HISF Japanese Scholarship for Foreign Students (MS & PhD)

This scholarship is open to foreign students who study or plan to study in a Japanese graduate school for a doctoral or master’s degree. Applications can be submitted from abroad if applicants are accepted to a Japanese graduate school. All nationalities and research fields are welcome. Applicants may directly apply to the foundation without pre-selection by the university. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Highlights:

• No repayment required
• Additional travel grants for international conferences
• Scholarship begins April 2027

Scholarship Amount & Duration:

The scholarship will be provided monthly throughout the minimum period required to acquire your degree. The monthly amount depends on your program duration:

• ¥230,000 per month for programs lasting 1 to 2 years
• ¥210,000 per month for programs lasting 3 years
• ¥180,000 per month for programs lasting 4 to 5 years

Important: The payment period cannot be changed once it commences. Minimum enrollment period is 12 months.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must not possess Japanese citizenship
• You must be enrolled as of April 2027 or currently applying for the academic course starting from April 2027 at a graduate school in Japan
• You must be able to enroll in graduate school for longer than 12 months
• For PhD programs: you must start the PhD course by age 35 (no exceptions)
• For Master’s programs: you must start the master’s course by age 30 (no exceptions)
• You must have a strong commitment to serving your home country as a future career plan
• You must have a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill
• You must be able to carry out basic conversation in Japanese (interviews will be conducted in Japanese)
• Professional graduate school students must submit a research plan to be eligible

Also Check: Gates Scholarship at the University of Cambridge (Fully Funded)

Scholarship Conditions:

Allowed Concurrent Scholarships

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
• Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
• JSPS International Fellowship
• Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Fellowship (limited to those approved by JST for concurrent receipt with other scholarships)
• Scholarship conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Employment Restrictions

• Teaching assistant positions
• Research assistant positions
• International exchange roles (translators or interpreters)

Obligations

• Participate in the individual interview and events organized by the Foundation
• Actively participate in Foundation events after completing graduate school
• Maintain academic and professional conduct

Also Check: President’s PhD Scholarship ın United Kingdom 2026/2027

Application Timeline:

• September 1 – October 31, 2026: Application period (Online application system open)
• January 31, 2027: Document screening results announced
• Early February 2027: Interview examination (in Tokyo or by video call)
• March 31, 2027: Final results announced
• April 2027: Scholarship payments begin

Application Important Notes:

• Application documents cannot be accepted via mailing
• You can edit or replace application data anytime until October 31, 2026 (the latest data is automatically saved)
• Application documents will not be returned to applicants
• Your personal information will be used only for scholarship selection
• Limited personal information may be provided to selection committee members and to confirm overlaps with other scholarships

Also Check: London South Bank University PhD Scholarships

When Scholarship Can Be Stopped:

• When it is difficult to continue schooling or research due to illness or other reasons
• When your supervisor recognizes that you are no longer eligible to continue studying or conducting research
• In case of academic achievement failure or serious misconduct
• When false statements are found in your application or submitted documents
• When any behavior deemed to bring disrepute to the Foundation or your status as a scholarship recipient is discovered

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I apply if I haven’t taken the entrance examination yet?

Yes. If you are going to take an entrance examination to enter university in Spring or Fall 2027, you are eligible to apply.

What if I can’t upload my acceptance letter before the deadline?

Input the estimated date of your entrance examination result announcement. Send the actual letter to the Foundation as soon as it’s available.

Do I need to return to my home country immediately after graduation?

A few years of work in Japan or other countries before returning to your home country is allowed.

Which universities and graduate courses can I apply to?

You have the flexibility to choose any university and graduate course in Japan that aligns with your academic and personal goals. All research fields are welcome.

Are undergraduate programs eligible?

No. This scholarship program is only for graduate students (Master’s and PhD).

Are all nationalities eligible?

Yes. The scholarship program is open to non-Japanese citizens of all nationalities.

What if my supervisor hasn’t been determined yet?

Input “To be determined” in the application form.

How to Apply:

• Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
• Step 2: Enter the Online Application System
• Step 3: Complete Application Form
• Step 4: Upload Required Digital Files
  • A. Face Photo
  • B. Research Plan Video (Required)
  • C. Self-Promotion Video (Optional)
• Step 5: Upload Required PDF Documents
  • A. Academic Transcript
  • B. Research Proposal
  • C. Recommendation Letter from Your Supervisor
  • D. Admission or Enrollment Documents
• Step 6: Save Your Application Number

Also Check: Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Doctoral Scholarship in Germany