Teijin Kumura Scholarship 2026 in Japan

If you're planning to start your PhD in 2026 or 2027, don't miss the exceptional Teijin Kumura Scholarship—applications are now open for those seeking generous financial support and academic recognition from a prestigious Japanese foundation. Here's everything you need to know to apply with confidence.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Japan (at Japanese universities)

• Sponsor: Teijin Scholarship Foundation, applications via foundation directly; partnering with universities like Tokyo, Tsukuba, Waseda, etc.

• Study Level: Doctoral (PhD) program, beginning Fall 2026 (September/October) or Spring 2027 (April)

• Target Group: Exceptional students—both Japanese and international, with no nationality restrictions

• Fields of Study: Science-driven disciplines, including Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Science, Engineering, and Informatics

• Value & Coverage: Monthly stipend:

  • Japanese students: approximately ¥100,000/month

  • Non-Japanese (international) students: approximately ¥60,000/month

• Duration: Covers regular duration of doctoral program, usually up to 2–3 years, including study-abroad segments if enrolled in Japanese graduate schools

• Application Deadline: Thursday, 25 September 2025 

• Start Date: Scholarship funding begins April 2027, even for those who start PhD in Fall 2026

• Eligible To: Students who have decided or anticipate entering a PhD program in Japan in Fall 2026 or April 2027, in relevant fields

📚 Scholarship Overview

The Teijin Kumura Scholarship, administered by the Teijin Scholarship Foundation, honors Seita Kumura—the “father of Japan’s synthetic fiber industry”—and aims to nurture promising researchers in science and engineering realms. Established in 1953 and institutionalized in 1954, it became part of the Teijin Scholarship Foundation in 2011.

It’s a direct application scholarship, meaning applicants apply straight to the foundation (no university endorsement required), which is particularly advantageous for independent applicants and international candidates.

🎁 Benefits

• Financial Support: Monthly stipend:

  • ¥100,000/month for Japanese students

  • ¥60,000/month for international students

• Inclusive: Open to all nationalities, and supports a range of research-intensive fields

• Continuation Support: Students previously holding the scholarship at master’s level may be exempt from parts of the screening process for progression to the doctoral level (though final granting is not guaranteed)

• Flexible Coverage: Continues to cover you even if part of your doctoral study involves studying abroad while enrolled at a Japanese institution

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship:

• You must be decided on or expected to begin a PhD program in Japan in Fall 2026 (September or October) or Spring 2027 (April)

• Your intended field of study must be one of the eligible disciplines: Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Science, Engineering, or Informatics

• There are no nationality restrictions—both domestic and international students are welcome

📝 Application Procedure

1. Obtain official application guidelines and forms via the Teijin Scholarship Foundation's website (forms may be in Japanese)

2. Prepare required documents:

   • Completed application form (foundation-specific)

   • Research proposal or study plan

   • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)

   • Admission letter or proof of expected PhD enrollment

   • Letters of recommendation from academic supervisors

   • Passport copy or residence card for international students (as required)

3. Submit application directly to the Foundation (no university recommendation required) before the 25 September 2025 deadline

4. Await the results, which are typically announced before the scholarship starts in April 2027

5. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further documentation or an interview

🧭 Pro Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize research fit: Clearly demonstrate how your doctoral project aligns with the foundation’s supported focus areas.

• Showcase academic excellence: Highlight stellar grades, publications, or prior research achievements, and support these with strong recommendation letters.

• Translate diligence into professionalism: Follow formatting and submission instructions meticulously—adherence to guidelines is taken very seriously.

• Leverage prior scholarship continuity: If you were a Teijin Kumura scholar during your master’s, mention this to potentially benefit from partial screening exemption.

• Prepare early: As some documents (like admission confirmation) might still be pending, assemble everything in advance to avoid last-minute rush.

📆 Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: 25 September 2025

• Scholarship Funding Starts: April 2027

• PhD Program Start: Fall 2026 (Sep/Oct) or Spring 2027 (Apr)

🔗 Details & Apply

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