Study in Japan: Honjo International Students Scholarship in 2027

The Honjo International Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for international students who wish to receive financial support to study in Japanese graduate schools.

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships to international students enrolled in or applying to graduate schools at Japanese universities. Successful applicants may receive a monthly stipend of up to ¥230,000 for the minimum time required to complete their degree, depending on the length of the degree programme.

A major feature of the Honjo International Scholarship is that eligible candidates can apply directly to the foundation, without pre-selection by the university. Application forms may be completed in either Japanese or English, but applicants should have Japanese proficiency to undertake an interview in Japanese.

Eligible Programs for the Honjo International Students Scholarship in 2027

Master’s Degree Programmes

Graduate schools in Japan accept international students who are pursuing eligible master’s degrees. We welcome international students pursuing eligible master’s degrees in graduate schools in Japan to apply.

Postgraduate Programmes

The scholarship programme also assists qualifying international students studying at the doctoral or PhD level at graduate schools in Japan.

Broad Range of Academic Disciplines

There is no restriction to any particular academic field for this scholarship. As per the prevailing programme standards, applicants can apply for graduate courses in many disciplines of study available at Japanese universities.

Study areas may include:

Engineering
Information Technology
Computer Science
Natural Sciences
Mathematics
Environmental Studies
Agriculture
Medicine and health-related disciplines
Economics
Business
Social Sciences
Education
International Relations
Humanities

Requirements for the Honjo International Students Scholarship in 2027

Study as an International Student

Applicants must be overseas students, not of Japanese nationality. The award is aimed at helping foreign students who are pursuing graduate studies in Japan.

2. Be enrolled in or applying to graduate school in Japan.

Applicants must be enrolled in or applying for a master’s or doctoral programme at an accredited graduate school in Japan.
Prospective applicants should check the current application cycle for the relevant enrolment dates.

3. Study a Programme Longer Than 12 Months

The proposed graduate programme should last longer than 12 months of enrolment. Students who have less than one year remaining in their enrolment period are not eligible to apply.

4. Meet age requirements.

Applicants must meet age requirements imposed by the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation.

Applicants should:

Start a PhD programme before the age of 35; and
Start a master’s degree course before the age of 30.

5. Have a Strong Commitment to Contributing to Your Home Country

Applicants should have a strong desire to serve their home country in their future professional aspirations.
The foundation is seeking applicants who plan to use the knowledge, skills, and experience earned during their studies in Japan for the benefit of their communities and countries.

6. Understand International Friendship and Goodwill

Applicants should have a thorough understanding of international friendship and goodwill. Scholarship awardees are asked to engage in activities sponsored by the foundation and to keep in contact with the organisation’s alumni network.

7. Have Sufficient Japanese-Language Proficiency

Applicants should be able to speak Japanese on a daily basis. This is crucial because interviews after application submission are conducted in Japanese.

Benefits of Honjo International Students Scholarship in 2027

The Honjo International Scholarship provides a monthly stipend based on the duration of the recipient’s degree programme.

¥230,000 per month for 1-2-year programmes

Students enrolling in degree programmes lasting 1 to 2 years are eligible for ¥230,000 per month.

3-year Degree Programmes: ¥210,000 Per Month

Students enrolled in the three-year programme can receive ¥210,000 each month.

4-5 Year Degree Programmes: ¥180,000/month

Students enrolled in four- to five-year degrees can get ¥180,000 monthly.
Besides the monthly scholarship income, scholarship recipients may be awarded a travel grant to cover the cost of attending an international conference.