Honjo International Scholarship 2027 in Japan for International Master’s & PhD Students

Japan offers an opportunity for international graduate students to receive substantial monthly financial support while pursuing advanced studies. The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027 scholarship programme, which supports eligible non-Japanese students undertaking Master’s or doctoral degrees at graduate schools in Japan.

The award provides a monthly stipend of ¥180,000 to ¥230,000, depending on the expected duration of the degree. Applicants from all nationalities and academic research fields may apply, provided they meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements.

Applications are open from 1 September to 31 October 2026. However, prospective applicants should understand that this is a monthly-stipend scholarship, not a package that automatically pays university tuition and international travel costs. The Foundation also requires a Japanese-language research plan and conducts interviews in Japanese.

About the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation is a Japanese charitable foundation that supports students pursuing higher education and researchers working towards contributions to society. Its international graduate scholarship programme assists non-Japanese students studying or planning to study for a Master’s or doctoral degree at a Japanese graduate school.

Applicants can apply directly to the Foundation without first being selected by their university. Applications from outside Japan are also possible for candidates who have been accepted by a Japanese graduate school.

Eligible Study Fields and Programmes

The scholarship is available to eligible international students pursuing:

Master’s degree programmes at graduate schools in Japan.
Doctoral or PhD programmes at graduate schools in Japan.
Research in any academic field, provided the applicant meets the Foundation’s requirements.

The programme is not limited to a particular academic discipline. Applicants should select a graduate course that aligns with their academic background, research interests and long-term career plans.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must satisfy the Foundation’s eligibility conditions. These include the following:

Must not hold Japanese citizenship.
Must be enrolled in, or applying to enter, a graduate school in Japan for a Master’s or doctoral programme in Spring or Fall 2027.
Must have at least 12 months remaining before completing the degree.
Master’s applicants must begin the programme by age 30.
Doctoral applicants must begin the programme by age 35.
Must have a strong intention to contribute to their home country through their future career.
Must demonstrate an understanding of international friendship and goodwill and be willing to participate in the Foundation’s events and alumni network.
Must be able to communicate in everyday Japanese. The selection interview is conducted in Japanese.
Applicants to professional graduate schools are generally excluded unless they can submit the research plan required by the Foundation.

Important eligibility clarification: Although applicants of all nationalities are welcome, the scholarship is specifically for non-Japanese citizens pursuing graduate-level study in Japan. It is not an undergraduate scholarship, and nationality alone does not guarantee eligibility. Applicants should check the official 2027 application guidelines for the complete conditions before applying.

Financial Benefits

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend based on the minimum period required to complete the degree.

¥230,000 per month: Degree programmes lasting one to two years.
¥210,000 per month: Degree programmes lasting three years.
¥180,000 per month: Degree programmes lasting longer than three years.

The stipend is provided monthly throughout the minimum period required to obtain the degree, subject to the Foundation’s scholarship conditions.

Does the Scholarship Cover Tuition and Flights?

The Foundation’s official guidance states that the scholarship provides a monthly stipend only. It does not additionally cover university tuition fees or initial travel expenses, such as the flight to Japan.

Applicants should therefore prepare a separate financial plan for expenses not covered by the monthly award. The scholarship is substantial financial support, but describing it as a scholarship that automatically covers every study-abroad expense would be misleading.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the documents and materials requested by the official online application system. These include:

Academic transcripts: Undergraduate academic records are required. Applicants who transferred from a Japanese technical college (kōsen) to a university must also provide the relevant technical-college transcript. Graduate-school transcripts should be included when available.
Research plan: Use the Foundation’s prescribed template and write the research plan in Japanese. It should explain the proposed research, how the applicant hopes to contribute to their home country through knowledge gained in Japan, and relevant academic, research or social achievements.
Recommendation letter: Obtain a recommendation describing academic performance, personal qualities and future potential. A previous academic supervisor may be suitable if they know the applicant’s background better.
Admission or enrolment evidence: Provide an admission letter, acceptance letter or appropriate certificate of enrolment, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Online application form: Complete all required personal, academic and other application fields.
Two-minute research video: The Foundation requires applicants to submit a video in which they explain their research.

Documents not written in Japanese or English may require translations according to the Foundation’s instructions. Check the current application guidelines for file formats, submission procedures and any additional materials required for your circumstances.

Programme and Application Details

Scholarship name: Honjo International Scholarship 2027.
Funding organisation: Honjo International Scholarship Foundation.
Study destination: Japan.
Eligible degree levels: Master’s and PhD.
Eligible nationalities: All nationalities except Japanese citizens.
Academic fields: All research fields.
Monthly stipend: ¥180,000–¥230,000, depending on programme duration.
Application period: 1 September–31 October 2026.
Document screening results: Scheduled for 31 January 2027.
Interview: Scheduled for 9 February 2027, in Tokyo or by video call for applicants unable to attend in person.
Final results: Scheduled for 31 March 2027.
Number of awards: Approximately 10 students, according to the Foundation’s published information.
Application fee: No application fee is stated on the official scholarship page.

The screening dates are published by the Foundation as its current schedule. Applicants should check the official website for any updates before making travel or other arrangements.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation’s application system. Begin by reading the official guidelines and confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria. Then complete the application form, upload the required documents and submit the mandatory two-minute research video. Save the application PDF and reference number generated after successful submission.

Click Here to Apply: https://entry.hisf.or.jp/

Official Scholarship Information: https://www.hisf.or.jp/en/scholarship/foreigner/

Research Plan Template: https://www.hisf.or.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/research-plan.docx

Applicants should pay particular attention to the Japanese-language research plan and interview requirements. Preparing these elements early can help avoid a rushed application close to the deadline.