Japan’s most prestigious private scholarship for international students is back for 2026 enrollment. The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship for Overseas Candidates invites talented students from around the world to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies at Japanese universities or graduate schools.
With full support from Rotary International Districts across Japan, this program provides not only a generous monthly stipend but also travel assistance to ensure a smooth start to your academic journey in Japan.
Funding Package
The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial scholarship offers substantial financial support for the entire study period:
- Undergraduate students: 100,000 yen per month
- Master’s and Doctoral students: 140,000 yen per month
- Airfare allowance: Actual travel costs up to 250,000 yen reimbursed upon arrival (economy class only)
Payments begin April 2026 for spring enrollees and September/October 2026 for fall enrollees.
Short Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be overseas students enrolling in a Japanese university or graduate school (research students are not eligible).
- Possess at least JLPT N4-level Japanese language proficiency.
- Secure admission to a Japanese university or graduate school independently before applying for the scholarship.
- Submit all required documents, including a research plan, essay, and recommendation letter (graduate applicants must provide a letter from their intended supervisor/professor).
- Commit to entering Japan before the month the scholarship payments commence.
Apply: https://www.rotary-yoneyama.or.jp/english/overseas.
Application Timeline
The application period for both April 2026 and Fall 2026 (September/October) enrollment runs from 13:00 JST, October 1, 2025 to 13:00 JST, October 31, 2025. Selection results will be announced by mid-March 2026, with certificates of eligibility issued by the end of March 2026.