The best postgraduate scholarships to study in Japan

When you study in Japan, you study in a country that embraces tradition and champions innovation.

In the land of the rising sun, every nook and cranny hides gems. From having the world’s second-best student city (according to QS Best Student Cities 2024) to fun little cat towns, studying here will open up the floodgates of experiences you’ll never forget.

Plus, many of its universities are world-class — four of its universities are in the top 100 of QS World University Rankings 2025.

The best news? The country offers numerous scholarships for international students to fulfil your study abroad dreams here.

If you’d like to make your dream of studying in Japan come true, here are some scholarships worth exploring:

The best postgraduate scholarships to study in Japan

Imagine getting paid to study in Japan. With these scholarships, you can do just that and more. Source: AFP

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation has a scholarship for foreign students who are looking to study in a Japanese graduate school for a doctoral or master’s degree. This programme accepts all nationalities and research fields, and applicants may directly apply to the foundation without pre-selection by the university

The scholarship will be provided monthly throughout the minimum period required to acquire the degree. The amount varies according to the length of the applicant’s enrolled course:

• 230,000 Japanese yen (US$1,540) per month for 1-2 year degrees
• 210,000 Japanese yen (US$1,406) per month for 3-year degrees
• 180,000 Japanese yen (US$1,205)  per month for 4-5 year degrees

It’s not all tourist crowds and over-hyped attractions too; when you study in Japan, you get to thoroughly enjoy being in a country filled with picturesque views. Source: AFP

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme (JJ/WBGSP)

The World Bank Scholarships Programme has one that allows you to study in Japan — specifically, it’s the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme (JJ/WBGSP).

Open to citizens of certain developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of helping out other countries’ development efforts. JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships to prospective master’s degree students in key areas of development, including economic policy management, tax policy and infrastructure management.

Applicants must be accepted into one of the programmes — available across two windows of application — offered in universities spanning several continents, including Japan, or their application will be denied.

The scholarship covers full tuition to cover the graduate programme, the cost of basic medical insurance obtained through the university, a two-way ticket to and from Japan, plus a US$600 travel allowance for each trip. It also includes a monthly subsistence allowance will be provided to cover living expenses.

 

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Special Scholarship Programme at Kochi University of Technology

The Special Scholarship Programme (SSP) at Kochi University of Technology was established to support the development of advanced research at the university through the contribution of highly capable doctoral students.

Every year, applicants are selected to work on specific research projects which last three years. This programme suits international students who are looking to maximise their knowledge, skill and ability to become a full-fledged researcher.

The scholarship covers an exemption of the 30,000 yen (US$200) entrance examination fee, 300,000 yen (US$2,010) enrollment fee, and the tuition fee of 535,800 yen (US$3,589) per year.

Moreover, a living allowance of 150,000 yen (US$1,004) is paid as a salary for research project work which supports recipients’ living expenses. A further 150,000 yen (US$1,004) is also awarded for travel and initial living costs if the applicant is living outside Japan.

Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme (JSP)

Those interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields can check out the Asian Development Bank (ADB) -Japan Scholarship Programme (JSP).

Some of the applicant requirements include being a national of an ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country, having at least two years of full-time professional working experience acquired after a university degree at the time of application, and having gained admission to an approved master’s course at one of the designated institutions in Japan.

The ADB-JSP scholarship covers your full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance which includes housing, books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses. Those engaged in research may also receive a special grant for thesis preparation.

In special circumstances, computer literacy, preparatory language and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.

Despite being smaller than the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, Japan is packed with charm around every corner. If you study in Japan, you’ll be sure to walk away with more than your share of great memories. Source: AFP

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is one of the most prestigious undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships you can earn to study in Japan. This is because the application requires a recommendation from a Japanese embassy or other Japanese diplomatic mission in your country, or with a recommendation from a Japanese university.

For university recommendations, note that not all universities in Japan are able to recommend international students, so be sure to check with your institution when applying.

The scholarship covers your full tuition and a two-way ticket to and from Japan.

Hear from Chhay Lim, a Cambodian who got the scholarship and earned a place in Ritsumeikan University’s Master of Arts in International Relations programme on the best tips on approaching your application.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on October 14, 2024.