Scholarships for Studying in Japan: JASSO, the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, and Local, Private and School Scholarships

When you think about the cost of studying, you may wonder whether you can get a scholarship. Scholarships can help if you use them well, but not everyone can receive one, and eligibility and conditions are set for each scholarship. This guide explains the main scholarships open to students at Japanese language schools and to students after they go on to further study, when and how to apply, and how to plan without relying only on scholarships, using official information.

We checked the official pages listed at the bottom on 7 November 2026. Amounts, conditions and application periods for scholarships change every year. Use this guide as a general reference, and before you apply, confirm the details with the organization offering the scholarship and with your school. We cannot guarantee that you will receive a scholarship.

First, what to know

According to Study in Japan (JASSO), the following points matter.

• Scholarships are not meant to cover all the costs of studying in Japan. Work out your total costs, make a plan that includes the money you can prepare yourself, and do not rely only on scholarships.
• Most scholarships are applied for after you come to Japan. Only a few can be applied for from overseas.
• Eligibility depends on the type of school, your age, nationality, major and the school you attend.
• Most applications are made through the school you are enrolled in. Each school has a limit on how many students it can recommend.
• Selection may involve document review, written tests or interviews, and results come from the organization or school that provides the scholarship.

For an idea of the costs, see the cost guide.

Types of scholarships

The JASSO scholarship for privately financed international students

This is the best-known scholarship that students at Japanese language schools can also be eligible for (JASSO's Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students). You apply through your school after you arrive in Japan (JASSO).

The main conditions are:

• Your status of residence is "Student" (Dependent and Long-term Resident statuses are not eligible).
• Your grade point (grade evaluation coefficient) for the previous academic year is 2.30 or above, and you are expected to keep that level during the payment period.
• The average amount of money sent to you (not counting entrance and tuition fees) is 90,000 yen a month or less.
• If you have a financial supporter (the person who supports your living costs) living in Japan, that person's annual income must be under 5 million yen.
• Students at Japanese language institutions must aim to go on to a university or other higher education institution in Japan the year after.
• There are Japanese or English language level conditions. However, they do not apply to non-degree programs for international students, preparatory courses and Japanese language institutions.

Ask the person in charge at your school how to apply. Because each school has a different recommendation quota, students at some schools may not be able to apply.

The payment period is, in principle, one year from April to March of the following year, or six months from October to March of the following year (JASSO). Ask your school about the actual application timing and the school's recommendation quota.

Reservation before you come to Japan

JASSO also has a system for reserving a scholarship before you come to Japan. It is for privately financed students who score well on the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and plan to enroll as regular students in a university, junior college, college of technology (third year or above) or the professional course of a specialized training college. After you are selected for reservation, you may receive the scholarship if you enroll within the designated period and are recommended by your school. You choose the reservation option when you apply for the EJU.

The EJU is explained in the guide to going on to further study after language school.

The Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship

According to Study in Japan (JASSO), there are seven types of the Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship: research students, teacher training students, undergraduate students, Japanese studies students, college of technology students, specialized training college students, and Young Leaders Program students. There is no separate category for Japanese language school students.

• Undergraduate students: Under 25 years old, having completed 12 years of school education (including those expected to complete it).
• Specialized training college students: Under 25, having completed 12 years of school education or equivalent Japanese high school-level education (including those expected to complete it).
• Research students: Under 35 and eligible for admission to a master's or doctoral program at a Japanese graduate school.

There are two ways to apply.

• Embassy recommendation: A Japanese embassy (or consulate general) recruits and does the first screening.
• University recommendation: A Japanese university selects candidates through its overseas student exchange agreements and recommends them to MEXT. Only universities approved by MEXT can do this.

The benefits include exemption from tuition and a round-trip airfare. The monthly stipend differs by category, so check the latest application guidelines.

Application periods, eligible countries and numbers change from year to year. For how to apply from Nepal, check the latest guidance of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal.

Scholarships from local governments, international exchange organizations, private organizations and schools

• Local governments, local international associations and private foundations: They may give scholarships to students in their area. Some accept applications from overseas. Private foundations may limit awards to particular schools, majors or countries. Application conditions and selection methods differ by organization.
• School scholarships and tuition reductions: Many schools offer scholarships and tuition reductions for international students. Some can be applied for before enrollment and others after you enroll. For the latest information, check the school's website or ask the school directly.

To search, you can use the scholarship search site (JPSS) and the tuition reduction and exemption search page introduced on the Study in Japan website. The introduction pages do not say whether Japanese language school students are eligible for these scholarships. Ask the organization offering the scholarship and your school.

What to check before you apply

1. 1Are you eligible? Do the type of school, age, nationality, major and status of residence meet the conditions?
2. 2When and where do you apply? Before you come to Japan or after? Through the school or directly?
3. 3The school's recommendation quota: Each school has a limit on how many it can recommend. Ask the school before you enroll.
4. 4Conditions for keeping it: While you receive it, grades or attendance may be a condition.
5. 5Amount and period: How much each month, and from when to when?

Not relying too much on scholarships

• Make a budget that lets you live even if you do not get a scholarship.
• Recipients are selected through document screening and interviews. Applying does not mean you will receive one.
• Do not rely too much on part-time income either. The rules are explained in the part-time work guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can students at Japanese language schools receive a scholarship?

JASSO's scholarship for privately financed students includes students at Japanese language institutions, at 30,000 yen a month. However, there are conditions, and each school's recommendation quota is limited, so students at some schools may not be able to apply.

Are there scholarships I can apply for before I come to Japan?

A few. The Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship is applied for through an embassy or a university. JASSO has a reservation system for people with high EJU scores. Some local governments, international exchange organizations and private organizations also accept applications from overseas.

Can a scholarship alone cover the cost of studying?

No. JASSO explains that scholarships are not designed to cover all the costs. Make a plan that includes money you can prepare yourself.

Will I always get a scholarship?

No. There is eligibility, conditions, a recommendation quota and selection. Applying does not mean you will receive one.

Where can I look for scholarships?

You can ask the staff member in charge at your school, check your school's website, the scholarship pages of Study in Japan, and the scholarship search site.

What to do next

To compare schools by scholarship conditions, check fees and support for further study in the school list. For choosing a school overall, see How to Choose a Japanese Language School. If you need help, contact us. This site is free to use. We do not guarantee admission or a visa.