The JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship provides monthly stipends of 30,000 to 48,000 yen for self-funded international students attending Japanese universities, graduate schools, or language academies in 2026. Eligible candidates must hold a Student residence visa, maintain a minimum 2.30 GPA, and satisfy specific language standards and financial limits. Applications are processed through host educational institutions rather than submitted directly by individual students.
What is the JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for 2026?
The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students is managed by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) to relieve financial hardship for self-funded academic travelers. Detailed eligibility parameters and program descriptions are available on the Study in Japan JASSO Scholarship Page.
How much financial support can you receive each month?
The monthly stipend depends on the type of school in which you enroll:
- Universities, Graduate Schools, Junior Colleges, Colleges of Technology (3rd year+), and Specialized Training Colleges: 48,000 yen per month.
- University Preparatory Courses and University-Affiliated Language Programs: 48,000 yen per month.
- Japanese Language Institutions: 30,000 yen per month.
How long does the scholarship payment last?
Funding periods standardly cover either 12 months or 6 months within the academic year:
- Spring Enrollment (April start): 12 months, running from April through March of the following year.
- Autumn Enrollment (September or October start): 6 months, running from October through March of the following year.
Who qualifies for the JASSO Honors Scholarship?
To qualify after arriving in Japan, applicants must fulfill specific academic, linguistic, and income criteria. Applicants must confirm all entry requirements with their university administration or host institution, as visa policies or school recommendation quotas vary.
What are the academic and language requirements?
- Academic Performance: Students must have earned a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.30 out of 3.00 for the previous academic year and maintain this performance standard throughout the award duration.
- Japanese Proficiency: Candidates must hold a JLPT N2 certificate or higher, achieve at least 200 points on the EJU Japanese as a Foreign Language exam (covering Reading, Listening, and Listening-Reading Comprehension), or meet equivalent recognized standards.
- English Proficiency: Students pursuing English-medium courses must demonstrate CEFR level B2 or higher.
What are the financial limits and visa requirements?
- Visa Status: Applicants must hold an official "Student" residence status. Holders of Dependent or Long-term Resident visas are not eligible.
- Remittance Cap: Your average monthly allowance sent from abroad (excluding entry fees and tuition fees) must not exceed 90,000 yen.
- Household Income in Japan: If you have dependents living with you in Japan, their annual income must remain below 5,000,000 yen.
- Other Scholarships: Recipients cannot combine this award with restricted double-funded scholarships or JASSO Support Scholarships.
- Follow-up Survey: Awardees must agree to participate in career tracking surveys conducted by ETIC after receiving the funds.
- Language School Progression: Language school students receiving the stipend must intend to advance to higher education in Japan in the subsequent academic year.
How do you apply for pre-arrival reservation in 2026?
Students living outside Japan can apply for pre-arrival reservation through select admissions channels. Full details regarding pre-arrival selection routes are outlined on the JASSO Pre-Arrival Admission Reservation Guide.
How does the EJU and English course reservation system work?
When taking the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) in Japan, select "Apply for Reservation Program" on the online application. For EJU tests taken overseas, mark "〇" in the designated application box. Applicants enrolling in English-medium undergraduate programs or graduate schools with pre-arrival admission can also secure reservation status through their host institutions. Full-time regular students qualify, whereas research students and auditors are excluded from undergraduate pre-arrival reservations.
What is the JASSO Student Exchange Support Program?
JASSO also provides funding for short-term exchange students traveling under official inter-university exchange agreements.
- Stipend Amount: 80,000 yen per month.
- Duration: 8 days to 1 year.
- Visa Criteria: A Student residence status is required, though any valid visa status is allowed if the exchange duration is 90 days or fewer.
- Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in countries having diplomatic relations with Japan (including Taiwan and Palestine), demonstrate high academic character, return to their home institution to graduate, and receive no external concurrent scholarships exceeding 80,000 yen per month.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging housing is an essential step once your university admission and Certificate of Eligibility or visa approval are confirmed before moving to Japan. Securing accommodation close to your campus helps avoid last-minute stress upon arrival in Tokyo. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, making it easy to settle in immediately without buying furniture or appliances. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Furthermore, the monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi, allowing international students to manage their living expenses without surprise utility setup costs.
FAQ
How much monthly remittance is allowed while receiving the scholarship?
Your average monthly allowance sent from abroad must be less than 90,000 yen, excluding direct tuition and entrance fees.
Can I apply directly to JASSO as an individual?
No, direct individual applications are not accepted. You must apply through the designated international student office at your host university or school.
What visa status do I need to be eligible?
You must hold a Student residence status. Other statuses such as Dependent or Long-term Resident are ineligible for the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship.
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-21)
- 日本学生支援機構(JASSO)「Reservation Program for Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students by Pre-arrival A」(checked 2026-10-21)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.