Studying in Japan can be difficult for international students in the absence of any financial support. This is why most students apply for scholarships to pursue educational courses in Japan. You can apply for these scholarships through centralized university applications or recommendations from professors. Students can also directly approach the university and learn about the various scholarship programs they offer and their eligibility criteria. Scholarships help students avoid debt and pursue their overseas education without worrying about a hefty tuition fee. Scholarships are offered based on the candidate's academic performance, scholarship application, and other awards or accolades that they might have. 

There are several fee waivers and stipend scholarships that you can apply for in Japan. This type of financial assistance can go a long way in easing the educational journey for the student. Some of these scholarships that are provided to international students in Japan include:

Hideki Yukawa Global Skills Scholarship

Today, children are introduced to technology at a young age. If technology fascinates you and you are inclined towards apps, gadgets, digital tools, then the Hideki Yukawa Global Skills Scholarship might be the right fit for you. Tokyo International School offers this scholarship to students who show potential in the field of technology. Students studying in grades 1-12 or IBDP Year 1-2  can apply for this scholarship. It has a tenure of 1 year. You must be a permanent resident/Japanese resident to avail this scholarship. Based on a student’s national rank at the STEM Olympiad/Robotics Olympiad/Olympiad by SOF or the prize you won at the annual National Children’s Science Congress competition, this scholarship has four categories. You can avail 6 - 19% off on your tuition fees by meeting the eligibility criteria under these categories. You can apply for a scholarship on GIIS Tokyo’s website. You can visit GIIS Tokyo’s website for more information. 

Sadako Ogata Merit cum Means Scholarship

This merit-cum-means scholarship is offered to meritorious students from moderate-income households. This gives talented students a chance to get quality education without having to worry about expenses of studying in an international school. Only the students who are Japanese residents can apply. As for applicable grades, anyone from Nursery, Kindergarten 1-2, Grade 1-12, and IBDP Year 1-2 can apply. This scholarship has a tenure of two years. Based on the income group, this scholarship has seven categories. You can avail 2 - 25% off on your tuition fees depending on which income bracket you belong to. You can apply for scholarship on GIIS Tokyo’s website.

MEXT

One of Japan's most prestigious scholarships is MEXT which provides Masters, PhD, or MS leading to PhD scholarships. To avail these scholarships, you can approach the university professors or admission offices to nominate you for the scholarship. You can get nominated as the university's MEXT candidate after the admission process. The MEXT selection committee will then review the applications and choose the final candidates from the university nominations. 

JICA- MEXT collaboration 

Another option for students applying for MEXT is to do so under JICA. This is an excellent opportunity for students since they are offered more money under JICA along with the amount provided under MEXT. It also provides points for immigration. 

Asian Development Bank Scholarships

The Asian Development Bank also offers scholarships for candidates pursuing master’s courses in various disciplines in Japan. This scholarship is valid at several universities in Japan. The eligibility criterion for the scholarship is at least two or more years of experience after the bachelor's degree.

World Bank Scholarships

Several programs across universities in Japan are covered under World Bank Scholarships. The eligibility criterion for the scholarship is at least three or more years of experience after the bachelor's degree. You can check the list of courses included on the World Bank's website. 

You can get the scholarship through a recommendation from the university or any professor. Make sure you apply to many scholarships to improve your chances of getting the scholarship. You also need to work on your Japanese and learn about the region's history and culture to maximize your chances of getting selected for the scholarship. Work on your scholarship application and let the sponsors know how appreciative you are of the opportunity.

You also need to prepare well for the scholarship interview and improve your GPA. Seek the help of an expert to review your application and essay while applying for a scholarship. All these steps will help you secure the best scholarship and pursue your desired course in Japan.