The Ito Foundation for International Education Exchange (公益財団法人伊藤国際教育交流財団) invites ambitious international students to apply for its Japanese 2026 scholarship program, designed exclusively for those planning to enroll in a Japanese university master’s program starting in April 2026.
If you’ve dreamed of studying in Japan while receiving full financial support, this is one of the most reputable privately funded scholarships available for international scholars in the country.
Scholarship Overview
This fully funded program aims to nurture globally minded graduates who will contribute to international exchange and cross-cultural understanding through higher education in Japan.
Funding Details
- Monthly stipend: ¥200,000 (approx. USD 1,350)
- Duration: Up to 2 years (covering the official master’s program period)
- Number of Awards: Around 10 students selected annually
- Study Level: Master’s degree programs at Japanese universities
- Field of Study: Open to all disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria for April 2026 Intake
To qualify, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Must be a foreign national with excellent academic and personal records who needs financial assistance.
- Must plan to enroll as a regular student in a Japanese university’s master’s course starting in April 2026.
- Research students are also eligible to apply if they will enter a master’s program in April 2026.
- Must currently reside in Japan with a “Student (留学)” or “Permanent Resident (永住者)” status.
- Must be under 29 years of age as of April 1, 2026 (exceptions allowed for medical/pharmacy graduates up to age 32).
- Must have sufficient proficiency in Japanese language for interviews and written communication.
- Must be available for an interview in February 2026, on one of the following days:
Saturday, February 21, 2026, or Monday, February 23, 2026 (public holiday).
Who Cannot Apply?
You are not eligible if you:
- Are already enrolled in a master’s program (except Fall 2025 entrants).
- Plan to enter a PhD program in April 2026.
- Are living overseas at the time of application.
- Plan to study as a research, training, non-degree, auditing, or exchange student.
- Receive financial aid from another scholarship organization.
- Are employed or on leave from a job with plans to return to your workplace after study.
- Intend to pursue a double-degree program with an overseas institution.
Application Timeline (April 2026 Intake)
The application window for the Ito Foundation for International Education Exchange Scholarship 2026 (April intake) will remain open from October 1 to October 31, 2025, with all submissions required to be postmarked no later than October 31.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview scheduled on either February 21 or February 23, 2026. Successful applicants will begin receiving their scholarship from April 2026, coinciding with the start of the academic session, and the funding will continue for up to two years, covering the entire duration of the master’s program.
Applicants must carefully review the official application guidelines available on the foundation’s website.
Why You Should Apply?
This scholarship is a golden opportunity for talented students already in Japan to continue their studies without worrying about finances. With a generous stipend, academic freedom across all disciplines, and the prestige of the Ito Foundation’s support, it offers an excellent launchpad for a successful global career rooted in Japanese education.
