Studying in Japan offers European students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich cultural heritage, benefit from a high standard of education, and experience cutting-edge technological advancements. However, the cost can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships are available for European students to study in Japan. Here’s a guide to the top fully funded scholarships, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and benefits.
1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
Overview:
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers fully funded scholarships for international students, including those from Europe, to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in Japan.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Strong academic record.
- Age limits vary by program (e.g., under 35 for postgraduate programs).
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
- Preparatory education (if required)
2. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowship
Overview:
JSPS offers postdoctoral fellowships to support foreign researchers, including Europeans, in conducting advanced research at leading Japanese universities and research institutions.
Requirements:
- Hold a doctoral degree or expect to obtain one before the fellowship starts.
- Strong academic and research background.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Research allowance
- Travel expenses
- Settling-in allowance
3. JASSO Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan)
Overview:
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides scholarships for short-term study in Japan to international students, including Europeans, under student exchange agreements between Japanese universities and their home universities.
Requirements:
- Enrollment in a degree program at a home institution that has an exchange agreement with a Japanese university.
- Strong academic record.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
4. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Overview:
The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) offers fully funded scholarships for international students from ADB member countries, including European countries, to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at selected institutions in Japan.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of an ADB member country.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- At least two years of full-time professional work experience.
- Demonstrated interest in development-related fields.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly allowance
- Housing allowance
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
5. Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship
Overview:
The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation provides scholarships for international students, including those from Europe, to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Japan.
Requirements:
- Non-Japanese nationality.
- Strong academic record.
- Recommendation from a Rotary Club in the applicant’s home country.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
6. Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies (JISP)
Overview:
The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies supports students from IMF member countries, including European countries, to pursue a PhD in economics at a Japanese university.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of an IMF member country.
- Admission to a PhD program in economics at a Japanese university.
- Strong academic record.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Medical insurance
- Travel expenses
7. Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarship
Overview:
Mitsubishi Corporation offers scholarships to support international students, including those from Europe, to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in Japan.
Requirements:
- Non-Japanese nationality.
- Strong academic record.
- Admission to a Japanese university.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
8. Hitachi Scholarship Program
Overview:
The Hitachi Scholarship Program offers scholarships for European students to pursue postgraduate studies and research in Japan, particularly in fields related to science and technology.
Requirements:
- Non-Japanese nationality.
- Strong academic and research background.
- Admission to a postgraduate program or research institution in Japan.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
- Research allowance
9. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Overview:
The JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for students from World Bank member countries, including European countries, to pursue master’s programs in development-related fields at universities in Japan.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of a World Bank member country.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- At least three years of recent development-related work experience.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
10. Panasonic Scholarship
Overview:
The Panasonic Scholarship Program provides financial support to international students, including those from Europe, to pursue master’s degrees in engineering and other technical fields at Japanese universities.
Requirements:
- Non-Japanese nationality.
- Strong academic record.
- Admission to a master’s program in a relevant field at a Japanese university.
Apply Here
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Travel expenses
Conclusion
With these fully funded scholarships, European students have an excellent opportunity to pursue their academic dreams in Japan without the burden of financial constraints. By carefully researching and applying to these scholarships, students can secure the financial support needed for their studies. Be sure to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each scholarship and reach out to the scholarship providers for any questions or clarifications. Good luck with your applications!