The JASSO Scholarship 2026-27 provides financial assistance to international students who demonstrate high academic achievement and financial need. This award supports students enrolled in Japanese universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools. Recipients receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses (rent, food, local transportation) during their stay in Japan.
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) manages this program to promote international exchange and intellectual cooperation. Applicants must secure admission to a host institution in Japan before applying for the stipend. The program targets students pursuing various academic levels, including undergraduate degrees, master’s programs, and short-term exchange modules.
We provide this guide based on factual research from the official Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) 2026 guidelines and Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) data. This post exists to deliver precise, verified instructions for students to secure funding, meet eligibility criteria, and submit an application successfully. By following these evidence-based steps, applicants can strengthen an application and minimize errors in the 2026-27 cycle.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Short-term Exchange
- Location: Japan
- Institution(s): All Japanese universities and vocational colleges
- Program Period: 6 months to 12 months (renewable for some programs)
- Course offered: All academic fields (Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences)
- Deadline: Varies by host institution (typically April and October)
JASSO Scholarship Coverage
The JASSO Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 80,000 JPY to qualified international students. This amount helps students cover essential costs, such as accommodation, meals, and academic materials. The scholarship does not cover international airfare or university tuition fees directly.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet four specific requirements to qualify for the JASSO Scholarship:
- Students must maintain a GPA of 2.30 or higher on a 3.00 scale from the previous academic year.
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need, meaning their monthly allowance from home does not exceed 90,000 JPY.
- Candidates must reside outside of Japan at the time of application, if they are applying for the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students.
- Students must obtain a Student Visa to enter Japan for their specific course of study.
Also apply for ADB Japan Scholarship Program – Application Guide & Eligibility.
Application Process
The application process for the JASSO Scholarship occurs through the Japanese host institution rather than through JASSO directly.
- Apply to a Japanese University: You must first gain admission to a participating Japanese school, such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, or Waseda University.
- Request Scholarship Nomination: You should contact the international student office at your host school to request a scholarship application form.
- Submit Required Documents: You must provide academic documents, such as official transcripts, a certificate of enrollment, and a financial statement.
- Review Internal Selection: The host institution selects candidates based on academic merit and submits the list to JASSO.
- Receive Final Notification: The university will notify you of the final award status, if JASSO approves the nomination.
Deadline
The deadline for the JASSO Scholarship depends on the academic calendar of your host university. Most institutions set deadlines in April for the spring semester and October for the fall semester. You must check with your specific university office to confirm the exact date for the 2026-27 cycle.
