Thinking about studying in Japan but worried about the cost of living and tuition? The Kyoritsu Maintenance Co., Ltd. Scholarship Fund offers a solid pathway for international students across Asia, including India, to ease financial pressure while pursuing their dreams in Japan. In this article you will learn what this scholarship is, who can apply, what benefits you get, how to apply, timeline and key deadlines, plus common questions answered. If you want to Study in Japan and get funding support, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Benefits of the Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship
The Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship provides monthly financial support of 70,000 yen for one year to selected international students. This amount can significantly offset living costs such as dormitory rent, food, and daily expenses, making life in Japan far more manageable for privately financed students. Compared to other scholarship schemes for international students, this stipend is competitive and meaningful for those planning to stay in Japan for language school, training school, college, or undergraduate study.
Because the scholarship does not involve tuition fee waivers or reductions, it works well alongside full-time study without affecting academic obligations. That means you remain enrolled as a normal student and receive the financial support on top of regular education. This can relieve pressure to take heavy part-time work or extra shifts, giving you more time to focus on studies, adjustment to Japanese life and language learning. For many international students, the extra 70,000 yen monthly can mean the difference between struggling and thriving, especially in cities where living costs are high.
Another benefit: only 30 students receive this scholarship each year, making it relatively exclusive. That exclusivity can increase the prestige of the award, and receiving it can look good on your academic record. It also means selection is competitive, but for a deserving candidate it provides a serious leg up.
Finally, the scholarship is open to students admitted to eligible schools across a wide range of academic levels: from Japanese language institutions and vocational (special training) schools to colleges and undergraduate programs. This flexibility makes it accessible to many different kinds of applicants, whether you intend to master Japanese first or enroll directly in a degree program.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a privately financed international student (not supported directly by home country or other major government scholarships).
- Hold nationality in one of the eligible Asian countries. This includes India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and many others across Southeast and South Asia.
- Be accepted (or planning to be accepted) by one of the designated schools that partner with the foundation. Individual applications without school recommendation are not accepted.
- If already enrolled, have at least one full academic year remaining to complete after April of the scholarship start year.
- Maintain good academic standing and personal conduct; be healthy, responsible, and committed to submit any required reports or attend meetings organized by the foundation.
Important constraint: The application must come via a school recommendation. Direct applications by students themselves are not accepted. If you plan to study from April 2026, ensure that your school is eligible and willing to recommend you for the scholarship. This requirement makes early communication with your school critical.
Fields of Study and Eligible Institutions
The Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship supports a broad range of academic paths. Eligible fields include Japanese language courses, vocational training (special training schools), two-year or four-year colleges, and undergraduate degree programs.
Because the foundation does not limit scholarships to specific majors, you may apply whether you want to study humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, or other disciplines, as long as the school you enter is within the foundation’s approved partner list. This high flexibility helps students coming from diverse academic backgrounds. Another advantage: you don’t need to declare a specific major at time of application, offering flexibility in planning your studies.
To check if your prospective school qualifies, you must consult the list published by the Kyoritsu International Foundation on its official website. Since the foundation approves schools across Japan, language institutes, vocational, colleges, and universities, there is a good chance your chosen institution may already be on the list. This coverage increases accessibility for students from outside Japan, including India.
List of schools eligible for Kyoritsu Maintenance Co. scholarshipHow to Apply
- Find a school in Japan that is designated by Kyoritsu International Foundation and plan to enroll from April 2026 or later.
- Contact that school’s international admissions office and request a recommendation for the Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship.
- Submit all required application documents on behalf of the school, direct individual application is not accepted.
- Ensure you have completed admission procedures and obtained student visa / residence status by April of the scholarship year.
- Await selection, scholarship results are communicated via the school; no inquiries via phone or email will be answered by the foundation.
Application documents typically include, proof of admission or applicant status, nationality verification, academic transcripts, health certificate, and possibly a self-introduction or personal statement depending on the school’s internal procedures. The foundation selects recipients based on school recommendation followed by document screening. There is no written exam or interview by the foundation itself.
Note: Because the application process relies on your school’s recommendation, start coordination with your school as early as possible, ideally before or during your admission application. Schools may have internal deadlines earlier than the foundation’s official deadline. Missing school recommendation means missing the chance entirely.
Application Timeline And Deadlines
The typical application period runs from early November to the end of January (for admission starting April of the following year). For example, for entry in April 2026, your school should submit recommendation by around January 30, 2026.
After submission, the foundation reviews documents. Award notifications are usually sent out via the school in “early March”, giving you enough time before the Japanese academic year begins.
Because of the fixed timeline, planning ahead is essential. Many international aspirants planning to Study in Japan may also be applying for admission, they should treat scholarship application as an integral part of their acceptance process. Locking in school recommendation early ensures best chance.
Plan admissions and scholarship application together, do not wait until final admission result. Schools must recommend you before the foundation’s Jan 30 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship from India?
You can apply if you are an Indian national and you get a recommendation from a designated Japanese language school / college / university. Direct applications by students are not accepted.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
No. The Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship only provides a monthly stipend of 70,000 yen for living expenses. Tuition fees and admission fees are not covered.
Can I apply individually without school recommendation?
No. The scholarship requires a school recommendation. Individual applications from students are not considered.
When will I get the scholarship if selected?
If you apply via your school by the deadline (usually end of January), results are sent in early March, and the stipend begins from April of that academic year.
Can I combine this scholarship with other scholarships?
You may have other scholarships, but your total monthly support should not exceed 50,000 yen extra. Many receiving schools or Japanese government scholarships impose limits, so check carefully before combining.
If you found this article useful and plan to apply for Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship while preparing to Study in Japan, drop a comment with your country and intended study level, I’d love to know. Please also share this with others who are dreaming of studying in Japan. Would you like me to compile a ready-to-use application checklist for 2026? Let me know below.
