The Kyoritsu Foundation Scholarship is administered by the Kyoritsu International Foundation to support self financed students with Asian nationality who are enrolled in designated schools in Japan. The program aims to ease living costs and encourage cultural exchange and academic development.
Quick Links
Eligibility criteria
Nationality and residency
Applicants must hold nationality of an Asian country. Applicants may apply from both inside Japan and outside Japan. Applicants must be college students under the appropriate residency status for study.
Academic level
- Special training school
- College
- Undergraduate program
- Master's program
- Doctoral program
Research students are not eligible.
Restrictions on combined awards
Graduate students may not receive any other scholarship concurrently. Undergraduate recipients of the 60,000 yen per month award may also hold other scholarships only if the combined total does not exceed 50,000 yen per month in addition to the Kyoritsu award.
Scholarship benefits and amounts
Monthly stipend by academic level
| Academic level | Monthly stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate students | 110,000 yen |
| Undergraduate students | 60,000 yen or 110,000 yen based on screening |
The scholarship term is one year from April 2026 to March 2027. Recipients must submit required reports and essays within deadlines set by the foundation and attend the award ceremony scheduled for April 1, 2026.
Application method
Applicants must apply through their school. Individual direct applications to the foundation are not accepted. Institutions that are designated by the foundation nominate or recommend candidates to Kyoritsu International Foundation.
Step by step
- Confirm that your school is listed as a designated school by the foundation.
- Contact your school office or international office to request the Kyoritsu application process and form.
- Prepare the required documents listed below and submit them to the school by the school internal deadline.
- If recommended, the school forwards your application to the foundation for final screening.
Required documents checklist
Generally the following documents are required. Always confirm with your school for any additional items.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form | Designated form provided by school or foundation |
| Certificate of enrollment | Proves current enrollment |
| Academic transcript | Official transcript covering latest period |
| Health certificate | Issued in the current fiscal year |
| Photocopy of residence card | Both sides required for residents of Japan |
Students currently receiving another scholarship that will continue into the next fiscal year or who are scheduled to receive another scholarship next fiscal year are not eligible to apply.
Application timeline and deadlines
- Application period Early November to end of January
- Application deadline January 30, 2026, Specific date may set by each school
- Early March 2026 (sent by mail to school officials and published on the Foundation's website only to successful applicants)
- Award ceremony around April 1 2026
Selection and availability
Availability varies by year. The foundation selected 25 recipients in the previous year. Tokushima University for example may recommend one undergraduate and one graduate student to the foundation as part of its internal nomination process. Final selection is performed by the foundation based on screening of submitted materials.
Responsibilities of recipients
- Submit progress reports and essays as requested by the foundation
- Attend the award ceremony on the designated date
- Comply with the foundation rules regarding other scholarships and conduct
Tips to strengthen your application
Academic performance and activities
Maintain strong grades and provide evidence of academic achievement and active participation in research or community activities.
Essay and motivation statement
Write a clear essay explaining why you chose to study in Japan how the scholarship will support your goals and how you will contribute to academic and cultural exchange. Use specific examples and keep language concise and sincere.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply directly to the foundation
No you must apply through your school or the school must recommend you to the foundation.
Are research students eligible
No research students are not eligible for this scholarship.
How much is the monthly stipend
Graduate students receive 110000 yen per month Undergraduates receive either 60000 yen or 110000 yen per month depending on screening.
Can graduate students receive other scholarships
No graduate recipients cannot receive other scholarships concurrently.
What is the application period
The application period is early November to the end of January Specific deadlines are set by each school.
Is attendance at the award ceremony mandatory
Yes recipients are expected to attend the ceremony on April 1 2025 unless otherwise instructed by the foundation.
Conclusion
The Kyoritsu Foundation Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for Asian students pursuing study in Japan It provides meaningful financial support and fosters academic and cultural exchange If you are eligible begin discussions with your school early and prepare the required documents carefully
