The Honjo International Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious opportunity designed for international students aiming to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at Japanese graduate schools. This scholarship welcomes applicants from all countries and research fields, allowing direct application to the foundation without the need for university pre-selection. Whether you are currently studying in Japan or planning to enroll, this scholarship provides essential financial support to help you achieve your academic goals.
Offering a monthly stipend of ¥230,000 for the minimum duration required to complete your degree, the Honjo International Scholarship 2026 makes studying in Japan more accessible and affordable compared to other countries like the US and UK. At ScholarshipUnion, we provide comprehensive details and a step-by-step application guide to help you successfully apply for this valuable scholarship and take the next step in your academic journey in Japan.
Benefits
The period of the scholarship for the recipient is set in accordance with the shortest period of
time required to complete the intended degree.
- ¥230,000 per month for 1 ~ 2 years degree
- ¥210,000 per month for 3 years degree
- ¥180,000 per month for 4 ~ 5 years of degree
The payment period cannot be changed once it commenced.
Those whose enrollment period is shorter than one year are not eligible to apply. - The travel grant to cover the expenses to attend an international conference will be provided to scholarship recipients, based on the scholarship provision rules.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Honjo International Scholarship 2026, you must:
- Be an international student
- Be enrolled or currently applying for the academic course starting from April 2025 at a graduate school in Japan.
- Those who are already enrolled and those who are not enrolled yet (including people who are currently employed with jobs at the time of applying for the program) are both eligible to apply for this scholarship if you are going to be enrolled in April 2025
- Have a strong will to serve in their home country as a future career plan.
- Have a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill, and must attend the events organized by the foundation and take part in the network as an alumni member
- Must be able to carry an everyday conversation in Japanese. Interviews (after submission) will be conducted in Japanese
- Must start the PhD course by the age of 35 and master’s program by the age of 30 (No exception).
- Must be enrolled in a programme longer than 12 months.
Required Documents for Honjo International Scholarship 2026
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents
- Academic transcript (In Japanese or English; please attach a translation in case of other
languages.) - Research Proposal: Use the designated template and write in Japanese language. The
template of the MS Word file is available here. - Your proposal should describe: What you are going to research, What and how you are going to contribute to your home country based on what you will learn or study in Japan, What you already achieved regarding research, academic, and social activity
- A recommendation letter from a supervisor:
- Documents that prove admission, such as an admission letter, a letter of acceptance,
etc. Please upload the certificate of enrollment only if the student is already enrolled in the
graduate school.
How to Apply?
- Access the online application system between September 1 and October 31, 2025.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements, including acceptance or plans to study at a Japanese graduate school for a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Fill out the application form carefully and upload all required documents, such as your research plan.
- Record a short video (around two minutes) explaining your research and upload it with your application.
- Submit your application before the deadline. After submission, you will receive an application number and a PDF copy of your form keep these safe.
- Wait for the document screening results, announced by January 31, 2026. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview.
- Attend the interview in February 2026, either in Tokyo or via video call.
- Check the final results on March 31, 2026, using your application number on the scholarship website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Honjo International Scholarship 2026 supports international graduate students studying in Japan. It offers a monthly stipend but does not cover tuition or travel. Applications are open to all nationalities, require a Japanese research plan, and include an interview in Japanese. Direct application to the foundation is allowed
Who is eligible to apply for the Honjo International Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship is open to non-Japanese citizens who plan to enroll or are enrolled in a Japanese graduate school for a master’s or doctoral degree. Applicants from all nationalities and research fields are welcome to apply directly to the foundation.
Can I apply if I have not yet taken the university entrance exam?
Yes, you can apply if you plan to take the entrance exam in Spring or Fall 2026. You should enter the estimated date of your exam results in the application, even if you don’t have the acceptance letter by the deadline.
Is there a requirement to return to my home country immediately after graduation?
No, you are allowed to work in Japan or other countries for a few years after graduation before returning to your home country. The scholarship does not require immediate return upon completion of your degree.
Can I apply for undergraduate programs through this scholarship?
No, the Honjo International Scholarship is only for graduate-level studies. It does not provide scholarships for undergraduate international students.
What documents are required for the Honjo International Scholarship 2026?
You need to submit academic transcripts, a research plan written in Japanese, a personal statement, a recommendation letter, and a short video explaining your research. The recommendation letter can be in English and must include a seal or signature.
Can the research plan be written in English for the Honjo International Scholarship 2026?
The research plan must be written in Japanese. However, if you are not confident in Japanese, you may optionally upload an English version. The Japanese version is mandatory for the application to be accepted.
How is the interview conducted and in what language?
The interview is conducted in Japanese but is not a language proficiency test. Candidates should prepare to explain their research and background in simple Japanese. Online interviews are possible if you cannot attend in person.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees and travel expenses?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend only. It does not cover university tuition fees or initial travel costs such as airfare to Japan. Applicants should plan to cover these expenses separately.
What should I do if my supervisor is not yet decided?
If your supervisor for Spring 2026 is not determined at the time of application, simply enter “To be determined” in the application form. This will not affect your eligibility.
How do I confirm my application has been successfully submitted?
Once you complete the online application and click the final “Application” button, a PDF of your application and an application number will be generated and sent to your registered email. This confirms your application is complete.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
