JPSS Scholarship 2026
The Government of Japan, through the Japan Study Support (JPSS) platform, is offering the Japan Study Support Scholarship 2026 to outstanding international students planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Japanese universities.
This scholarship provides a one-time award of 300,000 Japanese Yen (approximately £1,600) to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation costs in the first year of study. Four successful applicants will receive the grant after they officially enrol at their chosen university in Japan.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for the JPSS Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a non-Japanese citizen.
- Have a registered MY PAGE account on the Japan Study Support (JPSS) website.
- Have received a message from a Japanese university via the JPSS Scout function (this is essential before or around the time of acceptance).
- Have been accepted to enrol in a full undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a Japanese university, with enrolment starting in September–November 2025 or April–May 2026. Preparatory courses and short-term programmes are not eligible.
- Be able to attend an interview in either English or Japanese.
- Possess a Japanese bank account in your own name (internet-only banks are not accepted).
- Be willing to cooperate with JPSS promotional activities, such as speaking at events, advising future students, or appearing on social media.
Scholarship Benefits
- Amount: 300,000 Yen (one-time payment)
- Number of awards: 4
- Purpose: Financial support towards tuition, living, and accommodation expenses in the first year after enrolment
- Duration: One-time grant (not renewable)
Important Obligations
Successful recipients must:
- Submit periodic reports (a few times per year) during their studies. These may be published on the JPSS website or in related materials.
- Support JPSS activities (details provided after selection).
- Repay the full scholarship amount if they drop out, are expelled, or provide false information in their application.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following:
- Completed application form (basic personal information)
- Short essay (maximum 350 words in English or 800 characters in Japanese) on the topic: “Why you chose that university (your motivation) and what you consider to be your strength(s), with specific examples or episodes.” It is recommended to write close to the maximum length.
- Self-introduction video (no longer than 30 seconds)
Note: Any false information will result in immediate rejection and repayment of the scholarship if already awarded.
How to Apply for the Japan Study Support Scholarship 2026 – Step by Step
Follow these clear steps to apply:
- Create and verify a MY PAGE account on the Japan Study Support (JPSS) website if you do not already have one.
- Apply for admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at a Japanese university that participates in the JPSS Scout function.
- Receive a Scout message from your chosen university via the JPSS Scout function.
- Prepare your documents: Complete the application form, write your motivation essay, and record your 30-second self-introduction video.
- Submit your scholarship application directly through your JPSS MY PAGE during the official application period.
- Attend the selection process: Shortlisted candidates will go through document screening followed by an interview (in English or Japanese).
Application Period: From Wednesday, 1 April 2026, 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, 31 May 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time – JST).