Top 5 Fully Funded Japan Scholarships for International Students in 2025

Japan is a country known just not for their architectural edifice but also known to have one of the best technology equipment and skills. This blog has however listed top 5 fully funded scholarships for international students, who wants to study in Japan in 2025. Read till the end!

Table of Contents

1. Why Study in Japan?

2. 🏅 1. MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship

3. 🎒 2. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

4. 🎓 3. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)

5. 🌏 4. Hanjo Foundation Scholarship

6. 🎓 5. University-Specific Scholarships: APU & KUT

7. ✨ Honorable Mentions & Other Notable Scholarships

8. 🌍 Eligible Countries & Fields of Study

9. 📅 Timeline & Application Tips

10. 📝 Final Tips & FAQs

11. 📌 Conclusion.

1.  Why Study in Japan?

Japan combines world-class education with rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant urban life. For international students, fully funded opportunities mean you can explore:

• Education Excellence: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido universities frequently rank globally.

• Research Innovation: Japan leads in robotics, AI, sustainability, and engineering.

• Life Experience: Safe cities, unique traditions, and clean, reliable infrastructure.

• Career Pathways: Internships and post-study work possibilities in high-growth sectors.

Here are five standout fully funded scholarships for 2025:

2.  MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship 

Overview

Japan’s flagship scholarship for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Benefits

• Full tuition waiver

• Monthly stipend:

  • Undergrads: ¥117,000

  • Graduates: up to ¥148,000

• Round-trip airfare & health insurance

• No application fees.

Eligibility

• Excellent academics

• Age constraints: Under 35 for grad, 25 for undergrad

• Language proficiency (Japanese/English depending on program)

• Nomination via Embassy or Japanese University Track.

Application Process

1. Choose Embassy Track (apply via your country’s Japanese embassy) or University Track (direct to university).

2. Submit required documents: transcripts, recommendation letters, health tests.

3. Pass academic and language exams, and possibly an interview.

4. Final selection and placement.

 Deadlines

• Embassy Track: April to May 2025

• University Track: September to October 2025.

3.  ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 

Overview

A collaboration between the Asian Development Bank and Japanese institutions, for Master’s students from developing countries in economics, management, engineering, and sustainable development.

 Benefits

• Full tuition and university fees

• Monthly stipend (~¥147,000)

• Airfare, research and book allowances

• Health insurance and accommodation support.

Eligibility

• National of an ADB borrowing member

• 2+ years’ work experience

• Below 35 years of age

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline.

Application Process

Apply via the international offices of universities like University of Tokyo, Kyoto U, Keio, Ritsumeikan APU. Shortlisting based on academic performance and work experience.

Timeline

Typical application deadlines between January and September 2025.

4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Overview

Designed for mid-career professionals from World Bank member countries pursuing development-related master’s degrees in public policy, tax, and economics.

 Benefits

• Full tuition and fees

• Monthly stipend (~¥306,910)

• Round-trip airfare and health insurance

• Initial arrival and thesis allowances.

 Eligibility

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials

• Commitment to developmental impact in home country.

 Application Process

Apply through affiliated universities like Yokohama N.U., Keio, GRIPS, by posting your program interest and fulfilling selection criteria.

Timeline

Deadlines typically fall in February–July 2025

5. Hanjo Foundation Scholarship 

 Overview

Awarded by the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation to outstanding students globally for Master’s and PhD study

 Benefits

• Monthly living stipend: ¥180,000–¥230,000 depending on study level

• Tuition support varies (may include full tuition waiver)

 Eligibility

• Strong academic achievement

• Clear research/project proposal

• Age limits: ≤30 for Master’s, ≤35 for PhD

 Application Process

Submit research proposal, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose through their online portal by late October 2025.

6.  University-Specific Scholarships (APU & KUT) 

Asia Pacific University (APU) Scholarship

Overview: Fully funded entry scholarships for undergrad, Master’s, and PhD at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

Benefits:

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend (~¥120,000)

• Airfare and living costs support

• English-instruction track with global campus exposure.

Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership, application via APU by Jan 10, 2025.

Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Scholarship

Overview: Three-year PhD fully funded by KUT, for international students in engineering, economics, and tech fields.
Benefits:

• Full tuition & enrollment/exam exemption

• ¥150,000 monthly stipend + ¥150,000 relocation allowance

• Japanese language training and accommodation support

Eligibility: Strong academic record and aspirations in R&D; apply by October 17, 2025.

7.  Honorable Mentions & Other Notable Scholarships

Hokkaido University President’s Scholarship

For Master’s and PhD students: full tuition, stipend, airfare.

University of Tokyo (MEXT University Recommendation)

Graduate-level funding via university nominating students to MEXT.

Yokohama National University MEXT Scholarship

2-3 year Master’s/PhD fully funded via university track.

Japan Foundation/UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship

PhD support focused on global sustainability/policy: tuition + ¥120,000 monthly stipend.

Rotary Yoneyama & Ashinaga Scholarships

Targeted funding for humanitarian leadership and orphaned students, offering monthly stipends and research support.

8. Eligible Countries & Fields of Study 

Eligible Countries

• Global Access: MEXT, Hanjo, University funds: open worldwide

• Regional Restrictions: ADB-JSP (ADB borrowing members), JJ/WBGSP (World Bank member countries), JFUNU (developing countries)

Fields of Study

• MEXT: All disciplines

• ADB-JSP: Engineering, economics, management

• JJ/WBGSP: Economics, public policy, tax

• Hanjo: Any Master’s/PhD field, with strong research component

• University scholarships: STEM, policy, economics, environment.

9. Timeline, Deadlines & Application Tips 

Application Tips

1. Start early! Gather transcripts, test scores, SOPs, and recommendations well ahead.

2. Customize your SOP to each scholarship’s priorities.

3. Check language requirements — not all require Japanese, but some prefer basic proficiency.

4. Use university-recommended application channels (e.g., research supervisor contact).

5. Proofread carefully and adhere strictly to submission deadlines.

10. FAQs & Insights 

Q1: Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes. It’s strategic to apply for MEXT alongside university or foundation scholarships.

Q2: Is Japanese required?
Mostly no, especially for MEXT, ADB-JSP, Hanjo, and university programs—but some Japanese can strengthen your profile.

Q3: Will I need interviews?
Yes, embassies, universities, and foundations often conduct short interviews (in person or via Zoom).

Q4: Can I bring family members?
Dependent visas are possible if you’re on a degree-level course, check with the university’s international office.

11. Final Thoughts 

Japan offers some of the world’s most rewarding fully funded scholarships, spanning undergrad to doctoral programs and targeting global talents focused on innovation, leadership, and sustainability.

✅ Top picks for 2025:

• MEXT – broad eligibility and government prestigious backing

• ADB-JSP – ideal for development-focused Master’s candidates

• JJ/WBGSP – powerful for professional development pathways

• Hanjo Foundation – generous stipends for Master’s and PhD students

• APU & KUT – university-specific flagship awards

📌 Take action:

• Choose 2–3 scholarships you qualify for

• Align all documentation and draft compelling application materials

• Network with potential supervisors (especially for research tracks)

• Submit with confidence before deadlines.

Wishing you the best of luck in securing your fully funded Japan scholarship! If you’d like help customizing your essay, preparing SOPs, or choosing the right university, feel free to reach out.