Tobe Maki Scholarship Program 2025 in Japan

The Tobe Maki Foundation offers Tobe Maki Scholarship Program to support the development of future talent by assisting academically excellent and well-behaved undergraduate and graduate students in Japan. Each year, around 60 students are selected—about 55 Japanese or residents with equivalent rights (such as permanent residents or spouses of Japanese nationals), and around 5 international students holding a valid “Student” visa.

All National & International students are welcome to apply for Tobe Maki Scholarship Program in Japan. It offers monthly financial aid to undergraduates and graduates in select fields, aiming to nurture future leaders. Applications are open until May 8, 2025, 23:59 JST.​

Universities/Institutions

• Funded By: Tobe Maki Foundation
• Host Country: Japan
• Offered Program: Bachelor, Master’s, PhD
• Duration: Varies by Program

Study Areas

Eligible fields include:

• Chemical
• Food science (research related to food in general)
• Art and Design Studies
• Physical education/sports science
• Business Administration (Business and Public Management, Marketing, etc.)

Tobe Maki Scholarship Program Benefits

• Stipend:
  • Graduate students: ¥70,000/month (¥840,000/year)
  • Undergraduate students: ¥60,000/month (¥720,000/year)
• Duration: Up to 2 years (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2027), with possible extensions based on academic performance
• May be halved if receiving other scholarships totaling approx. ¥2 million/year or more
• Scholarships from JASSO and tuition exemptions do not affect the scholarship amount
• JSPS or JST-supported doctoral students will receive half the grant
• No repayment required
• Free career choice after graduation

Benefits Not Included

• Tuition fees
• Travel expenses
• Accommodation costs
• Health insurance

Eligibility Criteria for Tobe Maki Scholarship Program

Applicants must:

• Must be enrolled at a Japanese university or graduate school throughout the grant period
• Undergraduate (3rd year or higher), Master’s, or Doctoral students
• Must be 30 years old or younger as of April 1, 2025 (exceptions allowed)
• Must study one of the target fields
• Must show academic excellence, financial need, and strong motivation
• Final-year and autumn-enrolled students can apply (even for less than 2 years)
• Leave of absence will suspend payments
• Must be a self-financed international student
• All faculties are eligible if research relates to target fields
• Household income isn’t restricted but will be considered in selection
• Payment Period: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2027 (up to 2 years, extendable up to 4 years or more)
• Disbursement Schedule: Paid into student’s bank account—first payment in July 2025 (4 months’ worth), then every even month
• The Foundation can suspend, stop, or cancel scholarship payments if it deems the recipient unsuitable.

Scholarship Recipient Obligations

• Submit transcript every semester
• Submit activity report and enrollment/completion certificate by March each year
• Submit scholarship receipt/status report every two months
• Failure to submit reports may result in suspension or cancellation

Required Documents

• Scholarship Application Form (Foundation format)
• Letter of Recommendation (official seal of university head + supervisor’s stamp)
• Student Certificate (original, issued after April 1, 2025)
• Transcript (original, cumulative GPA required; graduate students include undergrad transcripts)
• GPA Certificate (if GPA not listed on transcript; use Foundation format if needed)
• Residence Certificate (original, no My Number, must show nationality and visa details)
• Photo Data (recent, upper body, front view, no hat)

Documents Required to Be Sent by Mail (Originals):

1. Letter of Recommendation
2. Certificate of Enrollment
3. Academic Transcript + GPA certificate (if applicable)
4. Residence Certificate

Tips for Submission

• Use courier or tracked mail near the deadline
• Write the online receipt number on the postal package
• Do not resubmit online after submission
• Documents must match online and mailed versions

Tobe Maki Scholarship Program Application Process

• Apply via the Foundation’s Grant Support System (Web)
• Create “My Page,” register info, upload documents (PDFs)
• Submit original documents by postal mail

Important Notes:

• Fill all documents in Japanese
• Use correct format and page limits
• Do not submit incomplete or incorrect documents
• Application documents are not returned
• Use the same contact details throughout
• Submit income certificate after selection (if applicable)

Selection Process

• Results announced in early July 2025
• Selection by board after committee review
• Notification via email only
• Selection rationale is confidential
• Selected students’ details may be publicly shared

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Gather and prepare all documents well in advance.
• Language Proficiency: Ensure all documents are accurately translated into Japanese.
• Strong Recommendation: Secure a compelling letter of recommendation highlighting your academic achievements and character.
• Personal Statement: Clearly articulate your academic goals and how the scholarship will aid in achieving them.
• Proofread: Review all documents for accuracy and completeness before submission.​

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Japan

• Rent: ¥30,000 – ¥60,000 (depending on city and housing type)
• Food: ¥20,000 – ¥40,000
• Transportation: ¥5,000 – ¥10,000
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): ¥5,000 – ¥10,000
• Health insurance: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000
• Mobile phone and internet: ¥3,000 – ¥8,000
• Miscellaneous/personal expenses: ¥5,000 – ¥15,000

Total Estimate: ¥80,000 – ¥120,000 per month, depending on location and lifestyle.

Why Choose This Opportunity?

The Tobe Maki Scholarship offers substantial financial support, allowing students to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress. It recognizes academic excellence and character, providing recipients with the freedom to pursue their desired career paths post-graduation. Moreover, being part of this scholarship can enhance your academic profile and open doors to future opportunities.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I apply if I’m starting my undergraduate studies in April 2025? No, undergraduate applicants must be in their 3rd year or above during the scholarship period.

Q2: Is proficiency in Japanese required? Yes, all application documents must be submitted in Japanese, and communication from the Foundation will be in Japanese.

Q3: Can I apply if I have another scholarship? If you receive another scholarship exceeding ¥2 million per year, the Tobe Maki Scholarship amount may be reduced.​

Q4: Are there interviews as part of the selection process? The application process primarily involves document submission; however, the Foundation may contact applicants for further information if needed.​

Q5: When will the scholarship funds be disbursed? The first disbursement is scheduled for July 2025, retroactively covering the period from April to July 2025.​

Official Link for More Details and Application

For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the official scholarship page: