japanese university as a privately-financed student
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Recommendation from the university
4. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) offers postdoctoral fellowships to young researchers to conduct research at Japanese universities or research institutions. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, airfare, and research grant.
Eligibility
- Doctoral degree obtained within six years prior to the fellowship start date
- Demonstrated research ability and publication record
- Invitation from a Japanese host researcher
Click here to apply for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
5. Kyushu University Friendship Scholarship
Kyushu University offers the Friendship Scholarship to international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Kyushu University
- Excellent academic performance
- Financial need
6. Osaka University Scholarship
Osaka University provides scholarships to privately-financed international students with outstanding academic records. The scholarship offers a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in Osaka University as a privately-financed student
- Excellent academic achievement
- Recommendation from the university
7. Tohoku University President Fellowship
The Tohoku University President Fellowship is awarded to exceptional international graduate students conducting research in science, technology, or related fields.
The fellowship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a graduate program at Tohoku University
- Conducting research in science, technology, or related fields
- Outstanding academic and research potential
8. University of Tokyo Special Scholarship
The University of Tokyo offers the Special Scholarship to privately-financed international students with excellent academic records. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend and tuition waiver.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in the University of Tokyo as a privately-financed student
- Exceptional academic performance
- Financial need
9. Waseda University Scholarship
Waseda University provides scholarships to international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Waseda University
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Financial need
Apply now for the Waseda University Scholarship
10. Keio University Scholarship
Keio University offers scholarships to privately-financed international students with excellent academic records. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in Keio University as a privately-financed student
- Exceptional academic performance
- Recommendation from the university
11. Kyoto University Scholarship
Kyoto University provides scholarships to international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Kyoto University
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Financial need
12. Nagoya University Scholarship
Nagoya University offers scholarships to privately-financed international students with excellent academic records. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in Nagoya University as a privately-financed student
- Exceptional academic performance
- Recommendation from the university
13. Ritsumeikan University Scholarship
Ritsumeikan University provides scholarships to international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Ritsumeikan University
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Financial need
14. Sophia University Scholarship
Sophia University offers scholarships to privately-financed international students with excellent academic records. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in Sophia University as a privately-financed student
- Exceptional academic performance
- Recommendation from the university
15. Hokkaido University Scholarship
Hokkaido University provides scholarships to international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Hokkaido University
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Financial need
16. Chiba University Scholarship
Chiba University offers scholarships to privately-financed international students with excellent academic records. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in Chiba University as a privately-financed student
- Exceptional academic performance
- Recommendation from the university
17. Hiroshima University Scholarship
Hiroshima University provides scholarships to international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Hiroshima University
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Financial need
18. Kobe University Scholarship
Kobe University offers scholarships to privately-financed international students with excellent academic records. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in Kobe University as a privately-financed student
- Exceptional academic performance
- Recommendation from the university
19. Kyushu Institute of Technology Scholarship
The Kyushu Institute of Technology provides scholarships to international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Kyushu Institute of Technology
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Financial need
20. Tokyo Institute of Technology Scholarship
The Tokyo Institute of Technology offers scholarships to privately-financed international students with excellent academic records. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in Tokyo Institute of Technology as a privately-financed student
- Exceptional academic performance
- Recommendation from the university
Conclusion
Japan offers a wide range of prestigious fully-funded scholarships for international students, covering various fields of study and research. These scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for talented individuals to pursue their academic goals in a country known for its academic excellence and cultural richness. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a strong application, international students can secure financial support to realize their dreams of studying in Japan.
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