Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded for International Students in Japan

The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation offers one of the largest international scholarship programs in Japan, supported by donations from Rotarians throughout the country.

This prestigious scholarship supports overseas students who wish to enroll in Japanese universities or graduate schools for the April, September, or October 2026 intake.

Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend of up to 140,000 yen, a supplemental airfare payment of up to 250,000 yen, and personal support through Rotary club interactions. The application period runs from 1 October to 31 October 2025. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Japan, explore fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship (Overseas Candidates)

• Host Country: Japan

• Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral

• Monthly Stipend: 100,000 yen (undergraduate) / 140,000 yen (graduate)

• Airfare Subsidy: Up to 250,000 yen (one‑way economy class)

• Application Period: 1 October 2025 (13:00 JST) – 31 October 2025 (13:00 JST)

• Number of Awardees: Approximately 10

For students seeking other funded programs in East Asia, check latest scholarships in South Korea for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Hold citizenship of a country other than Japan (dual nationality without Japanese citizenship is acceptable; stateless persons are also eligible)

• Enter Japan with a “Student” visa status

• Reside outside Japan until enrolling in the intended institution

• Plan to enroll or transfer into a Japanese university or graduate school under the jurisdiction of MEXT in April, September, or October 2026

• Pursue a degree by attending regular courses (non‑degree students, trainees, research students, and those studying less than six months are not eligible)

• Not have a history of staying in Japan before the scholarship commences (exceptions apply for stays under 31 days, family reasons, or Rotary Youth Exchange participation)

• Be born on or after 2 April 1981 (under 45 years of age as of 1 April of the award year)

• Demonstrate academic excellence, positive attitude, cross‑cultural interest, and good communication skills

• Have basic Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N4 level or above is desirable)

• Not be a previous Yoneyama Scholar

• Not receive other scholarships or grants of the same nature (with limited exceptions)

For applicants interested in other Japanese government scholarships, see Japan's latest scholarships in 2026.

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend: 100,000 yen for undergraduate students; 140,000 yen for master’s and doctoral students

• Airfare subsidy: Up to 250,000 yen for one‑way economy class airfare, travel expenses, visa fees, and first‑day accommodation (up to 10,000 yen)

• Personal support: Interaction with Rotary club members (counselors and sewa clubs) through monthly club meetings

• No tuition or entrance fee coverage – the scholarship does not cover these costs

Scholarship Period

• For April 2026 enrollment: two years (April 2026 – March 2028)

• For September/October 2026 enrollment: two years (September 2026 – August 2028 / October 2026 – September 2028)

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents in Japanese or English. A full set of documents is required for each university/graduate school applied to.

1. Application form (prescribed form with a 4cm×3cm photograph taken within three months; no image editing; signed by hand)

2. Research plan (prescribed form; undergraduate and graduate students must submit; no generative AI use)

3. Essay on “Why I chose to study in Japan. My future plan after studying in Japan.” (prescribed form; no generative AI use)

4. Recommendation letter (prescribed form; must have hand‑written signature; not from applicant or family members)

   • Undergraduate: at least one letter from most recent school, most recent employer, or prospective supervisor in Japan

   • Graduate: letter from prospective supervisor of intended graduate school

5. Copy of acceptance letter from the prospective Japanese institution (if available; submission deadline: 25 March 2026 for April enrollment, 25 August 2026 for September/October enrollment)

6. Copy of submitted admission application form or examination ticket (if no acceptance letter yet)

7. Copy of JLPT results (if applicable)

8. Application guidelines of the prospective university (if no acceptance letter yet)

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Download the application forms from the Secretariat website at https://www.rotary-yoneyama.or.jp/english/overseas.

Step 2: Enter information on the dedicated forms and upload all required documentation through the online portal.

Step 3: Note your application number, which will be sent by return email. Use this number for any additional submissions or inquiries.

Step 4: Submit your application between 13:00 JST on 1 October 2025 and 13:00 JST on 31 October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Step 5: The District Selection Committee will review application documents. They may conduct web‑based interviews or communicate with applicants and academic supervisors via telephone or email.

Step 6: Selection results will be notified by email by the middle of March 2026. Successful applicants receive a certificate of acceptance by the end of March 2026.

Step 7: Successful applicants must arrive in Japan by the designated date (31 March for April enrollment, 31 August for September enrollment, 30 September for October enrollment). The residence status must be “Student”.

Step 8: After arrival, submit a copy of your Residence Card to the Secretariat within one week.

For additional financial aid options across Asia, explore financial aids for students in Asia.

Obligations of Yoneyama Scholars

• Attend designated sewa club regular meetings at least once a month

• Submit a scholar’s report twice a year in Japanese

• Give speeches at sewa club regular meetings

• Actively engage in club and district activities

• Abide by the requirements specified in the “Pledge”

Final Thoughts

The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students who wish to study in Japan.

With generous monthly stipends, airfare subsidies, and personal support from Rotary members, this scholarship helps students focus on their academic and research goals while building cross‑cultural understanding.

The application window is short – from 1 October to 31 October 2025. Prepare your documents carefully and apply on time.

For a complete list of open scholarships in Asia, visit list of all open scholarships in Asia.

Apply Now for Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship