MBA scholarships in Japan

MBA scholarships in Japan for international students 2025

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Dreaming of earning an advanced degree abroad? Here’s a list of MBA scholarships in Japan that might interest you.

Japan is an ideal study destination for many people due to its reputable academic institutions, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. As a non-Japanese citizen, you too can access quality education without breaking the bank.

However, you will need financial assistance to realize your dreams. In this post, there’s a plethora of funding programs you can choose from. Find the most suitable opportunity, check your eligibility, and apply promptly.

List of MBA scholarships in Japan for international students

Rikkyo University Global Scholarship

Rikkyo University, one of Japan’s leading private institutions, supports the academic aspirations of promising students. The global scholarship is one of many funding opportunities open to international students pursuing degree programs at the university.

Eligibility criteria

  • International students
  • Demonstrates genuine financial need
  • Pursuing study abroad programs

Award value: 100000 – 600000 JPY

Closing date: November 28, 2025.

Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a generous funding provider to foreign students in Japan. It supports professionals from developing countries with a history of supporting their countries’ development.

This award’s applicants must pursue a master’s degree in a development-related topic. In addition to Japan, JJWBGSP boasts scholarships for 26 participating programs in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Oceania.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the application deadline.
  • Be a citizen of a World Bank member country.
  • Have at least three years of work experience in a development-related field or be employed in a paid full-time position at the time of the application.
  • Be in good health
  • Not have any appointments or a close relative in active employment at the World Bank Group.

Award benefits

  • Basic health insurance
  • Tuition fee reduction
  • Accommodation
  • Travel expenses

Closing date: May 23, 2025.

Kumamoto University Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship

Kumamoto University, a research-oriented university, offers funding opportunities to help more students access quality education. The Rotary Yoneyama scholarship is one of the programs providing international students with MBA scholarships in Japan. Privately funded students enrolled in other graduate programs at Kumamoto University can also benefit from this award.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, applicants must be:

  • Admitted to Kumamoto University
  • Non-Japanese citizens with a valid study visa
  • Final year students
  • Proficient in the Japanese language at least equivalent to JLPT N4 or above
  • Be in good health

Award value: 100000 – 14000 JPY

Closing date: September 30, 2025.

Kyoto University Scholarship

Established in 1897, Kyoto University is a top choice for Asian foreign students. It is renowned for quality study programs, academic freedom, and scholarship opportunities.

International students participating in a student exchange agreement can also apply for scholarships for a short-term program; however, all applications must go through the student’s home institution. No direct applications will be considered.

Eligibility criteria

  • Must be a foreign national
  • Demonstrate financial need or academic merit
  • Studying for a master’s degree at Kyoto University

Award value: 80000 JPY monthly

Closing date: Varies by graduate school

Also Read:  2025 Top Fully funded international scholarships for Nigerian students

Heiwa Nakajima Foundation Scholarship

The Heiwa Nakajima Foundation Scholarship is another funding program for full-time students of Kyoto University. The foundation aims to strengthen Japan’s relations with other countries through educational exchange. Only international students are eligible to receive funding.

Eligibility criteria

  • Full-time students of Kumamoto University
  • Having a study visa
  • Should not be a recipient of awards over 30,000 yen per month
  • Demonstrates academic excellence

Award value: 100000 JPY

Closing date: September 30, 2025.

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

Honjo Foundations is a prestigious Japanese organization offering fully-funded MBA scholarships in Japan. Founded in 1996 through a $200 million donation from Mr Honjo, HISF aims to empower students from developing countries by providing comprehensive academic support.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must:

  • Not possess Japanese citizenship
  • Start the MBA program by age 30
  • Ready to develop their home country upon graduation
  • Should be fluent in English and Japanese
  • Participate in events as an alumni member

Award value

200,000 JPY per month for one to two years.

180,000 JPY per month for three years

Closing date: April 30, 2025.

Japan Student Services Organization Scholarship Program

With Jasso scholarships, privately financed international students can afford to study at Japanese universities. This full-ride scholarship covers both tuition and non-tuition expenses. Additionally, it is available for graduate students to ensure a seamless learning experience in Japan.

Eligibility criteria

  • Admitted to an accredited Japanese university
  • Non-Japanese citizen
  • Proficiency in English and Japanese

Award value: 80,000 JPY

Closing date: Varies by institution

Globis University Part-time & online MBA scholarship

Globis University, a premier graduate business school in Japan, offers various MBA programs, including full-time, part-time, and Online MBAs. They also provide scholarships to help students obtain these degrees. Eligible applicants can benefit from waiving the pre-MBA enrollment fee and postponing 50% of the tuition until after graduation.

Eligibility criteria

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree
  • Be an international student
  • Outstanding performance in the admission process
  • Supports the Globis community
  • Demonstrates financial need

Award value: $ 23,000 JPPY

Closing date: May 10, 2025

Start the application process through this portal

Keio University Scholarship

Asian Development Bank partners with Keio University to fund the education of citizens of ADB member countries. This is a top choice for those seeking MBA scholarships in Japan.  It specifically targets students pursuing science, technology, management, economics, and engineering degrees.

Eligibility criteria

  • Nationals from ADB borrowing countries
  • Minimum of two years of work experience after a bachelor’s degree.
  • Resides in the home country at the time of application
  • Proficiency in written and oral English
  • Must be under 35 years old

Scholarship benefits

  • Full tuition
  • Airfare
  • Medical insurance
  • Housing allowance
  • Monthly stipends

Closing date: May 10, 2025

Osaka University Scholarship

Osaka University, a national research institution in Suita, Japan, provides financial support for outstanding graduate students from other countries. In addition, there are funding opportunities from external sponsors to ensure students focus on their study programs.

Eligibility criteria

  • Excellent academic record
  • Bachelor’s degree holder
  • Proficiency in English

Award value: 80,000 JPY

Closing date: October 1, 2025.

MEXT scholarship

The MEXT scholarship is among Japan’s most popular options for MBA scholarships. It is sponsored by the Japanese government through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). Eligible candidates must pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at Japanese universities.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

  • Have a strong academic record
  • Be below 35 years of age
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree

Award benefits

  • Full-tuition coverage
  • Round-trip airfare

Monthly stipend 144,000 JPY

Closing date: May 2025.

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