Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) Foreign Students’ Scholarship 2027

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) Foreign Students’ Scholarship serves as a vital financial bridge for international graduate students pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees at Japanese universities. Designed to foster global leaders and promote international goodwill, this fully funded, non-repayable stipend award provides generous monthly allowances—ranging up to ¥230,000 per month depending on degree length—to support scholars throughout their studies in Japan. A key advantage of the HISF scheme is its direct application model, allowing foreign applicants across all academic fields and nationalities to apply independently without requiring initial university nomination or pre-selection.

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With the official application portal currently open for the 2027 academic intake and running strictly through October 31, 2026, prospective candidates must act quickly to prepare their research proposals and supporting documentation. Below is a comprehensive guide covering eligibility requirements, financial benefits, required video/written submissions, and step-by-step application instructions.

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Empowering Global Leaders through Advanced Research in Japan

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation was established to address complex global challenges—including environmental degradation, overpopulation, food insecurity, and geopolitical conflicts—by supporting talented international scholars.

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By obtaining advanced scientific and academic training at top Japanese universities, recipients are expected to act as cultural and intellectual bridges connecting Japan with their home nations. The award emphasizes long-term commitment to international friendship, active participation in Foundation events, and future career contributions in the scholar’s home country.

Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) Foreign Students’ Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Name ⇒	Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) Foreign Students’ Scholarship
Host Country ⇒	Japan
Study Level ⇒	Master’s and PhD
Benefits ⇒	Non-repayable monthly stipend ranging from ¥180,000 to ¥230,000 + International Conference Travel Grant
Funded by ⇒	Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
Eligible Countries ⇒	International Students
Application Deadline ⇒	October 31, 2026 (11:00 AM JST Online System Closing)

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Financial Assistance and Award Provisions

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation provides direct monthly stipends calculated based on the standard shortest time required to complete the intended degree program.

• Monthly Stipend Allocation:
  • 1 to 2 Years Degree Duration: ¥230,000 per month.
  • 3-Year Degree Duration: ¥210,000 per month.
  • 4 to 5 Years Degree Duration: ¥180,000 per month.
• Fixed Payment Duration: The monthly stipend rate is fixed once payment commences and cannot be altered. Funding starts at the beginning of the graduate school enrollment period in April 2027.
• Conference Travel Support: Scholars are eligible for travel grants to cover travel expenses for attending international academic conferences, subject to Foundation approval rules.
• No Repayment Obligation: The award is a pure grant and under no circumstances requires repayment, provided the scholar abides by academic and conduct regulations.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet ALL of the following conditions outlined by the Foundation:

1. Citizenship: Must not hold Japanese citizenship.
2. Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled as of April 2027 or currently applying for a graduate course starting in April 2027 at a Japanese university. (Applicants entering in Autumn/Fall 2027, as well as individuals currently employed at the time of application, are also eligible provided enrollment is finalized).
3. Graduate School Type: Students entering professional graduate schools are generally ineligible, unless they can submit a comprehensive research plan.
4. Program Duration: The remaining enrollment period until graduation must be strictly longer than 12 months (programs under 1 year are ineligible).
5. Age Limits (No Exceptions):
   • Master’s Degree Applicants: Must start the Master’s course by the age of 30.
   • Ph.D. / Doctoral Applicants: Must start the Doctoral course by the age of 35.
6. Career Commitment: Must hold a firm commitment to serving their home country as part of their long-term future career plan.
7. Japanese Language Ability: Must be capable of conducting basic conversation in Japanese. Interviews are conducted entirely in Japanese with no exceptions.
8. Community Engagement: Must demonstrate a deep understanding of international goodwill and actively participate in Foundation activities during and after graduation as an active alumni member.

Conditions for Scholarship Revocation

The Board of Directors reserves the right to suspend monthly payments or request the full refund of previously disbursed funds under the following conditions:

• Inability to continue studies/research due to severe health issues or personal reasons.
• Formal determination by academic supervisor that the student is unfit to continue studies or research.
• Severe academic failure or misconduct.
• Discovery of false declarations or forged documents in the application.
• Any behaviour deemed to bring disrepute to the Foundation.

Guidelines on Concurrent Scholarships and Employment

Concurrent Scholarship Policy

Recipients are strictly prohibited from receiving any other financial scholarships concurrently with the HISF award, with the only exceptions being:

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship.
• Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students.
• JSPS International Fellowship.
• Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Fellowship (if approved by JST for concurrent receipt).
• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Scholarship.

Employment Restrictions

Scholars cannot engage in full-time employment while receiving the scholarship. Only academic or international exchange-related part-time roles are permitted, such as:

• Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA).
• Translator or Interpreter for international affairs.

Application Components and Document Submission

All applications must be submitted via the HISF Online Application Portal between September 1 and October 31, 2026. Postal mail submissions are strictly rejected.

1. Digital Media Uploads

• Face Photo: .jpg or .gif format, maximum size 500 KB.
• Research Presentation Video (Mandatory):
  • Duration: Up to 2 minutes.
  • File Format: .mp4 or .mov (Maximum size: 1 GB).
  • Language: Japanese or English.
  • Content: Explain your research plan. Presentation slides or materials may be used, but the applicant’s face must remain clearly visible throughout.
• Self-Promotion Video (Optional):
  • Duration: Up to 30 seconds.
  • File Format: .mp4 or .mov (Maximum size: 1 GB).
  • Language: Japanese or English.
  • Content: Focuses on the applicant speaking directly to the camera without presentation materials.

2. PDF Document Requirements

• Academic Transcripts:
  • Undergraduate Transcript (Required): Official transcript in Japanese or English (attach certified translation for other languages). Transcripts from Kōsen (College of Technology) are required if transferred.
  • Graduate Transcript (Optional): Upload if already enrolled in or completed a graduate degree.
• Research Proposal (Designated Japanese Template):
  • Download the MS Word template from the official HISF portal.
  • Must be written in Japanese to fit the form. (Applicants not confident in Japanese may attach an additional English research plan alongside the mandatory Japanese version).
  • Must detail:
    1. Research content, schedule, methodology, and ultimate goal.
    2. Planned contributions to home country based on research outcomes.
    3. Past achievements in research, academics, and social activities.
• Recommendation Letter: From current academic supervisor (or past supervisor in home country) detailing academic performance, character evaluation, and potential.
  • Can be uploaded directly by applicant or emailed directly by the recommender to [email protected] before October 31, 2026. (Email subject/filename must include Applicant Name and Application Number).
• Proof of Admission: Letter of Acceptance, Admission Certificate, or Certificate of Enrollment.
  • If the official letter is unavailable by October 31, 2026, enter the probable date on the portal and email the document to HISF as soon as it is issued.

Application Timeline

The selection process involves two main screening stages:

1. Application Window: September 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026 (System closes at 11:00 AM JST).
2. First Round (Document Screening Results): January 31, 2027.
   • Successful application numbers advancing to the second round will be posted publicly on the HISF website.
3. Second Round (Interview Examination): February 9, 2027.
   • Conducted in person in Tokyo or via video conference call.
   • Language: Conducted entirely in Japanese.
4. Final Award Announcement: March 31, 2027.

How to Apply for the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) Foreign Students’ Scholarship

To apply for the Honjo International Scholarship, complete all steps online through the HISF application portal between September 1, 2026, and October 31, 2026.

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm you are a non-Japanese citizen enrolled or accepted into a Japanese graduate degree starting in April 2027 (or Fall 2027). You must be under age 30 (Master’s) or 35 (PhD) and capable of basic Japanese conversation.
2. Prepare Media Files: Prepare a face photo (max 500 KB), a mandatory 2-minute research video max 1 GB in English or Japanese with your face visible, and an optional 30-second direct-to-camera self-promotion video.
3. Prepare Required PDFs: Gather your undergraduate transcripts, proof of graduate admission, a supervisor recommendation letter uploaded by you or emailed directly to [email protected] and the designated HISF Research Proposal form written in Japanese.
4. Submit Application Online: Complete the registration form on the online portal, upload all media and PDF files, and submit before the system closes at 11:00 AM JST on October 31, 2026.
5. Save Your Application Number: Record the generated Application Number and download your submission PDF. First-round document screening results will be announced by Application Number on the HISF website on January 31, 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am currently living outside of Japan?

Yes. Overseas applicants who have been accepted to or are applying for a Japanese graduate school starting in April 2027 (or Fall 2027) can apply directly via the online portal.

Are interviews conducted in English?

No. Basic conversational Japanese fluency is mandatory, and all interviews are conducted in Japanese without exception. However, the 2-minute research video may be spoken in either Japanese or English.

What happens if I do not receive my university acceptance letter before October 31?

You can still apply. Indicate the expected date of issue in the online portal, complete your submission, and email the acceptance letter to [email protected] immediately upon receipt.

Can I receive this scholarship alongside my university TA or RA salary?

Yes. Part-time roles directly tied to research and academic activities (such as Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, or translation work) are explicitly permitted.

Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official source guidelines as of October 2026. Always confirm the latest updates directly on the official Honjo International Scholarship Foundation website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

Official Application Portal