The Honjo Foundation was officially recognised as an international scholarship organisation by Japan’s Ministry of Education on 25 December 1996. It was established by Masanori Honjo, founder of Tonen Limited, who donated 200 million yen in cash and 1 million company shares as the foundation’s initial endowment.

The foundation primarily supports students from developing countries who show promise of becoming future leaders in their nations’ development. It also assists Japanese students pursuing studies abroad, promoting global connections and international goodwill.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Open to students of all nationalities except Japan.
• Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enrol in a graduate programme starting from April 2026.
• Current students who are yet to enrol or those employed but intending to start in April 2026 may apply.
• Students enrolling in the autumn semester of 2025 are also eligible.
• Professional graduate school students are generally not eligible, unless they can provide a valid research plan.
• Maximum age: 35 for PhD applicants and 30 for Master’s applicants.
• Must commit to contributing to the development of their home country after completing studies.
• Should be interested in international friendship and cooperation, and willing to take part in the foundation’s events and alumni networks.
• Must have conversational proficiency in Japanese, as interviews will be conducted only in Japanese.

Scholarship Benefits

The Honjo International Scholarship offers substantial academic and financial support, including:

• Full tuition fee waiver.
• Monthly stipend:
  • ¥230,000 for 1–2 year courses.
  • ¥210,000 for 3 year courses.
  • ¥180,000 for 4–5 year courses.
• Possible travel grant for flights to Japan.
• An opportunity to study without financial worries.
• Experience of Japan’s rich cultural life alongside academic pursuits.
• Networking with international students from across the world.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Recent passport-size photograph.
2. Two-minute video explaining their research plan.
3. Academic transcripts (undergraduate transcripts must be in Japanese or English; if in another language, an official translation is required).
4. Research proposal including:
   • Research topic.
   • How the research outcomes will contribute to the development of the applicant’s home country.
   • Academic, research, and social achievements.
5. Letter of recommendation from a supervisor.
6. Admission letter or acceptance letter.

Application Procedure

1. Visit the official website and access the online application system, or click the “Apply Now” button.
2. Complete all required information and upload digital copies of the necessary documents.
3. Selection process:
   • First stage results: 31 January 2026.
   • Interview stage: February 2026 (in Tokyo or via video call).
   • Final results: 31 March 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.

Application Deadline

31 October 2025

This is more than just a scholarship – it is an extraordinary opportunity to transform your life through higher education in Japan. For those who aspire to world-class education, cultural enrichment, and contributing to their nation’s development, the Honjo Foundation Scholarship could be the gateway to success.

For full details, visit:
https://www.opportunitiescircle.com/honjo-foundation-scholarship-in-japan/