MEXT, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Scholarship, is a highly sought-after program for international students pursuing education in Japan. However, it is not the only opportunity available. Numerous other scholarships offer financial aid to students worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore several alternatives to the MEXT scholarship that can help you achieve your academic goals.
What Are Scholarships and Why Are They Important?
Scholarships provide financial aid to students to support their education. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them a highly desirable form of financial assistance. They are often awarded based on various criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular involvement, and specific talents or backgrounds. Apart from financial support, they can open doors to unique academic and cultural experiences. Many scholarships offer mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and even language training.
Other Scholarships Available for Students Besides MEXT
While the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship is a well-known option for international students in Japan, here are some noteworthy alternatives:
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship
JASSO is an independent administrative institution under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan. It offers two categories of scholarships:
Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students: Provides financial support to students who fund their education independently. Available for both undergraduate and graduate programs as well as Japanese language programs. The monthly stipend for this scholarship is 48,000 yen per month.
Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-Term Study in Japan): This is exclusively for individuals approved by Japanese schools. This scholarship provides an 80,000 yen monthly stipend but is not for students who want to complete their studies in Japan.
Eligibility criteria:
- Graduate or research student, undergraduate, junior college, college of technology, or specialized training college.
- Overseas applications are accepted.
- No requirement for the Japanese language.
Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship
The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation offers scholarships to international students wishing to pursue their studies in Japan. It is available to students applying for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies. It provides a monthly stipend of ¥140,000 for undergraduate students and ¥150,000 for graduate students. The scholarship also includes part of the travel expenses to Japan, but excludes the school admission and tuition fees.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must not be Japanese citizens, can be non-Japanese dual citizens and must live outside Japan until the program begins, and have not lived in Japan for more than 31 days total.
- Basic Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N4 level) is needed.
JENESYS Program
The Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program is a cultural exchange program that offers scholarships for young enthusiasts from East Asia to study in Japan. The program promotes mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other East Asian countries.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be a native of an East Asian country, enrolled in a university or high school in the participating country, with a strong interest in Japanese culture and society.
- Japanese language requirement depends on the program chosen.
Private Foundation Scholarships:
Private foundations offer scholarships provided by companies or organizations. These scholarships are granted to students attending schools in a given district, limited to special subjects related to the company, or provided to students from a certain country or region who have been offered the exchange program by the enterprise.
Examples include:
Ajinomoto Scholarship for ASEAN International Students: Provides financial support for students from ASEAN countries to study in Japan.
Freeman Foundation’s Freeman—ASIA Award: Accessible to anyone seeking education in East or Southeast Asia.
Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange: Provides the Kawaguchi Shizu Memorial Scholarship, open to students from all over Asia with a stipend of 120,000 yen per month.
Eligibility criteria:
- International students enrolled in Japanese universities.
- Application from overseas is mostly not available.
- No requirement for the Japanese language.
Local Governments and International Organizations
Local governments provide scholarships to students living in their district or attending schools in the area. The applicants are usually recommended by the school administration. The number of awardees per scholarship varies.
Examples include Hokkaido International Exchange & Cooperation Center, Kitami City, Iwate International Association, Ohtawara-City Board of Education, Shinjuku-ku Foreign Student Scholarship, Kawasaki International Association Financial Assistance Program for Foreign Students, and many more.
Eligibility criteria:
- International students living or studying in the area.
- Application from overseas are not eligible.
- No requirement for the Japanese language.
Scholarship Options at Universities:
When you enroll at one of Japan’s Top Global Universities, you’ll mostly be eligible for the university’s monthly scholarship. Each institution has its regulations and differs, so it is necessary to make personal queries to learn how much each university offers. According to public sources, the monthly stipend varies between 60,000 and 120,000 yen. The criteria for receiving a scholarship vary, and you can keep the scholarship if you continue performing well.
Finding the Right Scholarship
With so many options available, finding the right scholarship can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to navigate your search:
Identify your goals and needs: Are you looking for full financial support or just tuition assistance? Do you have a specific field of study in mind? Understanding your goals and needs will help you target relevant scholarships.
Academic Level: Scholarships often target specific academic levels, like undergraduate, graduate, or research programs. Identify your program and look for scholarships that align with it.
Nationality: Certain scholarships may be restricted to students from specific countries.
Research and Compare: Utilize online resources like JASSO's website, the Study in Japan website, and scholarship aggregators to explore various scholarships. Pay close attention to eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the scope of financial assistance offered by each program.
Contact Universities and Organizations: Don't hesitate to reach out to universities and scholarship providers directly. They can offer valuable insights and guidance specific to your situation.
Conclusion:
Exploring scholarship opportunities beyond the MEXT program can significantly enhance your chances of studying in Japan. Each scholarship has its unique criteria and benefits, so thorough research and preparation are essential. By understanding your needs and leveraging available resources, you can find the scholarship that best suits your academic and financial goals. Good luck with your scholarship search and your educational journey in Japan!
For other scholarships information - click here - https://www.jpss.jp/en/scholarship/
References :
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/jasso-scholarships/
https://joyofjapanese.com/scholarships-in-japan/#different-types-of-scholarships-in-japan
https://www.tokhimo.com/post/scholarships-for-international-students-in-japan-2022-1
