How to get a scholarship to study in Japan

For students who are planning to study in Japan, scholarships can be a great help in reducing the burden of tuition and living expenses. This article provides detailed information on the types of scholarships available in Japan and the application procedures. In addition, we will introduce official links to scholarship information and how to download documents.

1. Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT Scholarship)

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship, offered by the Japanese government, is one of the most well-known and highly competitive scholarships. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and even airfare, and is available to outstanding students from overseas.

  • Target Audience：Students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs
  • How to apply：Apply through your Japanese embassy or university
  • Further information and application documents：The latest information on the MEXT Scholarship and downloadable application forms are available on the official Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology website.

2. Scholarships offered by local governments and universities

Local governments and universities also offer their own scholarship programs for international students enrolled in certain regions or at certain universities. These scholarships often cover part of the tuition and living expenses.

  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Scholarship for International Students：This scholarship is for international students living in Tokyo. For application procedures and details, please see the official Tokyo Metropolitan Government website.
  • University scholarships: For example, Waseda University and the University of Tokyo each have their own scholarship programs. University scholarship information can be found at the scholarship offices or websites of each university.

3. Private scholarships

Private companies and foundations also offer scholarships to support international students. These are awarded to students who meet certain criteria and are highly competitive. Here are some of the major scholarships.

  • Rotary Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is provided by the Rotary Club and is given to students who are especially interested in contributing to society. For more information, please visit the Rotary Foundation website.
  • Other scholarships: There are also scholarships offered by Japanese companies and foundations, many of which are focused on engineering, science, and business-related fields. You can find information on these scholarships in the list of scholarships offered by JASSO.

4. Scholarship Application Process

Applying for a scholarship requires a lot of preparation and procedures, so it is important to start preparing early. Follow the steps below to get started.

  1. Research scholarships: Check the requirements and deadlines for the scholarship programs you want to apply for.
  2. Prepare the necessary documents: Generally, you will need a transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a letter of purpose. The format and submission method of the documents can be found on the official website of each scholarship.
  3. Submitting the application: Prepare the necessary documents and apply according to the instructions of the scholarship provider. In many cases, you can apply online, so be sure to check the official website.
  4. Notification of selection results: The selection process may take several weeks or months. You will be notified of the selection results by email and/or post.

5. Useful Links and Resources

By utilizing scholarships, it is possible to cover most of the costs of studying in Japan. If you are planning to study abroad, research scholarship programs early, gather the necessary documents, and begin the application process. It is important to regularly check the official websites and pages of scholarship providers.