Scholarships for Studying in Japan

Discover financial support opportunities to help fund your education in Japan

Overview

Japan offers numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, making it more accessible to pursue higher education in the country. These scholarships are provided by the Japanese government, private foundations, and universities themselves.

At Kites Consultancy, we help you identify and apply for scholarships that match your academic profile, career goals, and financial needs. Our expertise in the application process significantly increases your chances of securing financial support for your studies in Japan.

Important Note

Most scholarships have specific application periods and deadlines. It's crucial to start researching and preparing your applications well in advance, typically 6-12 months before your intended start date in Japan.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

Monbukagakusho Scholarship

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers comprehensive scholarships to international students. These prestigious scholarships cover tuition fees, provide monthly allowances, and sometimes include airfare.

MEXT Scholarship Categories:

Research Students

For graduate-level research
Monthly allowance: ¥143,000-¥145,000
Duration: 1.5-2 years (can be extended)

Undergraduate Students

For bachelor's degree programs
Monthly allowance: ¥117,000
Duration: 5 years (including Japanese language training)

Specialized Training College Students

For diploma and associate degree programs
Monthly allowance: ¥117,000
Duration: 3 years (including Japanese language training)

Japanese Studies Students

For students majoring in Japanese language or culture
Monthly allowance: ¥117,000
Duration: 1 academic year

Application Process:

Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country
Pass the initial document screening
Take written examinations (subjects vary by scholarship category)
Attend an interview
Receive final selection results

Application Period: Usually April to June each year, but varies by country. Check with your local Japanese embassy for exact dates.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many Japanese universities offer their own scholarships to attract talented international students. These scholarships vary widely in terms of eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures.

University of Tokyo Scholarships

Special Scholarship for International Students (covering 50-100% of tuition)
University of Tokyo Foundation Scholarships
School/Faculty-specific scholarships

Waseda University Scholarships

Waseda University International Scholarship
Partial Tuition-Waiver Scholarship
Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship

Kyoto University Scholarships

Kyoto University International Education Program (KUIEP) Scholarship
Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
Graduate School-specific scholarships

Osaka University Scholarships

Osaka University International Student Scholarship
Scholarship for Self-supporting International Students
Support for Outstanding International Students

How to Apply for University Scholarships

Research scholarships available at your target universities
Check eligibility criteria carefully
Prepare required documents (typically includes academic records, recommendation letters, statement of purpose)
Submit applications by the specified deadlines
Some scholarships require separate applications, while others consider you automatically when you apply for admission

Private Foundation Scholarships

Numerous private foundations and organizations in Japan provide scholarships to international students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria related to field of study, nationality, or academic achievement.

JASSO Scholarship

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers monthly stipends to outstanding international students who are privately financed.

Monthly stipend: ¥48,000
Duration: 1 year (can be extended)

Fujitsu Scholarship

For students pursuing a master's degree in business or information technology.

Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
Duration: Throughout the master's program

Mitsubishi Corporation Scholarship

For undergraduate and graduate students with excellent academic records.

Monthly stipend: ¥100,000-¥150,000
Duration: Until completion of degree program

Ajinomoto Scholarship

For students from specific Asian countries pursuing graduate studies in food, nutrition, or health sciences.

Covers tuition and provides monthly stipend
Duration: 2-3 years

Application Tips

Research and apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances
Pay close attention to eligibility requirements and application deadlines
Prepare strong personal statements highlighting your goals and motivations
Request recommendation letters well in advance
Maintain excellent academic records to qualify for merit-based scholarships

How Kites Consultancy Helps You Secure Scholarships

Scholarship Matching

We identify scholarships that best match your academic profile, career goals, and financial needs, saving you time and increasing your chances of success.

Application Assistance

We guide you through the entire application process, helping you prepare compelling personal statements, organize required documents, and meet deadlines.

Interview Preparation

For scholarships requiring interviews, we conduct mock interview sessions and provide feedback to help you present yourself confidently and effectively.

Ready to Explore Scholarship Opportunities?

Schedule a Consultation