The Honjo International Scholarship 2027 is open to Pakistani students who will study for a master’s or PhD at a Japanese graduate school. The official deadline is 31 October 2026. The award pays ¥180,000 to ¥230,000 per month, depending on the standard length of the degree, but it does not cover tuition or initial travel to Japan.
Quick Overview
| Scholarship | Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Scholarship for Foreign Students |
|---|---|
| Study level | Master’s or PhD at a graduate school in Japan |
| Application status | Open |
| Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Funding | ¥180,000–¥230,000 per month, based on degree length |
| Available awards | Approximately 10 |
| Application route | Direct online application to the Foundation |
About the Honjo International Scholarship 2027
The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation supports non-Japanese students who are enrolled in, or applying to, a Japanese graduate school. Pakistani citizens can apply from Pakistan if they are seeking admission for a master’s or doctoral course in Japan. Applicants do not need university nomination: the application goes directly to the Foundation.
The 2027 award begins from the start of graduate study in April 2027. Students planning to enter in fall 2027 may also apply. The scholarship is competitive, with approximately ten awards listed in the official guideline.
Important: this is a stipend scholarship, not a complete tuition-and-travel package. Applicants should make a separate plan for university tuition, admission costs, visa expenses and initial travel.
Financial Benefits
The monthly stipend is tied to the minimum standard period needed to complete the degree:
- ¥230,000 per month for a one- or two-year degree;
- ¥210,000 per month for a three-year degree;
- ¥180,000 per month for a four- or five-year degree.
The award does not have to be repaid. The Foundation may also provide a conference travel grant under its rules. However, the scholarship does not pay university tuition or initial airfare to Japan.
Recipients normally cannot hold another scholarship at the same time, except for the specific awards allowed in the guideline, including MEXT, the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship, JSPS International Fellowship, certain JST fellowships and JICA scholarships.
Scholarship and Selection Structure
The Foundation first screens the submitted documents. First-round results are scheduled by 31 January 2027. Interviews are planned for early February 2027 in Tokyo or by video call, and the final result is scheduled for 31 March 2027.
The interview is conducted in Japanese. The Foundation says this is not intended as a formal language test, but applicants must be able to explain themselves and their research in basic Japanese.
Recipients must take part in Foundation interviews and events, remain involved with its network, and follow the scholarship conditions. The payment period is fixed when the award begins.
Eligibility Requirements
A Pakistani applicant must meet all of the following official conditions:
- Not hold Japanese citizenship.
- Be enrolled in, or applying for, a master’s or PhD course at a Japanese graduate school for 2027 entry.
- Have more than 12 months remaining until graduation.
- Start a master’s course by age 30, or a PhD course by age 35; the guideline allows no age exceptions.
- Be able to carry out basic conversation in Japanese because the interview is in Japanese.
- Show a strong commitment to using the education in service of the applicant’s home country.
- Understand international friendship and be willing to participate in Foundation activities and its alumni network.
Professional graduate-school students are generally ineligible, but a professional-course applicant who can submit a research plan may apply. Applicants awaiting a Japanese university admission decision may still submit the scholarship application and provide the admission document later as directed by the Foundation.
Required Documents
Prepare the following items before starting the online form:
- A recent face photograph in JPG or GIF format, up to 500 KB.
- A required research video of up to two minutes in Japanese or English, with the applicant’s face visible.
- An optional self-promotion video of up to 30 seconds.
- Undergraduate academic transcript in Japanese or English; include a translation if the original uses another language.
- Graduate transcript, if available.
- The Foundation’s research-proposal template completed in Japanese. An additional English version may be submitted if needed.
- A signed or sealed recommendation letter from a current or previous academic supervisor.
- Proof of admission or enrollment in a Japanese graduate school, when available.
The recommendation letter must arrive by the 31 October deadline if the supervisor sends it directly. If an admission letter is not yet available, enter the expected decision date in the system and email the document to the Foundation once it is issued.
How to Apply for the Honjo International Scholarship 2027
- Read the official 2027 application guideline.
- Prepare the transcript, research plan, recommendation, photograph and videos in the required formats.
- Open the official Honjo online application system.
- Complete every section and upload the required files before 31 October 2026.
- Save the generated application PDF and application number. The Foundation uses that number when publishing screening results.
Applications are online only; the Foundation does not accept application documents by post. Applicants should submit early enough to correct any upload or form errors before the system closes.
Further Scholarships for Pakistani Students
- MEXT Research Scholarship guide for Pakistan
- Zhejiang University Scholarships 2027
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027/28
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistani students apply for the Honjo International Scholarship 2027?
Yes. The award is open to non-Japanese citizens of all nationalities, including Pakistanis, who are enrolled in or applying to an eligible graduate program in Japan.
Is the Honjo scholarship fully funded?
No. It provides a substantial monthly stipend, but the Foundation states that tuition and initial travel expenses are not covered.
Do I need Japanese language ability?
Yes. Applicants must be able to hold a basic conversation in Japanese, and the selection interview is conducted in Japanese.
Can I apply before receiving a Japanese university admission letter?
Yes. The guideline allows applicants awaiting an admission decision to enter the expected result date and send proof of admission later.
What is the deadline?
The online application period closes on 31 October 2026. The official guideline does not state a time zone on the public page, so submit well before the final day.
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