The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2027 provides financial support for international students pursuing master’s and doctoral (PhD) degrees at Japanese universities. The scholarship offers a monthly stipend of ¥180,000 to ¥230,000, depending on the approved degree duration.
The programme welcomes applicants from all non-Japanese nationalities and academic fields. Students apply directly to the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF), without needing a university nomination.
Application update — November 2, 2026: Applications for the 2027 scholarship closed on October 31, 2026. Applicants who submitted their forms should retain their application numbers and prepare for the next selection stages. Document-screening results are scheduled for January 31, 2027.
This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligibility, Japanese-language requirements, application documents, selection process and 2027 results schedule.
Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2027: Quick Overview
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship provider | Honjo International Scholarship Foundation |
| Country | Japan |
| Degree levels | Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) |
| Eligible nationalities | All non-Japanese nationalities |
| Eligible fields | All research disciplines |
| Funding | Monthly living stipend |
| Monthly amount | ¥180,000–¥230,000 |
| Number of awards | Approximately 10 |
| Application status | Closed |
| Application period | September 1 – October 31, 2026 |
| Document-screening results | January 31, 2027 |
| Interview date | February 8, 2027 |
| Final results | March 31, 2027 |
| Application method | Direct online application |
| Interview language | Japanese |
| University nomination | Not required |
Official scholarship website: Honjo International Scholarship Foundation
Is the Honjo International Scholarship 2027 Still Open?
No. The application deadline for the 2027 scholarship was October 31, 2026.
The online application system opened on September 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time.
The foundation confirms that applications for this round are closed.
Students who successfully submitted their applications should now focus on the selection schedule rather than attempting to submit a new application.
What Should Applicants Do After the Deadline?
The foundation uses application numbers when announcing the document-screening results.
If you applied:
- Keep your application number and the PDF generated after submission.
- Monitor the official foundation website for results.
- Prepare for a possible scholarship interview in Japanese.
- Check your email for any instructions sent directly by the foundation.
- Ensure that any pending university admission documents are submitted as required.
If your Japanese university admission letter was unavailable at the application deadline, the 2027 guidelines instructed applicants to provide an estimated result date and email the admission evidence to the foundation once available.
When Will the Next Honjo Scholarship Open?
The next application schedule has not yet been officially announced.
The 2027 cycle accepted applications between September and October 2026, but future dates should not be assumed until the foundation publishes the next guidelines.
Honjo International Scholarship 2027 Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application guidelines released | August 2026 |
| Applications opened | September 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. JST |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Document-screening results | January 31, 2027 |
| Scholarship interview | February 8, 2027 |
| Final selection results | March 31, 2027 |
The interview is planned to take place in Tokyo. Applicants unable to attend in person may be interviewed online.
The foundation communicates detailed interview instructions directly to shortlisted candidates.
What Is the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation?
The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation is a Japanese organisation that supports international graduate students undertaking academic study and research in Japan.
Its scholarship programme aims to help talented students develop academic knowledge, contribute to society and strengthen international understanding.
Unlike scholarships restricted to particular nationalities or university departments, the Honjo Foreign Students Scholarship welcomes applicants from a broad range of countries and research disciplines.
A particularly useful feature is the direct application process.
Students apply to the foundation itself, rather than requiring formal university nomination.
However, applicants must still meet the scholarship’s eligibility conditions and the admission requirements of their chosen Japanese graduate school.
Honjo Scholarship Monthly Stipend and Benefits
The scholarship provides a monthly living allowance for the minimum approved period required to complete the recipient’s degree.
The stipend depends on the duration of the degree programme.
| Approved scholarship duration | Monthly stipend |
|---|---|
| 1–2 years | ¥230,000 |
| 3 years | ¥210,000 |
| 4–5 years | ¥180,000 |
The payment period cannot be changed after it begins.
Does the Honjo Scholarship Cover Tuition Fees?
No. The foundation explicitly states that the scholarship provides a monthly stipend and does not separately cover university tuition fees.
Recipients must plan how to pay tuition and other university charges.
Does It Cover Accommodation and Airfare?
The scholarship does not guarantee free accommodation or an international airfare allowance.
Students should prepare for expenses such as rent, university admission fees, travel to Japan, health insurance and everyday living costs.
International Conference Support
Recipients may receive additional support for participation in international academic conferences under the foundation’s grant rules.
This benefit is subject to the foundation’s conditions and should not be confused with unrestricted travel funding.
Is the Honjo International Scholarship Fully Funded?
The most accurate classification is a monthly stipend scholarship.
Although the allowance can provide substantial support toward living costs, the foundation does not promise to cover all tuition, travel, housing and other expenses.
Students seeking broader funding can compare fully funded scholarships.
Who Can Apply for the Honjo International Scholarship 2027?
Applicants must satisfy all applicable eligibility requirements in the 2027 guidelines.
1. Nationality
The scholarship is open to people who do not hold Japanese citizenship.
Applicants from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana, Indonesia and other countries may be eligible.
There is no general restriction on the applicant’s country of nationality beyond the requirement not to possess Japanese citizenship.
2. Degree Level
The scholarship supports degree-seeking students pursuing:
- Master’s degrees.
- Doctoral (PhD) degrees.
It does not support undergraduate degree programmes or non-degree research activities.
3. Admission to a Japanese Graduate School
Applicants must be studying, or planning to study, at a Japanese graduate school.
The 2027 guidelines cover eligible students enrolling in April 2027 and those preparing to enter graduate school in autumn 2027.
Students who have not yet taken their university entrance examination may still qualify.
However, applicants applying from outside Japan should pay particular attention to the foundation’s admission-evidence requirements.
4. Minimum Study Duration
The intended remaining enrolment period must be longer than 12 months.
Applicants whose remaining degree duration does not satisfy this requirement are not eligible under the 2027 rules.
5. Age Requirements
The foundation specifies the following limits:
| Degree | Age requirement |
|---|---|
| Master’s | Must start the master’s course by age 30 |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Must start the doctoral course by age 35 |
The official guidelines state that there are no exceptions to these age limits.
6. Japanese-Language Ability
Applicants must be able to carry out a basic conversation in Japanese.
The scholarship interview is conducted in Japanese, without exceptions.
7. Future Career Commitment
Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to their home country during their future careers.
The foundation also expects recipients to understand the importance of international friendship and participate in its academic and alumni community.
8. Professional Graduate Programmes
Students enrolling in professional graduate schools are generally not eligible.
However, the published guidelines allow an exception when the applicant can submit an appropriate research plan.
Can You Apply for Honjo Scholarship Without IELTS?
The foundation does not publish one universal IELTS or TOEFL score as a scholarship eligibility requirement.
However, this does not mean that the scholarship has no language requirements.
There are two separate considerations.
Japanese university admission: Your chosen graduate programme determines the English or Japanese proficiency requirements for admission.
Honjo scholarship selection: The foundation requires basic conversational Japanese, a research proposal written in Japanese and participation in a Japanese-language interview.
An applicant pursuing an English-taught master’s degree should therefore not assume that Japanese proficiency is unnecessary.
Is the Honjo Interview Conducted in English?
No.
The foundation’s official FAQ confirms that scholarship interviews are conducted in Japanese.
The interview is not intended primarily as a formal Japanese-language examination, but applicants must be capable of explaining themselves and their research in understandable Japanese.
Which Fields of Study Are Eligible?
The foundation does not impose a general restriction on academic disciplines.
Eligible research fields may include:
- Engineering and Technology.
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences.
- Medicine and Public Health.
- Economics and Business.
- Environmental Sciences.
- Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
- Law and Social Sciences.
- Humanities, Arts and Education.
The important requirement is that the applicant is pursuing an eligible master’s or doctoral degree at a Japanese graduate school.
Students should verify the admission conditions of their specific university and programme.
Honjo Scholarship 2027 Required Documents
The official 2027 application guidelines specify the documents and files applicants must submit.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Online application | Required |
| Applicant photograph | JPG/GIF, maximum 500 KB |
| Undergraduate transcript | Required |
| Graduate transcript | Optional, if available |
| Research proposal | Required, in Japanese using the official template |
| Research presentation video | Required, maximum two minutes |
| Recommendation letter | Required |
| Admission or enrolment evidence | Required according to applicant circumstances |
| Self-promotion video | Optional, up to 30 seconds |
Applicants should follow the current official guidelines for file formats and other conditions when a future application period opens.
Research Proposal: Japanese Is Required
The research proposal is one of the most important parts of the application.
The foundation requires the proposal to be prepared in Japanese using its designated template.
The proposal should explain:
- The applicant’s research topic, objectives and proposed schedule.
- How the knowledge gained in Japan could contribute to the applicant’s home country.
- Previous academic, research and relevant social achievements.
Applicants who are not confident in their Japanese writing may submit an additional English-language version, but this does not replace the required Japanese proposal.
The foundation prefers a concise explanation within the designated template rather than an unnecessarily long research document.
Two-Minute Research Presentation Video
The scholarship also requires a short research presentation video.
Under the 2027 guidelines:
- Maximum duration: two minutes.
- Maximum file size: 1 GB.
- Accepted formats: MP4 or MOV.
- Presentation language: Japanese or English.
- The applicant’s face must be visible.
Presentation materials may be used, provided the applicant remains visible.
The video should explain the research problem, objectives and intended contribution clearly.
Optional 30-Second Self-Promotion Video
Applicants could also submit an optional self-promotion video.
The 2027 guidelines allowed a video of up to 30 seconds in MP4 or MOV format, with a maximum size of 1 GB.
The video could be recorded in Japanese or English and was intended primarily to feature the applicant speaking about themselves.
Recommendation Letter
The foundation requires a recommendation from a current or previous academic supervisor familiar with the applicant’s background.
The letter should address relevant academic performance, personal characteristics and future potential.
The foundation’s FAQ confirms that English-language recommendation letters are acceptable.
A recommendation uploaded by the applicant must carry the recommender’s signature or seal.
The guidelines also allow the recommender to send the letter directly to the foundation.
For the 2027 cycle, directly emailed recommendations had to reach info@hisf.or.jp by October 31, 2026, with the applicant’s name and application number identified in the file name.
Academic Transcripts
An undergraduate academic transcript is required.
A graduate-school transcript may also be provided if available.
Documents should be in Japanese or English. If the original document is issued in another language, an appropriate translation must accompany it.
University Admission Letter
Applicants already enrolled in a Japanese graduate school should provide the required enrolment certificate.
Those awaiting admission results were permitted to enter the expected announcement date and submit admission evidence when available, according to the official instructions.
How to Apply for the Honjo International Scholarship
Applications for the current 2027 award cycle are closed.
The following steps describe the published application process and may help students prepare for the next round.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review the official guidelines for nationality, age, academic level, study duration, Japanese-language ability and career commitments.
Step 2: Prepare University Admission
Identify the Japanese graduate school and degree programme you intend to attend.
Applicants should ensure they meet the university’s admission requirements independently of the scholarship.
Step 3: Prepare Academic Documents
Collect the required transcripts, admission evidence, recommendation letter and research materials.
Step 4: Complete the Research Proposal
Use the foundation’s official research-plan template and provide the required Japanese-language content.
Step 5: Record the Research Presentation
Prepare the compulsory two-minute video explaining your research.
Step 6: Register Through the Online Portal
During the application period, candidates complete the online form and upload the required files.
Official application system: https://entry.hisf.or.jp/
Step 7: Submit and Save the Application Number
After successful submission, the system generates an application number and a PDF copy of the application.
Applicants must save this number because the foundation uses it when publishing screening results.
Step 8: Follow the Selection Schedule
Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview after document screening.
The final scholarship results are announced after the interview stage.
Honjo International Scholarship 2027 Selection Process
The selection process consists of document screening and interviews.
First Stage: Document Screening
The foundation evaluates the submitted application materials.
Relevant evidence includes academic achievement, research preparation, the proposed research plan and the applicant’s potential contribution to society.
Document-screening results are scheduled for January 31, 2027.
Successful applicants’ application numbers will be published on the foundation’s website.
Second Stage: Interview
The official scholarship page schedules interviews for February 8, 2027.
Interviews are generally conducted in Tokyo, although applicants unable to attend in person may participate by video call.
The interview is conducted in Japanese.
Applicants should be ready to explain their educational background, research plans and future goals.
Final Scholarship Results
The foundation schedules its final announcement for March 31, 2027.
Applicants should monitor the foundation’s official announcements rather than relying only on third-party scholarship websites.
How to Check Honjo Scholarship 2027 Results
The foundation publishes application numbers of successful candidates on its official website.
Applicants should:
- Keep the application number issued after submission.
- Visit the foundation’s official foreign-student scholarship page.
- Look for the relevant selection announcement.
- Compare their application number with the published list.
- Follow any further instructions communicated by the foundation.
Students should not assume that a result is final until the corresponding official announcement is published.
Can You Receive Other Scholarships Alongside Honjo?
The foundation generally prohibits recipients from receiving other scholarships simultaneously.
However, the 2027 guidelines identify specific exceptions, including:
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship.
- Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students.
- JSPS International Fellowship.
- Certain approved Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) fellowships.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) scholarships.
Applicants must satisfy the applicable conditions for concurrent receipt.
The presence of an exception does not automatically mean that every combination will be permitted in an individual’s circumstances.
Can Honjo Scholarship Recipients Work Part-Time?
The foundation places restrictions on employment during the scholarship period.
The 2027 guidelines permit certain part-time work related to the recipient’s studies, such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships or specified international-exchange activities.
Other employment is restricted under the scholarship conditions.
Recipients should verify any proposed employment with the foundation and comply with Japan’s applicable immigration and employment rules.
What Makes a Competitive Honjo Scholarship Application?
With approximately ten awards available, the scholarship is selective.
The foundation does not publish a complete numerical scoring rubric, so applicants should avoid assuming that one particular GPA or achievement guarantees success.
Nevertheless, the published requirements highlight several useful areas for preparation.
Academic and Research Preparation
A strong application should show that the applicant can undertake graduate-level research successfully.
Academic transcripts, previous research work and an appropriate proposal can provide supporting evidence.
Research Plan Quality
A useful research plan should explain a clear problem, realistic objectives and an achievable research schedule.
It should also explain why the proposed research matters.
Contribution to the Home Country
The foundation specifically asks applicants to describe how their education and research in Japan will benefit their home country.
Applicants should describe realistic contributions rather than broad promises.
Communication Ability
The required video and Japanese-language interview provide opportunities to explain the research and future goals.
Preparation should focus on giving accurate, understandable explanations rather than memorising generic scholarship answers.
Completeness and Accuracy
The foundation requires accurate information and supporting documentation.
Applicants should not fabricate academic achievements, research experience, qualifications or recommendation letters.
The guidelines allow scholarship payments to be stopped when false information is discovered.
Common Application Mistakes
Several issues can make an otherwise promising application ineligible or incomplete.
Ignoring the Japanese-language requirement: Applicants may assume that admission to an English-taught university programme means they can complete the scholarship interview in English. The foundation expressly requires Japanese for interviews.
Submitting only an English research plan: The required official research proposal must be written in Japanese. An English version can be added, but cannot replace it.
Using an unsuitable recommendation: The recommendation should meet the foundation’s supervisor and signature requirements.
Missing a required video: The two-minute research presentation is mandatory.
Assuming tuition is covered: The scholarship offers a monthly stipend but does not promise full tuition coverage.
Failing to save the application number: The number is important for checking official results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honjo International Scholarship 2027 open?
No. Applications closed on October 31, 2026.
When are the Honjo Scholarship 2027 results announced?
Document-screening results are scheduled for January 31, 2027. Final scholarship results are scheduled for March 31, 2027.
What is the interview date?
The foundation’s published schedule lists February 8, 2027.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The scholarship provides ¥230,000, ¥210,000 or ¥180,000 per month, depending on the approved scholarship duration.
Is the Honjo Scholarship fully funded?
It is a monthly stipend scholarship. Tuition fees and initial travel expenses are not separately covered.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. The programme is open to eligible non-Japanese citizens from all nationalities, including Pakistan.
Can Indian students apply?
Yes, provided they meet the scholarship requirements.
Is IELTS required?
The foundation does not specify a universal IELTS requirement. However, applicants must satisfy the language requirements of their university and demonstrate the Japanese proficiency required by the scholarship.
Is Japanese compulsory for the interview?
Yes. The interview is conducted in Japanese, without exceptions.
Can the research proposal be written in English?
An additional English proposal may be submitted, but the official research proposal must be written in Japanese.
Can students apply before receiving admission?
The foundation permits certain applicants who are still preparing for Japanese graduate-school entrance examinations to apply. They must follow the admission-document submission requirements and ultimately obtain the necessary university admission.
Can I apply from outside Japan?
Yes. The foundation permits overseas applications, subject to its Japanese graduate-school admission requirements.
Is university nomination required?
No. Applicants apply directly through the foundation’s online application system.
Which universities are eligible?
The foundation does not restrict applicants to a particular published list of Japanese universities. Applicants can choose a graduate school and programme that satisfy the scholarship conditions.
Can undergraduate students apply?
No. This scholarship is for master’s and doctoral degree students.
What is the age limit?
Master’s applicants must start their course by age 30. Doctoral applicants must start by age 35.
How many scholarships are available?
Approximately ten awards are available for the published cycle.
Can I receive another scholarship simultaneously?
Concurrent scholarships are generally restricted, with specific exceptions identified in the official guidelines.
When will the next scholarship cycle open?
The foundation has not yet published the next application schedule. Applicants should check the official website for future announcements.
Alternative Scholarships for Studying in Japan
If you missed the Honjo deadline or require a different funding arrangement, you can explore other Japanese scholarship programmes.
The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship is an alternative for students seeking government-supported higher education.
Its eligibility requirements, application procedures, selection periods and funding benefits are different from those of the Honjo Foundation.
Useful guides include:
- MEXT Master’s Scholarship 2027
- MEXT PhD Scholarship 2027
- Scholarships in Japan
- Master’s Scholarships Worldwide
- Scholarships Still Open in 2026
Check the current status of each scholarship before preparing an application.
Official Honjo Scholarship Links
The following resources provide the foundation’s application and selection information:
- Honjo International Scholarship Foundation — Official Website
- Scholarship for Foreign Students
- 2027 Official Application Guidelines (PDF)
- Official Frequently Asked Questions
- Scholarship Application Portal
- Official Foundation Inquiry Page
Students should rely on official announcements for results, interview arrangements and future application deadlines.
Final Thoughts
The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 2027 offers valuable monthly financial assistance to eligible international master’s and doctoral students studying in Japan.
With stipends ranging from ¥180,000 to ¥230,000, the programme can substantially contribute toward living costs during graduate study.
However, it is important to understand its limitations. The scholarship does not automatically cover tuition, housing or international travel, and applicants must meet the foundation’s Japanese-language and academic requirements.
The application deadline for the 2027 cycle has passed. Students who submitted their applications should retain their application numbers and check the document-screening results on January 31, 2027.
For future applicants, the most useful preparation is to establish a suitable Japanese graduate-school admission pathway, develop a clear research proposal, strengthen conversational Japanese and follow the foundation’s next official application announcement.