Yoshida Scholarship Foundation 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by Yoshida Scholarship 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: Yoshida Scholarship Foundation
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Yoshida Scholarship Foundation (YKK Leaders 21): monthly living stipend (grant, no repayment). Tuition is not covered.
Deadline: Set by the designated universities (recommendation needed); no public deadline.
Expected opening: Through the designated universities
Duration: Up to 2 years (Master's) or 3 years (final doctoral years).
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website

About the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation

For applicants residing abroad from selected Asian countries, for graduate study in Japan; check the current list of eligible countries.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Students from Asian countries in natural-science Master's or doctoral programmes at designated Japanese universities; doctoral applicants under 35.

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

English or Japanese, as the university and foundation require.

What the scholarship covers

Yoshida Scholarship Foundation (YKK Leaders 21): monthly living stipend (grant, no repayment). Tuition is not covered.

Tuition: Not covered (combine with a university tuition waiver).
Stipend and benefits: JPY 200,000/month, plus graduate school fees up to JPY 2,500,000 in total.
Duration: Up to 2 years (Master's) or 3 years (final doctoral years).

Deadline and opening date

Set by the designated universities (recommendation needed); no public deadline.

Expected opening: Through the designated universities.

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

Ask a designated Japanese university for a recommendation; the foundation selects from recommended candidates.

Find a professor for the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation

Even when it isn't required, a professor who knows your work strengthens your application. ScholarReach finds professors in Japan whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation?

Students from Asian countries in natural-science Master's or doctoral programmes at designated Japanese universities; doctoral applicants under 35. 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 Yoshida Scholarship Foundation cover?

Yoshida Scholarship Foundation (YKK Leaders 21): monthly living stipend (grant, no repayment). Tuition is not covered. JPY 200,000/month, plus graduate school fees up to JPY 2,500,000 in total.

What is the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation deadline?

Set by the designated universities (recommendation needed); no public deadline. Expected opening: Through the designated universities.

Is IELTS required for the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation?

English or Japanese, as the university and foundation require.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the Yoshida Scholarship Foundation?