Japan is increasingly popular among international students thanks to its high-quality universities, unique culture, safe environment, and strong research facilities. But studying abroad can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many excellent funding opportunities. In this article, we will explore the 10 best scholarships in Japan for international students, how to apply, and what to expect.
1. MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship also known as the Monbukagakushō Scholarship is often considered the top among the best scholarships in Japan for international students. It is financed by the Japanese government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). It is known to covers full tuition, a generous monthly stipend, round‐trip travel costs, and other allowances. People eligible for this include undergraduates, master’s, doctoral, and sometimes professional training students. Must meet age, academic, and sometimes language‐proficiency requirements. Because of its coverage and prestige, the MEXT Scholarship frequently leads lists of the best scholarships in Japan for international students.
2. JASSO Scholarship
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships to privately financed international students who are already in Japan or planning to enroll. It is one of the best scholarships in Japan for international students who need assistance with living costs. It covers a monthly stipend (amount varies).
3. ADB Japan Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) with Japan has a joint scholarship program. It is among the best scholarships in Japan for international students seeking postgraduate studies. It covers tuition fees, stipend for living, sometimes travel, medical insurance. Applicants from ADB’s developing member countries; usually master’s level or equivalent are eligible.
4. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship
This is another of the best scholarships in Japan for international students. It is a private foundation scholarship. It covers monthly stipend (varies by level, such as master’s, doctoral), additional funds upon arrival for many recipients. Eligibility requires students with good academic records. A requirement of a university admission in Japan. Some Japanese language proficiency may be required.
5. University‐Specific Scholarships
Many universities in Japan have their own scholarships. These are often among the best scholarships in Japan for international students because they may offer partial or full tuition waiver, stipends, and sometimes housing. Examples include:
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Scholarship
- Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) E Scholarship
- Waseda University Scholarships
These university‐based scholarships tend to have their own criteria often high academic performance, and deadlines vary with the university. Because they tend to be competitive, applying early and preparing good supporting documents makes a difference.
6. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
A highly regarded private scholarship, the Honjo Foundation Scholarship is considered among the best scholarships in Japan for international students, particularly for graduate study.
What it covers: monthly stipend, maybe partial travel or settling allowance. Graduate students (master’s, doctoral), often with excellent academic background and recommendations are eligible.
7. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This is an international scholarship but one of the best scholarships in Japan for international students who wish to pursue master’s degrees.
Coverage: tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and some other allowances. Eligibility requirements include that individuals must come from a World Bank member country; master’s level studies in development‐related fields.
8. University of Tokyo PEAK Scholarship
The University of Tokyo runs a program called PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba) designed for international undergraduates. It is often on lists of the best scholarships in Japan for international students because it offers full tuition waiver plus a living stipend. It covers tuition remission, monthly living stipend. Eligibility requirements usually include exceptional academic records, strong English proficiency, admission through the PEAK program.
9. Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship
Hokkaido University also offers very competitive scholarships for international graduate students. It is listed among the best scholarships in Japan for international students in many recent guides.
What it covers: often tuition exemption, monthly stipend. Eligibility requirements usually include master’s or PhD students; academic merit is key. Some language/field criteria may apply.
10. OIST Graduate Program Scholarship
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) also offers graduate scholarships that are also counted among the best scholarships in Japan for international students.
It covers full funding including tuition, living stipend, relocation, sometimes housing. Students admitted into the OIST graduate program, strong research potential, usually in science/technology fields are eligible.
What Are the Tips to Maximize Chances?
- Start early
Deadlines for many of these best scholarships in Japan for international students open many months before the academic year begins. - Academic performance
High grades, good test scores, research proposals (for postgrad), recommendations. - Language skills
Even if studying in English, knowing Japanese (basic or advanced) helps in many cases. - Complete documentation
Transcripts, health certificate, financial statements, letters of recommendation. - Check embassy or consulate
For MEXT and some government scholarships, you might apply via the Japanese embassy in your country.
Hence, if you are an international student considering studying in Japan, these 10 best scholarships in Japan for international students are among the top paths to obtaining funding. The standout among them is the MEXT Scholarship, followed by JASSO, private foundations like Honjo and Rotary Yoneyama, university‐based scholarships (APU, KUAS, UTokyo PEAK, etc.), and joint international programs such as the Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship. Each has its own criteria, but with strong academic credentials, proper planning, and careful application, many students succeed in securing one of these.
Other than Best Scholarships in Japan for International Students, you can also explore HENNGE Global Internship in Japan, 2026
FAQ
1. How do I apply for the MEXT Scholarship, and when are deadlines usually?
Applications are often handled via Japanese embassies or consulates in your country, or directly through universities (if they have nomination quotas). Deadlines vary by country but often fall many months before the Japanese academic year (which often begins in April or October). It’s best to check the Study in Japan official site and the Japanese embassy in your home country for current deadlines.
2. Do I need to speak Japanese to get one of these scholarships?
Not always. Some programs (like PEAK, many university/international programs) are offered in English. But knowing Japanese can strengthen your application and open more scholarship opportunities, especially those tied to local government, private foundations, or when you want to do fieldwork that requires Japanese.
3. Can I combine more than one scholarship or financial aid?
It depends. Some scholarships allow additional top-up scholarships, but many do not allow stacking major government scholarships like MEXT with another full‐scholarship. You will also need to read the conditions carefully for each scholarship.
4. What are the living costs in Japan, and does the stipend from these scholarships cover it?
Living costs vary depending on location (Tokyo is much more expensive than smaller cities). The best scholarships in Japan for international students usually provide a monthly stipend that aims to cover accommodation, food, local transport, and other daily expenses but whether it fully covers costs depends on lifestyle and city. For instance, stipends for research students under MEXT are relatively generous, but you may still need to budget carefully.