PhD Scholarships in Japan for International Students

Japan · Government

MEXT Scholarship 2027

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Government of Japan

Full Ride

Bachelor's Master's PhD +1

Open · Next: April–May 2026

Indonesia · Government

Indonesia LPDP Scholarship 2026

Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP)

Full Ride

Master's PhD

Open · Next: Runs in batches each year, typically with a Batch 1 registration window in January-February and a later batch following; confirm exact dates on the official LPDP portal.

United States · Government

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026-2027

Government of Japan, administered by the World Bank

Full Ride

Master's PhD

Open · Next: 2026 windows closed (Feb & May 2026); next windows expected ~January–May 2027.

Japan · University

Tohoku University President's Fellowship for International Students

Tohoku University

Tuition waiver

Bachelor's Master's PhD

Open · Next: Annual; flag your interest when you apply for admission

Japan · University

University of Osaka Tuition Fee Exemption for Privately-Financed International Students

The University of Osaka

Tuition waiver

Bachelor's Master's PhD

Open · Next: Two windows a year: ~late March and ~late September

Japan · Government

Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students (JASSO)

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)

JPY 48,000/month (graduate & UG); JPY 30,000 for language students

Bachelor's Master's PhD +1

Open · Next: Annual; recommended by your enrolled school

Japan · Government

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship - Research Students

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Full Ride

Master's PhD

Open · Next: Annual; embassy route opens ~April-May for next year

Japan · University

University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation)

University of Tsukuba

Full Ride

Master's PhD

Open · Next: Apply ~Nov-Dec, results ~June, enrol October

Japan · University

Keio University Design the Future Award for International Students

Keio University

Full Ride

Master's PhD

Open · Next: Annual; varies by graduate school, ~late Aug to mid-Oct

Japan · Private

Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarship

Mitsubishi Corporation

JPY 120,000 (undergrad) or JPY 150,000 (grad) monthly; no repayment

Bachelor's Master's PhD

Open · Next: Annual; host-university nomination, internal deadlines ~Jan-Feb

Japan · Government

JASSO Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan)

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)

JPY 80,000/month for the stay (8 days up to 1 year)

Bachelor's Master's PhD

Open · Next: Annual; applications come only from the Japanese host school

Japan · University

University of Tokyo Fellowship (Special Scholarship for International Students)

The University of Tokyo

JPY 200,000/month research grant for the standard study period

Master's PhD

Open · Next: Annual; applied through your graduate school with admissions