5 Best Scholarships in Japan
Many people do not know, but there are several scholarships in Japan aimed at international students. The Japanese government, as a policy of cooperation with other countries, offers assistance to exchange students who wish to study there. In addition, some universities in the country also have their scholarship programs. If you want to study in Japanese lands, check out these 5 aids we’ve selected below!
Best scholarships in Japan for exchange students
1. Japan Foundation Fellowship Program
If you are looking for scholarships in Japan because you are a researcher in areas related to Japanese studies, this grant program offers great opportunities for you! That’s because academics who work in Social or Human Sciences with a specific focus on Japan are eligible for the annual award.
The foundation’s greatest interest is to support cultural and artistic exchange, strengthening cultural relations in Asia, increasing Japanese intellectual exchange and developing Japanese language teaching abroad. This program offers opportunities mainly for undergraduate and graduate researchers.
- How much? Varies
- Frequency? Offered annually, with additional partnership grants also available.
- Deadline? Varies from year to year
2. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Young Leaders Program
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships in Japan every year for international students to graduate from a university in the country. The scholarship consists of a monthly allowance for expenses, total exemption from registration fees and air tickets to and from the country. Depending on the region in which the applicant is residing there, there may be an increase of 2 to 3 thousand yen in the monthly amount of the grant.
To compete, it is necessary to have completed high school. It is not mandatory to have fluency in Japanese, although having some basic knowledge of the language is considered a differential for the selection process. On the other hand, it is necessary to have advanced knowledge in English and prove it with a proficiency test.
- How much? 117 thousand yen (~ R $ 5,800), with the possibility of adding 2 to 3 thousand yen.
- Frequency? Offered annually
- Deadline? Mid-October (always before the start of the Japanese school year)
3. TEAN Scholarships from The Education Abroad Network
If you are looking for a variety of scholarships in Japan to do your exchange, you should certainly start with the help of TEAN. This network of exchanges includes everything from specific selection processes (such as photography, which requires a portfolio, for example) to merit-based and more general programs.
They even offer full scholarships for a course of your choice. Unlike most programs, the chain also offers a second funding opportunity (called TEAN Sequel Grant), in case you want to return to Japan to eat more ramen (and learn, of course)!
- How much? Grants range from a minimum of $ 250 for basic support to full funding.
- Frequency? Offered annually, with additional partnership grants also available.
- Deadline? Spring, winter and full-ride applicationsexpire annually in October, while summer applications end in March and autumn applications in April.
4. KUT PhD Scholarships in Engineering for International Students
The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Japan Special Scholarship Program was created in 2003 to support the university’s advanced research programs through the contribution of international doctoral students who have a good academic record.
Thus, every year, the university selects doctoral students to participate in specific research projects. These students attend their respective programs in English and, at the same time, help the host professor in his research projects. To participate, you must be under 35 years old and demonstrate fluency in the English language.
- How much? Exemption from fees, 150 thousand yen per month and another 150 thousand yen for living and travel costs
- Frequency? Offered annually
- Deadline? Two official dates: one in March and one in September
5. JFUNU Scholarships for PhD in Sustainability Science
Japan Foundation scholarships for UNU (JFUNU) are available to prominent candidates from developing countries who can demonstrate the need for financial assistance. They are aimed at students who receive admissions to the Doctoral Program in Sustainability Sciences offered at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS).
To participate in the selection process for these scholarships in Japan, you must demonstrate a strong interest in sustainability studies, have completed a master’s degree in areas related to sustainability studies with a GPA of 3.5 or more and demonstrate fluency in English with a proficiency test .
- How much? 120,000 yen per month for 36 months
- Frequency? Offered annually
- Deadline? Northern Hemisphere Spring (around April)