Here’s a comprehensive list of fully funded scholarships in Japan. These scholarships are provided by prestigious universities and private organizations that aim to support students with financial challenges.
Recipients will be privileged to access quality education from top universities without bearing the burden of tuition. By securing a scholarship here, you get an opportunity to advance your academic dreams without fear of financial constraints.
List of fully funded scholarships in Japan
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship is one of the World Bank Scholarship programs cofounded by the Japanese Government. It is available to citizens of developing countries pursuing higher education in Japan.
However, only professionals with a minimum of three years of experience are eligible to access this funding. Applicants must hold bachelor’s degrees and be pursuing a master’s degree in a development-related field.
Some JJWBGSP fields include infrastructure management, tax policy, and economic policy management. World Bank employees and family members will not be considered for this scholarship.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- $1000 travel allowance from your home country and back
- Monthly allowance to cover books, accommodation, living costs
Closing date: May 23, 2025
Also Read: Apply for 2025 Scholarships in Switzerland for foreign scholars
Honjo International Scholarship
Honjo Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships to help bright students struggling to fund their education in Japan. You can easily apply from your home country if you plan to study for a master’s or doctorate. Applicants are required to have proficiency in English and Japanese.
Students for the master’s award must apply by age 30 while those for PhD have until age 35 to apply. Applicants should have a deep understanding of international relations and be willing to serve their home country after graduation.
Value
- ¥ 230,000 per month for one to two years of degree
- ¥ 210 000 per month three years degree
- ¥ 180, 000 per month four to five years degree
Closing date: September 2, 2025.
Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship
In 1988, Asian Development Bank created a scholarship program to enhance human resource development. It is supported by the Government of Japan and administered by several Japanese universities. Every year, the bank awards fully funded scholarships in Japan to 10 students with superior academic records.
Only students from ADB borrowing member countries enrolled for a master’s program are eligible for this award. Also, they must be below 35 years of age, be medically sound, and be willing to return to their country after their studies.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Medical insurance
- Housing and living allowance
- Travel allowance
- Book allowance
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship is a program sponsored by the National Institute of Genetics to fund international researchers interested in working at the agency. They will engage in research activities for three years. Individuals from all countries can apply so long as they have strong research skills to manage research projects in genetics.
During the period of employment, they are expected to contribute to NIG activities including retreats and poster sessions. Lastly, they must make a report on the achievements at the NIG colloquium when the employment contract ends.
Benefits
- 4,100,000 JPY. annual salary
- Employment insurance
- Mutual society of health insurance
MEXT Scholarships
MEXT Scholarships is a funding program sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. It covers students in both undergraduate and research programs in all Japanese universities. Undergraduate students must be between 17 and 25 while research students must be below 35 years of age.
Most importantly, this ranks as the best of fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students. Foreign applicants can send their applications through the Japanese embassy in their country. This must include notarized degree certificates, a study plan, a CV, and two recommendation letters.
Benefits
- Travel allowance
- Preparatory allowance
- Education
- Accommodation fees
JFUNU Scholarships
JFUNU Scholarships are fully funded scholarships in Japan hosted by the United Nations University to support students from developing countries. In other words, applicants with a working visa in Japan will not be considered.
Foreign students under this scholarship have a remarkable opportunity to get the best education. As this is a PhD scholarship, only master’s degree holders are eligible to apply. There is no separate application for this program so qualified students will be selected during the admissions process.
Coverage
- Tuition fee waiver
- 120,000 JPY monthly allowance for 24 months