Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2025 in Japan (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2025, a fully funded opportunity for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees at Japanese universities. This scholarship supports all academic fields and provides monthly stipends to cover living expenses, with no repayment required. Non-Japanese students enrolled or planning to enroll by April or September/October 2026 can apply, provided they meet age and Japanese language requirements.

The application period runs from September 1 to October 31, 2025, and there is no application fee. Approximately 10 scholarships are awarded annually to students committed to contributing to their home countries and engaging in Foundation activities. Check more MS and PhD positions

Key Details

• Host Country: Japan
• Eligible Programs: Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: All disciplines
• Number of Scholarships: ~10
• Application Period: September 1 – October 31, 2025
• Funding Type: Fully funded (monthly stipend + travel grant)
• Scholarship Start: April 2026
• Application Fee: None

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend based on the duration of your degree program:

• 1–2 years: ¥230,000 per month
• 3 years: ¥210,000 per month
• 4–5 years: ¥180,000 per month

Additional benefits include:

• Travel Grant: Covers expenses for attending international conferences, per the Foundation’s rules.
• No Repayment: Recipients are not required to repay the scholarship.
• Flexible Use: The stipend can be used for accommodation, meals, books, transportation, and other academic expenses.

Also Check: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (Fully Funded)

Note: Recipients cannot receive other fully funded scholarships, except for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship, or JSPS International Fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Non-Japanese Citizenship: Applicants must not hold Japanese citizenship.
2. Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a Master’s or PhD program at a Japanese university starting in April or September/October 2026.
3. Program Duration: The degree program must last longer than 12 months.
4. Age Limits:
   • Master’s applicants: Under 30 years old by the start of the program.
   • PhD applicants: Under 35 years old by the start of the program.
5. Research Plan: Students in professional graduate schools are generally ineligible unless they submit a research plan.
6. Commitment to Home Country: Applicants must demonstrate a strong desire to contribute to their home country after graduation.
7. Japanese Language Proficiency: Must be able to hold basic conversations in Japanese, as interviews are conducted in Japanese (no exceptions).
8. Foundation Engagement: Must participate in Foundation events during and after the scholarship period.

Study in South Korea: KAIST International Graduate Admissions for Spring 2026

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation’s online application system, available from September 1, 2025. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Online System: Visit the application portal and create an account.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill in personal details, academic history, and study plans.
3. Upload Required Documents: Submit digital files and PDFs as outlined below.
4. Save Your Application Number: After submission, you’ll receive an application number. Keep it safe, as it’s needed to check results.

Required Documents

• Face Photo
• Two-Minute Research Plan Video (Required):
  • Language: Japanese or English
  • Content: Discuss your research plan; your face must be visible, and presentation materials are optional.
• Thirty-Second Self-Promotion Video (Optional):
  • Duration: Up to 30 seconds
  • Language: Japanese or English
  • Content: Speak about yourself without presentation materials.
• Academic Transcripts
• Research Proposal:
  • Use the designated template (MS Word file).
• Recommendation Letter:
  • From a current or previous academic supervisor.
  • No specific format or page limit.
  • Can be sent directly by the recommender to [email protected] by October 31, 2025, with your name and application number in the file name.
• Proof of Admission/Enrollment:
  • Submit an admission letter or enrollment certificate.
  • If unavailable by October 31, 2025, note the expected date in the application system and email it to the Foundation later.
  • Photocopies are acceptable.

Also check: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2025-2026

Selection Process

1. Document Screening:
   • Results announced by January 31, 2026, on the Foundation’s website.
   • Successful applicants’ application numbers will be posted.
2. Interview:
   • Held in early February 2026 in Tokyo or via video call.
   • Conducted in Japanese.
   • Schedule details sent to those who pass the first round.
3. Final Results:
   • Announced on March 31, 2026.