Fully Funded Scholarships for Post-Graduates in Japan 2026

July 15, 2025
by
Abdul Wahab

Pursuing postgraduate studies in Japan offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation. While the financial burden of international education can seem insurmountable, prestigious fully funded scholarships help talented international students focus completely on their academic goals. These opportunities remove barriers by covering tuition, living costs, and travel.

These exceptional scholarships, such as the Japanese Government (MEXT) and Rotary Peace Fellowships, attract the world’s brightest minds to foster global collaboration. They provide comprehensive coverage including generous stipends, travel allowances, and health insurance. This support ensures you can conduct groundbreaking research without the constant stress of managing costs.

This guide details six of the best fully funded scholarships available for postgraduate students in Japan for the 2026-2027 cycle. We provide essential data on program eligibility, financial coverage, and specific application requirements for fields ranging from sustainability to genetics.

1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers this premier award to build friendly ties with other nations. It is designed for international students with outstanding academic records who wish to contribute to global development.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s, PhD, and Research.
Institution: Any participating Japanese University.
Program Period: 2 years (Master’s) or 3 years (PhD).
Course Offered: All fields (Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, etc.).
Deadline: May – June 2026 (Embassy Track) / January 2026 (University Track).

Scholarship Coverage

The MEXT scholarship is a fully funded opportunity. It provides:

Tuition Fees: Full coverage of entrance, enrollment, and tuition fees.
Monthly Stipend: ¥143,000 to ¥145,000 per month for living expenses.
Travel: Round-trip economy class airfare from your home country to Japan.
Language Training: Six months of intensive Japanese language training if required.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
Age: Generally under 35 years old at the time of application.
Academic Record: A GPA of 2.30 or higher on a 3.0 scale.
Education: A Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or a Master’s degree (for PhD).

Application Process

Locate Embassy: Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy in your home country.
Submit Documents: Provide academic transcripts, a detailed research plan, and health certificates.
Written Exams: Pass the English and Japanese language examinations.
Interview: Attend an in-person or online interview conducted by the Embassy.
Final Selection: Receive the MEXT recommendation for university placement.

2. Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Foundation provides these fellowships to emerging leaders committed to peace and conflict resolution. It is a world-class program focusing on sustainable development and global security.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s Degree.
Institution: International Christian University (ICU), Tokyo.
Program Period: 2 years.
Course Offered: Peace and Conflict Studies.
Deadline: May 15, 2026.

Scholarship Coverage

Tuition: 100% coverage of all university fees.
Stipend: Full room and board plus monthly living allowance.
Internship: Funding for global field study and internship expenses.
Travel: Round-trip transportation to the study site.

Eligibility Criteria

Work Experience: At least three years of full-time experience in peace or development.
Degree: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Language: High proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS required).
Constraint: You cannot study at a Peace Center in your home country.

3. Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

This program is a joint effort between the World Bank and the Japanese government to improve human resources in developing nations. It targets professionals who want to apply their knowledge to national growth.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s Degree.
Institution: University of Tokyo, Tsukuba University, Keio University, etc.
Deadline: Window 1 (Feb 2026) / Window 2 (May 2026).

Scholarship Coverage

Tuition: Full coverage of graduate program fees.
Living Allowance: Monthly subsistence allowance for food and housing.
Medical: Basic medical insurance.
Travel: Airfare plus a US$600 travel allowance for each trip.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: Citizen of an eligible developing country (World Bank member).
Experience: At least three years of paid, development-related work experience.
Status: Currently employed in a development field.

4. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports postgraduate education in economics, management, and science to build human resources across the Asia-Pacific region.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s and PhD.
Institution: 29 institutions, including the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.
Deadline: Varies by university (usually 6 months before program start).

Scholarship Coverage

Stipend: Comprehensive monthly allowance for housing and food.
Materials: Specific funds for books and instructional supplies.
Medical: Full health insurance coverage.
Travel: Round-trip airfare from the home country.

5. JFUNU Scholarship (Sustainability Science)

The Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) supports the PhD in Sustainability Science at the United Nations University in Tokyo. It is for those solving global sustainability challenges.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: PhD.
Institution: United Nations University (UNU-IAS).
Deadline: February 2026.

Scholarship Coverage

Tuition: Full waiver of PhD tuition fees.
Allowance: ¥120,000 monthly living allowance for up to 36 months.
Exclusion: Airfare and medical insurance are generally not covered.

6. NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship

The National Institute of Genetics (NIG) offers this fellowship to attract young researchers in genetics and life sciences. It fosters scientific excellence through advanced research.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Postdoctoral Research.
Institution: National Institute of Genetics, Mishima.
Deadline: January 2026.

Scholarship Coverage

Salary: Competitive annual salary for professional researchers.
Research Funds: Specific budget for project-related supplies.
Benefits: Health insurance and social security included.
Travel: International travel to Japan is typically covered.

Eligibility Criteria

Degree: Must hold a PhD in genetics or life sciences obtained within the last 5 years.
Mentor: Applicants should contact a host supervisor at NIG before applying.