The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) Scholarship is a prestigious international funding opportunity offered by the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation, a Japanese educational trust established to support outstanding students from around the world who are enrolled or planning to enrol in graduate school (Master’s or Doctoral) in Japan. It is intended to help scholars pursue advanced academic research without financial burden.
Scholarship Scope & Goal
HISF aims to empower future leaders who will contribute to global society through research and advanced study. It is open to students of all nationalities, with no restriction on academic field, allowing applicants from humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and other disciplines to apply. Unlike many Japanese scholarships, applicants can apply directly to the foundation without needing nomination from a university.
Eligible Degree Levels
‑ Master’s degree programs at Japanese universities
‑ Doctoral (PhD) programs at Japanese universities
Candidates must be non‑Japanese citizens and enrolled or planning to enrol in a graduate school in Japan by the scholarship start term.
Financial Coverage & Benefits
The HISF Scholarship provides monthly financial support for living and research costs throughout the minimum duration required to complete the degree program:
‑ Approximately ¥230,000 per month for programs lasting 1–2 years
‑ About ¥210,000 per month for 3‑year programs
‑ Around ¥180,000 per month for programs longer than three years
Funding continues monthly as long as the scholar maintains academic progress. Travel grants for international conferences may also be available under HISF rules.
Number of Awards & Duration
Each year, around ten scholarships are awarded. The support typically covers the minimum standard period required to earn the graduate degree (from 1 up to 5 years depending on the program).
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for the HISF Scholarship, applicants generally must:
• Be non‑Japanese citizens.
• Be enrolled or accepted into a Master’s or Doctoral program at a university in Japan.
• Plan to begin or continue full‑time graduate studies by the scholarship start term (e.g., April or Fall intake).
• Submit a research plan and may be asked to provide a short research introduction video.
• Demonstrate strong academic ability and research potential.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview (in Japan or via video call).
HISF requires that recipients maintain academic progress and attend foundation events, and it generally does not allow other concurrent scholarship funding except for certain approved programs like the MEXT Scholarship, Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship, or JSPS International Fellowship.
Application Process & Timeline
Applications are made online through the foundation’s portal. Required materials typically include academic records, a research proposal, and other supporting documents. The selection process includes document screening followed by interviews. Final results are announced after the interview stage.
Why It Matters
This scholarship offers significant support for talented international graduate students to pursue advanced education and research in Japan with generous monthly stipends and opportunities to engage in academic and cultural exchange.
