The Sato Yo International Scholarship Foundation (SISF) provides valuable support for international students who wish to study in Japan. This program is offered twice a year, during spring and autumn, giving students multiple chances to apply. The scholarship is aimed at highly motivated, self supporting students who are enrolled in or have been accepted into legitimate academic programs in Japan.
Eligibility
Students applying for the scholarship must be nationals of one of the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- East Timor
- Vietnam
Scholarship Amount
The scholarship provides generous financial support:
- Undergraduate students: 180,000 yen per month, plus additional support to cover tuition fees.
- Graduate students: 200,000 yen per month, plus additional support to cover tuition fees and expenses for attending conferences.
Conference Attendance Subsidy for Graduate Students
Graduate students may also receive financial aid to attend academic conferences. The subsidy is as follows:
- First year: up to 200,000 yen
- Second year: up to 200,000 yen
- Third year: up to 100,000 yen
- Total cumulative support: up to 500,000 yen
If the scholarship period is shorter than one year, only half of the yearly subsidy will be available. Any unused amount within the limit can be carried forward during the scholarship period.
Application Period
- Spring intake: Applications open around December 2025
- Autumn intake: Applications open around June 2025
Application deadlines are typically in January and August.
Duration
The scholarship is available for a maximum of two years, within the range of a single degree program.
Selection Process
Selection takes place in two stages:
- First round: Document review. All application documents must be written in Japanese.
- Second round: Interview conducted in Japanese.
The schedule for the selection process is usually from May to August for one session, and from November to January for the other.
Application Method
Applications must be submitted through the student affairs or international student office of the university you belong to. Direct submission by applicants is not accepted.
Applicants can also apply directly to the foundation with approval from their Japanese university. For inquiries, email sisf@sato-global.com.
Application forms and guidelines are available during the application period:
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to apply if I am from one of the listed countries?
Yes, if you are enrolled in a Japanese university or graduate school as a regular student, you are eligible to apply. However, your application documents must be filled out in Japanese in your own writing and the interview will also be conducted in Japanese.
Where can I find the application guidelines?
The application guidelines are published on the SISF website only during the official application period. Applications are accepted online, but approval from your Japanese university is required before submission.
Can I submit my application documents in person?
No, documents brought directly by applicants are not accepted. All applications must be submitted through the foreign student office of your university in Japan.
Conclusion
The Sato Yo International Scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for dedicated students from Asia to pursue education in Japan with strong financial backing. It not only covers monthly living expenses but also supports academic growth by funding tuition and conferences. Students who are serious about their studies and can demonstrate commitment to Japan’s academic environment should take advantage of this highly respected scholarship.