Postgraduate scholarships in Japan often cover both Master's (Taught) and Doctoral (Research) degrees. These programs typically offer full financial coverage to attract top global talent.

Government and Inter-Governmental Scholarships

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

1. Description: The most sought-after and comprehensive scholarship provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It covers Master's, Doctoral, and initial Research Student periods. Taught programs (Master's) fall under this category.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be under 35 years old and hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent). Strong academic record and interest in Japan are essential. Applications typically require submission of a research plan.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are processed via two main routes:
4. Embassy Recommendation: Typically opens around April-May, with written exams/interviews in July/August for arrival in Japan the following April or October.
5. University Recommendation: Universities nominate candidates directly to MEXT. Deadlines vary but are usually in the late fall (November-January) for the following October/April intake.
6. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship covering all costs.
7. Coverage: Tuition fees (enrollment and tuition) are fully covered, a monthly stipend (approx. ¥144,000 JPY for Master's/Research Students), and a round-trip airfare from the home country to Japan.
8. Obligation: Maintain satisfactory academic and research progress.

2. Asian Development Bank (ADB)-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP)

1. Description: A prestigious scholarship funded by the Japanese government and administered by the ADB, focused on development-related fields at designated partner institutions in Japan.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Citizen of an ADB borrowing member country, excellent academic record, and must have at least two years of full-time professional work experience (after a university degree). Must apply to and gain admission to one of the approved Master's programs.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are made directly to the approved Japanese institutions (e.g., Keio, Hitotsubashi, Tokyo Tech, Kobe, etc.) and run concurrently with the university’s admission deadlines (usually November to January).
4. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship.
5. Coverage: Full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance (including housing), books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses (round-trip airfare).
6. Obligation: Scholars must agree to return to their home country after graduation to contribute to its development.

3. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

1. Description: A partnership between the Japanese government and the World Bank to fund Master’s level studies at select universities worldwide, including top institutions in Japan, for students focusing on development.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country, hold a Bachelor's degree, and have at least three years of professional experience. Must be accepted into one of the participating Master's programs in Japan (e.g., in Public Policy, Economic Policy).
3. Timing of Scholarship: Application windows are usually in the first quarter of the year (January to March) and only for applicants who have received an unconditional offer of admission to a Participating Program.
4. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship.
5. Coverage: Full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, basic health insurance, and a travel allowance.
6. Obligation: Scholars are required to return to their home country upon completion of the Master's program.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many leading Japanese universities offer their own highly competitive, often fully-funded, scholarships to directly recruit outstanding international Master's students, particularly for English-taught programs (PGP).

4. University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship (PGP Programs)

1. Description: This is a subset of the MEXT scholarship where the university directly recommends candidates to MEXT, often specifically for English-taught graduate programs (Program Grant Programs - PGP).
2. Eligibility Criteria: Varies by program, but typically requires exceptional academic records and a strong fit with the program's research theme. Age restrictions apply (under 35).
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are made directly to the graduate school/program, often running from October to January for the following October intake.
4. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship.
5. Coverage: Full tuition fee exemption, monthly stipend (approx. ¥144,000 JPY), and round-trip airfare.
6. Obligation: Adherence to the university's academic standards.

5. The University of Tokyo Special Scholarship for International Students (University of Tokyo Fellowship)

1. Description: An internal scholarship offered by UTokyo to support highly promising international graduate students.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Excellent academic record, accepted into a Master's program at UTokyo, and not receiving a MEXT or other major scholarship.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Often applied for before arrival, at the time of the Master's program application.
4. Types of Scholarship: Research allowance/stipend.
5. Coverage: Provides a substantial monthly stipend (e.g., ¥150,000 to ¥200,000 JPY), often coupled with the university’s tuition exemption scheme.
6. Obligation: Maintain registration status and follow the guidelines of the host graduate school.

6. Keio University Tuition Reduction and Stipend Scholarships

1. Description: Keio offers various internal scholarships and tuition waivers for international students, particularly in its Global programs (e.g., GIGA, SDM).
2. Eligibility Criteria: High merit in the admission examination and/or demonstrated financial need.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Both pre-enrollment (part of the admissions package) and post-enrollment application opportunities are available.
4. Types of Scholarship: Combination of tuition reduction and stipend.
5. Coverage: Can include a significant tuition reduction (30% to 100%) and a monthly/annual stipend (e.g., ¥300,000 JPY per year).
6. Obligation: Meeting the university's criteria for continued enrollment and academic results.

Private Foundation Scholarships

7. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF)

1. Description: One of the most generous private scholarships in Japan, specifically targeting Master’s and Doctoral students who show exceptional promise and the intention to return to their home country to contribute to society.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be accepted or enrolled in a Japanese graduate school for a Master’s or Doctoral degree, demonstrate outstanding academic ability, and be under 35 years old.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are submitted directly to the foundation, usually running from September 1 to October 31 each year.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend for living expenses.
5. Coverage: A high monthly stipend (ranging from ¥180,000 to ¥230,000 JPY), depending on the length of the program.
6. Obligation: Maintain close contact with the foundation, attend foundation events, and generally return to their home country after graduation.

8. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship

1. Description: A scholarship funded by Rotarians in Japan, aiming to foster mutual international understanding and future leaders. Primarily for graduate students.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be enrolled or accepted into a Japanese university, typically 34 years old or younger, with strong academic aptitude and character. Preference for students who plan to return home.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications usually open around September for the following April intake.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend and supplementary costs.
5. Coverage: Provides a monthly stipend (e.g., ¥100,000 JPY) plus an initial commuter/settlement allowance (e.g., ¥400,000 JPY).
6. Obligation: Expected to participate in Rotary activities and return to their home country upon completion of studies.

9. Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP)

1. Description: A unique program that recruits highly capable Doctoral students to work on specific research projects. While Doctoral, Master's students accepted into certain fast-track programs may qualify.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be accepted into the Doctoral Program, have an excellent academic record, and fit the research topic of the host professor.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are accepted at various times throughout the year, depending on the project.
4. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship with a research salary.
5. Coverage: Exemption from entrance examination fee, enrollment fee, and tuition fee. A monthly living allowance/salary (e.g., ¥150,000 JPY) is paid for research project work.
6. Obligation: Successful completion of the assigned research project and academic requirements.

10. Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Honors Scholarship

1. Description: An in-Japan scholarship to support high-achieving, self-funded international students enrolled at a Japanese university, covering both undergraduate and graduate levels.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must hold a "College Student" visa, be a privately-financed international student, and demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Primarily applied for after arriving in Japan and enrolling. Universities nominate 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 a minimum GPA (e.g., $2.30$ or higher) and strictly follow the university's rules.