🎓 Scholarships in Japan for Bangladeshi Students (Excluding MEXT)

Many students from Bangladesh dream of studying in Japan. While MEXT is the most popular scholarship, there are many other scholarships provided by Japanese organizations, universities, and foundations that are often less competitive and still very generous.

This blog will cover all the major non-MEXT scholarships available for Bangladeshi students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees in Japan, including financial support, facilities, and deadlines.

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📚 1. JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Scholarship

🎯 Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Type: Offered mainly for students enrolled in Japanese universities or exchange programs.

• Monthly Allowance: ¥48,000 (~36,000 BDT)

• Tuition: Not covered (separate)

• Airfare: Not included

• Language Requirement: Often needs Japanese or English proficiency

• Application Time: After university admission (depends on the university)

✨ Good for short-term exchange or as additional support during your degree.

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🏛️ 2. University-Specific Scholarships

Many Japanese universities offer their own scholarships to international students. These are often open to students after admission and are less advertised internationally.

📌 Example Scholarships:

a. University of Tokyo – PEAK Program Scholarships

• Level: Undergraduate

• Tuition: Full or partial waiver

• Monthly Stipend: ¥100,000 – ¥120,000 (~76,000–91,000 BDT)

• Deadline: December – January (for September intake)

b. Osaka University – International Student Special Scholarship

• Level: Graduate

• Monthly Stipend: ¥80,000 – ¥100,000

• Tuition: Partial or full waiver

• Deadline: Depends on program

c. Kyoto University – APU Tuition Reduction + External Grants

• Level: Master’s/PhD

• Support: Tuition reduction up to 100% + possible extra scholarship offers

• Deadline: October – February

d. Tohoku University President Fellowship

• Level: Graduate

• Monthly Stipend: Up to ¥180,000 (~137,000 BDT)

• Full tuition + research allowance

💡 Check the official university website when you apply. Most universities offer multiple scholarships.

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🌏 3. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

🎯 Level: Master’s Only

For students from ADB member countries like Bangladesh

• Fields: Economics, Environment, Science, Engineering, Public Health, etc.

• Universities in Japan Offering This: University of Tokyo, Kyushu University, Keio University, etc.

• Tuition: 100% covered

• Monthly Stipend: ~¥144,000 (~110,000 BDT)

• Airfare: Covered

• Health Insurance: Covered

• Books & Thesis: Research grant included

• Deadline: December – April (varies by university)

🎯 You must first apply and be accepted into an ADB-JSP participating program.

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🤝 4. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship

🎯 Level: Master’s and PhD

• Monthly Stipend:

  • ¥140,000/month for master’s (~107,000 BDT)

  • ¥160,000/month for PhD (~122,000 BDT)

• Tuition: Not covered, but you can apply for fee reduction separately

• Travel: Partial support available

• Deadline: August – October (application before arriving in Japan)

• Start of Scholarship: Next April

📝 You must secure admission at a Japanese university first. Interviews are sometimes conducted by Rotary representatives.

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🌸 5. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

🎯 Level: Master’s and PhD

• Monthly Stipend:

  • ¥150,000 to ¥210,000 depending on program length

• Duration: 1 – 5 years

• Fields: Any academic field

• Deadline: April and October rounds each year

• Requirement: Admission to a graduate school in Japan

🔍 Very competitive but one of the most generous private scholarships.

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🧪 6. NIG Internship & Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)

🎯 Level: Postgraduate Internship → PhD Entry

• Stipend: Covered for travel, accommodation, and daily allowance

• Duration: 6 weeks (Internship)

• Outcome: Top interns are often offered PhD opportunities with funding

• Deadline: December – February

• Field: Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biology, etc.

🔬 Highly recommended for students in molecular biology, biotechnology, or bioinformatics.

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🧾 Summary Table

Scholarship	Degree Level	Monthly Stipend	Tuition	Airfare	Deadline
JASSO	UG, MS, PhD	¥48,000	❌	❌	After admission
University Scholarships	UG, MS, PhD	¥80k – ¥180k	✅/❌	❌	Varies
ADB-JSP	Master’s	¥144,000	✅	✅	Dec–Apr
Rotary Yoneyama	Master’s, PhD	¥140k–¥160k	❌	❌/Partial	Aug–Oct
Honjo Foundation	Master’s, PhD	¥150k–¥210k	❌	❌	Apr / Oct
NIG Fellowship	Internship/PhD	Fully Funded	N/A	✅	Dec–Feb

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✅ Final Words

Studying in Japan is not limited to MEXT. There are many hidden gems—scholarships offered by universities, foundations, and organizations—that cover tuition and living costs generously.

If you're planning to study in Japan:

• 🎯 Research universities and their scholarship options

• 📄 Prepare your documents early (SOP, CV, research plan)

• 🗓 Track deadlines carefully and apply early

• 💬 Join Facebook groups like “Bangladeshi Students in Japan” for real-time help

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