Study Abroad: These Scholarships Make Japan An Attractive Destination

In Japan, educational institutions prioritize not only academic accomplishments but also the holistic development of individuals. While the country provides scholarships to students, most are only partial funding. Only a few scholarship programs in Japan cover all study-related costs, with the majority aiming to cover portions of living expenses and tuition fees. Therefore, students are advised to calculate the total expenses of studying in Japan and formulate a financial plan that doesn’t solely depend on scholarships.

Reservation Program for Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for privately financed international students enrolled in various educational institutions, including universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, colleges of technology, professional training colleges, and those with preparatory courses for Japanese universities. Eligible candidates are academically outstanding students with good character who have faced financial challenges in pursuing their studies. The scholarship is exclusive to students holding a status of residence as “Student,” excluding those with statuses like “Dependent” or “Long-term Resident.”

Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho MEXT) Scholarship: There are two application pathways for the Japanese Government Scholarship. Candidates can either apply to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) with a recommendation from a Japanese embassy or diplomatic mission in their country, or they can apply directly to MEXT with a recommendation from a Japanese university. The former is known as an “embassy recommendation,” while the latter involves a “university recommendation.” To qualify for the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho MEXT) scholarship, candidates must obtain the Student status of residence.

Student Abroad Support Program: This scholarship caters to students permitted by the host university through a student exchange program agreement. Eligible individuals must acquire the student status of residence specific to the host program. However, for students participating in a short-term acceptance program of 90 days or less, any residency status is acceptable. These students must bear the financial responsibility for participating in the inbound program at their own expense.