Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2025 in Japan (Fully Funded)

The Honjo International Scholarship, offered by the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation, is providing financial support to outstanding international students pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Japan. Its purpose is to ease financial pressures, promote academic excellence, and encourage cultural and academic exchange between Japan and the rest of the world.

Applicants have the flexibility to choose any university and graduate course in Japan that aligns with your academic and personal goals.

Eligibility

• Nationality: Must be a non-Japanese citizen.
• Must be enrolled in or accepted to a Japanese graduate school for a Master’s or Doctoral program starting in April or September/October 2026.
• Program Length: The chosen degree program must have a duration of more than 12 months.
• Age Requirement:
  • Master’s candidates should be under 30 years old at the beginning of the program.
  • PhD candidates should be under 35 years old at the beginning of the program.
• Research Requirement: Applicants from professional graduate schools are typically not eligible unless they provide a clear research plan.
• Post-Graduation Commitment: Applicants need to show a strong intention to contribute to the development of their home country after completing their studies.
• Japanese Language Skills: Candidates must be able to engage in everyday conversations in Japanese, as the interview will be conducted entirely in Japanese (no exceptions allowed).
• Participation in Foundation Activities: Scholarship recipients are required to take part in events organized by the Foundation both during and after their scholarship period.

Program Dates/Location

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
• Document screening results: by January 31, 2026
• Interviews results: February 2026
• Final results: by March 31, 2026

Program Benefits

• Monthly stipend depends on duration of degree:
  • ~ ¥230,000 per month for 1- to 2-year degrees 
  • ~ ¥210,000 per month for 3-year degree
  • ~ ¥180,000 per month for beyond 3 years degree
• It covers the required minimum period to complete the degree and can be used for accommodation, meals, books, transportation…
• Travel Grant: Covers expenses for attending international conferences, per the Foundation’s rules.

Required Documents

• Photograph: A recent face photo of the applicant.
• Research Plan Video (Mandatory, 2 minutes):
• Self-Introduction Video (Optional, up to 30 seconds):
• Official Transcripts: Submit academic records from your current and previous institutions.
• Research Proposal: Must be completed using the official MS Word template provided.
• Letter of Recommendation:
  • Must come from a current or former academic supervisor.
  • No fixed format or page limit.
  • Recommender can send it directly to info@hisf.or.jp by October 31, 2025.
  • File name must include your name and application number.
• Proof of Admission or Enrollment:
  • Provide an acceptance letter or enrollment certificate.
  • If you don’t have it by October 31, 2025, indicate the expected date in the online application and email the document later.
  • Photocopies are acceptable.

Application Process

• Use the Honjo Foundation’s online application system. Fill out the form and upload all required documents.
• Once submitted, you will receive an application number and a PDF of your application form. Save this PDF; you’ll need the number later when results are announced.
• Screen first by document review.
• Those who pass will be invited for an interview (in Tokyo or by video call). Interviews will be in Japanese.

For more information, please visit the official page of Honjo International Scholarship.