Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan for international Students in 2025–2026

Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan for international Students in 2025–2026

Are you a international student aspiring to study in Japan without worrying about tuition or living expenses? The Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan for international Students in 2025–2026 present a golden opportunity to pursue world-class education in a technologically advanced and culturally vibrant country. From the prestigious MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships to specialized programs offered by Japanese universities and government agencies, there are numerous funding options available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.

These Japanese scholarships for international students typically include complete tuition coverage, monthly stipends, round-trip airfare, accommodation, and health insurance — enabling students to focus entirely on academics and research. Whether you're interested in engineering, business, humanities, agriculture, or language and cultural studies, Japan offers fully funded programs that align with your academic and career goals.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve listed the top fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students in 2025–2026, including application requirements, benefits, deadlines, and official links — making it easier for you to begin your study journey in one of Asia’s most respected education systems.

Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan for international Students in 2025-2026

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The MEXT Scholarship 2025-2026 in Japan is a fully funded award for international students at undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research levels. Covering tuition, accommodation, stipend, and airfare, this Japanese Government scholarship is among the most prestigious opportunities worldwide.

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The JICA Scholarships Japan 2025-2026 are fully funded awards for international students from developing countries. Covering tuition, living allowance, airfare, and housing, these prestigious scholarships support master’s and PhD studies at leading Japanese universities.

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The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program 2025-2026 offers fully funded master’s scholarships for students from ADB developing member countries. Covering tuition, living allowance, airfare, books, and insurance, this program supports future leaders studying at top universities in Asia and the Pacific.

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The University of Tokyo Fellowships 2025-2026 are fully funded awards for international master’s and PhD students. Covering tuition, a monthly stipend of up to ¥220,000, and research support, these fellowships provide world-class opportunities at Japan’s top university.

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Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2025-2026 in Japan offers fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships covering stipend, accommodation, and travel support. Apply now to study in Japan with scholarships open to all research fields, promoting global exchange, cultural collaboration, and academic excellence.

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NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Japan is a fully funded research program offering international scholars up to 3 years of employment, a salary of 4,100,000 JPY, health insurance, and travel support. Apply now to advance your genetics research career at Japan’s leading National Institute of Genetics.

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Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) 2025-2026 offers 300 fully funded postgraduate scholarships covering tuition, stipend, housing, medical insurance, and travel expenses.

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MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The MEXT Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded opportunity for international students. It supports undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research training programs at leading Japanese universities. The award covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living stipend, and round-trip airfare from your home country to Japan.

Administered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this prestigious scholarship is part of the Japanese Government Scholarship Program. It is designed for academically talented students who wish to study in Japan and contribute to academic advancement and global exchange.

The application process typically begins in April each year. Applicants should note that Japanese language proficiency or IELTS/TOEFL scores are not mandatory at the initial stage. This is the Embassy-recommended MEXT scholarship, meaning applications must be submitted through the Japanese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

MEXT Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD / Training

  • Institution(s): Japanese Universities

  • Study in: Japan

  • Courses Offered: All types of courses are offered in all Japanese Universities from Social Science to Engineering, Medical to Health, Arts, Humanities, etc. There are no academic field restrictions.

  • Program Period: Undergraduate: 4-5 Years, Masters: 2-3 Years, PhD: 3-4 Years

  • MEXT Scholarship Deadline: Varies from Embassy to Embassy (Click here to check deadlines)

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JICA Scholarships Japan 2025-2026 Fully Funded
JICA Scholarships Japan 2025-2026 Fully Funded
Start your higher education journey in Japan

The JICA Scholarships are prestigious fully funded programs offered to students and professionals from developing countries. These scholarships aim to strengthen human resource development and international cooperation by supporting future leaders, researchers, and policymakers in pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at leading Japanese universities.

Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the scholarships cover full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, accommodation, health insurance, and research expenses. JICA works in collaboration with various Japanese universities and international partners to provide specialized programs in areas such as public policy, economics, engineering, sustainability, governance, environmental studies, and development studies.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s & PhD
Institution: Partner Japanese Universities (in collaboration with JICA)
Study in: Japan
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, accommodation, travel, insurance)
Deadline: Varies by program and partner country (generally November – March)

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ADB–Japan Scholarship Program 2026 Fully Funded
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program 2026 Fully Funded
Start your study journey in Asia and the Pacific

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program is a fully funded master’s scholarship established in 1988 and financed by the Government of Japan. It provides an opportunity for qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member countries to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science, technology, and other development-related fields at leading universities in Asia and the Pacific.

Each year, around 300 scholarships are awarded. The program aims to equip future leaders with advanced academic knowledge and skills, enabling them to contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s degree
Institutions: Partner universities in Asia & the Pacific (including Japan, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and USA)
Study in: Asia & Pacific countries (see full list on ADB site)
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, accommodation, books, insurance, airfare)
Deadline: Varies by university (generally December–April each year)

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University of Tokyo Fellowships 2025-2026 Fully Funded
University of Tokyo Fellowships 2025-2026 Fully Funded

The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) Fellowships are prestigious fully funded scholarships for exceptional international graduate students. These fellowships are offered by UTokyo’s Graduate Schools to support talented students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

The fellowship covers full tuition fees and provides a generous monthly stipend (¥200,000–¥220,000) to help with living expenses and research costs. This makes it one of the most competitive and attractive scholarship opportunities in Japan.

Founded in 1877, the University of Tokyo is Japan’s leading research institution and consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide. With its cutting-edge research facilities and global collaborations, UTokyo attracts outstanding scholars from across the world.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s & PhD
Institution: University of Tokyo (UTokyo)
Study in: Japan
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition + stipend + research support)
Duration: 2 years (Master’s), 3 years (PhD)
Deadline: Varies by graduate school (usually December–February)

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Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2025-2026
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2025-2026

Good news! Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Scholarships are now open. In this article, we explain the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Award, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Scholarships 2025-2026 are fully funded opportunities for international students. These scholarships are available for master’s and PhD studies, providing a monthly allowance, accommodation support, and travel expenses for attending international conferences.

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation was established to support talented students facing financial or environmental challenges, especially from developing countries, as well as Japanese students studying abroad. Its mission is to promote advanced knowledge, global cooperation, and cultural exchange, creating a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world through education and mutual friendship.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Master’s, PhD

  • Institution(s): Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

  • Study in: Japan

  • Opportunity Focus Areas: No restrictions on field of research

  • Program Period: 1 to 5 years

  • Deadline:

    • Spring Scholarship: September 2 – October 31, 2025

    • Fall Scholarship: April 1 – April 30, 2025

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NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-2026 National Institute of Genetics
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-2026 National Institute of Genetics

The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program for international researchers. The fellowship is offered for a maximum of three years from the initial appointment, with renewals considered annually. Successful candidates will receive an annual salary of about 4,100,000 JPY (tax included), health insurance through the mutual aid association, travel or commuting allowance (if eligible), and work-related accident coverage.

The National Institute of Genetics (NIG) invites highly motivated young scientists to join as postdoctoral fellows and contribute to its research activities. These positions are time-limited and are designed to advance the institute’s research output while developing the professional skills of promising scholars in genetics and related sciences.

Established in 1949 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, the National Institute of Genetics serves as the country’s central hub for genetics research and training. It has played a leading role in theoretical and applied genetics, fostering academic growth and promoting international collaboration in this important scientific field.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Postdoctoral

  • Institution(s): National Institute of Genetics (NIG)

  • Study in: Japan

  • Opportunity Focus Areas:

  • Program Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable annually

  • Deadline: July 07, 2025

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Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program 2026
Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program 2026

The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program 2025-2026 is a fully funded award for international students pursuing postgraduate studies. Each year, approximately 300 scholarships are granted. The scholarship package covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, housing, books and learning materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses.

Through ADB–JSP, recipients receive financial support including tuition coverage, accommodation allowance, monthly stipend, costs for study materials, medical coverage, and travel assistance. After completing their degree, scholars are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills toward the economic growth and social development of their home countries.

Scholarship Summary

  • Level of Study: Masters / PhD

  • Institution(s): Participating academic institutions

  • Study in: Hong Kong, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines Singapore, Thailand and USA 

  • Courses Offered: Economics, Business and Management, Law and Public Policy, Natural resource management, Science and Technology, and other development-related fields.

  • Number of Scholarships: About 300 scholarships are awarded annually.

  • Deadline: Check Deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What fully funded scholarships are available for international students in Japan for 2025–2026?

There are several prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students, including:

  • MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship by the Japanese Government (for undergraduate, master's, PhD, and research programs).

  • ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) for postgraduate studies in development-related fields.

  • JASSO Scholarships for short-term and exchange programs.

  • University-specific scholarships like those from the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Tohoku University.
    These scholarships are highly competitive and aim to attract academically strong students from Pakistan.

What expenses are covered by fully funded Japanese scholarships?

Fully funded scholarships generally cover the following:

  • 100% tuition fees throughout the duration of study.

  • Monthly stipend ranging between ¥117,000 and ¥148,000 depending on the program and level.

  • Round-trip airfare from Pakistan to Japan.

  • Accommodation assistance or dormitory support.

  • Health insurance coverage, including medical and accident insurance.
    Some scholarships may also include Japanese language training, research grants, and field trip allowances.

Who is eligible to apply for these scholarships in Japan from Pakistan?

Eligibility varies by scholarship, but typical criteria include:

  • international citizenship with a valid passport.

  • Strong academic background (minimum 16 years of education for master’s, 18 years for PhD).

  • Language proficiency in English (IELTS, TOEFL) or Japanese (JLPT N2/N1, if required).

  • Age restrictions (e.g., MEXT requires applicants to be under 25 for undergraduate, under 35 for master’s/PhD).

  • Good health and a strong statement of purpose or research plan.

What is the MEXT Scholarship and how can international students apply?

The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is a government initiative by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. It offers undergraduate, research, master's, and PhD funding. international students can apply via:

  • Embassy Recommendation: Apply through the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad.

  • University Recommendation: Apply directly to Japanese universities participating in the MEXT program.
    Both routes require academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a research plan (for graduates), medical certificates, and a written test/interview.

Do I need to be fluent in Japanese to study in Japan on scholarship?

Not necessarily. Many top universities offer English-taught programs, especially at the postgraduate level. However:

  • Undergraduate programs may require Japanese language proficiency or include a preparatory language year.

  • Graduate programs often accept IELTS or TOEFL scores.

  • Knowing Japanese is helpful for daily life and part-time work opportunities and can also enhance academic engagement.

What degree levels are offered under these scholarships?

Scholarships in Japan cater to multiple academic levels:

  • Undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s in engineering, social sciences, medicine, etc.).

  • Master’s degrees (2 years in business, technology, public policy, etc.).

  • PhD/Doctoral programs (3–5 years with research focus).

  • Research/non-degree programs, including teacher training, Japanese studies, and exchange opportunities.

How much monthly allowance do scholarship students receive in Japan?

Monthly stipends depend on the scholarship type:

  • MEXT Scholarship:

    • ¥117,000/month for undergraduate students

    • ¥144,000–¥148,000/month for graduate students

  • ADB–JSP: USD $1,000–$1,500/month (in JPY)

  • JASSO: ¥80,000/month
    These stipends are sufficient for living modestly in Japan, covering food, housing, transportation, and study materials.

Can I apply without IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes, in some cases. If your previous degree was taught in English, many universities and scholarships waive the English language requirement, provided you submit an English Proficiency Certificate. However:

  • Submitting a valid IELTS or TOEFL score increases your chances.

  • Some programs may still require official test results, especially for ADB–JSP or non-English medium institutions.

What is the application timeline for Japanese scholarships?

Typical timeline:

  • MEXT (Embassy route): Opens between March–May, interviews/tests in June–July, final result by December–January.

  • University route: Varies but usually open from October–January.

  • ADB–JSP: Varies by partner university but typically closes in March–April.
    It's essential to start preparing 6–12 months in advance of the intake you wish to apply for.

Are there any age limits for Japanese scholarships?

Yes, most fully funded scholarships have age criteria:

  • MEXT Undergraduate: Must be under 25 years.

  • MEXT Postgraduate: Under 35 years.

  • ADB–JSP: Preferably under 35 years for master’s.

  • Some private scholarships or university-specific programs may have no age limit, but younger candidates are generally preferred.

What are the language requirements for studying in Japan on scholarship?

Most programs require:

  • IELTS/TOEFL (typically IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 80+).

  • Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) if applying to a Japanese-taught course (often N2 or N1).
    Some universities accept Duolingo English Test or waive the requirement if your last degree was in English.

Can I work part-time while studying on a scholarship in Japan?

Yes. International students are allowed to work up to 28 hours/week and 40 hours/week during holidays, provided they get permission from the immigration office. However:

  • You must not let work affect your studies.

  • MEXT scholarship holders should notify their university before taking any job.

What are the chances of getting a scholarship for international students?

While the competition is high, international students have been consistently selected, especially through the Embassy route. Your chances improve with:

  • Strong academics and GPA

  • A compelling personal statement or research proposal

  • Good language scores

  • Relevant recommendation letters

Is there an entrance exam or interview for these scholarships?

Yes, especially for the MEXT Embassy route. You may have to:

  • Take written exams in English, Math, and Science (for undergraduates).

  • Submit research proposals and attend interviews (for graduate-level applicants).

  • Some university-recommended scholarships also require online interviews.

How do I write a winning study or research plan for MEXT?

Focus on:

  • clear title with objectives and research questions.

  • Background of the problem and its relevance to Japan or your country.

  • Methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes.

  • Connection with your career goals.
    It must reflect originality, relevance, and feasibility. Avoid plagiarism.

Are there any scholarships without a university acceptance letter requirement?

Yes. The Embassy-recommended MEXT Scholarship allows students to apply without an acceptance letter at first. However:

  • After passing the primary screening, you must secure a letter of acceptance from a Japanese university by August–September.

What documents are required for scholarship applications in Japan?

Documents usually include:

  • Academic transcripts and degrees

  • Passport copy

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Medical fitness certificate

  • Statement of purpose/research proposal

  • IELTS/TOEFL/JLPT scores (if required)

  • Recent photographs
    Always check the official guidelines for each scholarship.

How long does it take to get admission and visa after selection?

After final selection:

  • University placement takes 1–3 months.

  • Visa application (student visa) takes 2–4 weeks through the Japanese Embassy.
    Overall, expect 6–8 months from application submission to arrival in Japan.

Can I bring my spouse or children while studying in Japan on scholarship?

Yes, but it depends:

  • You can apply for Dependent Visas for your spouse or children.

  • MEXT or ADB–JSP do not usually cover dependents, so you must show financial ability to support them.
    University dorms may not accommodate families, so private housing is required.

What are the best resources to find scholarships in Japan?

Useful platforms include:

  • ScholarshipsAds.com

  • scholarshipsrank.com

  • Study in Japan Official Website (studyinjapan.go.jp)

  • Japanese Embassy in Pakistan

  • JASSO Scholarship Portal

  • Individual university websites

  • DAWN, HEC Portal, or local education consultants for announcements