Honjo International Scholarship 2027: Japan Master’s and PhD Funding Guide
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Scholarship for Foreign Students |
| Funded by | Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) |
| Host country | Japan |
| Level | Master’s and doctoral study at Japanese graduate schools |
| Fields | All nationalities and all research fields are welcome, according to HISF |
| Coverage | Monthly stipend of ¥180,000-¥230,000 depending on degree length |
| Number of awards | Approximately 10 students |
| Application period | September 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026 |
| Selection | Document screening and interview(s) |
| Official page | https://www.hisf.or.jp/en/scholarship/foreigner/ |
The Honjo International Scholarship 2027 is a direct-application Japanese graduate scholarship for international students who study or plan to study at a graduate school in Japan. As of September 1, 2026, the Spring 2027 application period is open and closes on October 31, 2026.
If you are comparing Japan funding options, also read the ScholarshipPath guides to the /MEXT Scholarship and the /Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship. Honjo is especially useful because applicants may apply directly to the foundation without university pre-selection, but they still need a strong graduate-school plan.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | ¥230,000/month for 1-2 year degrees; ¥210,000/month for 3-year degrees; ¥180,000/month for degrees beyond 3 years |
| Duration | Paid monthly throughout the minimum period required to obtain the degree |
| Degree support | Master’s and doctoral study in Japanese graduate schools |
| Fields | No field restriction stated on the official page |
| Direct application | HISF says applicants may apply directly without university pre-selection |
| Selection support | Online application system, document review, and interview stage |
This is not a tuition-waiver page; the official extract emphasizes monthly living support. Applicants should confirm whether tuition, entrance fees, housing, insurance, or other costs are separately covered in the 2027 PDF before budgeting.
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be a foreign student who studies or plans to study in a Japanese graduate school.
- Be applying for a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Have a plan that fits a Japanese graduate school and a clear research direction.
- Use the online application system during the official window.
- Upload the required files and a two-minute research video.
- Save your generated application PDF and application number after submission.
- Be prepared for document screening and interview(s).
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are not applying for a Japanese graduate school master’s or doctoral pathway.
- You miss the October 31, 2026 application deadline.
- You cannot submit the required online materials.
- You cannot participate in the interview process if shortlisted.
- Your study plan is not connected to a graduate degree in Japan.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm your graduate-school pathway
HISF states that applications can be submitted from abroad if applicants are accepted to a Japanese graduate school. Before starting the application, identify the university, graduate school, program, supervisor or research group, and intended enrollment timing.
Step 2: Download the 2027 application guideline
The official page says the 2027 scholarship application guideline was announced in August 2026. Read it carefully before submitting, because the guideline is the controlling document for exact eligibility, document formats, and screening rules.
Step 3: Prepare the research plan and video
The application requires a two-minute movie in which the applicant talks about their research. Draft the research plan first, then record a concise video that explains the problem, method, expected contribution, and why Japan is the right place for the work.
Step 4: Enter the online application system
From September 1, 2026, use the official HISF application system. Fill in the application form and upload the required documents. Do not wait until the last day; online systems can slow down near deadlines.
Step 5: Save the application number and PDF
After submission, HISF issues an application number and generates a PDF of the application form. Save both immediately because the document-screening results are announced by application number.
Step 6: Track the screening calendar
The official schedule lists January 31, 2027 for document-screening results, February 9, 2027 for interview examination, and March 31, 2027 for final results.
Honjo vs Other Japan Scholarships
| Scholarship | Best for | Value | Deadline pattern | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honjo International Scholarship | Master’s/PhD applicants already targeting Japan | ¥180,000-¥230,000/month | Sep 1-Oct 31, 2026 | Direct foundation application; all fields |
| MEXT Scholarship | Broad degree levels and government-backed funding | Fully funded, varies by category | Embassy/university routes vary | Major Japanese government route |
| Rotary Yoneyama | Students already enrolled or entering Japan | Foundation award varies by level | Often autumn cycle; verify current PDF | Rotary district/foundation route |
| INPEX Scholarship | Indonesian STEM master’s applicants | Full academic costs + ¥160,000/month | Aug 1-Oct 31, 2026 | Country- and field-specific |
Insider Tips
1. Treat the research video like a mini defense
The required two-minute movie should not be a generic introduction. Use it to show that your research question is focused, feasible, and connected to Japanese graduate training.
2. Get supervisor alignment early
Even if the foundation accepts direct applications, a weak or unclear graduate-school plan can hurt credibility. Contact potential supervisors and programs early.
3. Budget beyond the stipend
The monthly stipend is strong, but applicants should verify tuition, fees, housing, insurance, and arrival costs in the official 2027 PDF before assuming the award covers everything.
4. Save every submission proof
Keep the application number, generated PDF, upload confirmations, and copies of every file submitted. HISF posts document-screening results by application number.
5. Do not ignore interview readiness
The selection includes interview(s). Prepare to explain your research, study plan, career path, and why your work fits Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honjo International Scholarship open now?
Yes. The official HISF page lists the application period as September 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026 for this cycle.
How much is the Honjo stipend?
HISF lists ¥230,000 per month for 1-2 year degrees, ¥210,000 per month for 3-year degrees, and ¥180,000 per month for degrees beyond 3 years.
Can I apply from outside Japan?
The official page says applications can be submitted from abroad if applicants are accepted to a Japanese graduate school.
Is university nomination required?
HISF states that applicants may directly apply to the foundation without pre-selection by the university.
What is the official source?
Use the HISF official scholarship page: https://www.hisf.or.jp/en/scholarship/foreigner/
Timeline Table
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| August 2026 | 2027 application guideline announced |
| September 1, 2026, 11:00 | Application period opens |
| October 31, 2026 | Application deadline |
| January 31, 2027 | Document-screening result announced |
| February 9, 2027 | Interview examination planned |
| March 31, 2027 | Final result announced |
Your Action Plan
1. Confirm your target Japanese graduate program and supervisor fit.
2. Download and read the 2027 HISF application guideline.
3. Draft a focused research plan before recording the required two-minute movie.
4. Gather all academic and identity documents in the exact required format.
5. Submit through the online system well before October 31, 2026.
6. Save your application number and generated PDF.
7. Prepare for the February interview as soon as you submit.
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Share this with someone planning a master’s or PhD in Japan for 2027.