“List of Scholarships in Japan 2026” is one of the most searched topics among international students who want to study abroad in Asia. This complete guide on the list of scholarships in Japan 2026 explains the best fully funded and partially funded scholarships available for international students who want to study at Japanese universities.
Japan is one of the top destinations for international students because of its world-class universities, advanced research facilities, innovative technology, and strong global reputation. Every year, the Japanese government, universities, and international organizations offer hundreds of scholarships to talented students from around the world. These scholarships allow students to study in Japan without worrying about tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, or accommodation.
This article provides a complete list of scholarships in Japan for the 2026 intake, including eligibility criteria, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply. Scholarships in Belarus Fully Funded
Why Study in Japan?
- Japan has become one of the most popular study destinations for international students due to many reasons:
- 1. World-Class Education
- Japanese universities are known for their high academic standards and research excellence.
- 2. Fully Funded Scholarships
- Many scholarships cover:
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Tuition fees
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Monthly stipends
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Accommodation
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Travel expenses
- 3. Advanced Technology Environment
- Japan is one of the global leaders in robotics, engineering, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
- 4. Safe and Modern Society
- Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world for students.
- 5. Global Career Opportunities
- Graduates from Japanese universities often get excellent international career opportunities.
1. MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Japanese Government Scholarship)
The MEXT Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship offered by the Japanese government to international students.
Scholarship Coverage
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend
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Round-trip airfare
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Accommodation support
Study Levels
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Undergraduate
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Master’s degree
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PhD
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Research students
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Teacher training programs
Eligibility
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International students from eligible countries
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Strong academic background
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Good health condition
Deadline
Usually April – May 2026
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2. Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program
This scholarship is funded by the Asian Development Bank in partnership with Japanese universities.
Benefits
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Travel expenses
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Health insurance
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Housing allowance
Study Level
Master’s Degree
Eligible Universities
Several Japanese universities participate in this program.
Deadline
February – April 2026 (depending on the university)
Kaohsiung Medical University Scholarship
3. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship supports students from developing countries who want to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields.
Benefits
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Travel expenses
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Medical insurance
Study Level
Master’s Degree
Deadline
May 2026
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4. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
This scholarship is available for international students pursuing graduate degrees in Japan.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend up to ¥230,000
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Research funding support
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Networking opportunities
Study Level
Master’s and PhD
Deadline
October 2026
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5. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship program supports international students studying in Japanese universities.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend
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Cultural exchange opportunities
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Networking programs
Study Level
Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Deadline
October – November 2026
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6. JASSO Scholarship for International Students
This scholarship is offered by the Japan Student Services Organization to support international students studying in Japan.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend
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Support for living expenses
Study Level
Undergraduate and Graduate
Deadline
Varies by university (usually April – June 2026)
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7. University of Tokyo Scholarships
The University of Tokyo offers various scholarships for international students.
Benefits
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Tuition fee waivers
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Monthly financial support
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Research grants
Study Level
Master’s and PhD
Deadline
Depends on the program
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8. Kyoto University International Scholarships
Kyoto University provides several scholarships for international students studying in Japan.
Benefits
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Tuition fee coverage
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Monthly stipend
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Research support
Study Level
Master’s and PhD
Deadline
January – February 2026
Countries That Offer Free Education to International Students9. Osaka University Scholarships
Osaka University offers scholarships for talented international students.
Benefits
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Tuition reduction
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Living allowances
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Research funding
Study Level
Undergraduate and Graduate
Deadline
Varies by program
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10. Hokkaido University Scholarships
Hokkaido University is another leading institution in Japan offering financial support to international students.
Benefits
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Tuition fee waivers
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Monthly stipends
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Research funding
Study Level
Master’s and PhD
Deadline
Varies by department
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Fields of Study Available in Japan
Students can study a wide range of disciplines in Japanese universities, including:
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Engineering
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Computer Science
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Artificial Intelligence
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Business Administration
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Economics
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International Relations
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Environmental Science
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Biotechnology
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Medical Sciences
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Robotics
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Social Sciences
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Data Science
How to Apply for Scholarships in Japan
- Follow these steps to apply for scholarships in Japan:
- Step 1 – Choose a Scholarship
- Select a scholarship that matches your academic background and study goals.
- Step 2: Select a University
- Find Japanese universities offering programs in your field.
- Step 3 – Prepare Required Documents
- Common documents include:
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Academic transcripts
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Degree certificates
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Statement of purpose
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Recommendation letters
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Passport copy
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Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL if required)
- Step 4 – Submit the Application
- Apply through the official scholarship or university website.
- Step 5 – Attend Interviews
- Some scholarships require interviews or written tests.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
- Maintain High Academic Scores
- Strong academic performance increases your chances.
- Write a Powerful Personal Statement
- Explain your goals and how studying in Japan will help achieve them.
- Apply Early
- Early applications often have higher success rates.
- Prepare for Interviews
- Be ready to explain your academic plans and career goals.
Advantages of Studying in Japan with Scholarships
Students studying in Japan through scholarships enjoy many benefits:
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High-quality education
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International exposure
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Cultural experience
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Career opportunities
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Financial support
Final Thoughts
Japan offers excellent opportunities for international students through various scholarships funded by the government, universities, and international organizations. These scholarships make it possible for students from different countries to pursue high-quality education without financial barriers.
If you dream of studying in Japan, start preparing your documents early and apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success. With dedication and proper planning, you can secure a scholarship and begin your academic journey in one of the most advanced and culturally rich countries in the world.
Official Scholarship Websites
- MEXT Scholarship Official Website
- ADB Japan Scholarship Program
- Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program
- Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
- Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship
- JASSO Scholarship Program
- University of Tokyo Scholarships
- Kyoto University Scholarships
- Osaka University Scholarships
- Hokkaido University Scholarships