Japan

Fully funded master’s in Japan

MEXT (Japanese Government) is the flagship, with two routes and an age limit. ADB-JSP and World Bank programmes add options. Many ask you to line up a supervisor or a letter of acceptance before applying.

13 verified scholarships

MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship - University Recommendation (Research/Graduate Students) at the University of Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan · The University of Tokyo

FundsMonthly stipend (AY2026 actual amounts): 144,000 yen for Master's students, 145,000 yen for Doctoral students; an extra 2,000 or 3,000 yen/month may be added for designated regions (amounts vary annually by budget; MEXT type-wide range listed as 143,000-145,000 yen/month) · Enrollment and tuition fees exempted (paid by MEXT) · Round-trip economy-class airfare provided by MEXT (to Japan and, on completion, back to home country, subject to conditions) · Guaranteed room in the University of Tokyo International Lodge for the first year (furnished; approx. 50,000 yen/month at Kashiwa or 70,000 yen/month at Komaba, paid by the student)

Fully funded

Deadline Opens soon 2026-10-30 Cycle 2026-2027

Key facts

Degree: Research

What the funding covers

Monthly stipend (AY2026 actual amounts): 144,000 yen for Master's students, 145,000 yen for Doctoral students; an extra 2,000 or 3,000 yen/month may be added for designated regions (amounts vary annually by budget; MEXT type-wide range listed as 143,000-145,000 yen/month)
Enrollment and tuition fees exempted (paid by MEXT)
Round-trip economy-class airfare provided by MEXT (to Japan and, on completion, back to home country, subject to conditions)
Guaranteed room in the University of Tokyo International Lodge for the first year (furnished; approx. 50,000 yen/month at Kashiwa or 70,000 yen/month at Komaba, paid by the student)

⚠ Must know before you apply

University Recommendation route: the majority of applicants are international students already on inter-university student exchange agreements - a typical external walk-in applicant generally cannot use this route. You must contact and apply through your chosen graduate school first.
Two-step / multi-stage selection: the graduate school nominates to the University of Tokyo, the university nominates to MEXT, and MEXT makes the final award - selection at each stage.
You must complete the graduate-school admission application (Master's/Doctoral) in addition to the MEXT scholarship application; both must be submitted before the deadline.
Age limit: applicants must, in principle, be born on or after April 2, 1992 (MEXT research-student rule is under 35).
Minimum academic standard: grade point of 2.30 or higher (calculated by a MEXT-specified formula), to be maintained during the scholarship.
Language proof is required: English (CEFR B2+, e.g. TOEFL iBT 72+/IELTS 5.5+) or Japanese (JLPT N2+), or an English/Japanese medium-of-instruction certificate - so this is NOT a no-English-test program.
Pre-arrival tuberculosis screening: applicants from the Philippines, Nepal, and Vietnam must submit a Certificate of Non-Tuberculosis at visa application.
Deadlines, documents and academic standards vary by graduate school; the Oct 15-30, 2026 dates and document list here are the UTokyo Graduate School of Science specifics - confirm with your own department.
Fully funded includes a living stipend, tuition exemption and airfare - not tuition-only.

Documents required

Application form (double-sided print)
Field of Study and Research Plan
Letter of recommendation from a "dean or above" addressed to the President of the University of Tokyo, on university letterhead, hand-signed (digital signature not accepted)
Passport-type photo taken within the last 6 months (4.5 x 3.5 cm, upper-body, full-faced, no cap)
Official transcript from the last university/graduate school attended (plus current program transcript if currently enrolled; include grading-system explanation if not on the transcript)
Proof of language ability (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or JLPT score report, or a language-of-education certificate from your previous university)
Abstract of graduation thesis
Official statement of (expected) graduation from the last university attended
Copy of the student's passport (photo page)

Full details

Stipend: 144,000 yen (Master's) / 145,000 yen (Doctoral) per month (AY2026 actual; +2,000-3,000 yen possible regional supplement)
Duration: Standard program length from October entry (Master's 2 years; Doctoral 3 years)
Age limit: In principle born on or after April 2, 1992 (MEXT research-student rule: under 35)
Universities: The University of Tokyo
Intake: October 2027
Eligible nationalities: Applicants must hold the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan; Japanese nationals at the time of application are ineligible (limited dual-nationality exception with renunciation before arrival).
Language: English CEFR B2 or above (e.g. TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS 5.5+) OR Japanese JLPT N2+; alternatively an English- or Japanese-medium education certificate meeting UTokyo entrance requirements (per Graduate School of Science).
Min GPA: 2.30 or higher (MEXT-specified grade-point formula), per Graduate School of Science
Funding covers: Tuition · Enrollment fees · Monthly living stipend · Round-trip airfare
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Interview stage: No
Opens: 2026-10-15
Results by: Graduate School nominees notified mid-February 2027; UTokyo-stage nominees notified April 2027; MEXT final grantees notified June 2027 (tentative)
Timeline notes: Dates shown are the UTokyo Graduate School of Science cycle for October 2027 entry (page last updated 2026-05-22). UTokyo's central MEXT page states the application period varies by graduate school and that some graduate schools set earlier internal deadlines than MEXT's; always confirm with the specific department. This School of Science cycle closes before MEXT publishes its own 2027 University Recommendation guidelines, so details may change.

Sources & provenance

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

Japan · International University of Japan (Niigata), Hitotsubashi University - Asian Public Policy Program (Tokyo) +15

FundsFull tuition fees · Monthly subsistence and housing allowance · Allowance for books and instructional materials · Medical insurance · Travel expenses (airfare to and from study location) · For research scholars, a special grant may be available for thesis preparation

Fully fundedReturn-home bond

Deadline See dates Rolling and institution-specific: submit your application to the chosen participating academic institution at least six (6) months before your intended start date. Cycle 2025-2026

Key facts

Degree: Taught & research

What the funding covers

Full tuition fees
Monthly subsistence and housing allowance
Allowance for books and instructional materials
Medical insurance
Travel expenses (airfare to and from study location)
For research scholars, a special grant may be available for thesis preparation

⚠ Must know before you apply

Two-step process: you must first gain admission to an approved master's course at a Designated/participating institution; ADB selects scholars from the institution's ranked list. 'No separate application to ADB is necessary.'
Region-wide, not Japan-only: scholarships are tenable at 27 participating institutions across Asia and the Pacific (only 17 are in Japan; others are in Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and the USA/East-West Center, Hawaii).
Age limit: applicants must not be more than 35 years old at the time of application, unless waived in exceptional cases with the endorsement of the Government of Japan.
Work-experience requirement: at least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience acquired after a university degree, at the time of application.
Return-home bond: scholars must agree to return and work in their home country for at least two (2) years after completing studies.
Two-year employment restriction at the ADB Group after completing the academic program.
Nationality limited to citizens of ADB borrowing/developing member countries that are Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible; applicants must NOT hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
Does not cover dependents: funding is for the scholar only and does not cover the scholar's spouse, family, or other dependents.
Preference factors: women candidates, applicants with lesser financial capacity, and applicants who have not previously studied abroad or hold a master's degree; candidates applying to a Designated Institution in their own country may not be selected.

Documents required

ADB-JSP Information Sheet form (application sheet, downloadable from ADB in MS Word or PDF)
Completed application form of the chosen Designated/participating academic institution (admission application)
Copies of academic records / transcripts
Latest Income Tax Return OR Certification of Annual/Monthly Salary (whichever is available)
Certification of Family Income (parent's income)

Full details

Duration: Up to 2 years (1 year, extendable to a second year subject to satisfactory performance; maximum 2 years for a master's program)
Age limit: Not more than 35 years old at the time of application (waivable in exceptional cases with endorsement of the Government of Japan)
Universities: International University of Japan (Niigata), Hitotsubashi University - Asian Public Policy Program (Tokyo), Keio University (Yokohama), Kobe University - Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kyoto University, Kyushu University (Fukuoka), Nagasaki University - School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagoya University - Graduate School of International Development, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS, Tokyo), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Oita), Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto), Saitama University, Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology), United Nations University - Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (Tokyo), The University of Tokyo, Tohoku University (Miyagi), University of Tsukuba (Ibaraki)
Eligible nationalities: Citizens of ADB developing/borrowing member countries that are Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible (e.g. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam, and Pacific island states). Must NOT hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
Language: Proficiency in oral and written English communication required; specific test/score requirements (IELTS/TOEFL) are set by each participating institution, not by ADB.
Min GPA: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a superior academic record
Funding covers: Tuition · Monthly subsistence and housing allowance · Books and instructional materials · Medical insurance · Travel expenses
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Bond / service: Must return and work in home country for at least 2 years after completing studies; also a 2-year employment restriction at the ADB Group after completing the program.
Covers dependents: No
Renewal: Second-year funding is conditional on the scholar maintaining a satisfactory level of performance as determined by the institution.
Timeline notes: ADB sets no single fixed program-wide deadline. The deadline depends on each Designated Institution's normal month of intake; applicants must apply to the institution at least six months before the intake they wish to join. Verified against the live ADB FAQ and Procedures pages as of 2026-06-06; ADB had not published any single calendar deadline.

Sources & provenance

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program - official program page (ADB careers) accessed 2026-06-06
ADB-JSP - Procedures for Applying (official) accessed 2026-06-06
ADB-JSP - Frequently Asked Questions (official) accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

GRIPS Scholarships (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)

Tokyo, Japan · National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)

FundsFull scholarships are available for outstanding applicants (matched through GRIPS to providers such as MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, Japan-WCO) · GRIPS-allocated master's scholarships include the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) · Public Finance Program (Tax) applicants may be matched with the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) · Public Finance Program (Customs) applicants may be matched with the Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Programme · Specific benefit amounts (tuition coverage, monthly stipend, travel) are determined by each sponsoring organization per the Scholarship Eligibility and Details chart

Fully fundedTwo-step process

Deadline See dates Varies by program; see GRIPS Application Deadlines by Program PDF Cycle 2026-2027

Key facts

Degree: Taught & research

What the funding covers

Full scholarships are available for outstanding applicants (matched through GRIPS to providers such as MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, Japan-WCO)
GRIPS-allocated master's scholarships include the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Public Finance Program (Tax) applicants may be matched with the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Public Finance Program (Customs) applicants may be matched with the Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Programme
Specific benefit amounts (tuition coverage, monthly stipend, travel) are determined by each sponsoring organization per the Scholarship Eligibility and Details chart

⚠ Must know before you apply

GRIPS does not award a single fellowship; admitted students are matched to external full scholarships (MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, Japan-WCO, JICA, JISPA, etc.) based on each provider's eligibility rules.
For GRIPS-allocated scholarships you simply apply to the program; for sponsor-administered scholarships you must apply both to the sponsoring organization and to GRIPS.
Candidates for MP1/2, MEP, PF(Tax), G-cube, PA, STI or EPP with a JICA scholarship must be instructed by JICA to apply and must start via their employer/university, not by contacting the local JICA office directly.
Self-financed applicants pay tuition of 642,960 yen/year, an admission fee of 282,000 yen, and a 30,000 yen application fee, and must submit a financial statement.
Exact deadlines and exact scholarship benefit amounts are only in linked PDFs (GRIPS_Application_Deadlines_2026.pdf and GRIPS_Scholarships_2026.pdf), not on the English HTML pages.
As of 2026-06 the 2026-2027 intake is closed; the 2027-2028 application opens in August 2026.

Documents required

Application for Admission form
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation and Certificate of Employment
Research Proposal (only for two-year master's programs and Ph.D. programs)
WCO Nomination Form (only for the Public Finance Program Customs course)
Online Registration Form (submitted via webentry.grips.ac.jp)
Supporting documents sent to the Admissions Office by post
Financial statement (required at the time of application, especially for self-financed applicants)

Full details

App. fee: 30,000 yen (paid when requested by GRIPS; self-financed applicants)
Universities: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
Intake: Fall 2027 (2027-2028 cycle)
Eligible nationalities: International students; specific scholarship eligibility (nationality, employer, etc.) is set by each sponsoring organization
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Opens: August 2026 (for the 2027-2028 cycle)
Timeline notes: As of 2026-06, the 2026-2027 admission cycle is closed and the next cycle (2027-2028) opens in August 2026. Program-specific deadlines are published only in the GRIPS_Application_Deadlines_2026.pdf, not in the page HTML, so exact dates could not be transcribed verbatim.

Sources & provenance

GRIPS — Scholarships / Tuition and Fees accessed 2026-06-06
GRIPS — How to Apply accessed 2026-06-06
GRIPS — Application Deadlines accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government / Monbukagakusho) — Research Students

Japan · Japanese graduate schools / MEXT-approved universities

FundsMonthly stipend of ¥143,000–145,000 for Research (graduate-level) students · Full tuition exemption · Round-trip travel expenses (airfare) provided · Up to 6 months preliminary Japanese-language training for those who need it

Fully fundedNo IELTSNo application feeNo GRE

Deadline See dates Set individually by each Japanese embassy/consulate general (first screening conducted May–July of the previous year) Cycle 2027

Key facts

Stipend: ¥143,000–145,000 per month
Degree: Research
Age limit: Under 35 years of age (Research students)

What the funding covers

Monthly stipend of ¥143,000–145,000 for Research (graduate-level) students
Full tuition exemption
Round-trip travel expenses (airfare) provided
Up to 6 months preliminary Japanese-language training for those who need it

⚠ Must know before you apply

Age limit: Research-student applicants must be under 35 years of age.
Must be eligible for admission to a master's or doctoral program at a Japanese graduate school.
Two application routes: Embassy Recommendation (recruited/screened by the Japanese embassy in your country) and University Recommendation (via a Japanese university's exchange agreement, only at MEXT-approved universities with a quota).
Embassy route requires written qualifying examinations in Japanese and English administered by MEXT — no IELTS/TOEFL listed as required.
A Certificate of Health completed by a medical doctor is mandatory.
Application documents go to the Japanese embassy/consulate — do NOT send them directly to MEXT in Japan.
Application requirements, fields offered, and deadlines vary by country; confirm with your local Japanese embassy/consulate.
Fully funded: includes a living stipend plus tuition exemption and airfare (not tuition-only).

Documents required

Application Form (FY2027 Research Application Form)
Placement Preference Application Form
Field of Study and Research Plan
Certificate of Health (must be filled in by a professional medical doctor)
Recommendation Letter (sample provided; any form/style accepted)
Academic transcripts and graduation/degree certificates (per Application Guidelines)

Full details

Duration: Irregular course: within 2 years; Regular course: standard school year (plus up to 6 months preliminary Japanese training if needed)
Universities: Japanese graduate schools / MEXT-approved universities
Intake: April 2027, September/October 2027
Eligible nationalities: Varies by country; applicants apply through the Japanese embassy/consulate in their country of nationality
Language: MEXT-administered written examinations in Japanese and English for the Embassy Recommendation route; no external IELTS/TOEFL requirement listed
Funding covers: Monthly stipend · Tuition (exempted) · Round-trip airfare · Preliminary Japanese-language training (if needed)
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Interview stage: Yes
Opens: April–May 2026 (recruitment by Japanese embassies, previous year)
Results by: Arrival in Japan April 2027 or September/October 2027
Timeline notes: Dates are for the FY2027 Embassy Recommendation cycle (the current cycle documented on the official page as of 2026-06). Embassy recruitment occurs April–May of the previous year with first screening May–July; exact deadlines differ by country and must be confirmed with the local Japanese embassy/consulate. University Recommendation route follows each university's own schedule.

Sources & provenance

Study in Japan (MEXT/JASSO) — Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship overview (types, eligibility, benefits) accessed 2026-06-06
Study in Japan — MEXT Scholarship for 2027 Embassy Recommendation: Application for Research Students (procedure, required documents) accessed 2026-06-06
Study in Japan — MEXT Scholarship Applicant Qualifying Examinations (Japanese and English subject tests) accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

MEXT Young Leaders' Program (YLP) — School of Government Course at GRIPS (Master of Public Policy)

Tokyo, Japan · National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)

FundsMonthly allowance (stipend) of 242,000 yen (amount may change each fiscal year) · Full waiver of entrance-examination, matriculation (admission) and tuition fees · Round-trip economy-class air ticket between the grantee's home country (nearest international airport) and Narita/Haneda, on the route/schedule set by MEXT · Accommodation in GRIPS residence halls (planned at Tokyo International Exchange Center, TIEC); accommodation limited to grantee and spouse, or spouse and child/children

No application feeNo GREFully fundedReturn-home bond

Deadline See dates Varies by country — set by the recommending authority / Japanese Embassy (no single fixed calendar deadline published by MEXT or GRIPS) Cycle 2026-2027

Key facts

Stipend: 242,000 yen per month
Duration: 1 year
Degree: Taught

What the funding covers

Monthly allowance (stipend) of 242,000 yen (amount may change each fiscal year)
Full waiver of entrance-examination, matriculation (admission) and tuition fees
Round-trip economy-class air ticket between the grantee's home country (nearest international airport) and Narita/Haneda, on the route/schedule set by MEXT
Accommodation in GRIPS residence halls (planned at Tokyo International Exchange Center, TIEC); accommodation limited to grantee and spouse, or spouse and child/children

⚠ Must know before you apply

Nomination-only: you cannot apply directly. Recruitment is conducted through each country's recommending authorities (designated ministries/agencies); applicants must go through the Japanese Embassy in their home country.
Three-stage screening: (1) first screening by the recommending authority, (2) second screening by GRIPS (document review + interview by face-to-face/telephone/internet), (3) final screening by the YLP committee organized by MEXT.
Age limit: must be, in principle, under 40 years of age as of October 1, 2026 (born on or after October 2, 1986).
Must be a current public administrator / government official with at least 3 years of full-time work experience in public administration (preferably 5+).
Fully funded WITH living stipend (242,000 yen/month) — not tuition-only; education fees are also fully waived.
Return-home expectation: grantees should, in principle, return to their home country by the end of the scholarship period and resume work at the recommending authority or designated organization.
Not eligible: military personnel/military civilian employees; current/planned Japanese-university enrollees; applicants to other Japanese Government scholarships; dual nationals who cannot renounce Japanese nationality before arrival.
A certificate of health on the prescribed (designated) form, issued by the embassy-designated medical institution, is required.
English test (TOEFL iBT / IELTS Academic) required; priority to TOEFL iBT 79+ or IELTS 6.0+. Waivers available for degrees from USA/UK/Canada/Australia/New Zealand/Ireland or English-medium institutions.
Degree is a 1-year Master of Public Policy, taught entirely in English, enrolling October 2026 and graduating September 2027.

Documents required

Application form for the School of Government Course (1 original; designated form, with photograph/digital image)
Recommendation letter from the recommending authority (1 original)
Two (2) letters of recommendation on the designated form, written by faculty members or job supervisors (at least one, preferably two, from immediate work superiors); submitted in sealed, signed envelopes
Official transcripts of academic record from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (sealed, signed/stamped by registrar)
Official graduation/degree certificates from all institutions (sealed; provisional/temporary certificates not accepted)
Official evidence of English ability — TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or other equivalent test (or an approved waiver document for English-medium/native-English-country degrees)
Copy of passport (name, nationality, date of birth, photo page) — or family register / certificate of citizenship if no passport
Essay (3 pages) explaining applicant's aspirations, motivation and future plans after the program
Answers to the essay questions (1 original)
Certificate of health (1 original, designated form, issued by the medical institution designated by the Japanese Embassy, completed in English block letters)

Full details

App. fee: Free (the 30,000 yen GRIPS application fee and all education fees are waived for YLP MEXT scholars)
Age limit: Under 40 years of age as of October 1, 2026 (born on or after October 2, 1986)
Universities: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
Intake: October 2026
Eligible nationalities: Nationals of countries participating in the YLP (School of Government) — primarily designated Asian and other countries with recommending authorities (e.g. China, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia). Applicants with Japanese nationality at the time of application are not eligible (dual nationals must renounce Japanese nationality before arrival).
Language: TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or other equivalent test required; admission priority to TOEFL iBT 79+ or IELTS Academic 6.0+. Waiver: automatic for degrees from USA/UK/Canada/Australia/New Zealand/Ireland; on request for English-medium degrees (with official certification). All instruction is in English.
Standardized tests: Not required (no GRE/GMAT)
Funding covers: stipend · tuition · admission/entrance-examination fees · round-trip economy airfare · accommodation (GRIPS/TIEC residence hall)
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Bond / service: No formal financial bond, but grantees are expected, in principle, to return to their home country by the end of the scholarship period and resume work at the recommending authority or designated organization.
Covers dependents: No
Interview stage: Yes
Post-study work: Not provided as a benefit; the program expects grantees to return home and resume government work after the 1-year scholarship period.
Opens: Application guidelines published 2025-08-06 (MEXT)
Results by: Final results notified via the Japanese Embassy / recommending authorities (program commences October 2026)
Timeline notes: Cycle is the current 2026 (October 2026 enrollment) intake, open as of 2026-06. YLP is not applied for directly: GRIPS's official 'Application Deadlines by Program, 2026-2027' lists YLP as applied through the Japanese Embassy with deadline 'Varies'. The MEXT Application Guidelines state documents must reach the recommending authority 'by the designated deadline' — i.e. each eligible country sets its own embassy/ministry deadline. Applicants must contact the Japanese Embassy in their home country for the exact date.

Sources & provenance

MEXT — Young Leaders' Program (official program page, courses & 2026-2027 guidelines) accessed 2026-06-06
MEXT — YLP (School of Government) Application Guidelines for 2026 (PDF) accessed 2026-06-06
GRIPS — Young Leaders Program (School of Government, School of Local Governance) program page accessed 2026-06-06
GRIPS — Application Deadlines by Program, 2026-2027 (PDF; YLP applied via Japanese Embassy, deadline 'Varies') accessed 2026-06-06
GRIPS — Scholarships / Tuition and Fees accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

University of Tokyo — University-recommended MEXT Scholarship & UTokyo Fellowship

Tokyo, Japan · The University of Tokyo

FundsUniversity of Tokyo Fellowship: research grant-in-aid of 200,000 yen per month for the standard program duration (research students: up to 1 year); paid into the recipient's bank account once every three months · MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship: Japanese-government scholarship covering tuition, a monthly living stipend, and travel (per MEXT terms; UTokyo accepts MEXT students as research or undergraduate students)

Supervisor firstFully fundedTuition only

Deadline See dates Set individually by each UTokyo Graduate School ('the specified period designated by the relevant section'); no single university-wide date is published Cycle 2025-2026

Key facts

Degree: Taught & research

What the funding covers

University of Tokyo Fellowship: research grant-in-aid of 200,000 yen per month for the standard program duration (research students: up to 1 year); paid into the recipient's bank account once every three months
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship: Japanese-government scholarship covering tuition, a monthly living stipend, and travel (per MEXT terms; UTokyo accepts MEXT students as research or undergraduate students)

⚠ Must know before you apply

The UTokyo Fellowship is a STIPEND-ONLY grant-in-aid (200,000 yen/month) — it does not cover tuition; recipients are expected to withdraw any tuition-fee exemption application if awarded.
Only the MEXT route provides full funding (tuition + stipend + travel). Through MEXT, UTokyo accepts students only as 'Research students' or 'Undergraduate students' — master's study falls under the research-student category.
MEXT University-Recommendation candidates are mostly students on inter-university exchange agreements; UTokyo selects and recommends them directly to MEXT.
There is no single application deadline — both routes are applied for through the specific graduate school, whose office sets the documents and submission period.
UTokyo Fellowship eligibility is limited to self-financed international students; those already receiving foreign-government or designated scholarships are not eligible, and it cannot be combined with certain other scholarships.
UTokyo Fellowship grant may be terminated and partially/fully refunded if the recipient withdraws, is suspended, fails to report research outcomes, or shows poor academic performance.
US/UK citizens enrolling in a master's or doctoral program may instead be awarded under the linked KOGA Shinsuke Scholarship.

Documents required

Application documents as specified by the applicant's affiliated/prospective UTokyo Graduate School (the set varies by graduate school; contact the relevant section/international office)
For MEXT University-Recommendation: documents required by the graduate school for recommendation to MEXT (conditions and documentation vary by graduate school)
Post-award (UTokyo Fellowship), at year end: a research progress report, an academic transcript, and an advisor's assessment

Full details

Stipend: 200,000 yen/month (University of Tokyo Fellowship)
Duration: Standard program duration (research students under MEXT/Fellowship: up to 1 year)
Universities: The University of Tokyo
Eligible nationalities: UTokyo Fellowship: open to self-financed international students (not those on foreign-government/other designated scholarships). KOGA Shinsuke Scholarship sub-award is for US or UK citizens. MEXT route follows MEXT nationality rules.
Funding covers: monthly stipend (UTokyo Fellowship) · tuition + stipend + travel (MEXT route)
Supervisor first: Required before applying
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Renewal: UTokyo Fellowship: maintain enrollment and satisfactory academic performance; submit annual research progress report, transcript, and advisor's assessment. Grant suspended during a leave of absence of one month or more.
Timeline notes: As of 2026-06, the official pages document the AY2026 cycle. Both the MEXT University-Recommendation route and the University of Tokyo Fellowship are applied for through the applicant's graduate school, and the submission period varies by graduate school. Applicants must contact the relevant graduate-school office for exact dates.

Sources & provenance

University of Tokyo — Scholarships (overview) accessed 2026-06-06
University of Tokyo — Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship accessed 2026-06-06
University of Tokyo Fellowship (overview + awardees) accessed 2026-06-06
AY 2026 Application Guidelines for The University of Tokyo Fellowship (PDF) accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship — Kyoto University (Research/Graduate-Degree Students)

Kyoto, Japan · Kyoto University

FundsFull exemption of examination, admission, and tuition fees · Monthly stipend of 144,000 yen for master's and professional-degree students (143,000 yen non-degree/research students; 145,000 yen doctoral) · Additional 3,000 yen/month for those studying/conducting research in Kyoto City (2,000 yen/month for Uji or Inuyama City) · One round-trip air ticket provided · Optional Japanese-language training (e.g. Intensive Japanese Language Course for research students in the Kyoto/Shiga region)

Supervisor firstFully funded

Deadline Closed Embassy application: Around April – May 2026 (varies by country, set by each Japanese diplomatic mission). Kyoto University Letter of Provisional Acceptance requests: through Tuesday 1 September 2026 (JST). Cycle 2026-2027

Key facts

Degree: Taught & research

What the funding covers

Full exemption of examination, admission, and tuition fees
Monthly stipend of 144,000 yen for master's and professional-degree students (143,000 yen non-degree/research students; 145,000 yen doctoral)
Additional 3,000 yen/month for those studying/conducting research in Kyoto City (2,000 yen/month for Uji or Inuyama City)
One round-trip air ticket provided
Optional Japanese-language training (e.g. Intensive Japanese Language Course for research students in the Kyoto/Shiga region)

⚠ Must know before you apply

Supervisor-first: applicants must choose a prospective academic advisor and obtain a Letter of Provisional Acceptance from that faculty before MEXT's second screening — the University makes no recommendations.
Two-step process: holding a Letter of Provisional Acceptance is not enrollment. Master's/professional/doctoral applicants must also pass the graduate school's own entrance examination before the program begins ('Those issued a Letter of Provisional Acceptance must apply not only for the scholarship but also for the University').
Age limit: applicants must be 34 or younger as of 1 April of the year of arrival (Research Students category).
Language: aside from English-taught degree programs, Kyoto University master's courses and examinations are generally conducted in Japanese, so most applicants need sufficient Japanese proficiency at matriculation.
Two application routes: Embassy Recommendation (most Kyoto MEXT students use this; apply via the Japanese diplomatic mission) and University Recommendation (general program), which is limited to nationals/citizens of countries and regions designated by MEXT.
Kyoto University's Letter of Provisional Acceptance requests close on Tuesday 1 September 2026 (JST); requests on or after 2 September are not accepted, and some graduate schools close earlier. Evaluation can take a month or more.
Scholarship can be extended to a degree program (e.g. from research/non-degree to master's), but not all extension applications are approved.

Documents required

Passing Certificate of the First Screening (issued by the Japanese diplomatic mission, for Embassy Recommendation applicants)
Letter of Provisional Acceptance requested from a prospective academic advisor / graduate school at Kyoto University
Scholarship application documents submitted to the University (required for the University to issue the Letter of Provisional Acceptance, via the AAO process)
Application to, and a pass in, the entrance examination of the relevant Kyoto University graduate school (required to enroll in a master's program)

Full details

Stipend: 144,000 yen/month (master's and professional-degree students), plus 3,000 yen/month for those in Kyoto City
Duration: Degree students (master's, professional, doctoral): until completion of the degree program, not exceeding the standard number of years required. Non-degree/research students: up to 2 years.
Age limit: 34 or younger as of 1 April of the year of arrival (Research Students category)
Universities: Kyoto University
Intake: Early April 2027, Late September 2027
Eligible nationalities: Embassy Recommendation: applicants apply through the Japanese diplomatic mission in their home country (China applies via its Ministry of Education / CSC). University Recommendation (general program): limited to nationals and citizens of countries and regions designated by MEXT.
Language: Kyoto University master's/professional courses and exams are generally conducted in Japanese except for English-taught degree programs; sufficient Japanese proficiency is generally required at matriculation. No specific IELTS/TOEFL band stated on the page.
Funding covers: tuition · stipend · travel
Supervisor first: Required before applying
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Bond / service: None stated for Research/Graduate-Degree Students (the return-to-home-university obligation applies only to the Japanese Studies Students category).
Interview stage: Yes
Renewal: Extension to a postgraduate degree program is evaluated by the University and MEXT based on academic records and other criteria; not all applications are approved.
Opens: Around April 2026 (Embassy Recommendation application to the Japanese diplomatic mission)
Results by: Notification of results January–March (Embassy Recommendation)
Timeline notes: Dates are the Embassy Recommendation schedule shown on the Kyoto University page 'as of May 2026'; apply Around April–May 2026 to arrive early April or late September 2027. The page states the embassy application period is 'Around April – May' and that exact dates/process vary by country, so the only fixed Kyoto date is the 1 September 2026 deadline for requesting a Letter of Provisional Acceptance. The page is internally inconsistent (line shows '1 September 2025' once while the request deadline and notes elsewhere use 1 September 2026); the 2026 date is used. University Recommendation (general program) runs on a separate schedule: apply Around November–December, results around June. China applicants apply via their Ministry of Education / CSC, not the embassy.

Sources & provenance

Kyoto University — Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (official page) accessed 2026-06-06
MEXT — About the MEXT Scholarships (funder reference, linked from Kyoto University page) accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

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

Tokyo (GRIPS), Japan · National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Other JJ/WBGSP participating universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan (44 programs across 24 universities)

FundsTuition for the graduate program · Monthly subsistence/living allowance covering accommodation, food, books, etc. (amount varies by host country) · Basic medical insurance obtained through the university · Economy-class round-trip airfare between home country and host university (at start and immediately after the scholarship period) · US $600 travel allowance for each trip

No application feeReturn-home bondFully fundedNo GRE

Deadline Closed 2026-02-27 (Window 1); 2026-05-29 (Window 2) Cycle 2026

Key facts

Degree: Taught
App. fee: Free

What the funding covers

Tuition for the graduate program
Monthly subsistence/living allowance covering accommodation, food, books, etc. (amount varies by host country)
Basic medical insurance obtained through the university
Economy-class round-trip airfare between home country and host university (at start and immediately after the scholarship period)
US $600 travel allowance for each trip

⚠ Must know before you apply

Two-step / admission-first: you cannot apply for the scholarship until you have been admitted UNCONDITIONALLY (except for financing) to one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP participating master's programs AND been shortlisted as eligible by that participating university — the application form link is only sent to such candidates.
Return-home obligation: after earning the degree, developing-country scholars commit to return to their home country to contribute to its social and economic development.
Targets mid-career professionals, not new graduates: requires a bachelor's earned at least 3 years before the deadline AND at least 3 years of paid development-related employment (within the past 6 years), and current paid full-time development-related employment at time of application.
Open only to nationals of eligible World Bank member developing countries; applicants must NOT hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
The chosen master's program must be located OUTSIDE the applicant's country of citizenship and country of residence.
Does NOT cover dependents/family, visa costs, resident-permit fees, research expenses, computers, or extra courses; scholarship lasts the program duration or two years, whichever is less.
Funding is limited and subject to availability; only 44 participating master's programs at 24 universities are eligible — admission to a non-participating program does not qualify.
Applicants who previously declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship, or received one but did not graduate, are not eligible to reapply.

Documents required

Two professional recommendation letters submitted online by recommenders with direct knowledge of the applicant's professional work experience (via the Recommendation Request Form)
One completed Application Form (including agreement to the Signature Page conditions), written in English or the language of the master's program
Documentation proving the required years of recent development-related work experience
Scanned copy of the applicant's bachelor's degree diploma (and most advanced graduate degree diploma, if applicable) — not a transcript
C.V. in the format provided in Annex 4, in English or the language of the master's program
Unconditional (except for financing) Letter of Admission/Acceptance for the upcoming academic year to a JJ/WBGSP participating master's program located outside the applicant's country of citizenship and residence
English translations of any documents not in English (both original and translation uploaded)

Full details

Duration: Duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less
Universities: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Other JJ/WBGSP participating universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan (44 programs across 24 universities)
Eligible nationalities: Nationals of eligible World Bank member developing countries (see official eligible-countries list); must not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
Funding covers: tuition · monthly living stipend · medical insurance · round-trip airfare · US $600 travel allowance per trip
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Bond / service: Commitment to return to home country after graduation to contribute to its social and economic development
Covers dependents: No
Interview stage: No
Opens: 2026-01-15 (Window 1); 2026-03-30 (Window 2)
Timeline notes: 2026 cycle dates per the official page and the 2026 Window 1 Application Guidelines (Updated October 2025). The application process is split into two windows to match participating programs' academic calendars; Window 1 deadline is February 27, 2026 and Window 2 deadline is May 29, 2026. Japanese-nationals window (separate track) closed 17 April 2026.

Sources & provenance

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for Graduates — University Recommendation (Priority/General) via IGP(A), Institute of Science Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan · Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo, formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology / Tokyo Tech)

FundsMonthly stipend: JPY 147,000 for master's students (JPY 148,000 for doctoral students) · Enrollment fee and tuition waived by Institute of Science Tokyo · Entrance examination (application) fee reimbursed if the applicant is allocated to Science Tokyo by MEXT · Round-trip air tickets to/from Japan provided by MEXT under certain conditions

No application feeNo GREFully funded

Deadline Closed 2025-11-23 Cycle 2025-2026

Key facts

Degree: Research

What the funding covers

Monthly stipend: JPY 147,000 for master's students (JPY 148,000 for doctoral students)
Enrollment fee and tuition waived by Institute of Science Tokyo
Entrance examination (application) fee reimbursed if the applicant is allocated to Science Tokyo by MEXT
Round-trip air tickets to/from Japan provided by MEXT under certain conditions

⚠ Must know before you apply

Two-step process: you do NOT apply to MEXT directly — you apply for IGP(A) admission and ask to be recommended; Science Tokyo nominates a limited number of top applicants to MEXT, and MEXT can still reject the recommendation even if you meet all conditions (sometimes just before enrollment, which can cancel enrollment).
Age limit: applicants must, in principle, be 34 years old or younger as of April 1 of the first year of the MEXT Scholarship period.
Minimum GPA of 2.30 out of 3.00 in the last-attended degree program is required; doctoral extension requires GPA 2.50/3.00 in the master's program, and Priority-scheme recipients must maintain GPA 2.30+ each year.
Two recommendation schemes (Priority and General) — applicants cannot choose; the scheme depends on the program. For academic year 2025, only nationals of countries designated by MEXT were eligible under the General scheme; under Priority, 75% or more of nominees are from MEXT-designated countries.
Initial scholarship covers two years of the master's program; doctoral extension is not guaranteed (granted to a limited number based on academic achievement under the General scheme).
Fully funded: includes living stipend (~JPY 147,000/month) plus full tuition/enrollment-fee waiver and travel — not tuition-only.
English-taught: there is no Japanese-language requirement for IGP(A); English proficiency at CEFR B2 or higher (or English-medium degree) is required.
Not eligible: military personnel/civilian military employees; most previous MEXT Scholarship recipients; those concurrently applying for another MEXT program or through another university; in principle those already in Japan on 'Student' status.
This page covers science and engineering fields only; medicine, dentistry, and health/oral-care fields use a separate page.
Information is as of the 2025 academic year and changes each November when MEXT publishes the year's regulations; the application form is tentative until MEXT releases the official format after the IGP(A) deadline.

Documents required

Complete IGP(A) admission application per the IGP(A) application guidelines (the scholarship is applied for together with IGP(A) admission)
Application Form for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (tentative format until MEXT publishes the year's official format after the IGP(A) deadline)
Recommendation letter from the dean or equivalent official of the applicant's home university addressed to the President of Institute of Science Tokyo (free format; must be from the university attended for full-time study)
Materials showing English proficiency: either an IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or TOEIC L&R score report taken within two years before January 1 of the planned enrollment year, OR a photocopy of a certificate showing the most recently attended degree program's medium of instruction was English

Full details

Stipend: JPY 147,000/month (master's); JPY 148,000/month (doctoral)
Duration: 2 years (master's); integrated doctoral program runs ~3–5 years with possible scholarship extension to doctoral level
App. fee: An IGP(A) entrance examination/application fee applies (paid via E-shiharai Net); it is reimbursed if the applicant is allocated to Science Tokyo by MEXT
Age limit: 34 years old or younger, in principle, as of April 1 of the first year of the MEXT Scholarship period
Universities: Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo, formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology / Tokyo Tech)
Intake: Fall 2026
Eligible nationalities: Must hold the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan; Japanese nationals are in principle not eligible. For academic year 2025, the General scheme was restricted to nationals of countries designated by MEXT, and under the Priority scheme 75%+ of nominees come from MEXT-designated countries.
Language: English proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher (e.g., IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or TOEIC L&R with separate proof of writing/speaking), OR an English-medium degree; no Japanese-language requirement for IGP(A).
Standardized tests: Not required (English proficiency test such as IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC may be used to satisfy the language requirement; no GRE/GMAT mentioned)
Min GPA: 2.30 out of 3.00 in the last-attended degree program
Funding covers: Monthly living stipend · Tuition · Enrollment fee · Application fee reimbursement (if allocated by MEXT) · Round-trip airfare
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Bond / service: No formal return-home service bond; recipients are expected to contribute to mutual understanding between Japan and their home country and maintain relations after graduation.
Interview stage: Yes
Renewal: Maintain satisfactory academic progress; complete within the standard period. Doctoral extension requires GPA 2.50/3.00 in the master's program. Under the Priority scheme, a GPA of 2.30+ must be attained each year or eligibility is terminated.
Post-study work: Not specified on the official scholarship page
Opens: 2025-09-10
Results by: 2026-03-02
Timeline notes: Dates are for the most recent known cycle (enrollment Fall 2026), which had already closed as of 2026-06. IGP(A) application period was September 10 – November 23, 2025 (deadline 23:59 JST Nov 23, 2025; consent mail/letter deadline Nov 16, 2025); IGP(A) admission decision and Science Tokyo's recommendation to MEXT was March 2, 2026; MEXT's final official announcement of successful scholarship candidates is in July–August 2026. The next call for IGP(A) applications starts in September 2026. The scholarship page's general 'When to apply' window is mid-September to early December of the year prior to intended enrollment.

Sources & provenance

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

MEXT University Recommendation (UR) Scholarship at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

Beppu, Oita, Japan · Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

FundsFull admission fee covered · Full tuition fee covered · Monthly subsistence allowance of 144,000 JPY (including housing; amount subject to change) · Round-trip economy-class airfare between the home country and APU at the start and end of the program

Fully fundedNo GRECovers family

Deadline Closed November 12, 2025 Cycle 2025-2026

Key facts

Degree: Taught & research
Age limit: Must be born on or after April 2, 1991

What the funding covers

Full admission fee covered
Full tuition fee covered
Monthly subsistence allowance of 144,000 JPY (including housing; amount subject to change)
Round-trip economy-class airfare between the home country and APU at the start and end of the program

⚠ Must know before you apply

Two-step process: applicants must first apply to APU; APU then selects eligible candidates to recommend to MEXT. Final award is decided by MEXT, not APU.
Age limit: applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1991.
Minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale required at the most recent university.
Open only to nationals of a MEXT-designated country, and applicants must intend to study in Japan from overseas.
This is the September enrollment intake only; the documented cycle had a November 12, 2025 deadline for September 2026 entry.
Those who previously received a Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship are generally ineligible (with limited exceptions for 3+ years of subsequent education/work experience or certain designated programs).
Recipients cannot concurrently hold other scholarships unless approved for concurrent acceptance with the MEXT Scholarship.
Active military personnel or civilian military staff at the time of application are not eligible.
Fully funded: includes a living stipend (144,000 JPY/month including housing) plus full tuition, admission fee, and airfare - not tuition-only.
Application fee (5,500 JPY credit card for overseas applicants) cannot be waived; this is a paid application.
Recipients must hold a 'Student' status of residence (visa) in Japan.
Selection includes a pre-recorded video interview plus Watson-Glaser and Core Abilities online assessments (an additional online interview may be requested).

Documents required

Online application submitted via the APU Online Application System (all required documents uploaded digitally)
Documents Proving English Proficiency (English test score report, or proof of exemption); only scores from exams taken on or after mid-March 2024 are valid
Research Proposal & Study Plan (per APU's 'Notes on Creating Research Proposal & Study Plan')
Completion of the online assessment (pre-recorded video interview, Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal, and Core Abilities Assessment)
Application fee payment receipt (via online application system)
Note: the full enumerated document checklist is specified in APU's 2026 Graduate Application Handbook / 2026 Application Checklist

Full details

Stipend: 144,000 JPY/month (including housing; amount subject to change)
Duration: 2 years (standard period of completion for master's programs)
App. fee: 5,500 JPY for overseas applicants by credit card (cannot be waived); 7,000 JPY by bank transfer for overseas applicants
Universities: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Intake: September 2026
Eligible nationalities: Must be a national of a MEXT-designated country (see MEXT designated countries list). Applicants must intend to come to study in Japan from overseas.
Language: English is the language of instruction in all graduate classes. Minimum English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 85 / IELTS 6.5 / TOEIC L&R 800 / PTE Academic 58 / Cambridge-Linguaskill 176. Exemptions apply for applicants who graduated from a degree program in designated English-speaking countries, or who can certify an English-medium master's program or submit an English master's thesis. Only English test scores from exams taken on or after mid-March 2024 are valid.
Standardized tests: Not required (no GRE/GMAT). Selection includes an online assessment: Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal and a Core Abilities Assessment.
Min GPA: GPA of at least 2.30 on a 3.00 scale at most recent university
Funding covers: Full admission fee · Full tuition fee · Monthly subsistence allowance (living stipend) · Round-trip economy airfare (home country to APU, start and end of program)
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Interview stage: Yes
Results by: Final scholarship award results decided by MEXT by the end of June (timing subject to change)
Timeline notes: Documents the September 2026 enrollment cycle (deadline November 12, 2025), which is the most recent published UR cycle. As of 2026-06 this deadline has already passed; the next (2027) cycle dates are not yet published (only a '2027 Application Schedule' page exists). The UR scholarship accepts applications for September enrollment only.

Sources & provenance

APU Graduate Admissions - MEXT University Recommendation (UR) (official program page: eligibility, award, deadline, selection process) accessed 2026-06-06
APU Graduate Admissions - Master's Programs 2026 Enrollment (application process, language requirements, application fee, online assessment) accessed 2026-06-06
APU Graduate School Downloads (Application Handbook, Application Checklist, Notes on Creating Research Proposal & Study Plan) accessed 2026-06-06
APU International Scholarships overview page accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

JDS — The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS)

Japan · Waseda University, Rikkyo University +7

FundsFull tuition fees · One round-trip air fare (provided by JDS) · Arrival allowance · Accommodation allowance · Monthly scholarship (living allowance) · Subsidiary allowance for purchasing books · Subsidiary allowance for shipping · Subsidiary allowance for traveling and seminar · Overseas travel insurance · Support from the local agent: finding accommodation, initial settlement, emergency support, pre-departure and arrival orientation

No GREReturn-home bondFully funded

Deadline Closed 2025-11-10 Cycle 2026-2027

Key facts

Duration: 2 years (Master's)
Degree: Taught & research
App. fee: No application fee mentioned

What the funding covers

Full tuition fees
One round-trip air fare (provided by JDS)
Arrival allowance
Accommodation allowance
Monthly scholarship (living allowance)
Subsidiary allowance for purchasing books
Subsidiary allowance for shipping
Subsidiary allowance for traveling and seminar
Overseas travel insurance
Support from the local agent: finding accommodation, initial settlement, emergency support, pre-departure and arrival orientation

⚠ Must know before you apply

Aimed at young government officials / civil servants of partner developing countries — most country windows require the applicant to be a serving civil servant with work experience (e.g. Nepal: gazetted civil servant with at least 3 years' service) and to obtain an official study-leave approval letter signed by a senior official (Joint Secretary or above).
Return-home obligation: fellows must return to their home country after obtaining the degree; staying in Japan to continue study or work after the program is not permitted.
Age limit applies and is set per country (e.g. Nepal Master's: 25–40 inclusive as of 1 April of the intake year).
Government-to-government Grant Aid scheme — eligibility, deadlines, priority study fields, accepting universities and quotas differ by country and change yearly; only specific partner countries are eligible each cycle. Check your own country's JDS page.
Fully funded for the fellow (tuition + monthly living scholarship + air fare + insurance), but the program does NOT cover any costs for accompanying dependents (their air tickets, insurance, living costs and visa are the fellow's responsibility).
All courses are taught in English; no Japanese language ability required. English exam required for all applicants — a valid IELTS/TOEFL (issued within two years) waives the in-house English test.
Mainly social-science fields (public policy/administration, economics, law, international relations); applicants prepare a research plan tied to their country's priority development components.
Fellows may not take paid work in Japan (except university teaching/research assistantships).

Documents required

Application Guidelines (read before applying)
Confidential Statement of Reference (Prescribed Form 1) — from senior supervisor
Official Approval Letter / study-leave approval (Prescribed Form 2) — signed by Joint Secretary or above
Research Plan (Prescribed Form 3A/3B/3C/3D/3E depending on target university, or free format within word limit for some)
Educational Background Sheet / Work Experience Sheet
Notarized copy of degree certificate(s) and academic transcript(s)
IELTS or TOEFL certificate issued within two years (if available; otherwise take the JDS English exam)
Submission via The Admissions Office (TAO) online application system

Full details

Age limit: Set per country; Nepal Master's intake: 25–40 inclusive as of 1 April of the intake year.
Universities: Waseda University, Rikkyo University, Hiroshima University, Meiji University, Yamaguchi University, International University of Japan (IUJ), Ritsumeikan University, Kyushu University, Keio University
Eligible nationalities: Nationals of JDS partner countries only (a rotating list of ~25 developing countries, e.g. Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, plus newer additions such as India, Mozambique, Kenya, Senegal, Ukraine); typically restricted to serving government officials/civil servants.
Language: Programs taught in English. A valid IELTS or TOEFL certificate issued within two years exempts the applicant from the in-house JDS English examination; otherwise the JDS English exam must be taken.
Standardized tests: No GRE/GMAT. A mathematics examination is required for some accepting universities (e.g. Ritsumeikan, Kyushu and Keio applicants are exempt).
Min GPA: No GPA borderline (Nepal FAQ: "We do not have any borderline for GPA score.")
Funding covers: tuition · monthly living stipend · round-trip airfare · arrival/settlement allowance · accommodation allowance · book allowance · shipping allowance · travel/seminar allowance · overseas travel insurance
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Bond / service: Must return to home country after completing the degree; fellows are expected to contribute to their country's development. No fixed years stated but return is mandatory.
Covers dependents: No
Interview stage: Yes
Post-study work: None — fellows must return home after graduation and may not remain in Japan to study further or work.
Opens: 2025-10-14
Timeline notes: Dates shown are for the JDS Nepal Master's intake for academic year 2026-2027 (application window 14 Oct 2025 12:00 to 10 Nov 2025 17:00, local time, via the TAO online system). JDS runs as a government-to-government Grant Aid scheme, so the application schedule, priority fields, accepting universities, eligibility (e.g. age window relative to 1 April) and number of awards are set country-by-country each year — applicants must check their own country's JDS page for exact dates. Nepal's 2026-2027 cycle was completed/closed as of the 2026-06 verification date.

Sources & provenance

JICA — The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) overview accessed 2026-06-06
JDS (JICE) — What is JDS Project? accessed 2026-06-06
JDS (JICE) — Student Life: JDS Support / Benefits of JDS Fellows accessed 2026-06-06
JDS (Japan Development Service) — Nepal Master's Degree Programme 2026 (eligibility, documents, schedule, FAQ) accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)

Japan · National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Hitotsubashi University +2

FundsAdmission and tuition fees · Monthly stipend · Allowance for one round-trip economy airfare · Orientation Program fees (Master's Track only) · Pre-arrival allowance covering visa fees and medical exam (Master's Track only) · Field-trip fees arranged by the partner university (Master's Track only) · Research Related Fees (Ph.D. Track only) · Partner-university assistance for visa application, dormitories and an insurance package (Master's Track)

Fully fundedReturn-home bond

Deadline Closed October 20, 2025 (Master's Track, AY2026-27) Cycle 2026-2027

Key facts

Degree: Taught & research

What the funding covers

Admission and tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Allowance for one round-trip economy airfare
Orientation Program fees (Master's Track only)
Pre-arrival allowance covering visa fees and medical exam (Master's Track only)
Field-trip fees arranged by the partner university (Master's Track only)
Research Related Fees (Ph.D. Track only)
Partner-university assistance for visa application, dormitories and an insurance package (Master's Track)

⚠ Must know before you apply

Restricted to nationals of 22 eligible Asia-Pacific countries/regions (e.g. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Pacific Island Countries).
Applicants must be government officials employed and nominated by an eligible agency (central bank, ministry of finance/economy, tax administration, statistics bureau, financial regulators, etc.) - not open to the general public.
Priority given to candidates under 36 years old, who have not obtained a Master's degree from outside their own country, and who have at least 2 years of public-sector work experience at the time of application.
Two tracks: Master's Track (about 35 awards/year at four partner universities - GRIPS, Hitotsubashi, IUJ, University of Tokyo) and Ph.D. Track (only a small number of awards; applicant must independently secure doctoral admission at any Japanese university).
Selection may involve an interview and (Master's Track) a mathematics test; only shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
No expenses for accompanying family members are covered, and no other scholarship may be accepted by JISPA scholars.
JISPA graduates are expected to return to their home countries to serve as policymakers.

Documents required

Application form with supporting documents (submitted during the set application period)
Statement of preferred partner universities (Master's Track applicants must state their choice of universities in the application)
TOEFL or IELTS score report (encouraged; register the JISPA institution code TOEFL 'C626' or IELTS 'JISPA' when taking the test)
Government nomination (applicant must be employed and nominated by an eligible government agency)
Proof of a Bachelor's degree (Master's Track) or Master's degree (Ph.D. Track)

Full details

Stipend: Monthly stipend provided (amount not specified on official page)
Duration: Master's Track: one-year or two-year programs depending on university; Ph.D. Track: varies
Age limit: Priority to candidates under 36 years old (not a hard cutoff)
Universities: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Hitotsubashi University, International University of Japan (IUJ), The University of Tokyo
Eligible nationalities: Nationals of 22 eligible Asia-Pacific countries/regions: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pacific Island Countries, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam
Language: Applicants must be fluent in English; TOEFL or IELTS score report encouraged
Funding covers: tuition · stipend · airfare · insurance (Master's Track via university) · orientation
Supervisor first: Not required
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Covers dependents: No
Interview stage: Yes
Opens: September 20 (Master's Track application window opens; AY2026-27 opened ahead of the Oct 20 2025 deadline)
Timeline notes: Master's Track application window is September 20 - October 20 (subject to change). The AY2026-27 Master's Track deadline was October 20, 2025 and is now CLOSED as of 2026-06. The Ph.D. Track for AY2026-27 ran May 1 - June 1, 2026 (deadline June 1, 2026 23:59 JST) for admission in Sep/Oct 2026 or April 2027. Dates verified 2026-06-06.

Sources & provenance

IMF OAP - What is JISPA (benefits, eligibility, tracks) accessed 2026-06-06
IMF OAP - JISPA Home (deadlines, application procedure) accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06

ABE Initiative (African Business Education Initiative for Youth) — JICA Master's Degree and Internship Program

Japan

FundsTuition (examination fees, entrance fees, course fees) paid at actual cost directly to the university · Living allowance JPY 143,000–148,000 per month (varies by living area/accommodation), paid monthly via the university · Round-trip airfare (actual costs) upon arrival in Japan and upon returning home · Outfit allowance JPY 100,000 (once, upon arrival) · Moving allowance up to JPY 164,000–224,000 (once, during training period) · Research support expenses up to JPY 360,000 per year (actual costs, via university with supervisor approval) · Medical insurance for illness arising after arrival (pre-existing illness, pregnancy, and dental treatment NOT covered)

Fully fundedNo application feeNo GRE

Deadline Closed September 26, 2025 (JICA Tunisia office, for JFY2026 / 13th Batch) Cycle 2026-2029

Key facts

Stipend: JPY 143,000–148,000 per month
Degree: Taught & research
Age limit: Under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2026

What the funding covers

Tuition (examination fees, entrance fees, course fees) paid at actual cost directly to the university
Living allowance JPY 143,000–148,000 per month (varies by living area/accommodation), paid monthly via the university
Round-trip airfare (actual costs) upon arrival in Japan and upon returning home
Outfit allowance JPY 100,000 (once, upon arrival)
Moving allowance up to JPY 164,000–224,000 (once, during training period)
Research support expenses up to JPY 360,000 per year (actual costs, via university with supervisor approval)
Medical insurance for illness arising after arrival (pre-existing illness, pregnancy, and dental treatment NOT covered)

⚠ Must know before you apply

Open ONLY to citizens of one of the 54 African countries — not open to other nationalities.
Age limit: applicants must be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2026.
Two-step selection: candidates must first be selected as JICA's official candidate through JICA's internal screening AND then pass the general entrance examination of their chosen Japanese university.
You apply through the JICA overseas office in charge of YOUR home country; deadlines, submission address, and forms vary by country (e.g., Tunisia deadline was September 26, 2025).
Master's program is taught/conducted in English; required English level is approximately TOEFL iBT 80 / IELTS 6.5 / CEFR B2, though it may differ by university.
In principle, candidates without an affiliation (organization) are not eligible; Government-category applicants need 6+ months experience, permission to apply, and secured reinstatement.
A JICA-format health certificate (and possibly a second one, plus tuberculosis inspection after arrival) is mandatory, at the applicant's own cost initially.
Cannot receive another non-Japanese-government scholarship during the program; cannot engage in political activities or any employment for profit; cannot drive in Japan; inviting family is not recommended before 6 months in Japan.
Participants must return to their home country on the JICA-designated flight after the program; JICA may require return of allowances/expenditure if conditions/laws are violated.

Documents required

Application Form including Personal Information, Educational Background, Present Organization and Nomination, Work Experience, and Declaration (Terms and Conditions)
Research Plan (Annex 2)
Career Plan (Annex 2)
Graduation certificate — officially certified copies of the original, in English or with official English translation
Academic transcript containing all grades — officially certified copies of the original, in English or with official English translation
Photocopy of certificate of English Test
Copy of Passport or ID with photo
2 ID photos (4cm × 3cm) pasted on application form (original and copy)
Health certificate in JICA format (no later than April 30, 2026; dated on or after April 1, 2026; at applicant's own cost)

Full details

Duration: Up to 3 years (standard September 2026–August 2029): up to 6 months as a research student, 1–2 years as a Master's student, plus internship after graduation for limited participants
Eligible nationalities: Citizens of one of the 54 African countries only
Language: Program conducted in English; adequate written and oral English to complete the Master's, e.g. TOEFL iBT 80 / IELTS 6.5 / CEFR B2 (required level may differ by university)
Funding covers: tuition · monthly living allowance · round-trip airfare · outfit allowance · moving allowance · research support expenses · medical insurance
Two-step process: Admission, then scholarship
Covers dependents: No
Interview stage: Yes
Timeline notes: Dates are from the JFY2026 (13th Batch) cycle per the JICA Tunisia country-office portal and the JICA General Information PDF (August 2025). The ABE Initiative is administered through JICA overseas (country) offices, so the exact deadline and submission address vary by African country; the September 26, 2025 deadline cited here is the Tunisia office deadline. Applicants must apply through the JICA office in charge of their own country. Standard timetable: September 2026 – August 2029 (maximum).

Sources & provenance

JICA Africa Plaza — ABE Initiative Master's Degree and Internship Program (official program page) accessed 2026-06-06
JICA Tunisia office — ABE Initiative portal (JFY2026 / 13th Batch, deadline September 26, 2025) accessed 2026-06-06
JICA General Information on ABE Initiative Master's Degree and Internship Program JFY2026 (official PDF, August 2025) accessed 2026-06-06

Visit official page Verified 2026-06-06