HISF Scholarship 2026 | ¥230,000/Month for Japan Master’s & PhD

About the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation

The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) is a private Japanese foundation dedicated to supporting outstanding international students pursuing graduate degrees in Japan. The foundation aims to nurture future leaders who will contribute to international friendship and cooperation. According to the foundation’s 2025 annual report, 31 foreign students received scholarships in the previous academic year, with amounts ranging from ¥180,000 to ¥230,000 per month.

Scholarship Benefits

The HISF scholarship provides a monthly stipend based on the duration of your degree program:

The scholarship period covers the minimum period required to obtain your degree.

Note: This scholarship provides a monthly stipend only. It does not cover tuition fees, initial travel costs, or other expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the HISF Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

• Be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a Master’s or Doctoral program at a Japanese graduate school
• Applicants from abroad are eligible if accepted to a Japanese graduate school
• All nationalities are welcome
• All research fields are welcome

Age Limits

• Master’s program: Must start the course by the age of 30
• Doctoral program: Must start the course by the age of 35

Other Requirements

• Must have a strong will to serve in your home country after graduation (working in Japan or other countries for a few years before returning is acceptable)
• Must be able to carry on everyday conversation in Japanese (interviews will be conducted in Japanese)
• Must attend foundation events and participate in the alumni network
• Cannot receive other scholarships during the HISF scholarship period (with limited exceptions like MEXT or JSPS)

Required Documents

When applying, you will need to prepare:

1. Online application form
2. Research plan (must be written in Japanese; an English version may be uploaded as supplement)
3. 2-minute video describing your research
4. Academic transcripts
5. Passport copy
6. Photo (500KB max, 4:3 aspect ratio, .jpg or .gif)

Note: If you haven’t decided on a supervisor yet, you can write “未定” (TBD) in the supervisor name field.

Application Timeline (2026)

Interviews will be held in Tokyo or via video call for applicants who cannot come to Japan.

How to Apply

1. Check your eligibility by reviewing the application guidelines on the HISF website.
2. Access the online application system
3. Fill out the application form and upload all required documents.
4. Record a 2-minute video talking about your research.
5. Submit your application and save the PDF confirmation with your application number.
6. Wait for document screening results (announced January 31, 2027).
7. Attend an interview if shortlisted (February 9, 2027).
8. Receive final results (March 31, 2027).

Application Link

Official Contact

• Website
• Application System
• Email: info@hisf.or.jp
• Inquiry Form

Apply Now — HISF Online Application System

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