Article Updated: April 2023

Private universities are often stigmatized as being more expensive than their public counterparts. While this is true to a certain extent, there are various ways that international students can lighten their financial burdens!

One such way is through the open scholarships offered by public and private institutions, such as the MEXT Scholarship, the JASSO scholarships, and other grants offered by foundations. While these options are definitely worth applying for, the fact that they are open to ALL international students studying in Japan can be quite intimidating.

But wait! There’s no need to fear! In this article, we will cover individual scholarships offered specifically by the universities in Japan to their own international students. This means that your competition is limited to international students studying at one university, not the entire nation.

In this article, we will list all individual scholarships offered by the following private universities exclusively to their international students:

• Waseda University
• Keio University
• Sophia University
• International Christian University
• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Ready? Let’s go!

Waseda University

This private university offers 16 scholarships for international students! To learn more about Waseda University, you can visit English Programs at Waseda University!

1. Waseda University Partial Tuition-Waiver Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students

This scholarship is for privately financed international students who have high academic records and need financial assistance.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Master Course students
Stipend: Reduction of yearly tuition
Number of Candidates: About 250 (tentative)
Application Period: May to June; September to October
Scholarship Period: Tuition waived from fall term

2. Okuma Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to develop human resources in the name of the university’s founder, Shigenobu Okuma.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students
Stipend: ￥400,000/year
Number of Candidates: 104 undergraduate students, 45 graduate students
Application Period: May, October (tentative depending on the school)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

3. Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship

Azusa Ono was one of the key figures who led the founding of Waseda University. In his name, this scholarship aims to assist international students who are facing financial struggles. One must note that it cannot be combined with other scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students
Stipend: ￥400,000/year
Number of Candidates: 26 undergraduate students, 41 graduate students
Application Period: October
Scholarship Period: 1 year

4. Charted Accountant Tomonkai (Waseda Alumni) Scholarship

This scholarship helps international students who have excellent character and have financial difficulties. It is provided by Waseda University’s Charted Accountant Organization, the Charted Accountant Tomonkai (Waseda Alumni). Note that it cannot be combined with other scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students; Citizens of
Asian countries
Stipend: ￥500,000/year
Number of Candidates: 3 (tentative)
Application Period: October
Scholarship Period: 1 year

5. Matsumoto Kaoru International Scholarship

Professor Kaoru Matsumoto of the university’s School of Political Science and Economics was a significant contributor to the internationalization of Waseda University. This scholarship aims to assist international students who have excellent academic performance, great character, and household financial hardships. Note that it cannot be combined with other scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate student
Stipend:￥400,000/year Number of Candidates 2 (tentative)
Application Period: October
Scholarship Period: 1 year

6. Inoue Uichi Fellowship Scholarship

This scholarship offers financial assistance to international students with Asian citizenship in the name of Uichi Inoue, a late Professor Emeritus of the Graduate School of Engineering.

Eligibility: Graduate students at the Graduate School of Creative Science and Engineering (Architecture-related majors); Citizens of Asian countries
Stipend: ￥1,000,000/year
Number of Candidates: 4 (tentative)
Application Period: April, October
Scholarship Period: 1 year

7. Mori Masakatsu Memorial Foundation for Foreign Students

Instituted in the honor of Masakatsu Mori, a late Honorary Board of Trustees member who made significant contributions to the university’s development, this scholarship aims to support international students with great academic performance, notable character, and household economic difficulties. Note that it cannot be combined with other scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students
Stipend: ￥330,000/year
Number of Candidates: 1 Undergraduate student and 1 Graduate student (tentative)
Application Period: October
Scholarship Period: 1 year

8. Yasui Magotsuke・Tani Memorial Foundation for Foreign Students

Named after Magotsuke Yasui and Tani Yasui, Yasui Magotsuke/ Tani Memorial Foundation for Foreign Students offers scholarships to foreign students based on their academic performance, character, and financial circumstances. It cannot be combined with other scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students
Stipend: Undergraduate students￥500,000/year, Graduate students ￥600,000/year
Number of Candidates: 1 Undergraduate student, 1 Graduate student
Application Period: October
Scholarship Period: 1 year

9. Waseda Korean Scholarship

Funded by Waseda alumni from Korea, this scholarship aims to assist international students from Korea to broaden their educational opportunities. It cannot be combined with other Waseda University scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students; Kore
nationals
Stipend: ¥400,000/year
Number of Candidates: 21 (in 2022)
Application Period: The end of April -May (tentative)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

10. Korea University Japan Alumni Society Scholarship

This scholarship was established by a generous donation by President Sang-Young Choi of the Young Steel Co., Ltd trading company, a member of the Korea University Japan Alumni Society. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to privately financed students from Korea University with excellent academic records and financial needs.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students from Korea University; Exchange students from Korea university
Stipend: ￥400,000/year (￥200,000/term)
Number of Candidates: a few
Application Period: May, October (Tentative)
Scholarship Period: 1 year or 6 months

11. Waseda University’s 125th anniversary, Tahara Soichiro International Student Scholarship

This scholarship by Mr. Soichiro Tahara, a critic, and an alumnus, reviews the applicant’s household financial hardship, academic performance, and character. It cannot be combined with other Waseda University scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students
Stipend: ¥ 400,000/year
Number of Candidates: 1 Undergraduate Student, 1 Graduate Student (tentative)
Application Period: October
Scholarship Period: 1 year

12. Chen Wei Qian Scholarship

Founded by Chen Wei Qian, an alumnus of Waseda University, this scholarship serves to support students that are in the School of Commerce. It cannot be combined with other Waseda University scholarships.

Eligibility: Students in the School of Commerce
Stipend: ￥400,000/year
Number of Candidates: 1
Application Period: October, November
Scholarship Period: 1 year

13. Yamada Taikichi and Asa Scholarship

This scholarship is a donation from the wife of Mr. Yamada Taikichi, a former auditor at Waseda University. Students are selected based
on academic achievements and the degree of need concerning family finance, and it cannot be combined with other Waseda University scholarships.

Eligibility: Undergraduate Students
Stipend: ￥1,000,000/year
Number of Candidates: 1
Application Period: May (tentative)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

14. Fostering Researchers in Doctoral Programs

This scholarship intends to support students in the Doctoral program
with superior research skills.

Eligibility:
● Students enrolled after 2009 (enrollment not eligible)
● Students that are in the Doctoral program within the standard years for degree
● Students that are under 30 years of age in April of the year of
scholarship acceptance
※One student can receive up to 3 scholarships
※Details will be given out May (October for the students enrolling in September) by graduate school offices
※Can apply every year if eligible
Stipend: depends on the area of study
Number of Candidates: depends on the area of study
Application Period: depends on the area of study
Scholarship Period: depends on the area of study

15. Waseda University Emergency Scholarship

This scholarship is designated for students who have had a sudden change in their family’s financial circumstances within the past year and are experiencing difficulties in continuing their studies. Applicants must submit documents that certify the reason for the sudden change in their family’s finances.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students; Students who have experienced a sudden change in family finances within the past year
Stipend: ¥400,000/year
Number of Candidates: 40 maximum
Application Period: July, December
Scholarship Period: 1 year

16. Master Kong International Scholarship

Eligibility: Students of an English-based Master’s degree program or professional degree program. Citizens of China or Taiwan can apply and must have graduated from the designated universities mentioned in the guideline.
Stipend: ¥1,000,000/year
Number of Candidates: around 10
Application Period: January, February (tentative)
Scholarship Period: 2 years maximum

Keio University

Keio University offers around 6 scholarships for its international students. Application registration is conducted at the beginning of each semester, twice a year in April and September. Interested in Keio University? Check out Study in Japan and English-based Programs: Keio University!

17. Keio University Scholarship

Eligibility: Undergraduate students
Stipend: 500,000 yen for one year (paid in a lump sum)
Scholarship Period: 1 year (Students may apply every year)

18. Keio University Degree Completion Scholarship

Eligibility: Undergraduate students
Stipend: Within the amount of the academic fee and expenses (average 300,000 yen)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

19. Yamaoka Kenichi Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: First-year undergraduate students
Stipend: 700,000 yen for one year (Letters, Economics, Law, Business and
Commerce); 900,000 yen for one year (Medicine, Science and Technology, Policy Management, Environment and Information Studies, Nursing and Medical Care, Pharmacy)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

20. Yamaoka Kenichi Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students
Stipend: 500,000 yen for one year (paid in a lump sum)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

21. Goldman Sachs Scholars Fund

Eligibility: Undergraduate students/Graduate students
Stipend: 500,000 yen for one year (paid in a lump sum)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

22. Keio Graduate School Scholarship

Eligibility: Graduate students
Stipend: 500,000 yen for one year (paid in a lump sum)
Scholarship Period: 1 year

Sophia University

Known for its accommodation for foreign students, Sophia University offers many scholarships, specifically for its international students. Check out Sophia University: What Can We Understand from Its Ranking? Why Should You Study Here? to learn more about the university! Here we will introduce 14 of the scholarships offered!

23. Sophia University Tuition Support Scholarship (for Privately Financed International Students)

This grant-type scholarship provides partial or full tuition for students who are experiencing financial hardship.

Eligibility:
・Privately financed international degree students (undergraduate/graduate)
・“Student” status of residence
・Proven to be experiencing financial difficulties.
・Adequate grades.
・Not receiving other tuition deduction scholarships
Stipend: Full, 1/2, or 1/3 tuition
Recruiting Period: April, October, or November (depends on the type of student)
Duration of payment: 1 academic year

24. Benefactors’ (Adachi) Scholarship

This scholarship supports international students from South-East Asia and Africa, who show the potential to contribute to international society, display high academic performance, and are experiencing financial difficulties.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate; from South-East Asia or Africa
Stipend: Full tuition and Education Enhancement fees
Recruiting Period: April, October, or November (depends on the type of student)
Duration of payment: 1 academic year

25. Odaka Scholarship

Eligibility: Undergraduate
Stipend: ¥308,000
Recruiting Period: June

26. Century

This scholarship is awarded to privately financed international
students from Asian countries. Recipients are selected based on their application essays.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Stipend: ¥172,000 in book vouchers
Recruiting Period: June

27. International Students from Asia

This scholarship is awarded to privately financed international students from East or South-East Asia (excluding Japan) with good grades who are expected to contribute to the international community.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate (except the first year)
Stipend: ¥121,000
Recruiting Period: May

28. Daikin Scholarship

This scholarship chooses privately financed international students based on their long essays on a set topic.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Stipend: ¥300,000
Recruiting Period: June

29. Daiichikosho Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to privately financed international students from East or South-East Asia who have good grades and indicate the potential to contribute to global society.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Stipend: ¥152,000
Recruiting Period: July

30. Sumitomo-shouji Scholarship

This scholarship supports Vietnamese students who are academically gifted and show the potential to contribute to international society.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Stipend: ¥300,000
Recruiting Period: December

30. Teilhard de Chardin Scholarship

Recipients are selected based on their essay submissions.

Eligibility: Undergraduate (4th year), Postgraduate
Stipend: ¥100,000~200,000
Recruiting Period: July~December

31. Student Dormitory Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students based on their academic work,
extracurricular activities, and other activities contributing to society.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Stipend: ¥154,000 ~ ¥200,000
Recruiting Period: October

32. Alumni Association of Faculty of Science and Technology Scholarship

This scholarship is for students attending a short-term program offered by the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate at the Faculty of Science and Technology
Stipend: ¥80,000
Recruiting Period: April or November

33. Frank & Jane Scolinos Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who show high academic performance and financial need.

Eligibility: Undergraduate
Stipend: ¥457,000
Recruiting Period: June

34. UD TRUCKS GLOBAL CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is offered to students with an interest in global
issues and that indicates a strong desire to work in global organizations.

Eligibility: Undergraduate (1st – 3rd year) / Postgraduate (Master’s program 1st year)
Stipend: Up to ¥1,000,000
Recruiting Period: October

35. Chinese Association Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to international students of Chinese nationality who display a strong potential to work in an international field.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Stipend: ¥223,500
Recruiting Period: December

International Christian University

In addition to its external scholarship opportunities, the International Christian University offers 4 scholarships specifically for its international students! Visit Study in Japan at the International Christian University! to learn more about this prestigious university!

36. ICU Peace Bell Scholarship 

This scholarship is offered to incoming undergraduate students who are selected based on recommendations and admission scores. 

Eligibility: Undergraduate 
Stipend: ¥1,000,000 annually for 4 years (tuition approximate)
Number of Recipients: 14 students per year 

37. ICU Torch Relay High Endeavor Scholarship

This scholarship program is for prospective students who have a strong desire to study at ICU but need financial support before and after matriculation.

Eligibility: Undergraduate
Stipend: 1/3 reduction from tuition and facilities fee of 1 academic year (Matriculation fee also covered, if awarded at the time of admission)
Number of Recipients: 48

38. University of Tomorrow Scholarship

Eligibility: Undergraduate
Stipend: Matriculation Fees, Annual Tuition and Facilities Fees, Dormitory Admission fee, On-Campus Dormitory Fees for 4 years and a monthly stipend of JPY50,000
Number of Recipients: 1 (only for September entry)

39. Rotary Peace Fellowship

Eligibility: Graduate
Stipend: Full scholarship including full tuition and facilities fees and a monthly stipend
Number of Recipients: NA

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

This prestigious university offers tuition reduction scholarships and several more great scholarships for its international students! To learn more about Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, you can visit Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Ranking!

40. Tuition Reduction Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to international students BEFORE their enrollment into the university. Applicants are selected based on their admission documents.

Eligibility: Incoming Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Stipend: 30%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 100% tuition reduction

41. Other Scholarships

In addition to the tuition reduction scholarship, Ritsumeikan APU offers more than 30 scholarships! The list of scholarships vary each year, so take a look at their scholarship page to see which you are applicable for!

Conclusion…

That concludes our long list of individual scholarships offered by the best private universities in Japan! Make sure to check out other articles on Japan Scholarships to learn more on how you can study in Japan…for free!

References:

https://www.waseda.jp/inst/cie/en/life/aid

http://www.ic.keio.ac.jp/en/life/scholarship/intl_student.html

https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/studentlife/scholarships/index.html

https://www.icu.ac.jp/en/admissions/finance/

http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/financial_info/scholarships.html/