JASSO Scholarship in Japan 2026/27: Monthly Support for International Students
- Country
- Japan
- Level
- Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Research
Japan is one of the most rewarding places in the world to study, and the good news is that international students do not have to fund it entirely on their own. The JASSO scholarship, run by the Japan Student Services Organization, provides monthly financial support to help students cover the cost of living while they study in Japan. It is one of the most widely used forms of student support in the country.
Here is a clear, honest guide to how it works: what the stipend is worth, what it does and does not cover, who qualifies, and how to apply. One point to understand from the start, since some listings oversell it: JASSO is a living-cost stipend rather than a full scholarship, so it works best alongside your own planning or a tuition waiver from your university.
At a glance
- Provider: Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
- Level: Undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and research students
- Support: Monthly stipend for living costs
- Typical amount: Around 48,000 yen per month (long-term Honors Scholarship); around 80,000 yen per month (short-term exchange programme)
- Does not cover: Tuition fees or international airfare
- How to apply: Through your host or home institution, not directly to JASSO
What the scholarship actually covers
Let us be clear about the money, because it shapes your whole plan. JASSO provides a monthly stipend to help with everyday costs such as rent, food, transport, and study materials. It does not pay your tuition, and it does not cover your flights to Japan. In other words, it eases the pressure of daily living, but you will still need to fund your tuition and travel through savings, your university, or another scholarship.
The amount depends on which JASSO programme you receive. The long-term Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for privately financed international students is commonly around 48,000 yen per month, while students at Japanese-language institutes may receive less. The short-term Student Exchange Support Program, for stays of roughly eight days up to one year, is commonly around 80,000 yen per month. If you are looking for a scholarship that covers tuition and airfare as well, that is the separate MEXT Japanese government scholarship, which is more competitive.
Why study in Japan with JASSO support
Japan combines world-class universities with a famously safe, orderly, and culturally rich environment, and its degrees are respected globally, especially in engineering, science, and technology. A JASSO stipend makes that experience more manageable month to month, letting you focus on your studies rather than scrambling to cover rent. It is also flexible, supporting everything from full degrees to short exchange terms.
Who can apply
- Privately financed international students (not funded by your own government or by the MEXT scholarship)
- Students admitted to an eligible Japanese institution, such as a university, graduate school, junior college, or specialized training college
- Holders of Student residency status in Japan
- Applicants with a good academic record, often a GPA of about 2.30 on a 3.00 scale
- Students who can demonstrate financial need, typically meaning support from home does not exceed about 90,000 yen per month
How to apply
- Get admitted first. Secure a place at an eligible Japanese institution, since the scholarship is tied to your enrolment.
- Work through your institution. You cannot apply directly to JASSO. Applications go through your Japanese host institution, or your home university if you are coming on an exchange arrangement.
- Prepare your documents. These usually include an application form, academic transcripts, and proof of language proficiency such as JLPT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
- Submit for nomination. Your institution screens candidates and forwards nominations to JASSO.
- Wait for notification. Successful applicants are informed through their institution.
If you are applying before arriving in Japan, some institutions offer a reservation route linked to the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU).
Deadlines
JASSO does not use one single global deadline. Because applications run through your institution, the timing depends on that institution's internal schedule and the intake you are joining, usually aligned to the Japanese academic year that begins in April, with some autumn intakes in October. Ask your host or home institution's international office for their exact dates, and confirm the current programme details on the official site.
Apply and confirm the details
Check the current stipend amounts, eligibility, and application routes on the official Study in Japan and JASSO pages: JASSO scholarships, official Study in Japan site.
Keep exploring: see all our scholarships, get ready with our free IELTS and English prep, or read how we verify every listing.
Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by JASSO or the Japanese government. Details change between cycles, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the JASSO scholarship fully funded?
No. JASSO provides a monthly stipend to help with living costs, but it does not cover tuition fees or international airfare. It is designed to support students who already have admission and need help with daily expenses, not to fund an entire degree. For full funding, the separate MEXT government scholarship is the one to look at.
How much is the JASSO stipend?
It depends on the programme. The long-term Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for privately financed students is commonly around 48,000 yen per month, while the short-term Student Exchange Support Program pays around 80,000 yen per month. Confirm the current figure on the official Study in Japan site.
How do I apply for the JASSO scholarship?
You do not apply directly to JASSO. Applications are handled through your Japanese host institution or your home university under an exchange arrangement, based on institutional nomination. Secure your admission first, then apply through the institution.
Who is eligible?
Privately financed international students who are admitted to an eligible Japanese institution, hold Student residency status, show a good academic record (often a GPA of about 2.30 on a 3.00 scale), and demonstrate financial need.