Finding the right scholarship is crucial for international students planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in Japan. Here is a list of the top 10 scholarships available, categorized by the type of provider.

Government-Funded Scholarships

1. Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship (Undergraduate Students)

1. Description: This is the most prestigious and competitive scholarship offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to outstanding international students.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Generally, applicants must be under 25 years old and have completed 12 years of schooling (or equivalent). Specific academic and nationality requirements apply.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications usually open around April-May each year via the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in the applicant's home country. The course often begins the following April (or October in some cases).
4. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship, typically for non-degree preparatory study followed by the undergraduate program.
5. Coverage: Covers tuition fees (enrollment and tuition), a monthly stipend (around ¥117,000 to ¥120,000), and a round-trip airfare from the home country to Japan.
6. Obligation: Maintain satisfactory academic performance and follow all MEXT rules. There is generally no bond to return home, but the purpose is to foster international exchange.

2. Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students (JASSO)

1. Description: A scholarship provided by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) to support high-achieving, self-funded international students enrolled in a Japanese university.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must hold "College Student" visa status and be enrolled as a privately-financed international student. Requirements include an excellent academic record and financial need.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Primarily applied for after arriving in Japan and enrolling at a university. Universities typically recommend students during the initial months of the academic year.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend-only scholarship.
5. Coverage: Provides a monthly stipend (currently around ¥48,000 JPY).
6. Obligation: Maintain high academic standing and strictly follow the university's rules.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many Japanese universities offer their own merit- or need-based scholarships, tuition fee reductions, or waivers for international undergraduate students, often applied for as part of the admission process.

3. University of Tokyo (UTokyo) Scholarships

1. Description: UTokyo offers various in-house scholarships and tuition exemption schemes. For example, specific support is available for students in programs like the PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba).
2. Eligibility Criteria: Varies greatly by program. For PEAK, excellent academic records and admission into the program are required.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Often applied for alongside the university admission application.
4. Types of Scholarship: Varies from full-ride to partial tuition waivers/stipends.
5. Coverage: Can include tuition fee waivers (up to 100%) and/or a monthly stipend.
6. Obligation: Maintain enrollment and satisfactory performance in the degree program.

4. Waseda University Scholarships

1. Description: Waseda offers one of the most comprehensive university-specific scholarship systems, with many options tailored for international students, such as the Waseda University Scholarship for International Students.
2. Eligibility Criteria: High academic merit, enrollment at Waseda, and demonstrated financial need.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Application periods vary; some are pre-enrollment, and many are post-enrollment.
4. Types of Scholarship: Merit-based stipends and tuition reduction/waivers.
5. Coverage: Ranges from partial tuition reduction (30% to 100%) to annual stipends (e.g., ¥300,000 to ¥600,000 per year).
6. Obligation: Meeting the university's criteria for continued enrollment and academic results.

5. Keio University Global Scholarships

1. Description: Keio offers several specific scholarships for students in its English-taught degree programs (like GIGA, PEARL, etc.) to attract top international talent.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Excellent performance in the entrance examination and/or outstanding academic merit.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Often included in the initial application for admission or shortly after.
4. Types of Scholarship: Merit-based scholarships covering fees and/or living expenses.
5. Coverage: Can include tuition fee reductions or a monthly/annual stipend.
6. Obligation: Maintain a good GPA and be actively enrolled.

6. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Tuition Reduction Scholarships

1. Description: APU is known for its high percentage of international students and offers significant tuition reduction based on merit.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Based on the applicant's entrance examination and application documents.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applied for simultaneously with the university admission application.
4. Types of Scholarship: Tuition reduction scholarship.
5. Coverage: Provides 30%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 100% tuition reduction.
6. Obligation: Must maintain a satisfactory academic record (e.g., GPA of 2.0 or higher).

7. Sophia University (SPSF) Scholarships

1. Description: Sophia University's scholarships often target students in its unique English-based undergraduate programs, such as the Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF).
2. Eligibility Criteria: Exceptional academic promise and financial need.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Can be applied for before arrival through a separate scholarship application submitted with the admission application.
4. Types of Scholarship: Varies, includes full and partial support.
5. Coverage: Provides various levels of support, including full tuition waiver and possibly a stipend for living expenses.
6. Obligation: Continued high academic performance.

Private Foundation Scholarships

Private foundations in Japan offer various scholarships, though many are primarily for graduate students or require application after arrival in Japan.

8. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF)

1. Description: Although primarily known for graduate students, HISF is one of the most generous private scholarships. While very competitive, it's worth noting. Note: The primary focus is often graduate studies, but they may consider exceptional undergraduate cases or those progressing to grad school.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be accepted or enrolled in a Japanese university, show outstanding academic ability, and possess an intent to contribute to international friendship and world peace.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications generally open in September/October for the following academic year.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend and living support.
5. Coverage: A substantial monthly stipend (ranging from ¥180,000 to ¥230,000) for the duration of the degree.
6. Obligation: Maintain close contact with the foundation, attend foundation events, and generally return to their home country after graduation.

9. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship

1. Description: One of Japan's largest private scholarship foundations, supported by Rotarians in Japan. It targets international students who plan to return home after study.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be enrolled or accepted into a Japanese university, typically must be 34 years old or younger, and demonstrate strong academic aptitude and moral character.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications usually open around September for April enrollment.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend and supplementary costs.
5. Coverage: Provides a monthly stipend (e.g., ¥100,000) plus an initial commuter/settlement allowance (e.g., ¥400,000).
6. Obligation: Expected to participate in Rotary activities and return to their home country upon completion of studies.

10. Private Foundation Scholarships (General Category)

1. Description: This encompasses the numerous smaller scholarships offered by various non-profit Japanese foundations (e.g., specific prefectural funds, industrial endowments, or alumni groups). These are often managed via the university's international office.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Highly varied, often specific to nationality, field of study, or university location.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Almost always applied for after enrollment through the university.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend-only or partial tuition support.
5. Coverage: Monthly stipends (typically ranging from ¥30,000 to ¥100,000) or partial tuition assistance.
6. Obligation: Meeting specific attendance/GPA requirements and maintaining contact with the foundation.