Planning to pursue a Master's or PhD in Japan? The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation offers a generous monthly stipend for international students studying at Japanese graduate schools. This is one of Japan's most respected privately funded scholarships, open to all nationalities and research fields.
π― Quick Info
π Scholarship: Honjo International Scholarship 2027
π Host Country: Japan
π Level: Master's & PhD
π
Application Period: September 1 – October 31, 2026
⏳ Deadline: October 31, 2026
π° Stipend: ¥180,000 – ¥230,000 per month
π Screening: Document screening + Interview
π₯ Slots: ~10 students
π Official Link: Apply Here
π What is Honjo International Scholarship?
The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (ζ¬εΊε½ιε₯¨ε¦θ²‘ε£) was established in 1996 by the Honjo family to support international education exchange. It is one of Japan's most respected privately funded scholarships for international graduate students.
This scholarship is open to foreign students who study or plan to study in a Japanese graduate school for a doctoral or master's degree. Applications can be submitted from abroad if you are accepted to a Japanese graduate school. All nationalities and research fields are welcome.
Key advantage: You may directly apply to the foundation without pre-selection by the university.
π° Scholarship Benefits
Monthly Stipend:
- 1 – 2 years degree: ¥230,000/month (~$1,500 USD)
- 3 years degree: ¥210,000/month (~$1,370 USD)
- Beyond 3 years: ¥180,000/month (~$1,170 USD)
Additional Benefits:
- ✅ Scholarship throughout minimum degree period
- ✅ Travel grant for international conferences
- ✅ Networking events & cultural exchanges
- ✅ Alumni network membership
- ✅ No repayment required
⚠️ Note: Tuition fees and airfare are NOT covered. Most Japanese universities offer tuition waivers for international students.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
You must meet ALL of these requirements:
- π Nationality: Must NOT have Japanese citizenship
- π Enrollment: Enrolled in or accepted to a Japanese graduate school (Master's or PhD)
- ⏱️ Duration: Enrollment until graduation must be longer than 12 months
- π Age Limit:
- Master's: Must start by age 30
- PhD: Must start by age 35
- πΌ Career Goal: Strong will to serve your home country after graduation
- π€ Community: Understand international friendship and participate in foundation events
- π£️ Japanese: Able to carry an everyday conversation in Japanese (interviews in Japanese)
- π° Other Scholarships: Must NOT be receiving another scholarship (except MEXT, JASSO Honors, JSPS, or JST)
⚠️ Important: Students in professional graduate schools are generally NOT eligible, unless they can submit a research plan.
π Required Documents
- π Academic Transcripts — Undergraduate + Graduate. In Japanese or English.
- π Research Proposal — Use foundation's template. Describe: (1) What you will research, (2) How you'll contribute to your home country, (3) Your past achievements
- π₯ 2-Minute Research Video — MP4 or MOV, max 1GB. Talk about your research plan. Your face must be visible. In Japanese or English.
- ✉️ Recommendation Letter — From your supervisor. Sent directly to info@hisf.or.jp
- π¨ Admission Letter — Proof of acceptance/enrollment at a Japanese graduate school
- π· Face Photo — Max 500KB, JPG or GIF
π
Application Timeline 2027
- August 2026 — Application guidelines announced
- September 1, 2026 — Application portal opens (11:00 AM JST)
- October 31, 2026 — ⏰ Application deadline
- January 31, 2027 — Document screening results announced
- February 9, 2027 — Interview (Tokyo or video call)
- March 31, 2027 — Final results announced
- April 2027 — Scholarship period begins
π How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria
- Step 2: Prepare all required documents (transcripts, research proposal, video, recommendation letter, admission proof)
- Step 3: Visit the official online application system (link available when applications open)
- Step 4: Fill out the application form and upload all documents as PDF files
- Step 5: Submit your 2-minute research video (MP4/MOV, max 1GB)
- Step 6: Save your application number — you'll need it to check results
- Step 7: Wait for document screening results (January 31, 2027)
- Step 8: If shortlisted, attend the interview (February 9, 2027)
- Step 9: Final results announced March 31, 2027
⚠️ Important Tips for Success
- π Research Plan is KEY: This is the most weighted part. Make it clear, original, and show a credible link between your past work and proposed Japan-based research.
- π£️ Learn Japanese: While not formally required, applicants who interview in Japanese consistently perform better. Aim for at least JLPT N3.
- π Secure Admission First: You must have acceptance from a Japanese graduate school before applying. Honjo does not place you in a university.
- π° Combine with Tuition Waiver: Most Japanese universities offer 30-100% tuition reduction for international students. Honjo + tuition waiver = fully funded package.
- π€ Show Community Spirit: The foundation values applicants who understand international friendship and participate in alumni events.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply from outside Japan?
A: Yes! Applications can be submitted from abroad as long as you are accepted to a Japanese graduate school.
Q2: Is there an application fee?
A: No, the application is completely free.
Q3: Can I work part-time while receiving this scholarship?
A: Only part-time jobs related to your studies (teaching assistant, research assistant, translator) are permitted.
Q4: What happens if I change my degree program?
A: The foundation will recalculate your end date. If you drop from PhD to Master's, funding may be adjusted.
Q5: Can I combine Honjo with MEXT?
A: No. Honjo cannot be held with MEXT or other full government scholarships. However, it CAN be combined with university tuition waivers.
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π Apply on Official Website: www.hisf.or.jp/en/scholarship/foreigner/
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information is sourced from the official Honjo International Scholarship Foundation website. Please verify all details on the official website before applying. We are not affiliated with the foundation.
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