PhD Positions & Scholarships in Japan 2026–2027: 9+ Open

ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) for Asian Development Bank Member Countries

Asian Development Bank (ADB) · Japan

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program funds about 300 students each year from ADB developing member countries to study approved master's (and in some cases doctoral) programmes, mostly in economics, management, health, education, agriculture, environment and technology. There is no central application deadline: candidates apply directly to a participating university, which forwards eligible files to ADB, and applications should reach the university at least six months before the intended start.

Hokkaido International Foundation – Japanese Studies Scholarship for Foreigners

Hokkaido International Foundation · Japan

The Hokkaido International Foundation (HIF) offers a scholarship for foreign students of Japanese to attend its intensive summer Japanese-language programme in Hakodate. The annual call, including the deadline and grant coverage, is published on the foundation's scholarship page for foreigners.

Keio University – ADB Scholarship for Graduate Programs (Japan)

Keio University · Japan

Keio University participates in the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program, offering fully funded master's study at its graduate schools in economics, business, public policy and media and governance. Candidates apply to Keio's graduate admissions with an ADB-JSP expression, and the scholarship rounds close several months before the September intake.

OIST PhD Programme 2027

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) · Japan

OIST recruits international applicants for its PhD programme in Okinawa. Hosted by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Okinawa. Apply by 15 November 2026, 23:59 JST.

Fully Funded Scholarship: MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation) - Japan

Government of Japan · Japan

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship is fully funded for Master's and Doctoral programs via university recommendation.

Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend

Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation · Japan

The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 for Overseas Candidates at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) provides ¥140,000 per month for two years to Master's and PhD students plus up to ¥250,000 in travel reimbursement. Foundation application window: 1-31 October 2026. APU deadlines: 15 September 2026 (Sept 2027 intake) and 7 October 2026 (April 2027 intake). This award provides living-cost support; tuition fees are not covered.

Tokushima University – ISC Admission Steps for International Students (Japan)

Tokushima University · Japan

Tokushima University's International Student Center (ISC) publishes step-by-step admission guidance for international students across its graduate programmes, including document requirements, screening timelines and scholarship options such as tuition reductions and MEXT routes. Each intake's windows are listed on the admission-steps page.

University of Tokyo – Scholarship Information for International Students

University of Tokyo · Japan

The University of Tokyo's scholarship page consolidates funding for international graduate students: the Japanese government's MEXT scholarship, university-run awards, and private-foundation grants. Because each scholarship and graduate school sets its own timeline, applicants should map funding deadlines against their admission round.

Yokohama National University – Special Graduate Program (All-English, Japan)

Yokohama National University · Japan

Yokohama National University's Special Graduate Program in urban innovation and related engineering fields lets international students earn master's and doctoral degrees entirely in English, with MEXT-linked scholarship slots attached to the admission round. The application guideline, including the closing date, is published annually on the programme page.