Honjo International Scholarship
More details :
The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation provides a prestigious scholarship for foreign students who plan to attend or are currently enrolled in a graduate school at a Japanese university. This scholarship is designed to support students in their academic and research pursuits, helping them achieve their educational goals in Japan. By offering financial assistance through a monthly stipend, the foundation ensures that students can focus on their studies and research without the burden of financial stress.
In addition to financial support, the scholarship emphasizes the importance of fostering international friendship and goodwill. Recipients of the Honjo International Scholarship are encouraged to engage in cultural exchange and build meaningful connections during their time in Japan. The duration and amount of the stipend vary depending on the length of the graduate program, providing tailored support to meet the diverse needs of students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees.
Eligibility :
Non-Japanese Citizenship: Applicants must not hold Japanese citizenship.
Graduate School Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate school in Japan by April 2025. This includes students who are currently employed or those not yet enrolled but planning to start their academic course in April 2025. Applicants who plan to begin their studies in the fall of 2025 can also apply for this spring scholarship program.
Academic Program Requirements: Generally, students enrolling in professional graduate schools are not eligible. However, those who can submit a research plan are eligible to apply.
Enrollment Duration: The intended program’s duration until graduation must be longer than 12 months.
Age Limits: For PhD applicants: Must start the PhD course by the age of 35.
For Master’s applicants: Must start the master’s course by the age of 30. No exceptions are allowed for these age limits.
Career Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to serving their home country as part of their future career plans.
Cultural Understanding: Applicants must have a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill. They are required to attend events organized by the Foundation and participate in the alumni network after completing their graduate program.
Japanese Language Proficiency: Applicants must be able to carry out basic conversations in Japanese, as all interviews will be conducted in Japanese without exceptions.
Required documents :
Academic Transcripts: Undergraduate Course Transcript: A copy of your academic transcript from your undergraduate studies. If you transferred from a College of Technology (kōsen school system), include the transcript from that institution as well.
Graduate School Transcript (optional): If you have already completed or are currently enrolled in a graduate program, include your graduate school transcript.
Research Proposal: Submit a research proposal using the designated template provided by the Foundation. The proposal should outline what you intend to research, how your research will contribute to your home country, and any relevant achievements in research, academics, or social activities. The proposal must be written in Japanese; however, if you are not confident in your Japanese, you may also submit an English version alongside the Japanese one.
Recommendation Letter: Obtain a recommendation letter from your current or previous academic supervisor. The letter should describe your academic performance, personal characteristics, and potential for future success. The recommender can send this letter directly to the Foundation via email, or you can upload it yourself to the online application system. The letter must include the recommender's signature or seal.
Proof of Admission: Submit documents that prove your admission or expected admission to a graduate school in Japan, such as an admission letter or a letter of acceptance. If you are already enrolled, provide a certificate of enrollment.
Face Photo: Upload a recent face photo with a maximum file size of 500kB, in .jpg or .gif format.
Video Presentation: A two-minute video where you discuss your research plan. The video should be in Japanese or English, and you may use presentation materials as long as your face remains visible. The maximum file size is 1 GB, and the accepted formats are .mp4 or .mov.
How to apply :
Access the online application system at Honjo Scholarship Application Portal.
Complete the application by entering all necessary information and uploading required documents, including a research proposal, academic transcripts, and a recommendation letter.
Submit a face photo, a two-minute video explaining your research plan, and optionally, a 30-second self-promotion video.
Applications must be completed by deadline.
The Scholarship Benefits:
Monthly Stipend: Recipients receive a generous monthly stipend to support their living and academic expenses during their graduate studies in Japan. The stipend varies based on the program duration:
¥230,000 per month for 1-2 years.
¥210,000 per month for 3 years.
¥180,000 per month for 4-5 years.
Travel Grant: Scholarship recipients are eligible for a travel grant to cover expenses related to attending international conferences, enhancing their academic and professional development.
No Repayment Obligation: The scholarship is awarded as a grant, meaning recipients are not required to repay the funds received.
Cultural and Professional Networking: Scholars are encouraged to participate in events organized by the Foundation, providing opportunities for cultural exchange, professional networking, and the building of lifelong connections.
Visa Sponsorship: The scholarship supports successful candidates with visa sponsorship, making the process of studying in Japan more accessible and straightforward.