Have you ever considered studying in Japan and having a life experience abroad? “The land of the Rising Sun” can definitely be an excellent place to upstart an international studying experience, thanks to its high-quality life standards, safety, renowned education system, and various scholarship opportunities for international students, among other perks.
However, the cost of living and studying in Japan can be daunting for many prospective students. The good news is that opportunities are still there for everyone, as many scholarships are available for international students.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most popular scholarship programs available for international students, including the prestigious MEXT scholarship, the JASSO scholarship for short-term studies, and other private scholarships offered by Japanese corporations and foundations. We will review the different types of available scholarships, eligibility requirements, and application tips.
Lastly, moving to Japan and becoming a full-time student can seem like an overwhelming and scary process. At Coto School Finder, our team is dedicated to helping you relocate and study in Japan. Our services include providing assistance in finding the right schools and guiding you through the entire process of moving to Japan — all for free!
And if you are considering a move to Japan, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
What to Know About Japanese Scholarships
Japan counted 242,444 International students in 2021, but the government has announced plans to increase that number to about 300,000 students by 2027, a number that’s close to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, Japan received 312,214 international students. To do so, the government plans to restructure its different regional strategies to attract students. A Japanese business survey found that the country needs more engineers specialized in mechanical engineering, communications and network, electricity, hardware and software, and civil engineering.
The government also wants to provide better opportunities for students that want to improve their Japanese. At the same time, it will increase support for students seeking employment after graduation, according to the MEXT.
Whether you’re interested in studying in a Japanese language school or planning to enter a university in Japan after, there is likely a scholarship program that can help make your dream a reality. From university-specific scholarships to government-sponsored initiatives, the range of options is vast.
In broad terms, there are at least five different types of scholarships to study in Japan. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), an entity under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan to promote international studies in Japan, the available programs are the followings:
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
- Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships
- Local Governments / Local International Associations Scholarships 4. Private Foundations Scholarships
- Scholarships available abroad
In the following lines, let’s explore the main requirements and qualifications for each one of these scholarships. But before that, we want to cover a few basic things about scholarships in Japan.
Can I get a scholarship as a Japanese language school student?
Students who are studying the Japanese language and have outstanding academic performance and attendance records are eligible to apply for scholarships from different scholarship programs.
However, not all Japanese language schools provide financial scholarships. Oftentimes, they might also help you begin your application process for external scholarship programs.
Keep in mind that to be eligible, students generally must maintain excellent grades and attendance during their studies in school.
Some schools have their own scholarship system to support students who have the excellent academic ability and are highly motivated to study. However, the availability and eligibility criteria for scholarships may vary depending on the scholarship program and institution. It is recommended to inquire with the school’s administration or research scholarship opportunities on your own to determine your eligibility and application requirements.
Tips for scholarship applicants in Japan
a. Plan ahead.
Most scholarships are open months ahead before the results and grants are processed. A mistake people often make is not researching and preparing for scholarship applications well in advance of the deadlines. This will give you enough time to gather all the necessary documents and submit a strong application.
b. Research scholarship programs thoroughly
There are many different scholarship programs available in Japan, each with its own eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Some scholarships require you to make an essay in Japanese. If you have a Japanese language teacher, you might want to consult with them and ask for help. Researching and understanding these programs will help you identify the ones that best match your qualifications and goals.
One thing to note is that many scholarship programs don’t allow you to have or accept other scholarships. It’s important to read and understand the regulations and conditions of each scholarship program before applying. Additionally, you might want to disclose any other scholarships or financial aid you have received during the application process.
c. Meet application deadlines
Be sure to submit your application before the deadline. Late applications are generally not accepted, and missing the deadline can result in missing out on a great opportunity
d. Consider alternative sources of funding
Scholarships can be highly competitive. In 2020 (pre-pandemic), there were 280,000 international students, so imagine how tough it is to be selected. It is a good idea to consider alternative sources of funding as well, such as part-time work!
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of securing a scholarship and fulfilling your dream of studying in Japan.
Available Scholarships for International Students in Japan
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
Managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan (MEXT) this program has been supporting international students in Japan since 1954. Applications should be made through Japanese embassies, consulate generals abroad, or Japanese universities.
The MEXT program includes seven types of scholarships:
1. Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) Students
Aimed at students under 40 years old in the fields of government, business administration, law, local governance, and medical administration. This scholarship lasts up to one year, with a monthly stipend of 242,000 JPY (1768 USD).
2. Research Students (Graduate School Students & Research Students)
Available to students under 35-year-old students. This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 143,000 JPY(1,039 USD) for Master’s students and 145,000 JPY (1,054 USD) for Doctoral students.
3. Teacher Training Students
Scholarships are available to university or teacher-training college graduates under 35 years old, with over five years of experience in their field. The monthly stipend is the same as the Research Students scholarship, and the program can last up to 1.5 years.
4. Undergraduate Students
One of the most popular scholarships to pursue a university degree in various fields in Japan, from law to medicine, architecture, or science. This program is open to students under 25 years old who have completed at least 12 years of school education. The basic monthly stipend is set at 117,000 JPY per month, or 850 USD (with an additional allowance for particular areas), for up to seven years for degrees such as medicine or pharmaceutical sciences. This program covers round-trip tickets from the home country plus tuition fees.
5. College of Technology Students
Similar to the Undergraduate Students scholarships, this program is aimed at technology students in fields such as mechanical engineering, material engineering, maritime engineering, and others. Students under 25 years old who have completed at least 11 years of education can apply for this program.
6. Specialized Training College Students
Also with similar characteristics to the Undergraduate Students Scholarship, this program differs in focusing on training college students in fields such as technology, personal care, and nutrition, fashion, and others. This type of scholarship assists for up to three years.
7. Japanese Studies Students
Another very popular scholarship among international students coming to Japan, this program targets students from 18 to 30 years old interested in conducting studies of the Japanese language, or Japanese Affairs and Culture. It is open to students that have conducted previous studies related to the Japanese language or culture. The duration of this program is up to one year.
Application Procedures for MEXT Scholarship in Japan
To apply for the MEXT scholarships, students have two different routes: application through Japanese embassies in their home country or through universities.
To apply for the MEXT Scholarships via the embassy, you must first check with the Japanese embassy in your home county, as recruiting quotas can change yearly. When applying, an initial screening will include a written test and an interview. The local Japanese embassies will then assess the results and recommend students to MEXT, which will make the final decision on the scholarship grantees. Candidates can express their preferences about universities in Japan, but ultimately, the final decision will be made by MEXT based on different parameters.
To apply through Japanese universities, you need to contact a university part of the program and follow the respective application procedures. The university will then assess your application and refer it to MEXT for the final decision.
The recruiting periods vary for the different types of scholarships and procedures. However, on average, the application window opens in April and closes in mid-June. Results are delivered by January of the next year, with the beginning of the scholarship study period in April.
To get more information, you can check this document complied by JASSO.
Scholarships by JASSO
JASSO offers financial support to privately-financed international and short-term exchange students in Japan, with two types of scholarships.
1. Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for privately-financed International students
This scholarship supports students with a monthly allowance during their studying time in Japan, either in universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, technology colleges, training colleges, or Japanese language institutions. Monthly stipends go from 30,000 JPY (218 USD) for Japanese Language students to 48,000 JPY (349 USD) for other international students. There’s no age limit to apply for these scholarships, nor any specific course limitation. The application period goes from late March to early May 2023.
To apply, students need to be accepted into their desired schools and apply through the school office, which will then possibly recommend them to JASSO for the final choice.
2. Student exchange support program (Scholarship for short-term study in Japan)
This program targets exchange students that are accepted by a Japanese university, graduate school, junior college, college of technology, or professional training college. Students must be under a short-term exchange program between a Japanese school and a home higher education institution, from eight days to one year.
Students from countries with diplomatic relationships with Japan can apply to this program, which grants monthly stipends of 80,000 JPY (582 USD) for a maximum duration of one year.
To take part in this program, students need to show excellent academic and personal records at their home school and provide proof of not having the financial means to study in Japan.
To apply for this program, students need to send their documents to their Japanese school, which will then screen and share the information with JASSO for the final decision.
3. Local governments and local international associations’ scholarships
In case none of the previously mentioned scholarships suits you, you will be happy to know that local governments and local international associations in Japan also provide scholarships to students living and attending school in their districts all across Japan.
The benefits and application process for these types of scholarships differ greatly depending on the local government providing them. To know more information, you should inquire directly through the webpage of the municipal government with jurisdiction where your school is located.
Private foundations also provide scholarships, with over 60 different institutions willing to help international students during their time in Japan. A list of the different associations can be found in the previously linked document.
4. Private foundations
JASSO lists over 60 private foundations that can financially support students during their academic path in Japan. To find a detailed list of these institutions, please check this document.
5. Scholarships to study in Japan for applicants residing abroad
For students that are not yet living in Japan, but intend to pursue studies in the country, there are also several institutions providing different financial support. A complete list of these institutions can be found here. Application modalities and schedules significantly differ among institutions, so it is recommended to check directly on the website of each organization.
Online resources to get more information on scholarships in Japan
If you wish to obtain major information, there are several online platforms with more details and first-hand information delivered by scholarship grantees and applicants.
Studyinjapan.go.jp, a platform operated by JASSO, is a solid resource for getting all the information you need. The website categorizes each scholarship type while providing valuable information about planning your studies in Japan, life in the country, accommodation options, and other information. The FAQ section also provides answers to the most frequent questions.
Another valuable resource is the Japan Study Support website, operated by the Asian Students Cultural Association and Benesse Corporation. In it, you can find information about all types of scholarships in different languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The website offers a clean design and many search functions to refine your results. You can also watch videos of international students describing their experience studying and living in Japan.
Facebook is another resource to ask specific questions to other applying students or scholar grantees. The MEXT scholarship public group counts over 85,000 members, with frequent discussions on topics related to Japanese government scholarships. Finally, Study In JAPAN & Scholarship _ Q & A is quite an active private group with over 5,000 members that discuss several matters related to different types of scholarships in Japan.
Also, don’t forget to regularly check your local embassy for more information about the schedule and the opening of new programs.
Conclusion
With various scholarships available for international students, there is a high chance that you could find a scholarship that meets your specific needs and qualifications. Japanese language schools in Japan might offer tuition reductions and partial scholarship programs, but it’s more common in universities. Individual schools may offer assistance to students depending on how well they perform.
While Coto School Finder can’t directly help with financial aid and scholarships, we have a few partner schools that offer tuition reductions for students who are already admitted. Luckily, there’s no such thing as too late to study in Japan! Use Coto School Finder’s free support or fill out our inquiry form below to get started!
