Honjo Japan Master Scholarship for International Students 2026 – ¥230,000 Monthly Stipend

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Master's Degree Japan
Honjo International Master Scholarship - ¥230,000 Monthly Stipend

Scholarship Description

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) offers a prestigious monthly stipend scholarship for international students who wish to pursue a master's degree at a Japanese graduate school. The foundation supports students from all countries and regions, in any academic field, who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to international friendship and goodwill.

This scholarship is unique in that applicants may apply directly to the foundation without pre-selection by the university. It is open to non-Japanese citizens of all nationalities who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in a Japanese graduate school. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend throughout the minimum period required to acquire the degree, with the amount varying based on the duration of the program. Recipients are also expected to participate in foundation events and contribute to the international alumni network.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at any graduate school in Japan. Applicants have the flexibility to choose any university and graduate course in Japan that aligns with their academic and personal goals. The foundation is based in Tokyo, and interviews are typically conducted in Tokyo or via video call.

Scholarship Deadline

The application period for the 2026 cycle is September 1 – October 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the foundation's online application system.

Application Opens: September 1, 2026 (11:00 AM)

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026

Document Screening Result: January 31, 2027

Interview: February 9, 2027

Final Result: March 31, 2027

Host Institution

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) – A private scholarship foundation based in Tokyo, Japan. The foundation provides scholarships to graduate students (both Japanese and international) and supports Japanese high school and Kosen students. The scholarship is not affiliated with any specific university; recipients can study at any graduate school in Japan.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's degree (also available for doctoral/PhD students).

Eligible Fields: All academic fields and research areas are welcome. There are no restrictions on the field of study.

Duration: The scholarship is provided monthly throughout the minimum period required to acquire the degree. For master's programs, this is typically 2 years.

Target Group

The scholarship is open to non-Japanese citizens of all nationalities who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in a master's degree program at a Japanese graduate school. Applicants must have a strong will to serve in their home country after graduation, demonstrate a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill, and be able to carry on an everyday conversation in Japanese.

The foundation also welcomes applications from students who are about to take an entrance examination for Spring or Fall 2027 admission. Applicants do not need to have a confirmed acceptance letter at the time of application; they can input the estimated date of the entrance examination result announcement.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: The minimum period required to acquire the degree (typically 2 years for a master's program).

Number of Awards: Approximately 10 scholarships per cycle.

Scholarship benefits include:

  • Monthly stipend – The amount depends on the duration of the degree:
    • ¥230,000 per month – For a 1 to 2-year degree program.
    • ¥210,000 per month – For a 3-year degree program.
    • ¥180,000 per month – For degree programs longer than 3 years (4 or 5 years).
  • Travel grant – Provided to cover expenses for attending international conferences, based on the foundation's rules.

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Stipend: ¥230,000/month (1-2 years); ¥210,000/month (3 years); ¥180,000/month (4-5 years)
Travel Grant: Available for international conferences
Duration: Minimum period to complete the degree
Awards: Approximately 10 per year
Note: Does not cover tuition fees or initial travel costs.

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria for 2026:

  • Citizenship: Must not possess Japanese citizenship. Open to all nationalities.
  • Enrollment: Must be enrolled in or applying for a master's degree program at a Japanese graduate school (starting Spring or Fall 2027).
  • Age (Master's Program): Must be 30 years old or younger when starting the program (born after August 31, 1989, based on the 2020 guideline; check the latest guideline for updated age limits).
  • Language: Must be able to carry on an everyday conversation in Japanese. Interviews will be conducted in Japanese (no exception).
  • Service Commitment: Must have a strong will to serve in the home country after graduation (this does not require immediate return or guaranteed employment).
  • International Friendship: Must have a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill and must attend foundation events and participate in the alumni network.
  • Other Scholarships: Must not receive any other scholarship in conjunction with the Honjo scholarship.
  • Employment: Cannot gain employment other than part-time jobs related to studies (e.g., teaching/research assistant, translator/interpreter) while receiving the scholarship.

✅ Eligible Candidates

  • Non-Japanese citizens of all nationalities.
  • Enrolled in or applying for a master's degree program at a Japanese graduate school.
  • 30 years old or younger when starting the program (for master's applicants).
  • Can converse in everyday Japanese (interviews are in Japanese).
  • Demonstrate a strong will to serve in their home country after graduation.
  • Have a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill.
  • Willing to participate in foundation events and alumni activities.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

  • Japanese citizens.
  • Undergraduate international students.
  • Master's applicants older than 30 when starting the program.
  • Those unable to converse in everyday Japanese.
  • Students receiving other scholarships concurrently.
  • Students in non-degree programs.
  • Those seeking support for tuition fees or initial travel costs.

Application Procedure

  1. Confirm eligibility – Ensure you meet all the requirements: non-Japanese citizenship, enrollment or planned enrollment in a Japanese graduate school, age limit (30 or younger for master's), Japanese language ability, and commitment to serving your home country.
  2. Access the online application system – The application period is from 11:00 AM on September 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026. Visit the foundation's website to enter the online application system.
  3. Complete the application form – Fill out all necessary information, including personal details, academic background, research plan, and other required fields.
  4. Upload required documents – Prepare and upload the required files as PDFs:
    • Photo (data size under 500KB, 4:3 aspect ratio, .jpg or .gif format).
    • Recommendation letter (seal or signature required; English is acceptable).
    • Research plan (must be written in Japanese; an English version may optionally be uploaded in addition).
    • Academic transcripts.
    • Other documents as specified in the application guideline.
  5. Record a 2-minute research video – A movie where you talk about your research for approximately two minutes is required.
  6. Submit your application – Once documents are submitted, an application number will be issued, and a PDF of your application form will be generated. Save this PDF as you will need it when results are announced.
  7. Await document screening result – The document screening result will be announced on January 31, 2027. Application numbers of those moving to the interview stage will be posted on the foundation's website.
  8. Attend the interview – Interviews are planned for February 9, 2027, in Tokyo or via video call. The interview will be conducted in Japanese.
  9. Receive final result – The final result will be announced on March 31, 2027.

Important notes: The research plan must be written in Japanese within the designated pages. The recommendation letter can be in English, but must have a seal or signature. The scholarship only provides a monthly stipend and does not cover tuition fees or initial travel costs. Recipients are required to participate in foundation events approximately once a month and attend alumni events after graduation.

Official Website & Application Link

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation – Official Page

Online Application System: https://entry.hisf.or.jp

FAQ: https://www.hisf.or.jp/en/scholarship/foreigner/faq-en/

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💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Honjo International Master Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students to receive substantial monthly financial support while pursuing a master's degree in Japan. With a stipend of up to ¥230,000 per month (approximately $1,500 USD) and no restrictions on nationality or field of study, it offers a unique pathway to graduate education in one of the world's most dynamic academic environments.

Key strategies for a successful application:

  • Apply directly to the foundation – no university pre-selection is required, giving you full control over your application.
  • Submit your application during the September 1 – October 31, 2026 window. Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Prepare your research plan in Japanese – this is a strict requirement. An English version can be uploaded optionally.
  • Record a concise 2-minute video about your research.
  • Secure a recommendation letter with a seal or signature (English is acceptable).
  • Ensure you meet the age requirement (30 or younger for master's applicants when starting the program).
  • Be prepared for a Japanese-language interview – practice explaining your research in simple, clear Japanese.
  • Demonstrate your commitment to international friendship and your intention to serve your home country after graduation.
  • Note that the scholarship does not cover tuition fees or initial travel costs – you will need to secure separate funding for these expenses.

Important reminders: Recipients cannot receive other scholarships concurrently and cannot engage in employment other than part-time academic or translation work. You must participate in foundation events (approximately once a month) and contribute to the alumni network after graduation. The application guideline for 2027 will be announced in August 2026, so check the official website for the most up-to-date information. For any questions, use the inquiry form or email the foundation directly.

Honjo Japan Master Scholarship for International Students 2026 – FAQ

What is the Honjo International Scholarship?

It is a monthly stipend scholarship offered by the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation to international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree at a Japanese graduate school. It is open to all nationalities and academic fields.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend: ¥230,000 for 1-2 year programs, ¥210,000 for 3-year programs, and ¥180,000 for programs longer than 3 years. A travel grant for international conferences is also available. It does not cover tuition fees or initial travel costs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Non-Japanese citizens of all nationalities who are enrolled in or applying for a master's degree at a Japanese graduate school, are 30 years old or younger when starting the program (for master's applicants), can converse in everyday Japanese, and have a strong will to serve their home country after graduation.

What is the application deadline?

The application period is September 1 – October 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the online application system.

Do I need to be accepted to a university before applying?

No. You can apply if you are going to take an entrance examination for Spring or Fall 2027 admission. You can input the estimated date of the entrance examination result announcement.

Can I apply if I am an undergraduate student?

No. The scholarship program does not offer scholarships for undergraduate international students. It is only for master's and doctoral students.

Is the interview conducted in English?

No. The interview is conducted in Japanese. However, it is not to evaluate language skills; candidates should prepare an oral explanation about themselves and their research in easy Japanese.

Can I receive another scholarship at the same time?

No. The scholarship recipient is not permitted to receive any other scholarship in conjunction with the Honjo scholarship.

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