International students who want to pursue a degree at a Japanese institution or graduate school are eligible for the coveted Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship for Overseas Candidates 2027. Students who are planning to enter Japan for the April or September/October 2027 intake but are still residing outside of Japan at the time of application are the target audience for this program.
Undergraduate students receive a monthly allowance of ¥100,000 from the scholarship, while master’s and doctoral students receive ¥140,000. Subject to the program’s requirements, successful applicants may also receive up to ¥250,000 for travel expenses to Japan.
Candidates must first locate and apply to a graduate school or university in Japan. Additionally, foreign applicants must have scored N3 or above on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the time of application. Additionally, a recommendation from a professor or supervisor at the graduate school of their choice is required for graduate applications.
Applications for the 2027 intake will be accepted from October 1 through October 31, 2026 (13:00 JST), encompassing both April and Fall 2027 enrollment. By mid-March 2027, selection results are anticipated.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Japanese Universities
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Eligible Nationalities: International Students
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
Degree Levels
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD / Doctoral Degree
Available Fields of Study
- All Academic Subjects — Students from various academic disciplines are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria – Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship 2027
1. Japanese Language Requirement
- Applicants should have a basic understanding of the Japanese language.
- JLPT N4 level or equivalent proficiency is expected.
2. University Application Requirement
- Applicants must independently apply to a Japanese university or graduate school before applying for the scholarship.
- A copy of the university admission application must be submitted.
3. Recommendation Requirement
- Applicants applying to graduate schools must obtain a recommendation letter from their prospective professor or academic supervisor in Japan.
4. Eligible Institutions
- The scholarship is available only for degree programs at universities or graduate schools in Japan.
- Language schools and universities located outside Japan are not eligible.
5. Online Registration
- Applicants must complete the official online application forms and upload all required documents within the application period.
Benefits – Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship 2027
1. Monthly Stipend
- Undergraduate students: ¥100,000 per month
- Master’s students: ¥140,000 per month
- Doctoral students: ¥140,000 per month
2. Airfare Support
- Reimbursement of actual economy-class airfare up to ¥250,000.
- Airfare expenses are reimbursed after the student arrives in Japan.
- Applicants must arrive in Japan within the designated admission month to maintain scholarship eligibility.
- Failure to arrive by the specified month may result in loss of the scholarship.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship application:
- Completed online scholarship application form
- Copy of the application submitted to a Japanese university or graduate school
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of Japanese-language proficiency, where applicable
- Admission-related documents from the Japanese university/graduate school
- Recommendation letter from the prospective professor or academic supervisor for graduate applicants
- Passport or identification document
- Research plan or study plan, if required
- Any additional documents requested through the official application system
Note: The exact document requirements may vary according to the applicant’s degree level and university. Applicants should carefully check the official scholarship instructions before submitting their application.
Application Process
Step 1: Choose a Japanese University
Identify a suitable Japanese university or graduate school offering your desired degree program and field of study.
Step 2: Apply to the University
Submit your admission application directly to the selected Japanese university or graduate school.
Step 3: Prepare Scholarship Documents
Prepare your academic records, Japanese-language certificate, university application documents, recommendation letter, and other required materials.
Step 4: Complete the Online Scholarship Application
Register through the official Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation application system and complete all required online forms.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload the required supporting documents before the application deadline.
Step 6: Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will proceed through the scholarship selection process.
Step 7: Receive the Result
For the 2027 intake, selection results are anticipated by mid-March 2027.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: October 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2026, 13:00 JST
- Intake: April or September/October 2027
- Expected Selection Results: Mid-March 2027
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
The scholarship provides substantial financial support, including monthly stipends and airfare reimbursement subject to the program’s conditions.
Who can apply for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship?
International students who are residing outside Japan and planning to begin a degree program at a Japanese university or graduate school can apply, subject to the eligibility requirements.
What degree programs are covered?
The scholarship is available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD/Doctoral degree programs.
What subjects are eligible?
Students from all academic fields and subjects can be considered, provided they meet the scholarship and university requirements.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Undergraduate students receive ¥100,000 per month, while Master’s and Doctoral students receive ¥140,000 per month.
Does the scholarship cover airfare to Japan?
Yes. Eligible successful applicants may receive reimbursement of actual economy-class airfare up to ¥250,000, subject to the scholarship conditions.
Do I need to apply to a Japanese university first?
Yes. Applicants must independently apply to a Japanese university or graduate school before applying for the scholarship.
Is Japanese language proficiency required?
Applicants should have basic Japanese-language knowledge. The provided eligibility information specifies JLPT N4 or equivalent, while the main scholarship description states JLPT N3 or above for foreign applicants. Applicants should verify the current official requirement before applying.
Do Master’s and PhD applicants need a recommendation?
Yes. Graduate applicants must obtain a recommendation from their prospective professor or academic supervisor in Japan.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the 2027 intake is October 31, 2026, at 13:00 JST.
When will the scholarship results be announced?
Selection results are anticipated by mid-March 2027.
