Planning to Study in Japan
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Overview of Scholarships in Japan
Scholarships are not designed to supply all of the costs required for international studies, with most meant to provide partial support for living costs, tuition and other major expenses. Because of this, it is important to perform detailed computations of your total expected study abroad costs, then draw up dependable economic plans that do not rely only on scholarships, but also include your own personal financial resources.
Types of Financial Aid
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) of the Japanese Government has been inviting international students to study in Japan at state expense since 1954. There are seven types of the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship programs. They are research students, teacher training students, undergraduate students, Japanese studies students, college of technology students, specialized training college students, and Young Leaders Program (YLP) students. Applications should be made through Japanese embassies or consulate-generals abroad or Japanese universities.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships
"The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-financed International Students" has been provided by JASSO. JASSO also offers "Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Study in Japan under Agreement)" for those accepted by Japanese schools under student exchange agreements or other student exchange arrangements with their home schools outside Japan.
Local Government / Local International Association / Private Foundation Scholarships
Local governments and local international associations in Japan provide scholarships to students living in their district as well as those attending schools in their district.
Private foundations scholarships are provided by private companies or organizations. Reflecting the objective and character of the company or organization, scholarships are granted to students attending schools in a given district, or limited to special subjects related to the company, or provided to students from a certain country or region with which the enterprise has exchanges.
On-campus scholarships and tuition fee exemption / reduction system
Some schools provide on-campus scholarships and tuition fee exemption / reduction systems for international students enrolled in the schools.
How to apply
Most of the scholarships are available after coming to Japan. Several local governments, local international associations and private foundations accept applications from overseas. The majority of scholarship applications are submitted through the schools at which students will be enrolled in Japan.
| Type | Eligibility / Ability to Apply | |
|---|---|---|
| Before coming to Japan / before entering a university etc. | After coming to Japan / after entering a university etc. | |
| 1. Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students |
△ Although it is not possible to apply, students with outstanding results on the EJU will be selected as "reservists" only for some academic courses. |
〇 Apply through the school. However, since the number of students who can be recommended varies from school to school, students at some schools may not be able to apply. |
| 2. Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Study in Japan under Agreement) |
△ Be enrolled in a host university with a concluded student exchange agreement. |
〇 Apply through the school. |
| 3. Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho MEXT) Scholarship | 〇 |
△ Individuals already in Japan as international students may also apply under certain conditions |
| 4. Scholarships from Local Governments, International Exchange Organizations, etc. |
△ Only a few scholarships allow applicants to apply before coming to Japan. |
〇 The majority of scholarships allow applicants to apply after coming to Japan or entering a university etc. |
| 5. School Scholarships and Tuition Fee Reductions Systems |
〇 Some schools offer scholarships that students can apply for prior to enrollment. |
〇 Some schools offer scholarships that are available to students in Japan or can be applied for after enrollment. |
Application and screening
Look for the scholarships which you are eligible for
Check the eligibility such as school level, age, nationality, major, etc. Look for those you are eligible for.
Find out more details
Contact the foundation or the school to find out more details and obtain an application form.
Submit the application
Fill out the application form and submit it to the foundation or the school along with other required documents (eg. curriculum vitae, student registration certificate, a transcript, recommendation from your academic supervisor, health certificate, photographs, a copy of your resident card).
Screening Process
Screening takes place in a variety of ways - on the basis of documents alone or written test (general education, knowledge on major, Japanese language proficiency, etc.) and interviews.
Screening Results
Screening results will be notified to the applicants by the foundation or through their host school.