This is not a matcher. We don't pick scholarships for you — amounts, deadlines, competitiveness, and outcomes are your own work to verify. This page only lets you compare the types and entry points at a glance. The single most important axis for international students is whether you can lock it in before arriving in Japan, or apply after — start there.
The biggest difference for international students is whether an outcome or reservation can be settled before you leave home. These are ordered by priority — locking them in top-down makes your pre-arrival cost picture far clearer.
Priority guide: MEXT embassy recommendation > MEXT university recommendation (general/special) > JASSO reservation system (EJU / pre-arrival admission) > a few front-loaded private foundations (Kyoritsu, Honjo, Sato-Yo, Yoneyama overseas candidates). All vary by year, country, and university.
MEXT Japanese-government scholarships. Two tracks — embassy recommendation and university recommendation — and the heaviest support, mostly starting before you leave home.
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| Name | Operator | Eligibility | Type & amount | Timing | How to apply | Key conditions | Combinable | Official & updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 国費外国人留学生（学部・大使館推薦）MEXT undergraduate (embassy recommendation) | MEXT + Japanese embassy/consulate (first screening) | Undergraduate applicants; nationals of countries with diplomatic ties to Japan, without Japanese nationality, meeting undergraduate entry requirements (12 years of schooling). | Grant117,000円/月＋地区加算2,000〜3,000＋授業料免除＋往復航空券 | Pre-arrival | Embassy recommendation (first round by the embassy, second by MEXT). | 2027 embassy recommendation: in principle born on/after 2002-04-02, plus academic record, language, and health requirements. 117,000 yen/month + regional allowance. | In principle cannot be combined with unauthorized scholarships. | Official Updated to verify |
| 国費外国人留学生（研究留学生・大使館推薦）MEXT research student (embassy recommendation) | MEXT + Japanese embassy/consulate (first screening) | Research students (non-degree), master's, doctoral, and professional-degree applicants who meet graduate-school entry requirements. | Grant研究生143,000／修士144,000／博士145,000円/月＋加算＋授業料免除＋航空券 | Pre-arrival | Embassy recommendation plus seeking provisional acceptance from up to 3 universities (up to 2 letters). | 2027 embassy recommendation: in principle born on/after 1992-04-02, plus research plan and language. Research 143,000 / Master 144,000 / Doctoral 145,000 yen/month. First round May–Jul, provisional acceptance by Sep 1, second round from Nov, results the next Jan–Mar. | Cannot be combined with unauthorized scholarships. | Official Updated to verify |
| 国費外国人留学生（大学推薦・研究・一般枠）MEXT university recommendation — research (general) | MEXT + recommendation by a Japanese university | Research/master's/doctoral/professional (research only, not undergraduate). New arrivals not already on a long-term status in Japan; JLPT N2 or CEFR B2, GPA coefficient ≥ 2.30. | Grant研究留学生標準（143k/144k/145k）＋加算＋受入大学が検定/入学/授業料を負担 | Pre-arrival | University recommendation / internal selection (you cannot apply directly to MEXT). | GPA coefficient ≥ 2.30, language (B2/N2), no concurrent MEXT applications, in principle not residing in Japan. MEXT submission 2026-02-20–03-05, but on-campus calls are often earlier (autumn–winter into early next year). Arrival Sep–Oct. | Cannot be combined with Japanese-government scholarships that disallow concurrent receipt. | Official Updated to verify |
| 国費外国人留学生（大学推薦・特別枠）MEXT university recommendation — special | Universities selected for priority-placement special programs | Research and undergraduate students (special quota); only at universities with approved special programs. New arrivals or those already in Japan. | Grant研究143k/144k/145k・学部117k（プログラム要項に準拠） | Before or after | University recommendation / selection within the special program. | Limited to specific programs; usually still requires GPA coefficient ≥ 2.30 and language. Timing depends on each program. | MEXT's concurrent-receipt restrictions apply. | Official Updated 2025-12-05 |
The base layer for self-funded students. The Honors Scholarship is the first safety net after enrollment, and the reservation system offers routes you can secure before arriving.
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| Name | Operator | Eligibility | Type & amount | Timing | How to apply | Key conditions | Combinable | Official & updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 文部科学省外国人留学生学習奨励費JASSO Honors Scholarship (learning incentive) | JASSO | Self-funded students with the 'Student' status enrolled at graduate/undergraduate schools, junior colleges, KOSEN (3rd year+), vocational specialty courses, bekka, preparatory education, or Japanese-language institutions. | Grant大学院・学部等48,000／日本語機関30,000円/月（通常12ヶ月・秋入学6ヶ月） | Post-arrival | Apply through your enrolled school / school recommendation (no individual applications). | GPA coefficient ≥ 2.30; JLPT N2 / EJU Japanese 200+ / CEFR B2 (except bekka, etc.); monthly remittance from home ≤ ¥90,000; supporter-in-Japan annual income < ¥5M. Includes a career survey and monthly enrollment check. Calls late Mar–early May or late Aug–early Oct. | Cannot be received alongside scholarships with concurrency limits or JASSO exchange-by-agreement support. | Official Updated 2026-03-26 |
| 学習奨励費 予約制度（渡日前入学許可）JASSO reservation (pre-arrival admission) | JASSO | Self-funded students admitted before arrival: degree-seeking graduate students, and undergraduate/junior-college/KOSEN(3rd+)/vocational degree students admitted via pre-arrival admission (no research students, auditors, or non-degree). | Grant48,000円/月（4月入学12ヶ月・9〜10月入学6ヶ月） | Pre-arrival | Consult your intended school; the school handles the procedure. | Must be a JASSO-certified pre-arrival-admission school and a full-time degree student. ¥48,000/month (12 months for April entry, 6 for Sep–Oct entry). | After enrollment you must still meet the Honors Scholarship conditions; cannot be combined with MEXT or foreign-government scholarships. | Official Updated 2026-02-27 |
| 学習奨励費 予約制度（EJU成績優秀者）JASSO reservation (high EJU scorers) | JASSO | High EJU scorers; undergraduate/junior-college/KOSEN(3rd+)/vocational degree students (graduate school not eligible). | Grant48,000円/月（6または12ヶ月・海外会場特優は修業期まで延長可） | Pre-arrival | Tick the box at EJU registration, then receive it via school recommendation after enrollment. | Selected by EJU; 'Student' status; degree student; monthly private funds ≤ ¥90,000; supporter-in-Japan income < ¥5M. ¥48,000/month (6 or 12 months; overseas-venue top scorers extendable to full term). Reservation notice downloadable end of August. | Cannot be combined with JASSO exchange-by-agreement, MEXT, or foreign-government scholarships. | Official Updated 2026-05-29 |
| 海外留学支援制度（協定受入）JASSO Student Exchange Support (inbound by agreement) | JASSO | Short-term exchange of 8 days–1 year under an inter-university agreement; you keep enrollment at and complete your degree at your home university. | Grant80,000円/月 | Pre-arrival | Only the Japanese host university/program can apply (no individual applications). | An agreement in place, strong academics/character, financial need. ¥80,000/month. Ineligible if other Japan scholarships total over ¥80,000. | Cannot be combined with the JASSO Honors Scholarship or MEXT; other scholarships must total ≤ ¥80,000. | Official Updated 日文页2026-04-07 |
Strongly region-bound and mostly post-arrival — you must study and live in that prefecture/city. Search on the assumption that you're already enrolled and resident locally.
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| Name | Operator | Eligibility | Type & amount | Timing | How to apply | Key conditions | Combinable | Official & updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 外国人留学生修学奨励金（川崎市国際交流協会）Kawasaki international-student grant | Kawasaki International Association | Vocational, junior-college, undergraduate, master's, or doctoral students studying and living in Kawasaki; mainly self-funded. | Grant100,000円/年 | Post-arrival | Apply and be recommended through your school. | University recommendation plus participation in Kawasaki's exchange activities. Calls mid-Apr to mid-May. | Allowed, but not concurrently with MEXT government scholarships. | Official Updated to verify |
| 張鳳俊奨学基金（京都市国際交流協会）Kyoto Chang Feng-Jun scholarship fund | Kyoto City International Foundation | Undergraduates (2nd year+), master's (2nd year+), doctoral; mainly from Asia, enrolled in Kyoto City. | Grant50,000円/月・1年 | Post-arrival | Via the school office, plus documents and interview. | Self-funded only. Calls mid-Apr to early May. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| 神戸市留学生奨学金（神戸・菅原）Kobe (Sugawara) international-student scholarship | Kobe International Community Center | Undergraduates (years 3–4), master's, doctoral; enrolled in Kobe City. | Grant80,000円/月・1年 | Post-arrival | Via the school office, plus documents and interview. | Priority for Southeast Asia plus a Tianjin (friendship-city) quota. Calls Feb–mid-Mar. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| ひろしま奨学金（広島平和文化センター）Hiroshima scholarship | Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation | Undergraduate, research, master's, or doctoral students, plus Japanese-language, junior-college, or vocational students; studying and living in Hiroshima City. | Grant30,000円/月・1年 | Post-arrival | Via school or organization office. | Local-residency requirement. ¥30,000/month for 1 year. Calls mid-Apr to mid-May. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| 福岡アジア留学生里親奨学金（福岡県国際交流センター）Fukuoka Asia 'host-parent' scholarship | Fukuoka International Exchange Center | KOSEN, vocational, junior-college, undergraduate, master's, or doctoral students; mainly from Asia and enrolled in Fukuoka Prefecture. | Grant20,000円/月（里親の意向で調整可）・1年 | Post-arrival | Via the school office, plus documents and interview. | Amount adjusted by the host family's intent. ¥20,000/month for 1 year. Calls Apr–May. | Combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| 福岡市国際財団奨学金（福岡よかトピア国際交流財団）Fukuoka City International Foundation scholarship | Fukuoka Yokatopia International Foundation | Mainly undergraduate and master's; designated universities, enrolled in the Fukuoka metropolitan area. | Grant600,000円/年（最短修業年限まで） | Post-arrival | Via university/organization office, plus documents and interview. | Wish to work in Fukuoka; JLPT N3+ or equivalent. ¥600,000/year (to the minimum study period). Calls Apr–early May. | Allowed, but the combined cap follows the pamphlet. | Official Updated to verify |
| びわこ奨学金（滋賀県国際協会）Biwako scholarship | Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization | Junior-college, undergraduate, research, master's, or doctoral students; enrolled and resident in Shiga Prefecture. | Grant20,000円/月・1年 | Post-arrival | Via school or organization office. | Local-residency requirement. ¥20,000/month for 1 year. Calls Apr–May. | Allowed (cap ¥20,000/month). | Official Updated to verify |
| 石川県私費外国人留学生奨学金（石川県）Ishikawa Prefecture self-funded student scholarship | Ishikawa Prefecture | KOSEN, bekka, Japanese-language school, vocational, junior-college, undergraduate, research, master's, or doctoral students; enrolled in Ishikawa Prefecture. | Grant月額20,000円×12（県公式明示=2025年度。2026手册は金額未定）・支給1年 | Post-arrival | Via the school office. | Amount and rules confirmed in the annual notice. 1-year support. Calls in June. | Concurrency undetermined — verify. | Official Updated to verify |
| 海外留学生奨学金（姫路市）Overseas Student Scholarship (Himeji City) | Himeji City | International students enrolled at higher-education institutions within Himeji City. | Grant[目安2026] 30,000円/月 | Post-arrival | Apply via the school window / per the city's guidance. | Studying within Himeji City is required. Application typically in June. [Guide 2026] ¥30,000/month. | Possible (to be confirmed). | Official Updated to verify |
| 加東市外国人留学生奨学金（加東市）Foreign Student Scholarship (Kato City) | Kato City | International students residing within Kato City. | Grant[目安2026] 15,000円/月×1年 | Post-arrival | Apply per the city's guidance. | Residing in Kato City and participating in local international-exchange activities are required. Application typically Apr–May. [Guide 2026] ¥15,000/month for 1 year. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| 企業等協力留学生奨学金・県民支援（ひろしま国際センター）Corporate-Cooperation & Prefectural-Support Student Scholarship (Hiroshima International Center) | Hiroshima International Center | International students enrolled at universities within Hiroshima Prefecture. | Grant[目安2026] 30,000円/月×1年 | Post-arrival | Apply via the school or organization window. | Studying within Hiroshima Prefecture is required. Application typically early-to-mid Apr–May. [Guide 2026] ¥30,000/month for 1 year. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
Entry splits into school-recommendation types and front-loaded types you can apply to directly or before arrival. The front-loaded ones are a valuable route to lock in before leaving.
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| Name | Operator | Eligibility | Type & amount | Timing | How to apply | Key conditions | Combinable | Official & updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ロータリー米山記念奨学会Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation | Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation | Overseas students planning to enter a Japanese university/grad school (overseas candidates), plus an in-Japan route (later undergrad, master's, doctoral). | Grant約70,000〜140,000円/月（学段別）・1〜2年 | Before or after | Routes vary by district/year (overseas candidates apply via district open calls). | Overseas candidates need basic Japanese (e.g., JLPT N4). The in-Japan route applies roughly early Aug–mid Oct. About ¥70,000–140,000/month for 1–2 years. | The in-Japan route is often non-combinable — verify. | Official Updated to verify |
| 平和中島財団 外国人留学生奨学金Heiwa-Nakajima Foundation scholarship | Heiwa-Nakajima Foundation | Undergraduates (years 2–4), master's, doctoral. | Grant学部170,000／大学院200,000円/月（2026事業計画）・1年 | Post-arrival | Through your school ('inquire directly with your school'). | Strong academics/character. ¥170,000 (undergrad) / ¥200,000 (grad) per month (2026 business plan) for 1 year. Calls roughly early Sep–end Oct. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| 安田奨学財団 留学生一般枠Yasuda Scholarship Foundation (general) | Yasuda Scholarship Foundation | International students in law/economics/management/commerce; mainly 2nd-year undergraduates. | Grant約100,000円/月・最長3年 | Post-arrival | University-recommendation internal selection plus the official application page. | Strong field restriction; self-funded; strong academics. ~¥100,000/month for up to 3 years. | In principle not combinable with other grants, but JASSO may be used alongside. | Official Updated 2025-12-09 |
| 共立国際交流奨学財団Kyoritsu International Foundation | Kyoritsu International Foundation | Vocational, junior-college, undergraduate, master's, or doctoral students; mainly from Asia. | Grant110,000円/月（2026年度より増額）・1年 | Pre-arrival | Via the program page plus your school's requirements. | Check eligible schools officially. Selected before arrival, typically early Nov–end Jan. ~¥110,000/month for 1 year. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| 共立メンテナンス奨学基金（共立国際交流奨学財団内）Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship Fund (within Kyoritsu International Foundation) | Kyoritsu International Foundation (Kyoritsu Maintenance Fund) | Students in vocational, junior-college, undergraduate, master's, doctoral, or Japanese-language programs; mainly from Asia. | Grant[目安2026] 70,000円/月（2026年度より増額）・1年 | Post-arrival | Check via the program page plus your school's requirements. | Confirm eligible schools and programs officially. Mainly applied for after arrival, typically year-end to early in the year. [Guide 2026] ~¥70,000/month (increased from FY2026) for 1 year. | To be confirmed. | Official Updated to verify |
| ヤングスチール株式会社奨学金（共立国際交流奨学財団内）Young Steel Co., Ltd. Scholarship (within Kyoritsu International Foundation) | Kyoritsu International Foundation (Young Steel Co., Ltd. Scholarship) | Vocational, junior-college, or undergraduate students; mainly from Asia. | Grant[目安2026] 70,000円/月（2026年度より増額）・1年 | Post-arrival | Check via the program page plus your school's requirements. | Confirm eligible schools and programs officially. Mainly applied for after arrival, typically year-end to early in the year. [Guide 2026] ~¥70,000/month (increased from FY2026) for 1 year. | To be confirmed. | Official Updated to verify |
| 本庄国際奨学財団 外国人留学生奨学金Honjo International Scholarship Foundation | Honjo International Scholarship Foundation | International graduate students (master's/doctoral); age limits apply (e.g., master's ≤ 30, doctoral ≤ 35 at entry). | Grant約180,000〜230,000円/月・1〜5年 | Before or after | Apply directly to the foundation. | Has versions such as 'return to home country to work after graduation'; follow each year's guidelines. Focuses on pre-arrival/early-arrival; calls roughly Sep–Oct. ~¥180,000–230,000/month for 1–5 years. | Some versions allow concurrent receipt with MEXT government funding or a JSPS Research Fellowship. | Official Updated 2025-09-19 |
| 佐藤陽国際奨学財団 私費留学生奨学金Sato-Yo International Scholarship Foundation | Sato-Yo International Scholarship Foundation | From 18 target countries (ASEAN + parts of South Asia); self-funded degree students in Japan or already admitted. Undergraduate or graduate. | Grant学部180,000／院生200,000円/月＋授業料・学会補助 | Before or after | Via the university's international-student office. | Target countries only; must join exchange events (~6/year). ¥180,000 (undergrad) / ¥200,000 (grad) per month plus tuition/conference support. Spring round from ~Dec, autumn from ~Jun. | Not combinable. | Official Updated 2025-11-26 |
| JEES・石橋財団奨学金（受入）JEES / Ishibashi Foundation scholarship | JEES / Ishibashi Foundation | Research/master's/doctoral students; field of art history. | Grant約150,000円/月・2年 | Post-arrival | Apply and be recommended through your school. | Field-restricted. ~¥150,000/month for 2 years. First call ~Jan–Apr, second ~Jun–Sep. | Verify. | Official Updated to verify |
| 双日国際交流財団奨学金Sojitz Foundation scholarship | Sojitz Foundation | Undergraduates (years 3–4) plus master's/doctoral; mostly at designated universities. | Grant学部約70,000／修博約100,000円/月・最長約2年 | Post-arrival | University recommendation / apply through your school. | Designated universities; able to communicate basically in Japanese. ~¥70,000 (undergrad) / ~¥100,000 (grad) per month for up to ~2 years. Calls early Apr–early May. | Not combinable. | Official Updated to verify |
| 受入留学生給与奨学金〈YKK リーダー21〉（吉田育英会）Visiting-Student Scholarship 'YKK Leader 21' (Yoshida Scholarship Foundation) | Yoshida Scholarship Foundation (Visiting-Student Scholarship 'YKK Leader 21') | Master's/doctoral applicants in the natural sciences; only via nomination from the 10 designated universities. | Grant[目安2026秋/2027春] 200,000円/月＋学校納付金（上限250万円）＋往復旅費＋扶養補助 | Pre-arrival | Designated-school nomination only (students cannot apply directly). | A pre-arrival type fixed via the designated school's internal selection. Guideline ages: under 30 at intended master's entry, under 35 for doctoral. [Guide 2026 autumn / 2027 spring] ¥200,000/month + school fees (cap ¥2.5M) + round-trip travel + dependent support. | To be confirmed. | Official Updated 2025-07 |
| 服部奨学金（服部国際奨学財団）Hattori Scholarship (Hattori International Scholarship Foundation) | Hattori International Scholarship Foundation | Degree-seeking students (undergraduate/graduate) at designated universities. | Grant[目安2026] 120,000円/月×24ヶ月 | Post-arrival | Apply via the school window / after internal selection. | As of 2026-04-01: undergraduate 25/26 or under, master's 30 or under, doctoral 35 or under; Japanese around N2 as a guide. Application typically Feb–Mar. [Guide 2026] ¥120,000/month for 24 months. | Partly possible (not allowed if combined grant aid exceeds ¥100,000/month). | Official Updated 2026-02-25 |
Not uniformly listed in the official pamphlet, so confirm directly with your prospective school. Includes both grant scholarships and admission/tuition fee reductions. Use the search portal alongside.
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| Name | Operator | Eligibility | Type & amount | Timing | How to apply | Key conditions | Combinable | Official & updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study in Japan 学校奨学金・授業料減免検索Study in Japan scholarship & tuition-reduction search | Study in Japan (official) | International students preparing to come or choosing a school. | Search portal検索ポータル（奨学金そのものではない） | Pre-arrival | Search directly on the official site (an entry point, not a scholarship itself). Covers school-specific, local, private, and fee-reduction options together. | Data is provided by schools/organizations; not everything is searchable. | Depends on the program. | Official Updated to verify |
| 東京大学 入学料・授業料免除University of Tokyo fee exemption | University of Tokyo | Those who pass the review. | Fee reduction減免型（入学料/授業料の全免または一部免除） | Post-arrival | Apply via the university system (at entry / each term). | Requires internal review; budgets are tight, so approval is not guaranteed. Full or partial waiver of admission/tuition fees. | Depends on external-scholarship rules. | Official Updated 2026-04-04 |
| 京都大学 授業料・入学金減免Kyoto University tuition/admission-fee reduction | Kyoto University | Degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. | Fee reduction減免型（全免/半免・入学金の減免・延納） | Post-arrival | Apply via the university online system (at entry / each term). | In the means test, international students are treated as their own fee supporter. Full/half waiver; admission-fee reduction or deferral. | Depends on each scholarship. | Official Updated 2026-02-06 |
| 早稲田大学独自奨学金Waseda University's own scholarships | Waseda University | Enrolled Waseda students. | Grant給付型（約150種・全て返済不要）学部〜大学院 | Before or after | Via the university system / on-campus calls (pre-entry and post-entry types). | Conditions differ per program. ~150 grant programs (all repayment-free), covering undergraduate to graduate. | In principle combinable with JASSO and private bodies, unless an external scholarship forbids it. | Official Updated to verify |
School-specific, local, private, and fee-reduction options you can't track one-by-one can be covered together via the official search system. For local ones search in four layers; for foundations, knowing the application season makes it efficient.
Cover four angles — prefecture + city + international association + the city your school is in — to miss fewer options. Always search once with the name of the municipality where you live and study.
Roughly: Yoneyama/Honjo/Heiwa-Nakajima in summer–autumn, Kyoritsu/Yasuda in winter–spring, and Sato-Yo twice a year in spring and autumn (all estimates). Knowing the seasons and preparing early helps you not miss windows.
