Study in Japan – Scholarship Overview
Japan is a popular destination for international students because it offers a good number of scholarships, including fully funded options, along with high-quality education and advanced research facilities. Compared to Australia, Japan provides more accessible scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and many programs also support English-taught degrees.
Types of Scholarships in Japan
1. MEXT Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology offers the MEXT Scholarship, which is the most prestigious and fully funded scholarship in Japan.
This scholarship is available for Bachelor, Master’s, PhD, and Research students and is the most reliable full scholarship option.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fee
- Monthly stipend:
- Undergraduate: approx. 117,000 – 120,000 JPY
- Master’s: approx. 144,000 JPY
- PhD: approx. 145,000 JPY
- Round-trip airfare (home country ⇄ Japan)
Eligible Majors: Engineering, IT, Business, Social Science, Natural Science, Arts (almost all majors)
2. JASSO Scholarship (Partial)
The Japan Student Services Organization provides a partial scholarship for international students. This is mainly a support-type scholarship, not fully funded.
Coverage:
- Monthly stipend: approx. 48,000 JPY
**No tuition coverage
Eligible Majors: Almost all majors (depends on university recommendation)
3. University Scholarships (Japan)
Many universities in Japan offer their own scholarships for international students. These are usually partial scholarships or tuition reduction programs.
Coverage:
- Tuition fee reduction:
- 30%
- 50%
- 80%
- 100% (limited cases)
- Sometimes small monthly stipend (varies)
Eligible Majors: Engineering, Business, IT, Science, Arts (depends on university)
4. Local Government & Private Scholarships
Some local governments and private organizations in Japan also offer scholarships. These are usually limited and competitive.
Coverage:
- Monthly stipend: approx. 30,000 – 100,000 JPY
- Sometimes partial tuition support
Eligible Majors: Depends on scholarship (often Engineering, Research, Social Science)
Who Can Apply (Eligibility & Qualification)
Japan scholarships are open to international students with good academic background and sometimes Japanese or English proficiency. After meeting eligibility, students need to prepare documents, apply through embassy or university, and complete visa processing. The process includes academic documents, study plan, recommendation letters, and financial preparation. Proper documentation and following the correct application steps are very important for success.
Eligibility & Qualification:
- Must be a non-Japanese citizen
- Good academic result (minimum 70–80%+)
- HSC for Bachelor / Bachelor for Master’s / Master’s for PhD
- English (IELTS) or Japanese (JLPT) depending on program
- Age limit (for MEXT):
- Undergraduate: under 25
- Master’s: under 35
Required Documents (University + Scholarship)
Documents:
- Academic certificates & transcripts
- Passport copy
- IELTS / TOEFL or JLPT
- Study plan / Statement of Purpose
- Recommendation letters (2)
- CV / Resume
- Medical certificate (for MEXT)
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Japan has two main application routes (especially for MEXT).
Steps:
- Choose program and university
- Apply through:
- Japanese Embassy (MEXT Embassy Track)
- University (MEXT University Track)
- Submit required documents
- Attend written test/interview (if required)
- Get nomination and final selection
- Receive admission and scholarship confirmation
Visa Required Documents (Student Visa)
After selection, students must apply for a Japan student visa.
Visa Documents:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Admission letter
- Visa application form
- Financial proof (if required)
- Passport-size photos
Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Steps:
- Receive COE from university
- Prepare required documents
- Apply at Japanese Embassy
- Submit biometrics (if required)
- Wait for visa approval
- Collect visa and travel
Cost Overview (2026 – Approx.)
Studying in Japan is more affordable than Australia, especially with scholarships.
Total Estimated Cost (First Year):
- Tuition: 500,000 – 1,000,000 JPY/year
- Living: 800,000 – 1,500,000 JPY/year
- Other costs: 200,000 – 400,000 JPY
Total: approx. 1.5M – 2.5M JPY/year
With Scholarship
- MEXT: Almost fully covered (0 cost)
- JASSO: Reduces living cost
- University waiver: reduces tuition