Scholarships in Japan 2024

As per World Best Education Systems-Final rankings 2022, Japan ranks 2nd among 201 nations making it a popular study destination among international students. The success of Japan's education system rests on cutting-edge research and innovative teaching methods along with many factors. As of now,  there are  2,42,000 international students in Japan in more than 800 universities which speaks volumes about its popularity among the students. However, the cost of studying in Japan can be prohibitively expensive for overseas students. But does that mean you should stop considering Japan as your study destination? Absolutely not. Japan offers various scholarships to international students which make it possible for students across the world to get world-class education. 

Scholarships are a means to provide financial assistance to students and attract the best human resource or talent to the country. Whether you're a graduate or an undergraduate student pursuing Japanese language/culture studies, postgraduate research, or any other area, Scholarship in Japan offsets your tuition fees and associated costs, such as accommodation or travel expenses. 

Read this detailed article to learn more about scholarships for studying in Japan.

Role of Scholarships in Japan for International Students

Scholarships play a crucial role in enabling students to study in Japan. Here are the reasons why scholarships in Japan for Indian students are important:

1. The cost of tuition fees and living is fairly high. Scholarships help students offset the high cost of living in Japan.
2. Students can concentrate on their studies without worrying about financial constraints. Scholarship in Japan for Indian students maximizes their learning experience and helps them achieve their academic goals. 
3. Students can explore the unique cultural experiences in Japan. From traditional tea ceremonies to modern anime culture, Japan has so much to offer, and scholarships help students fully immerse in these experiences.
4. Scholarships promote academic excellence by attracting the best and brightest students to study in Japan. It leads to a more vibrant academic community and helps raise education standards.
5. Scholarships assist students in achieving their objectives and goals. Scholarships enable students to study in Japan, opening up a world of prospects and chances that otherwise would not have been feasible.

Types of Scholarships in Japan for Indian Students 

1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers a scholarship for Indian students who wish to study in Japan. MEXT scholarships are highly competitive and prestigious awards covering tuition fees, living expenses, and round trip airfare.

 There are two ways to apply for MEXT scholarships: 

1. Embassy Recommendation
2. University Recommendation

 Embassy Recommendation

Indian students can apply for MEXT scholarships through the Japanese consulate or embassy in their home country. 

Embassy-recommended MEXT scholarships are available for the following categories:

• Undergraduate students
• Research students (Masters, Doctoral, and non-degree students)
• Japanese studies students
• Teacher training students
• Young Leaders Program

University Recommendation

Some Japanese universities recommend international students for MEXT scholarships. 

 University-recommended MEXT scholarships are available for the following categories:

• Research students (Masters, Doctoral, and non-degree students)
• Undergraduate students
• Japanese studies students

2. JASSO Scholarships

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships for international students studying in Japan. JASSO scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and Japanese language programs.

JASSO offers the following scholarships:

• International Student Scholarship Program (Monbukagakusho Scholarship for International Students)
• Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Study in Japan under Agreement)

3. Local Government and International Exchange Organization Scholarships

Local governments in Japan and international exchange organizations offer Japan scholarships for Indian students and other international students to support their education and financial needs.

• Doctoral Program
• Masters Program
• Professional Degree Program
• Graduate-level Research Students
• Undergraduate Universities
• Auditing Undergraduate Students
• Junior Colleges
• Colleges of Technology
• Specialized training colleges
• Private University and Junior College Programs for International Students
• Japanese Language Institutions Other than Programs for International Students

4. University Scholarships and Tuition Fee Reductions

Many Japanese universities offer scholarships and tuition fee reductions for international students. These financial aid options are typically based on academic merit, financial need, or both factors.

5. Private Foundations

There are scholarships in Japan for Indian students offered by private foundations. Private foundation scholarships are generally limited to graduate candidates. If you are pursuing any one of these streams, research the masters and PhD scholarships in Japan properly.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in Japan

If you're interested in studying in Japan, you'll be content to know that there are many fully-funded scholarships available. Here are the ten best fully funded scholarships in Japan.

1. MEXT Scholarship

Overview

The MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) is a prestigious grant the Japanese government offers. This scholarship aims to foster international academic exchange and promote mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Must be willing to learn the Japanese language and receive education in Japanese
• Must be of good health both physically and mentally
• Must meet specific age and academic requirements depending on the level of study

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Travel expenses to and from Japan
• Accommodation allowance

2. JASSO Scholarship

Overview

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships for international students who wish to study in Japan. These scholarships aim to promote international exchange and enhance mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Must be enrolled in an accredited Japanese institution
• Must have a good academic record and strong motivation to study in Japan
• Must not have other scholarship for Japan or financial aid

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend
• Partial tuition fee waiver

3. Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship

Overview

The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Japan is offered by the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation to support international students' higher education in Japan. The scholarship aims to foster global understanding and contribute to international friendship.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of a country with no Rotary Club or lack of financial resources
• Must be enrolled in an accredited Japanese institution
• Must have a robust academic record and demonstrate leadership potential

Scholarship Benefits

• The monthly award for undergraduate students, postgraduate and doctoral students is  JPY 100,000, 140,000 and 140,000 respectively.

4. ADB Scholarship

Overview

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Scholarship is a prestigious grant offered in collaboration with the Japanese government. The scholarship for Japan aims to provide opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue higher education in Japan and contribute to their countries' development.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of an ADB borrowing member country
• Must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with a superior academic record
• Must have at least two years of work experience in a related field

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Housing allowance
• Travel expenses to and from Japan
• Health insurance coverage

5. JFUNU PhD Scholarship in Japan

The Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for doctoral students in the field of Sustainability Science. The scholarship aims to support students from developing countries who face financial challenges in pursuing their studies.

Eligibility for PhD Scholarship in Japan

• Must be from a developing country
• Must be enrolled in a PhD program in Sustainability Science at United Nations University (UNU)
• Must not be pursuing a second PhD in the same institution

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend of up to  JPY 120,000 (for 36 months)

6. JENESYS Program

The Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program is a cultural exchange program that offers scholarships for youth from East Asia to study in Japan. The program promotes mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other East Asian countries.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of an East Asian country
• Must be enrolled in a university or high school in the participating country
• Must have a strong interest in Japanese culture and society

Scholarship Benefits

• Round trip airfare to and from Japan
• Accommodation and transportation in Japan
• Participation in cultural exchange programs and activities

7. Japan Foundation Scholarship

The Japan Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious grant offered by the Japan Foundation to support international students who wish to study the Japanese language and culture in Japan. The scholarship aims to promote international exchange and enhance mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Must have a strong interest in Japanese language and culture
• Must be enrolled in a university or high school in the participating country

Scholarship Benefits

• Round trip airfare to and from Japan
• Monthly stipend
• Tuition fee waiver

8. Toyota Foundation Scholarship

The Toyota Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious grant offered by the Toyota Foundation to support international students' education. The scholarship promotes international exchange and enhances mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Must have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership potential
• Must be enrolled in a university or high school program

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage
• One-year project: JPY 5,000,000
  Two-year project: JPY 10,000,000 
• Travel expenses to and from Japan

9. JSPS Summer Program

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Summer Program offers short-term research opportunities for young researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and Sweden. The program provides a platform for research collaboration between these countries and Japan.

Eligibility for PhD scholarship in Japan 

• Must be a native of the participating country
• Must be enrolled in a doctoral program or hold a PhD degree
• Must have a strong interest in research collaboration with Japanese researchers

Scholarship Benefits

• Round trip airfare to and from Japan
• Monthly stipend: JPY 534,000 
• Research support

10. Japan ICU Foundation Scholarship

The Japan ICU Foundation Scholarship is a scholarship provided by the Japan ICU Foundation to overseas students studying at the International Christian University (ICU) in Japan.

Eligibility

• Must be a native of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Must have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership potential
• Must be enrolled in a university or high school

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage
• The minimum amount an applicant may request is JPY 50,000, and the maximum is JPY 1,500,000. 

Conclusion 

Scholarships are a great way to make studying in Japan accessible to all students. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can unlock numerous opportunities and fulfill your dream of studying in Japan. Conduct meticulous research and apply for the scholarship for Japan that aligns with your academic goals and interests.