STEP#2: Finance Your Studies!

Japan offers a rich array of scholarship opportunities for international students, each provided by various organizations.
However, the qualifications and amounts significantly differ among them. Most scholarships are intended for international students studying at universities and colleges in Japan.
It’s worth noting that there are a few scholarships you can apply for from abroad, even before you arrive in Japan. This early application process can provide security and preparedness for your upcoming studies. While a scholarship may not cover all your expenses as an international student in Japan, it can significantly supplement your financial needs. Understanding the scholarship systems and planning your study in Japan can help you manage your finances more effectively.

Check out the Scholarships for International Students here!

You can also search for scholarships in JAPAN STUDY SUPPORT here!

1. Scholarships offered by the government of Japan (Monbukagakusho)

The scholarship includes a round-trip air ticket, living expenses, waived admission fees, and waived tuition costs. A recommendation from a Japanese embassy or a university in Japan is necessary. Recipients are not eligible for any other scholarships. Additionally, less than 5% of all international exchange students receive these scholarships (as of May 1, 2015).

Click here for more details about the Japanese Governmental Scholarship offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

2. Scholarships offered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), an independent administrative institution established under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (Monbukagakusho), is committed to supporting the academic journey of privately financed international students. It offers two types of scholarships: the “Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students” and the “Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for short-term Study in Japan).” Applications for these scholarships are collected through all participating schools in Japan.

Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students

International students whose living expenses are privately financed receive a monthly stipend of 48,000 yen (30,000 yen for students at Japanese language schools). Restrictions may apply according to students’ academic records and institutional financing conditions. Students with excellent results on the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) may participate in a reservation program. Less than 3% of all international exchange students receive these scholarships (as of June 15, 2015).

More details about the scholarships available for Privately-financed students here

Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for short-term Study in Japan)

These scholarships are awarded to international students enrolled at institutions of higher education in other countries that have cooperative agreements for student exchange with Japanese universities or other organizations and who are participating in study programs that are more than 8 days and less than 1 year in duration. A monthly stipend of 80,000 yen is awarded. Many students, equivalent to less than 4% of all international exchange students, receive these scholarships (as of September 1, 2015).

Scholarships for Short-term Study programs are here.

3. Scholarships offered by Local Governments and International Exchange Organizations

The scholarships are offered by local government bodies in Japan and related international exchange organizations. There are specific requirements regarding the student’s place of residence and the location of the school they plan to attend. Most scholarships provide monthly awards of a few thousand yen or several tens of thousands of yen. In many cases, recipients are not allowed to receive other scholarships.

4. Scholarships offered by Private Scholarship Foundations

Privately held companies or private foundations provide these scholarships. These scholarships reflect the purposes and qualities of businesses and organizations, and they may be intended for students studying at specific schools, students studying in particular areas of specialization, or students from specific countries. Please be aware that students who do not meet these conditions will not qualify for these scholarships. In most cases, the recipient may not receive any other scholarships.