Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2025 in Japan (Fully Funded)

If you are an international student aspiring to pursue graduate studies in Japan, applications are now open for the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) 2025. This fully funded scholarship supports outstanding Master’s and PhD students from around the world who are enrolled or planning to enroll in Japanese universities. With generous monthly stipends, travel support, and an enriching cultural exchange network, this program is one of Japan’s most prestigious scholarships for global scholars. Read on for details.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Japan

• Host Institution: Any accredited Japanese university (graduate schools)

• Study Level: Master’s and PhD

• Target Group: International (non-Japanese) students

• Fields of Study: All academic disciplines

• Value & Coverage:

  • 1–2 years: ¥230,000/month

  • 3 years: ¥210,000/month

  • 4–5 years: ¥180,000/month

  • Travel grant for international conferences

  • Full living cost support (no repayment required)

• Award Duration: Up to the minimum standard period of the enrolled program (1–5 years)

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

• Start Date: April 2026 (Spring semester) or September/October 2026 (Fall semester)

• Number of Awards: ~10 scholarships annually

• Eligible To: Non-Japanese citizens meeting age, language, and enrollment requirements

📚 Scholarship Overview

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation was established to nurture global leaders who will strengthen cultural and academic ties between Japan and the world. Scholars receive not only financial support but also access to a vibrant academic network through Foundation-organized events and alumni activities.

Recipients are expected to actively participate in HISF events during and after their studies, demonstrate commitment to international goodwill, and contribute to their home countries upon graduation.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Full financial coverage through monthly stipends tailored to program length.

• Travel Grant for participation in international conferences.

• No repayment obligation — scholars keep all benefits without financial burden.

• Flexible use of funds for tuition, accommodation, meals, books, transport, or research needs.

• Networking opportunities with HISF alumni and Japanese researchers.

• Part-time work allowance in academic-related fields (e.g., teaching/research assistant, translation).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all the following conditions:

1. Nationality: Must not hold Japanese citizenship.

2. Enrollment: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a Master’s or PhD program at a Japanese university by April or Fall 2026.

3. Program Duration: Must exceed 12 months.

4. Age Limits:

   • Master’s applicants: Under 30 years old by program start.

   • PhD applicants: Under 35 years old by program start.

5. Field of Study: Open to all disciplines. Applicants from professional graduate schools may apply if they submit a proper research plan.

6. Commitment to Home Country: Strong intent to contribute to one’s home country after graduation.

7. Cultural Engagement: Willingness to attend HISF events, maintain alumni participation, and promote international friendship.

8. Language: Must demonstrate ability to converse in Japanese, as interviews are conducted exclusively in Japanese.

📝 Application Procedure

Applications are processed exclusively online via the HISF Application Portal (https://entry.hisf.or.jp) from September 1 – October 31, 2025.

Steps:

1. Register an account on the online system.

2. Complete the application form with personal, academic, and study plan details.

3. Upload required documents and digital files (see below).

4. Submit before the deadline and note your unique application number for result tracking.

📂 Required Documents

• Digital uploads:

  • Passport-style face photo (.jpg/.gif, max 500kB).

  • Two-minute Research Plan Video (Japanese or English, .mp4/.mov, max 1GB).

  • Optional 30-second Self-Introduction Video.

• PDF uploads:

  • Academic transcripts (undergraduate required; graduate optional).

  • Research proposal using the official template (Japanese required; English optional as supplement).

  • Recommendation letter from current or past supervisor (can be submitted directly to HISF at info@hisf.or.jp).

  • Proof of admission/enrollment (letter of acceptance or enrollment certificate; can be submitted later if not available by deadline).

🔍 Selection Process

• First Screening (Document Review): Results by January 31, 2026 (posted online by application number).

• Second Screening (Interview): February 2026, conducted in Tokyo or via video call. Must be in Japanese.

• Final Results: Announced on March 31, 2026.

ℹ️ Additional Notes

• Applicants cannot receive other fully funded scholarships simultaneously, except:

  • MEXT Scholarship

  • Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship

  • JSPS International Fellowship

• Applications must be completed online; postal submissions are not accepted.

• Once awarded, the scholarship period cannot be altered.

• Recipients are expected to behave responsibly as HISF scholars — misconduct, poor academic performance, or false documentation may result in cancellation.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

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