A step-by-step guide to finding and applying for scholarships to study in Japan. From MEXT Embassy Recommendation to university-specific grants.
国費留学(大使館推薦)
The Embassy Recommendation is the most common route for African students. You apply through the Embassy of Japan or Consulate-General responsible for your country.
Each Embassy sets its own deadlines, required documents, available scholarship categories, and screening process. The typical flow is:
Important: Application procedures differ by country. Always check the official Embassy website in your country first.
This is the recorded session from May 11, 2026, organized by Study in Japan for Africa. It covers eligibility, application flow, required documents, written exams, interviews, and tips for a strong application.
We compiled 90+ real questions from African students during our May 2026 information session. Browse answers by category and audience.
View MEXT Q&A国費留学(大学推薦)
With the University Recommendation, a Japanese university nominates you directly to MEXT. This route is mainly for graduate (Master's and Doctoral) students.
Unlike the Embassy route, you do not apply through your local Embassy. Instead, you contact a prospective professor at a Japanese university, obtain their support, and the university submits your nomination to MEXT.
Note: Not all universities offer University Recommendation every year. Contact your target university's international office to confirm availability.
Most universities have internal deadlines between October and December for the following October admission. MEXT then makes the final decision between March and May.
If you are aiming for October 2027 admission, you should contact professors by May–June 2026 at the latest.
JICA(国際協力機構)奨学金
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offers scholarships primarily for postgraduate study in development-related fields such as agriculture, economics, engineering, public health, education, and environmental science.
JICA scholarships are typically degree-seeking programs at Japanese universities, not just research stays. A key requirement is your commitment to contribute to the development of your home country after completing your studies.
Many JICA programs require nomination from your employer or government. If you work in the public sector, check whether your ministry has a partnership with JICA.
アフリカ人学生向けスキーム
These programs are specifically open to or prioritize students from African countries and other developing nations. Many are funded by international organizations or Japanese local governments with a focus on building human resources for development.
African Development Bank / Japan
渡日前に応募できる奨学金
These scholarships can be applied for while you are still in your home country. This is especially important if you need funding secured before you can obtain a visa or leave your current job.
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
U under 45, M/D under 40. ~700 grantees / 1,206 applicants.
WebsiteAichi Prefectural Government
Must seek employment in Aichi after graduation. Under 35.
WebsiteYoshida Scholarship Foundation
Under 30. Natural Science or Engineering. Africa eligible.
WebsiteJapan Educational Exchanges and Services
Art history field. 5 grantees / 6 applicants.
WebsiteJASSO
1,500 expected grantees. Must take EJU and enroll as regular student.
WebsiteHonjo International Scholarship Foundation
Must start by age 35 (D) / 30 (M). Must return to home country after graduation.
Website渡日後に応募できる奨学金 — データベース検索
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships for privately-financed international students already enrolled in Japanese schools. Application is through your school.
Many prefectures and cities offer scholarships to international students residing in their area. Amounts vary from ¥10,000 to ¥80,000 per month.
Examples: Kitami City, Iwate, Yamagata, Shinjuku, Kawasaki, Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kagoshima
Hundreds of private foundations offer scholarships to international students in Japan. These often have specific fields, regions, or age limits.
Examples: Rotary Yoneyama, Honjo, Ichihara, Otsuka Toshimi, Nitori, NOMURA, JEES
Many post-arrival scholarships have application windows in April–May or September–October. As soon as you arrive in Japan and enroll, check your university's international student office for scholarship bulletins and application schedules. Do not wait until you need the money.
Scholarship Database
Search through 50+ scholarships from the JASSO 2026–2027 pamphlet. Filter by category, level, or keyword to find programs matching your profile.
Showing 33 scholarships
MEXT
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JASSO
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Kitami City
Iwate International Association
Yamagata Prefecture
Shinjuku City
Kawasaki International Association
Ishikawa Prefecture
Kobe International Community Center
Hiroshima International Center
Fukuoka City International Foundation
Kagoshima Prefecture
Ichihara International Scholarship Foundation
ITO Foundation for International Education Exchange
Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship Foundation
Kamiyama Scholarship Foundation
Nitori International Scholarship Foundation
Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)
Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)
NOMURA FOUNDATION
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
Aichi Prefectural Government
Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)
Yoshida Scholarship Foundation
JASSO
受験大学の留学生向け奨学金・学費減免情報
Every Japanese university has its own scholarships, tuition exemption programs, and fee reduction schemes for international students. These are often separate from MEXT or JASSO and can significantly reduce your total cost of studying in Japan.
Even if you receive MEXT or JASSO, some universities offer additional top-up scholarships or research grants for international students. Ask your professor or the international student office after enrollment.
大学院受験の場合 — まず指導教官を見つけて、奨学金を確認する
For graduate school (Master's or Doctoral), the most reliable path to a scholarship is through your prospective professor. Professors know which scholarships their university can nominate you for, and a strong professor relationship often determines whether you receive MEXT University Recommendation or other institutional support.
Use university websites, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and academic databases. Read their recent papers.
Attach a 2-page research plan, transcript, and CV. Be specific about why you want to join that lab.
Once the professor shows interest, ask: "What scholarships does this university recommend for international students?"
This may be MEXT University Recommendation, JASSO, a private foundation, or a university-specific grant.
Make sure you understand the full cost: tuition, living expenses, insurance, and how the scholarship covers each.
Bottom line: Do not apply to graduate school in Japan without contacting a professor first. Scholarships and admission are deeply connected.
Now that you know where to find scholarships, the next step is understanding the full application process — from choosing a program to arriving in Japan.
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