Project Overview
About the Scholarship
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 for Overseas Candidates at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is run by Japan's largest private scholarship foundation. It provides ¥140,000 per month for two years to Master's and PhD students plus up to ¥250,000 in travel reimbursement. This is a living-cost scholarship, not a tuition award.
About Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation is a Japanese scholarship organisation supporting international students studying in Japan. Its programmes provide financial assistance to eligible scholars and connect them with Rotary communities. The foundation promotes academic development and intercultural understanding, with scholarship categories, application procedures and support levels determined by each programme.
Official website: https://www.rotary-yoneyama.or.jp/english/
Application dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| APU application deadline — September 2027 intake | 15 September 2026 |
| Foundation application portal opens | 1 October 2026, 13:00 JST |
| APU application deadline — April 2027 intake | 7 October 2026 |
| Foundation application portal closes | 31 October 2026, 13:00 JST |
| Selection results by email | Mid-March 2027 |
| Certificate of eligibility issued | End of March 2027 |
| Stipend payments begin | April 2027 (April intake) / Sept–Oct 2027 (fall intake) |
Financial Coverage
- ¥140,000 monthly stipend for two years (Master's and Doctoral students).
- Travel subsidy up to ¥250,000 toward economy airfare and related costs, reimbursed after arrival in Japan.
- Host-club network and cultural exchange: each scholar assigned to a local Rotary Sewa Club and personal counselor.
Not Covered
- Tuition and admission fees. APU charges a ¥200,000 admission fee plus tuition of roughly ¥1,655,000 in the first year of the Master's program (approximately ¥3,110,000 across two years).
- Remedy: APU's own Tuition Reduction Scholarship (30%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 100%) applied within the APU admission application.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Must not hold Japanese nationality, including dual nationals.
- Must be able to obtain a student visa for study in Japan.
- Must be residing outside Japan until the program begins.
- Must not have resided in Japan for more than 31 days in total (exceptions apply for family situations or Rotary Youth Exchange).
- JLPT N3 or above must be passed at the time of application.
- Born after 2 April 1982 (under 45 years old at award).
- Not a past recipient of a Yoneyama scholarship.
- Not concurrently holding another major living-cost scholarship such as MEXT or JDS.
- Research (non-degree) students are not eligible.
Eligible APU Graduate Programs
- Master's Program in Asia Pacific Studies (APS)
- Master's Program in International Cooperation Policy (ICP)
- Doctoral Program in Asia Pacific Studies
- MBA program (Graduate School of Management)
All graduate classes at APU are conducted in English.
Application Process (Dual-Track)
- Apply directly to the Foundation through its web portal (around March for April enrollment or August for September enrollment).
- Apply to APU and mark the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship candidacy box in the APU Online Application System by 15 September 2026 (Sept 2027 intake) or 7 October 2026 (April 2027 intake).
- Receive the Letter of Acceptance from APU after admission results are announced.
- Submit the Acceptance Letter to the Foundation to complete the scholarship file.
- Selection results emailed by mid-March 2027. If rejected for university admission, scholarship eligibility is lost.
Required Documents (Foundation)
- Application for Scholarship (official form)
- Research Plan at Japanese University
- Essay: Why I chose to study in Japan. My future plan after studying in Japan.
- Recommendation Letter from supervisor/professor of targeted graduate school
- Copy of admission application submitted to APU
- Academic transcripts and degree documentation
- JLPT certificate (N3 or above)
Scholar Obligations (Sewa Club System)
- Assigned to a host Rotary club and personal counselor.
- Communicate in Japanese at club meetings.
- Attend host club's regular monthly meetings.
- Give speeches and participate in Rotary District activities.
- Submit activity report twice a year (September and February).
- Maintain alumni relationship after scholarship ends.
Official Link
- Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation: https://www.rotary-yoneyama.or.jp/english/overseas
- APU Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship instructions: https://admissions.apu.ac.jp/graduate/how_to_apply/external_scholarship/rotary_yoneyama
- APU Graduate admissions: https://admissions.apu.ac.jp/graduate
- APU Graduate tuition fees: https://en.apu.ac.jp
Important Notes
- Fully Funded label is misleading: stipend and travel allowance cover living costs only; tuition must be met through APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship or other funds.
- The 7 October deadline is APU-side for April 2027 intake; September 2027 intake closes 15 September 2026. Foundation window runs full month of October 2026.
- JLPT N3+ at application is mandatory. Host-club obligations are formal award conditions.
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 31 October 2026, 13:00 JST. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
- How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps
English language requirements
Rotary Yoneyama itself sets no English test, but admission to APU's English-basis graduate programmes asks for evidence such as IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 75 (or accepted equivalents), so most applicants will still need a score when they apply to APU.
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend?
The application deadline is 31 October 2026 (31 October 2026, 13:00 JST). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Asia/Tokyo time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Asia/Tokyo but gives no clock time.
How is Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend funded?
This is a partially funded award: funding is listed as partial, so it covers only part of the cost rather than the whole programme. What is covered (fees, living costs or both) is not set out in the source — check the source for what it covers and price the remainder before you apply. ¥140,000 monthly stipend for 2 years.
Who is eligible to apply for Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Japan. Applications are assessed by Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation.
How do I apply for Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend?
Applications for Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend are submitted directly to Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Japan are published by the provider.
What study level does Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU – Monthly Stipend offer?
This listing is offered at Master's / PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.