Japan offers several scholarship opportunities for international students at undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, research and exchange levels.
Some scholarships are funded by the Japanese Government, while others are provided by JASSO, Japanese universities, local governments and private organizations.
For students planning to study in Japan in 2027, it is important to understand the different scholarship types before deciding where and how to apply.
This guide explains the main scholarships available in Japan, what they generally cover and which type may be suitable for you.
Main Types of Scholarships in Japan
International students can generally find scholarship opportunities through the following routes:
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
- JASSO Scholarships
- Japanese University Scholarships
- University Tuition Fee Reduction or Exemption
- Local Government Scholarships
- Private Foundation Scholarships
- Student Exchange Scholarships
Each scholarship has its own eligibility, benefits and application procedure.
1. Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is one of the most well-known scholarship programs for international students wishing to study in Japan.
MEXT stands for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
The official Study in Japan website lists seven MEXT scholarship categories.
These are:
- Research Students
- Undergraduate Students
- Teacher Training Students
- Japanese Studies Students
- College of Technology Students
- Specialized Training College Students
- Young Leaders Program (YLP) Students
Different categories are designed for different academic backgrounds and study purposes.
MEXT Scholarship for Research Students
This category is mainly relevant to students planning to pursue:
- Master’s degrees
- PhD degrees
- Professional graduate degrees
- Non-degree research study before entering a graduate program
For the official 2027 Research Student Scholarship, applicants generally need to study in the same or a related field to their previous university education.
For 2027, the published monthly allowance is:
- Non-regular/preparatory research students: ¥143,000 per month
- Master’s/professional degree students: ¥144,000 per month
- Doctoral students: ¥145,000 per month
MEXT also waives university entrance examination, matriculation and tuition fees under the scholarship conditions and provides eligible travel support according to the official rules.
MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship
The undergraduate scholarship is designed for international students who want to complete a bachelor’s degree in Japan.
The 2027 guidelines include fields within:
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy and related areas
For the 2027 undergraduate scholarship, the monthly allowance is currently stated as ¥117,000, with possible additional regional allowances in designated areas. Entrance examination, matriculation and tuition fees are also waived under the program.
In many cases, undergraduate scholars first complete preparatory education in Japanese language and other subjects before entering university. Direct placement is possible in certain circumstances.
2. How Can You Apply for MEXT?
There are two major MEXT application routes:
Embassy Recommendation
Under this route, students apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in their country.
The embassy normally conducts the initial screening, which may include:
- Document review
- Written examinations
- Interview
For the 2027 intake, recruitment for Research Students under Embassy Recommendation was conducted around April–May 2026, with first screening generally taking place between May and July. Exact dates vary by country.
For undergraduate applicants, recruitment also generally takes place around April–May of the previous year, with screening schedules determined by the relevant Japanese diplomatic mission.
Therefore, students should always check the Japanese Embassy website for their own country.
University Recommendation
Certain Japanese universities can recommend selected international students to MEXT.
Under this route, students usually apply according to the scholarship or admission announcement of a Japanese university.
The university screens candidates and recommends selected applicants to MEXT.
Not every university, program or applicant is eligible for the same University Recommendation route, so students must check each university’s official requirements.
3. JASSO Scholarships
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) also provides financial support for international students.
Unlike MEXT, JASSO scholarships are often intended to provide financial assistance rather than fully cover the complete cost of study.
Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
This scholarship supports privately financed international students who demonstrate strong academic performance and face financial difficulty.
Current monthly amounts are:
- Graduate and undergraduate level: ¥48,000 per month
- Japanese language institutions: ¥30,000 per month
The normal scholarship period is either 6 months or 12 months.
In many cases, students apply through the Japanese educational institution where they are enrolled.
This means you may not be able to submit an independent direct application to JASSO for every route.
JASSO Reservation Program
JASSO also operates reservation programs for eligible privately financed international students.
For example, students achieving strong results in the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) may be considered for scholarship reservation.
For the June 2026 EJU reservation program, the scholarship amount is currently ¥48,000 per month, although amounts can change by academic year.
4. Japanese University Scholarships
Many Japanese universities provide their own scholarships for international students.
These scholarships may be:
- Fully funded
- Partially funded
- Monthly stipends
- One-time grants
- Tuition reductions
- Admission fee exemptions
Eligibility can depend on:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- Degree level
- Nationality
- Field of study
- Language proficiency
- Admission status
Some university scholarships can be applied for before arriving in Japan, while others are available only after enrollment.
Always check the university’s official international admissions or scholarship page.
5. Tuition Fee Reduction and Exemption
Financial support in Japan is not limited to monthly scholarships.
Some universities offer:
- Full tuition exemption
- Partial tuition reduction
- Admission fee exemption
- Tuition waivers based on academic performance or financial circumstances
This can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Japan even when the student does not receive a fully funded scholarship.
The official Study in Japan scholarship database includes both scholarships and tuition reduction/exemption programs offered by universities and other organizations.
6. Local Government Scholarships
Japanese prefectures, cities and local international associations may also provide scholarships to international students.
These scholarships are often targeted at students:
- Living in a particular city or prefecture
- Studying at universities within the area
- Meeting academic and financial requirements
Examples can include prefectural, municipal and local international association scholarships.
Availability and amounts vary significantly.
Many are available after arriving in Japan, although some programs allow pre-arrival applications.
7. Private Foundation Scholarships
Japan also has many scholarships funded by:
- Private foundations
- Companies
- Non-profit organizations
- International exchange organizations
Eligibility may be restricted according to:
- Country or region
- University
- Academic field
- Degree level
- Research topic
- Location in Japan
Some foundations support Master’s and PhD researchers, while others are designed for undergraduate students.
Students should carefully check whether the scholarship permits receiving other financial support at the same time.
Japan’s official scholarship search database currently includes hundreds of scholarship and tuition-support listings from universities and organizations.
8. Student Exchange Support Program
Students participating in a short-term exchange between their home university and a Japanese institution may qualify for the JASSO Student Exchange Support Program.
The program is intended for students accepted under a student exchange agreement or similar arrangement.
Current support is:
¥80,000 per month
The study period can generally range from 8 days to one year.
Students normally apply through their educational institution rather than submitting an independent individual application.
Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships in Japan
It is important to understand the difference.
| Scholarship Type | Typical Support |
|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship | Tuition + monthly allowance + eligible travel support |
| JASSO Honors Scholarship | Monthly stipend |
| University Scholarships | Full or partial support depending on university |
| Tuition Exemptions | Full or partial tuition reduction |
| Local Government Scholarships | Usually financial stipend/support |
| Private Foundation Scholarships | Varies by organization |
| Exchange Support Program | Monthly allowance for eligible exchange students |
Do not assume that every scholarship advertised as a “Japan Scholarship” is fully funded.
Always read the official scholarship benefits.
Which Scholarship Should You Target?
Your best option depends on your situation.
Bachelor’s Applicants
Consider:
- MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship
- University scholarships
- Tuition reductions
- JASSO opportunities
- Private foundation scholarships
Master’s and PhD Applicants
Consider:
- MEXT Research Student Scholarship
- University Recommendation MEXT
- University scholarships
- Research-based scholarships
- Private foundations
- Tuition exemptions
Exchange Students
Consider:
- JASSO Student Exchange Support Program
- University exchange scholarships
- Home-university funding
Students Already Studying in Japan
Consider:
- JASSO Honors Scholarship
- University scholarships
- Tuition reduction
- Local government scholarships
- Private foundation scholarships
General Documents You May Need
Requirements vary, but scholarship applications commonly request documents such as:
- Passport or identification
- Academic transcripts
- Degree or graduation certificates
- Recommendation letters
- Study or research plan
- Language proficiency documents
- Medical/health certificate where required
- University admission documents
- Scholarship application form
Research applicants may also need a detailed Field of Study and Research Plan.
Never submit documents based only on a third-party checklist. Follow the official instructions for the scholarship you are applying for.
Japanese or English Language Requirements
Language requirements depend on the scholarship and program.
Some degree programs are taught entirely in English, while many undergraduate and other programs require Japanese.
For example, the MEXT undergraduate route generally expects applicants to be willing to study in Japanese, although direct placement into certain programs may be possible when university requirements are met.
Graduate research applicants should check the language requirements of their intended university and research program.
When Should You Start Preparing?
Start early.
For major scholarships such as MEXT, applications may begin many months before the actual university intake.
For example, students arriving in Japan under the 2027 MEXT Embassy Recommendation route began the application process during 2026.
A good preparation sequence is:
- Decide your degree level.
- Choose your field of study.
- Research universities in Japan.
- Check available scholarships.
- Review eligibility requirements.
- Prepare academic documents.
- Prepare a research plan if required.
- Check the official application deadline.
- Submit through the correct route.
Important Advice for 2027 Applicants
The official MEXT 2027 Embassy Recommendation guidelines for Research and Undergraduate students have already been published.
However, deadlines differ by country, and some embassy application periods for 2027 may already have closed.
Students who missed one route should not assume that all scholarship opportunities in Japan are closed. University scholarships, university recommendation routes, JASSO support and other funding opportunities operate on different schedules.
Always check current official announcements.
Final Thoughts
Japan offers several scholarship routes for international students rather than one single scholarship.
The main options include:
- Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
- JASSO Scholarships
- Japanese university scholarships
- Tuition reductions and exemptions
- Local government scholarships
- Private foundation scholarships
- Exchange scholarships
For students seeking comprehensive financial support, MEXT is one of the major options to research first.
However, students should also explore university-based and private opportunities instead of depending on only one scholarship.
The best strategy is to identify your degree level, choose suitable universities and compare several scholarship options before applying.
Important Note
Scholarship amounts, eligibility conditions, deadlines and available programs can change.
Students planning to study in Japan in 2027 should verify all final requirements through the official MEXT, Study in Japan, JASSO, Japanese Embassy and university websites before submitting an application.