Fujii Scholarship Guide : Funding Your University Journey in Japan

Studying in Japan can be life‑changing, but the cost of tuition and day‑to‑day living often weighs heavily on self‑financed learners. The Fujii Scholarship—formally administered by the Fujii International Scholarship Foundation—has quietly helped hundreds of students from across Asia bridge that financial gap while deepening people‑to‑people ties with Japan. Below is a concise yet thorough guide to the scholarship’s origin, mission, eligibility rules, benefits and application strategy.

Origin & Vision of the Fujii Scholarship

From Paint to Philanthropy

The foundation was established in 2006 by Mr. Kunihiro Fujii, entrepreneur and longtime president of SKK—one of Japan’s leading architectural‑coatings companies. In 2012 the organization transitioned into a public‑interest incorporated foundation based in Osaka, showing a long‑term commitment to social impact (2026 Scholarship Guidelines PDF).

Its stated mission is two‑fold: (1) to support outstanding students who cannot easily afford higher education and (2) to strengthen friendship between Japan and other Asian nations through grassroots academic exchange. Beyond simple funding, the foundation hosts networking events, publishes a newsletter, and encourages scholars to act as cultural bridges.

Eligibility at a Glance

Core Requirements

The 2026 call, circulated by universities such as Tokushima University, emphasizes the following criteria:

• Nationality: Privately funded students from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.
• Status: Degree‑seeking undergraduates, master’s or doctoral students enrolled at a partner Japanese university.
• Age limit: 25 (undergrad) / 30 (master’s) / 35 (doctoral) as of 31 March of the recruitment year.
• Scholarship exclusivity: Cannot receive another major award concurrently (MEXT honors stipend excluded).
• Engagement: Must attend foundation exchange meetings and submit annual reports.
• Language: Most forms must be handwritten in Japanese, so beginners should seek support early.

Preferred Applicant Profile

Beyond the formal checklist, reviewers tend to favor candidates who maintain a GPA of 2.5/3.0 or higher, show clear leadership potential, and can articulate how their research or community work will foster mutual understanding between Japan and their home country.

Financial Package and Perks

Degree Level	Monthly Stipend	Maximum Duration
Undergraduate	¥50,000	3 years
Master’s	¥50,000	2 years
Doctoral	¥50,000	3 years

The stipend rarely matches full tuition, but ¥50,000 per month can offset roughly half of average living costs in regional cities. Scholars also receive:

• Invitations to cultural excursions and leadership seminars organized by the foundation.
• Access to a cross‑disciplinary alumni network active in over 15 countries.
• Optional career‑mentoring sessions coordinated with the KOICA‑Scholarship community, connecting scholars to internships and post‑grad jobs.

Application Process & Timeline

Annual Calendar

Each partner university sets its own campus deadline—often late August (e.g., 27 Aug 2025 at Shiga University)—to shortlist one nominee. Foundation interviews follow in mid‑November, with final results announced by late December (DAAD‑Scholarship update).

Documents You’ll Need

1. Application form (hand‑written in Japanese)
2. Personal essay outlining study plan and future contribution
3. Official transcripts and proof of enrollment
4. Recent health certificate
5. One faculty recommendation letter
6. Copy of residence card & passport photo page

Selection Criteria

During the 15‑minute interview at the SKK Global Center in Osaka, panelists typically ask why you chose Japan, how you will serve as a cultural bridge, and how you plan to repay society after graduation. Be prepared to discuss both your academic field and an example of community engagement.

Tips to Stand Out & Thrive

Polish Your Story

Frame your essay around a clear through‑line: past challenge → academic goal in Japan → envisioned impact back home. Quantify achievements (GPA 3.6/4.0, top 10 % in faculty) and relate them to the foundation’s friendship mission.

Leverage Language Early

Even N4‑level Japanese shows sincerity. Seek on‑campus writing centers or online mentors to proof‑read your forms.

Join the Community

Past grantees—from a Vietnamese biomedical engineer at Osaka U to an Indonesian AI researcher at Hokkaido U—credit networking dinners hosted by the Fujii Foundation for International Medical Exchange for opening doors to internships and eventual full‑time positions.

The Fujii Scholarship is competitive yet approachable: your passion for academic excellence and cross‑cultural dialogue can translate into up to ¥1.8 million over three years—enough to keep your focus on research rather than part‑time jobs. Start drafting your application today, seek feedback from senior scholars, and you could soon be part of a growing network building bridges across Asia and Japan.