Iwatani International Scholarship 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by Iwatani Naoji Foundation · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Provider: Iwatani Naoji Foundation
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Iwatani International Scholarship: monthly living stipend (grant, no repayment). Tuition is not covered.
Deadline: Applications usually in Nov–Dec (e.g. 1–20 Dec) for awards from April.
Expected opening: Expected Nov 2026
Duration: Up to 2 years.
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website

About the Iwatani International Scholarship

For international graduate students in natural sciences and engineering at Japanese universities, applied for through the university.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Master's and doctoral students from East and Southeast Asia at Japanese universities, under 45 (South Asia eligibility should be checked each year).

Academic requirements

Enrolled (or admitted) as a privately financed regular student at a Japanese university; good grades. Usually cannot hold another scholarship at the same time.

Language requirements

Japanese conversation ability is usually required (interviews and correspondence are in Japanese).

What the scholarship covers

Iwatani International Scholarship: monthly living stipend (grant, no repayment). Tuition is not covered.

Tuition: Not covered (combine with a university tuition waiver).
Stipend and benefits: JPY 150,000/month for graduate students, sometimes plus a conference travel allowance.
Duration: Up to 2 years.

Deadline and opening date

Applications usually in Nov–Dec (e.g. 1–20 Dec) for awards from April.

Expected opening: Expected Nov 2026.

Required documents

Foundation application form
University recommendation (if nominated through the university)
Transcripts
Certificate of enrolment or admission
Essay / research plan
Residence card copy
Photo

How to apply

Apply directly to the Iwatani Naoji Foundation (forms on its website).

Find a professor for the Iwatani International Scholarship

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Iwatani International Scholarship?

Master's and doctoral students from East and Southeast Asia at Japanese universities, under 45 (South Asia eligibility should be checked each year). Enrolled (or admitted) as a privately financed regular student at a Japanese university; good grades. Usually cannot hold another scholarship at the same time.

What does the Iwatani International Scholarship cover?

Iwatani International Scholarship: monthly living stipend (grant, no repayment). Tuition is not covered. JPY 150,000/month for graduate students, sometimes plus a conference travel allowance.

What is the Iwatani International Scholarship deadline?

Applications usually in Nov–Dec (e.g. 1–20 Dec) for awards from April. Expected opening: Expected Nov 2026.

Is IELTS required for the Iwatani International Scholarship?

Japanese conversation ability is usually required (interviews and correspondence are in Japanese).

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Iwatani International Scholarship?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the Iwatani International Scholarship?