Japanese Government - Japanese Government scholarship

What you get

Whilst studying at a postgraduate school in Japan, you will receive monthly payment of about 890 EUR (143,000 to 145,000 yen). The amount depends on your level of study: Master’s students receive slightly more than those on preparatory courses or without a degree, and PhD students receive the highest amount. For certain regions, there is a small supplement of a few thousand yen. In addition to the cash payment, the scholarship covers your admission and tuition fees, as well as a return economy-class flight to Japan. The standard duration of funding is 24 months for research students not aiming for a degree. The funding comes from the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) and is intended to help build lasting relationships between Japan and your home country.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are studying at a Japanese higher education institution as a research student, on a Master’s, doctoral or vocational programme, or in a preparatory phase leading to such a programme.
• Prior education: You hold a university degree or, at the time of enrolment, have completed 16 years of schooling. A doctoral degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or pharmacy requires 18 years of study.
• Field of study: At a Japanese university, you can research any topic you like, usually in the subject area you have already studied. Traditional Japanese arts such as Kabuki, as well as purely practical training in factories or companies, are not supported.
• Nationality: You are a national of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan. You are not eligible to apply if you hold Japanese nationality at the time of application.
• Age: You were born on or after 2 April 1990 (roughly under 35), with a few exceptions.
• Language and health: You are ready to learn Japanese. You are in good physical and mental health, as confirmed by a medical certificate.

How to apply

Apply via the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Each mission sets its own application deadline, which usually falls at the beginning of April. The selection process comprises several stages: a review of your application documents, written tests in Japanese and English, and an interview. The final results are announced at the start of the following year. Some Japanese universities may also recommend you directly to MEXT.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known government scholarship open to applicants of almost all nationalities and from almost all academic disciplines. As a result, it attracts a large number of international applicants, and competition is fierce. Selection depends on your research proposal as well as your performance in the written examinations and the interview – not just on your academic grades. A clear, well-structured research proposal and thorough preparation for the language tests will significantly improve your chances.