Are you interested in studying in Japan but are concerned about the costs? Did you skim through countless web-pages and university websites but are overwhelmed with the amount of information? Was there a lack of explanation? We have you covered. Scholarships available to not just Filipino students, but all international students, can be classified into the following few categories:

  • Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
  • Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships
  • Local Governments / Local International Associations Scholarships (in Japan)
  • Private Foundations Scholarships
  • Scholarships available abroad (or in home country)

The following are some of the major scholarship programs:

Osaka University CJLC study trip
http://www.cjlc.osaka-u.ac.jp/program_cat/6477/

1. Japanese Government (MEXT/Monbukagakusho) Scholarship Program

The Japanese Government (MEXT/Monbukagakusho) Scholarship Program has sent an average of 100 scholars from the Philippines to study in Japan under six different scholarship programs presented below, each year. Click here to find out more details and requirements for the different scholarship categories.

Applications are processed through the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan. The application process involves document screening, written exams, and an interview. To view the specific application process and schedule, visit the website of the Embassy of Japan to The Philippines here.

embassy of Japan in the Philippines
https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/pressandspeech/press/pressreleases/2016/14.html

2. Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students by JASSO

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers the “Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students” to international students who are accepted by a Japanese university, graduate school, junior college, college of technology, specialized training college, university preparatory course designated by Monbukagakusho: MEXT, or Japanese language institutions.

This scholarship can be for almost anyone who wishes to study in Japan as there is no age limit, designated Japanese schools, nor designated majors necessary. Click here to access the JASSO website for more information.

3. Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan) by JASSO

Unlike JASSO’s other scholarship program, this scholarship is offered to students accepted by Japanese universities under student exchange agreements or other student exchange arrangements. Exchange programs ranging from eight days to one year are eligible, essentially meaning any exchange program out there.

The monthly stipend for the scholarship is 38,302.91 Philippine Piso (JPY 80,000). Click here to access the JASSO website for more details and information regarding the application requirements and process.

4. Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS)

The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) was launched in the Philippines in 2002 and a total of 340 Filipino students have been sent to Japan as of 2018. This is one of the longest-running international scholarships offered to Filipino professionals who want to study in Japan by the Japanese government.

jds program
http://jds-scholarship.org/country/philippines/index.html

The JDS program looks for potential applicants who understand their aims and are interested in a two-year masters program at a Japanese university. With the language of instruction being English, the program accepts 20 students annually. JDS has also launched a new JDS Doctoral Degree’s Program. For more information on the programs, click here to access the official website of JDS.

Ending Note

There are many scholarship opportunities available to Filipino students who wish to study in Japan. Whether is it a short-term exchange program or a long-term degree program, as long as you are interested in studying in Japan, rest assured about financial issues. Apart from the scholarships listed above, you may also find this pamphlet on “Scholarships for International Students in Japan” extremely useful in providing details about scholarships, application processes, application requirements, etc. Good luck!

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