Japan continues to attract international students with its blend of academic excellence, technological innovation, and cultural richness. For aspiring scholars seeking to pursue their academic dreams in this vibrant and globally respected environment, the Japan Study Support Scholarship 2025 offers a meaningful pathway. This funded opportunity not only provides financial relief but also strengthens intellectual collaboration through the JPSS (Japan Study Support) platform.

Specifically designed for undergraduate, masters, and PhD students, this scholarship is more than a financial grant—it’s a gateway to connect with esteemed Japanese institutions. It targets students who have already demonstrated initiative by interacting with universities through JPSS’s scouting function, reinforcing the importance of proactive academic engagement.

This initiative is spearheaded by Benesse Corporation and the Asian Students Cultural Association, aiming to support students committed to academic excellence and cultural exchange. For international students planning to start their higher education journey in Japan in 2024 or early 2025, this scholarship could provide just the edge needed to succeed.

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Program Details

Host Country:
Japan

Program Location:
Various accredited Japanese universities

Program Dates:
Spring 2024 (April/May intake) and Fall 2024 (September–November intake)

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Academic development in undergraduate and graduate studies

• International cultural exchange

• Promotion of academic collaboration between global students and Japanese institutions

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Benefits

The Japan Study Support Scholarship 2025 provides multiple forms of assistance that alleviate financial burdens and enhance academic opportunities. These include:

• Financial support to help reduce living and tuition expenses

• A one-time scholarship of up to 500,000 JPY for selected recipients

• Two additional awards of 100,000 JPY for shortlisted candidates

• Access to the JPSS Scouting Function, which increases chances of university acceptance

• Connection to a broader network of international students and Japanese academic institutions

• Recognition and approval from a respected Japanese educational body

• Enhancement of academic profile through competitive selection

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Japan Study Support Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a Japanese university starting in Spring (April/May) or Fall (September–November) 2024

• Must not be enrolled in short-term or Japanese language-only programs

• Should possess an active MY PAGE account on the Japan Study Support (JPSS) platform

• Must have been contacted by a Japanese university through the “JPSS Scout function” prior to acceptance

• Should be capable of participating in interviews conducted in either English or Japanese

• Cannot have a personal Japanese bank account where funds could be transferred

• Must not be a citizen of Japan

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How to Apply

Follow the step-by-step application process below to ensure your application is properly submitted:

1. Register on the official JPSS website and create a complete MY PAGE profile

2. Utilize the JPSS Scouting Function to interact with Japanese universities and receive offers

3. Once you receive a university offer via scouting, proceed to the scholarship application

4. Fill out the online scholarship form accurately with updated academic and personal information

5. Write a brief essay (in Japanese or English) outlining your academic goals and why you chose Japan

6. Record and upload a self-introduction video not exceeding 30 seconds

7. Submit your resume or CV reflecting relevant academic achievements

8. Finalize and submit your application before the deadline

Important Note: Incomplete applications or applications submitted without an offer from a Japanese university via the JPSS Scout function will not be considered.

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Application Deadline

• For Spring Semester (April/May 2024): Apply by 31 May 2025

• For Fall Semester (September–November 2024): Apply by 31 October 2025

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Why Consider the Japan Study Support Scholarship?

This scholarship stands apart because of its integration with a broader platform—JPSS—designed specifically to foster international student success in Japan. Students who engage with the platform not only receive scholarship consideration but also build relationships with institutions even before landing in Japan. The process supports academic ambition while also encouraging early cultural adaptation and mutual respect.

Additionally, the scholarship is ideal for students who prefer a structured and purposeful route into the Japanese education system. It favors those who are proactive, globally oriented, and ready to take full advantage of Japan’s academic infrastructure.

By offering tiered funding opportunities, the Japan Study Support Scholarship allows more students to benefit—not just top-tier candidates. The scholarship’s inclusiveness and multifaceted benefits underscore its commitment to education as a tool for empowerment.

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Required Documents

Before applying, make sure to gather and prepare the following documents:

• Completed online application form via the JPSS website

• A short self-introduction video (maximum 30 seconds)

• A concise essay in Japanese or English explaining your study goals and aspirations in Japan

• An updated resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

• Confirmation of acceptance or scouting message from a Japanese university

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Strategic Use of the JPSS Scouting Function

The JPSS Scout feature is central to this scholarship. It allows universities in Japan to approach students whose profiles meet their academic criteria. Engaging with this tool shows initiative, increasing both your admission and scholarship chances.

Here’s how to maximize it:

• Create a professional and complete JPSS profile with accurate academic history

• Clearly mention your study interests, preferred location, and degree level

• Frequently check and respond to scouting messages

• Use this engagement as the basis for your scholarship application

The scouting interaction is more than a feature—it’s your first academic handshake with Japan.

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Impact and Long-Term Value

Studying in Japan isn’t just about education. It’s a chance to participate in one of the world’s most disciplined, respectful, and technologically advanced societies. Scholarships like this one bridge the gap between international talent and global educational access.

Graduates from Japanese universities often return to their home countries equipped with not only academic knowledge but also intercultural fluency, making them valuable contributors in diplomacy, international business, and development sectors.

Whether you’re pursuing a career in academia, technology, international relations, or development, this opportunity can provide an important stepping stone toward your future.

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Conclusion

The Japan Study Support Scholarship 2025 is a thoughtfully designed program that does more than just offer financial support—it creates an ecosystem for academic success. Through strategic integration with the JPSS platform and a dual-focus on both funding and university engagement, the scholarship empowers students to thrive in a competitive academic landscape.

If you are an ambitious, globally-minded student with a dream to study in Japan, now is your time to act. Start preparing your application, create your MY PAGE profile, and open the doors to new academic and cultural horizons in one of Asia’s most advanced nations.

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Application Deadline Recap:
31 May 2025 (Spring intake)
31 October 2025 (Fall intake)