JapanYKK Leaders 21 Scholarship 2026 supports Asian and African students to pursue a Master’s or PhD in natural sciences in Japan through one of ten designated universities.
The Yoshida Scholarship Foundation, established by the founder of the YKK Group, awards YKK Leaders 21 scholarships to candidates recommended by the designated Japanese universities listed on the foundation website.
YKK Leaders 21 Scholarship 2026 Benefits
- Living expenses of ¥230,000 a month
- Graduate school fees of up to ¥2.5 million in total
- A family allowance, if applicable
- A round trip to Japan
- Travel, entrance exam fee and up to three nights’ accommodation if the candidate must come to Japan to sit the entrance exam
- Duration up to two years for a Master’s course
- Duration up to three years for the last three years of a doctoral course
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YKK Leaders 21 Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a national of one of the eligible countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, Africa or Mongolia
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from a university in an eligible country
- Plan to enter a Master’s course or doctoral course in a natural science field at a designated university
- Apply before coming to Japan, having lived in an eligible country for at least one year
- Be under 30 on 1 April 2026 for Master’s applicants
- Be under 35 on 1 April 2026 for doctoral applicants
How to Apply for YKK Leaders 21 Scholarship
- Contact the international student scholarship office of the designated university you want to attend
- Have the university choose its candidate according to its own procedure and deadline
- The university sends the application, a recommendation from your future supervisor in Japan and a recommendation letter from your home university to the foundation
- Visit the official website for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the YKK Leaders 21 Scholarship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, host institutions and how to apply.
Who provides the YKK Leaders 21 Scholarship?
The Yoshida Scholarship Foundation, set up by the founder of the YKK Group, provides the YKK Leaders 21 Scholarship.
Which study levels are eligible?
Master’s and doctoral (PhD) course students in natural sciences are eligible.
Which fields of study are covered?
Natural sciences, including applied sciences such as engineering, agriculture and medicine.
Which universities are designated hosts?
The designated universities are the University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Kyushu University, Keio University, Waseda University, Doshisha University and Kwansei Gakuin University.
What financial support does the scholarship include?
The scholarship includes ¥230,000 a month, graduate school fees up to ¥2.5 million, possible family allowance, a round trip to Japan, and travel, entrance exam fee and up to three nights’ accommodation if needed.
How long does the scholarship last?
It lasts up to two years for a Master’s course and up to three years for the last three years of a doctoral course.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Nationals of eligible countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Mongolia who meet the degree, residency and age requirements can be recommended.
Can applicants apply directly to the foundation?
No, applicants cannot apply directly; they must contact the international student scholarship office of a designated university which recommends candidates.
What are the age limits for applicants?
Applicants must be under 30 (Master’s) or under 35 (doctoral) on 1 April 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is listed as Varies and applicants must follow the deadline set by each designated university.
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