Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by Each host university · For Master's, PhD, Research student 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: Each host university
Degree levels: Master's, PhD, Research student
Funding: Tuition exemption (授業料免除) of 50% or 100% at national and public universities for students with financial need, plus university-run scholarships.
Deadline: Tuition exemption applications are usually twice a year (around Feb–Mar for the spring term and Aug–Sep for the autumn term).
Expected opening: Each term (university notices)
Duration: Per semester, renewable.
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website

About the Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers

Most national universities offer tuition exemptions and their own fellowships (e.g. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tohoku), applied for after admission.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Privately financed international students at Japanese universities.

Academic requirements

Good grades and financial need; enrolled as a regular student.

Language requirements

Set by the programme.

What the scholarship covers

Tuition exemption (授業料免除) of 50% or 100% at national and public universities for students with financial need, plus university-run scholarships.

Tuition: 50% or 100% tuition exemption; MEXT scholars are exempt automatically.
Stipend and benefits: Some universities add their own monthly scholarships (amounts vary).
Duration: Per semester, renewable.

Deadline and opening date

Tuition exemption applications are usually twice a year (around Feb–Mar for the spring term and Aug–Sep for the autumn term).

Expected opening: Each term (university notices).

Required documents

Tuition exemption application
Proof of income / financial support
Transcripts
Residence card

How to apply

Apply to your university's student affairs office each term after enrolment; combine with JASSO or foundation scholarships.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers?

Privately financed international students at Japanese universities. Good grades and financial need; enrolled as a regular student.

What does the Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers cover?

Tuition exemption (授業料免除) of 50% or 100% at national and public universities for students with financial need, plus university-run scholarships. Some universities add their own monthly scholarships (amounts vary).

What is the Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers deadline?

Tuition exemption applications are usually twice a year (around Feb–Mar for the spring term and Aug–Sep for the autumn term). Expected opening: Each term (university notices).

Is IELTS required for the Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers?

Set by the programme.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the Japanese university scholarships and tuition waivers?