The Sato Yo International Scholarship Foundation has officially opened its Spring 2026 scholarship recruitment, offering one of Japan’s most generous and high-impact funding opportunities for privately financed international students. This announcement is especially important for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Japanese universities who aim to advance their academic journey while contributing to cultural exchange and community engagement.
Scholarship Supporting Academic Excellence and Social Contribution
Founded to empower outstanding international students from Asia, the Sato Yo International Scholarship supports those who demonstrate academic excellence, a strong commitment to cultural understanding, and a desire to contribute to society. For the 2026 academic year, the Foundation continues its mission by providing financial support that allows students to fully focus on their studies and research in Japan.
The scholarship offers a monthly stipend, tuition assistance, and additional research-related support—all designed to reduce financial pressure and cultivate a productive academic environment. Alongside funding, scholars participate in six cultural and exchange gatherings each year, offering access to a highly connected alumni network known as SATOM.
Funding Benefits for Recipients
Students selected for the 2026 cohort will receive:
- ¥180,000 per month for undergraduate students
- ¥200,000 per month for graduate students
- Tuition support of up to ¥500,000 per semester
- Conference participation subsidy of up to ¥200,000 per year (for graduate students)
- Two-year scholarship period (April 2026 – March 2028), adjusted based on the applicant’s program length
The scholarship is disbursed every two months directly to the recipient’s bank account. Scholars also receive travel support when attending compulsory Foundation events, including the official Certification Ceremony in Tokyo.
Who Can Apply? — Eligibility Requirements
To ensure fairness and focus, the Foundation applies strict eligibility criteria. Applicants must:
- Hold citizenship from one of the Foundation-eligible ASEAN or South-West Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, India, Cambodia, and more.
- Already be residing in Japan at the time of application.
- Hold a valid “Student” residence status and be enrolled in a Japanese university under the Ministry of Education.
- Be self-funded (not supported by government or corporate sponsorships).
- Not be receiving any other scholarship or unrestricted internal financial support.
- Not have parents working in Japan.
- Have no existing doctoral degree.
- Possess sufficient Japanese language ability to complete studies and research.
- Be able to participate in all six annual Foundation exchange meetings (held mainly in Tokyo).
- Have at least one full year of study remaining in their academic program starting April 2026.
- Show interest in cultural exchange, community engagement, and long-term alumni participation.
Both newly admitted students for April 2026 (undergraduate transfer students, master’s students, and doctoral students) and current students with remaining study duration are eligible.
Apply: https://www.eng.tohoku.ac.jp/media/files/pdf/insc/schol/ss251128.pdf
Important Timeline for the 2026 Scholarship Intake
For the 2026 Sato Yo International Scholarship, applicants must submit the online application form by December 12, 2025 (noon), followed by the university’s document upload deadline on December 19, 2025 (noon).
The Foundation will release the first screening results by February 11, 2026, and shortlisted candidates will be required to attend the mandatory in-person interview in Tokyo on February 21 or 22, 2026. Final results for the Sato Yo International Scholarship will be announced by February 25, 2026, and all selected awardees must participate in the official Certification Ceremony on April 18, 2026 in Tokyo.