Are you aiming to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at a top Japanese university without accumulating massive student debt? The Hanjo Foundation Scholarship 2027 in Japan—officially administered by the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF)—is widely regarded as one of the most flexible and rewarding postgraduate awards available to international students.
Unlike many conventional scholarships in East Asia that require formal institutional nominations or complex university pre-selection hurdles, the Hanjo Foundation allows eligible students to apply directly to the foundation. With high monthly stipends, conference travel support, and an active global alumni network, this scholarship empowers young researchers to thrive in Japan’s advanced academic ecosystem.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2027 application cycle: key deadlines, university coverage, study fields, stipend structures, step-by-step application instructions, living costs in USD, and expert application strategies.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
The Hanjo Foundation Scholarship (Honjo International Scholarship Foundation) provides financial grants to international students enrolled in or planning to attend a graduate school in Japan. The foundation focuses on nurturing global talent capable of addressing pressingly complex challenges such as environmental sustainability, technological innovation, economic growth, and cross-cultural diplomacy.
- Open to international students studying or planning to study at a graduate school in Japan.
- Available for:
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral/PhD degree
- All nationalities and academic fields are eligible.
- Applicants can apply directly to the Foundation.
- Approximately 10 students will receive the scholarship.
- Host Country: Japan
- Awarding Body: Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF)
- Target Audience: Non-Japanese citizens from all global regions
- Application Mode: Direct online application through the HISF portal
- Application Period: September 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026 (For Spring 2027 intake)
- Document Screening Notification: January 31, 2027
- Interview Phase: February 2027
- Final Results Announcement: March 31, 2027
University/Institution Details
The Hanjo Foundation Scholarship does not restrict applicants to a narrow, pre-approved list of institutions. You are free to apply for postgraduate programs across any recognized public, national, or private university in Japan.
Whether you gain admission to globally renowned research powerhouses like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, Waseda University, or Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), your scholarship eligibility remains fully intact as long as you meet the degree duration requirements.
INSTITUTIONAL SCOPE
- National Universities (e.g., UTokyo, Kyoto U)
- Public & Private Graduate Schools across Japan
- Direct application to HISF (No nomination needed)
Furthermore, scholars benefit from events and symposiums organized at Honjo Foundation centers, connecting recipients with leading scientists, corporate executives, and diplomats active throughout Japan.
Study Areas & Available Programs
The foundation welcomes applications across all academic disciplines and research fields. Unlike sector-specific awards, Hanjo Foundation values both high-tech innovation and qualitative humanistic research.
Top Eligible Program Areas:
- Engineering & Technology: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Civil & Structural Engineering, Material Science, Electrical Engineering.
- Natural & Physical Sciences: Physics, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology.
- Social Sciences & Public Policy: International Relations, Development Economics, Sociology, Public Health, Environmental Law.
- Business & Management: Innovation Management, Sustainable Business, Supply Chain Analytics.
- Humanities & Arts: Japanese Cultural Studies, Applied Linguistics, History, Philosophy.
Important Note on Professional Schools: Students pursuing degrees at professional graduate schools (such as MBA or Law School programs) are generally ineligible unless they submit a comprehensive academic research plan along with their application.
Hanjo Foundation Scholarship Benefits:
Scholarship Amount
The monthly amount depends on the length of the degree:
- ¥230,000/month — 1 or 2-year degree
- ¥210,000/month — 3-year degree
- ¥180,000/month — 4 or 5-year degree
Important
- The scholarship is provided for the minimum period required to complete the degree.
- The scholarship period cannot be changed after payment begins.
- The enrollment period must be longer than 12 months.
- The scholarship does not need to be repaid.
- Travel support may be provided for attending international conferences.
Benefits Not Included
While the monthly allowance is quite generous, candidates should understand that the Hanjo Foundation Scholarship is a stipend-first award.
- University Tuition & Enrollment Fees: The foundation does not pay tuition directly to your university. Students must pay tuition out of their monthly stipend or secure tuition waivers directly from their Japanese host university (which many national universities offer to international postgraduates).
- Initial International Flight Ticket: Relocation flights to and from Japan at the start and end of your degree are self-funded.
- Visa Application & Legal Processing Fees: Passport, consular processing, or local administrative registration costs.
- Health Insurance Costs: Mandatory Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI) payments must be handled individually (though NHI costs for students in Japan are very low, usually around $15–$25 USD/month).
Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients
Recipients must:
- Participate in individual interviews.
- Attend Foundation events.
- Actively participate in the Foundation’s alumni network after graduation.
- Maintain good academic performance and behavior.
- Continue their studies and research properly.
Eligibility Criteria for the Hanjo Foundation Scholarship
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must not be a Japanese citizen.
- Must be enrolled in, or planning to enter, a graduate school in Japan.
- Students entering in April or Fall 2026 may be eligible.
- Students already enrolled in a Japanese graduate school may also apply.
- Professional graduate school students are generally not eligible.
- However, they may be eligible if they can submit a research plan.
- The remaining period until graduation must be more than 12 months.
- Age requirement:
- Master’s applicants: Must start the Master’s program by age 30.
- PhD applicants: Must start the PhD program by age 35.
- No exceptions are allowed.
- Must have a strong intention to contribute to and serve their home country in the future.
- Must have an understanding of international friendship and goodwill.
- Must participate in Foundation events.
- Must participate in the Foundation’s alumni network after graduation.
- Must be able to have basic conversations in Japanese.
- The interview will be conducted in Japanese.
Restrictions on Other Scholarships
You generally cannot receive another scholarship together with this scholarship.
However, the following scholarships may be allowed:
- MEXT Scholarship
- Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
- JSPS International Fellowship
- Certain JST Fellowships approved for concurrent receipt
Work Restrictions
While receiving this scholarship, you cannot have regular employment other than study-related part-time work, such as:
- Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Research Assistant (RA)
- Translator or interpreter
- International exchange-related work
Required Documents for the Application
1. Face Photo
- Maximum file size: 500 KB
- Format: .jpg or .gif
2. Two-Minute Research Video — Required
- Maximum length: 2 minutes
- Maximum file size: 1 GB
- Format: .mp4 or .mov
- Language: Japanese or English
- You must explain your research plan.
- Your face must be visible.
- Presentation slides may be used.
3. Self-Promotion Video — Optional
- Maximum length: 30 seconds
- Maximum file size: 1 GB
- Format: .mp4 or .mov
- Language: Japanese or English
- You should mainly appear speaking directly to the camera.
4. Academic Transcript
- Undergraduate transcript is required.
- Graduate transcript is optional.
- If documents are not in Japanese or English, an English or Japanese translation is required.
5. Research Proposal
- Must use the Foundation’s designated template.
- Must be written in Japanese.
- If you are not confident in Japanese, you may also submit an English version.
Your research proposal should explain:
- What you want to research and what you want to discover.
- Your research schedule and ultimate goal.
- How you will contribute to your home country using what you learn in Japan.
- Your previous achievements in:
- Research
- Academic activities
- Social activities
6. Recommendation Letter
- A recommendation letter from your academic supervisor is required.
- It should discuss:
- Academic performance
- Personal characteristics
- Future potential
- A previous supervisor from your home country may also write the letter if they know your academic background.
- The letter must include the recommender’s signature or seal.
- The recommender may send the letter directly to the Foundation.
7. Proof of Admission or Enrollment
You must submit one of the following:
- Admission letter
- Acceptance letter
- Certificate of enrollment, if you are already studying in graduate school
If your admission letter is not available by the application deadline:
- Enter the expected date of receiving it in the application system.
- Send the document to the Foundation as soon as it becomes available.
Hanjo Foundation Scholarship Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check whether you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Enter the online application system.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload all required documents and videos.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Save your application number.
- Keep the generated PDF of your application form.
Selection Schedule
First Selection: Document Screening
- Result announced by January 31, 2027.
- Application numbers of successful applicants will be published online.
Second Selection: Interview
- Planned for February 9, 2027.
- The interview may take place:
- In Tokyo, or
- By video call
- The interview will be conducted in Japanese.
Final Result
- Announced on March 31, 2027.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Emphasize Societal Impact: The selection panel strongly favors research projects that address tangible, real-world problems (e.g., climate change, energy transition, public health, technological ethics, economic development). Clearly explain how your research benefits society.
- Practice Your Japanese Interview Skills: Since interviews are conducted strictly in Japanese without exception, practice answering questions about your background, research methodology, and career vision in Japanese. Focus on clarity, polite register (Keigo), and confidence.
- Make the 2-Minute Video Outstanding: Treat your video presentation professionally. Speak clearly, maintain eye contact with the camera, avoid reading verbatim from a script, and structure it with a quick introduction, core research aim, and future vision.
- Highlight Contribution to Your Home Country: The foundation explicitly seeks individuals who intend to serve as international bridges and contribute positively to their home countries or global goodwill after graduation.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Japan
Understanding the local cost of living helps you maximize your monthly stipend. Although living costs vary between Tokyo and regional university cities (like Sendai, Tsukuba, Kyoto, or Fukuoka), here is an estimated monthly breakdown in USD ($):
| Expense Category | Tokyo & Major Metropolitan Areas (USD) | Regional University Cities (USD) | Notes & Budgeting Tips |
| Housing / Rent | $450 – $750 | $250 – $450 | University dormitories are significantly cheaper than private apartments |
| Food & Groceries | $250 – $400 | $200 – $300 | Cooking at home and using local supermarkets reduces costs substantially |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas) | $80 – $130 | $70 – $110 | Varies seasonally due to winter heating and summer air conditioning |
| Mobile & Internet | $30 – $50 | $30 – $50 | Local SIM providers offer affordable student packages |
| National Health Insurance (NHI) | $15 – $25 | $15 – $25 | Mandatory coverage; gives 70% discount on standard medical expenses |
| Public Transit / Commuting | $40 – $80 | $20 – $50 | Student commuter passes (Teikiken) offer steep discounts |
| Books & Research Supplies | $40 – $80 | $40 – $80 | Library access offsets most costs |
| Total Estimated Expenses | $905 – $1,515 / month | $625 – $1,065 / month | Fully covered by your $1,200 – $1,600 USD monthly stipend! |
Why Choose the Hanjo Foundation Scholarship? (5 Core Reasons)
- High Direct Financial Allowance: With stipends reaching up to ¥230,000 per month, recipients enjoy one of the highest monthly postgraduate allowances in Japan.
- Direct Application Route: You do not need to secure a complex nomination from a university committee beforehand. You apply directly to the foundation, giving you complete control over your application package.
- Freedom of Academic Choice: The scholarship is applicable across almost any research discipline and covers both public and private universities throughout Japan.
- Conference Travel Funding: Scholars receive dedicated travel grants to present their scientific papers at international academic conferences, boosting their academic publication profile.
- Lifetime Professional Network: Joining the HISF alumni network links you with scholars, research leaders, and corporate pioneers operating across Japan and global industries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I am currently living outside of Japan?
Yes! Applicants residing outside Japan can apply as long as they have applied or plan to apply to a Japanese graduate school for the upcoming academic intake. The interview phase for overseas applicants is conducted via online video conferencing.
Is English proficiency accepted for the research video?
Yes, the 2-minute research video can be recorded in either English or Japanese. However, keep in mind that conversational Japanese is mandatory for the live interview stage.
Does the scholarship cover undergraduate or non-degree research students?
No. The Hanjo Foundation Scholarship is strictly reserved for full-time Master’s and PhD degree-seeking students. Non-degree research students, language school students, and undergraduate candidates are ineligible.
Can I hold a part-time job while receiving this scholarship?
The foundation permits limited, academic-related part-time roles such as Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA), or translation/interpretation work. Commercial or non-academic employment is restricted to ensure scholars stay focused on their research.
Application Period
- September 1 – October 31, 2026
- The exact dates and application guidelines will be announced in August 2026.
- Application opens at 11:00 AM on September 1, 2026.
