Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship 2026 at APU Japan
- Omran Aburayya
- May 14
- 3 min read
If you're an ambitious international student currently enrolled in a graduate program at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan and pursuing a degree in Business Management or International Relations, then the Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship 2026 offers a golden opportunity to fund your studies. Applications are now open for this highly prestigious and competitive scholarship designed to foster future leaders and global bridges between Japan and the world.
🗒️ Scholarship Summary
Location: Japan
Host Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Study Level: Master’s (3rd semester) or Doctoral (4th or 5th semester) students
Target Group: International students residing in Japan with a student visa
Fields of Study: Business Management, International Relations (for students from developing countries)
Award Value and Coverage: ¥2,000,000, ¥1,500,000, or ¥1,000,000 per year
Duration: One year (April 2026 – March 2027), renewable for up to 2 years
Application Deadline: May 26, 2025
Start Date: April 2026
Eligible to: Self-supporting international graduate students residing in Japan with student visa status
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship Foundation aims to promote friendship and mutual development between Japan and other nations by supporting international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. Administered through APU, this scholarship is not just financial aid—it is a platform to nurture future ambassadors of goodwill and collaboration.
🧩 Structure and Expectations:
The scholarship period starts in April 2026 and runs through March 2027.
Awardees must attend a certification ceremony between July–August 2025.
Active participation in foundation-hosted events and networks is expected.
Scholars are also encouraged to study Japanese and integrate culturally.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Annual Funding: Up to ¥2,000,000 per year
Award Period: Initially one year, with the possibility of renewal (maximum 2 years)
Recognition: High prestige and mentorship under academic supervisors
Networking Opportunities: With scholars, professors, and the Otsuka Foundation
Support for Research: Ideal for students conducting creative or innovative research
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
Be a non-Japanese national with a valid "college student" visa.
Be 38 years old or younger as of April 1, 2026.
Be enrolled in the 3rd semester (Master) or 4th/5th semester (Doctoral) as of April 2026.
Pursuing Business Management or International Relations (only if from a developing country).
Have a GPA that meets APU’s external scholarship criteria.
Not be receiving any other scholarships during the same period.
Never have applied to this foundation directly or through APU before.
Must not leave Japan for 40 or more days during the scholarship year.
Must reside in Japan and be expected to graduate within the standard program duration.
Must demonstrate financial need and submit a Letter of Agreement if selected.
Be willing to attend the certification ceremony and participate in Foundation activities.
Have a supervising professor to pre-screen your application documents.
📝 Application Procedure
Interested candidates must apply through APU, which will select students to recommend to the Otsuka Toshimi Foundation. Here's how to apply:
Review APU’s External Scholarship Screening Criteria (GPA, semester eligibility).
Prepare documents under the guidance of your supervising professor.
Submit your complete application to APU’s scholarship team before May 26, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews with the foundation in November 2025.
Final results will be announced in February 2026, and the award will begin in April 2026.
📂 Required Documents:
Completed application form (via APU’s portal)
Letter of recommendation or guidance from a professor
Personal statement & study plan
GPA transcripts
Proof of student visa and current enrollment
ℹ️ Additional Information
Only two students can be recommended by APU, with only one per country/region.
Applicants must display innovative thinking and a clear contribution to international understanding.
Strong motivation to learn Japanese and integrate into Japanese society is a plus.
ℹ️ For more details, refer to the official scholarship PDF.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
