Kyoritsu International Foundation Scholarship: Earn up to ¥100,000 a Month to Study in Japan

Dreaming of earning a degree in Japan but worried about finances? The Kyoritsu International Foundation (KIF) Scholarship can be the game-changer you’re looking for. Backed by Kyoritsu Maintenance Co.—the dormitory and hotel operator behind 500+ facilities nationwide—the foundation invests in promising students from 25 Asia-Pacific economies who study full-time at Japanese universities, graduate schools, or technical colleges. Recipients receive up to ¥100,000 per month, exclusive career workshops, and membership in an alumni network that spans Japan and beyond. This guide explains what the money covers, who can apply, key dates, and insider tips drawn from past winners.

1. Foundation & Scholarship Snapshot

About KIF

Founded in 1995, KIF directs hospitality profits toward scholarships that advance cultural understanding through education. While Kyoritsu Maintenance runs Dormy Inn hotels and nationwide dorms, its philanthropic arm allocates millions of yen each year to self-funded learners across Asia. KIF’s charter states that its goal is to “support promising students from Asian countries through scholarships, deepen international friendship and goodwill, and nurture the human capital that will build tomorrow’s Asia.”

Scholarship Streams

Three awards sit under the KIF umbrella:

• Kyoritsu International Foundation Scholarship (Flagship) – ¥100,000 / month for undergraduates & graduates. See the JPSS listing.
• Kyoritsu Maintenance Scholarship – ¥60,000 / month for language-school & vocational students. Recipient story here.
• Kyoritsu International Exchange Scholarship – Short-term research grants & travel support.

In 2024 the flagship program welcomed 25 scholars from 18 universities, with an award ceremony in Tokyo on 1 April.

2. Funding & Core Benefits

Monthly Stipends—No Strings Attached

Stipends arrive April to March with zero paperwork and no repayment. Undergrads & most master’s students receive ¥100,000; language-school students, ¥60,000. Use it for rent, books, or domestic travel—the only ask is a short year-end report.

Beyond Cash: Workshops & Housing

Scholars get priority seats at KIF career workshops, cultural homestays, and discounted rooms in Dormy properties. Many universities also stack 30–50 % tuition waivers once you show your KIF letter.

장학금	Monthly Stipend	Duration
KIF Scholarship	¥100,000	12 months
Kyoritsu Maintenance	¥60,000	12 months

3. Eligibility & Application Timeline

Who Can Apply?

• Citizens of 25 Asian-Pacific economies (Japan excluded). Full list on Saitama University.
• ‘College Student’ residence status by 1 April.
• ≥ 1 year left in current degree.
• GPA ≈ 2.3 / 3.0 & good conduct.
• Attend the Tokyo ceremony (1 April).

Key Dates (Typical Year)

• Early Nov.–Late Dec. Campus call for applications
• Jan 10–31 University nomination
• Mid-Feb. Foundation interview
• Apr 1 Ceremony & first payment

Required Documents

Expect a handwritten application in Japanese, CV, transcript, proof of income, 1,000-character study plan, and a professor’s recommendation. See Tokushima U.’s 2025 kit here.

4. Winning Strategies

• Mission-driven essay. Link your research to Japan–Asia ties.
• Show Japanese effort. JLPT N2 or steady progress matters.
• Leverage campus clinics. Mock interviews each December.
• Highlight community work. Volunteer & club leadership count.
• Prep for Tokyo trip. Network; business attire & cards ready.

5. Life After the Scholarship

Recipient Spotlight

Myanmar-born Hsu Myat Noe Wai won ¥60,000 / month in 2025, cut part-time hours, boosted her JLPT score, and is now applying to Osaka U.’s Computer Science program. Read her interview here.

Alumni Network

KIF tracks alumni for five years, invites them to reunions, and circulates job leads from Panasonic, NTT Data, and even Kyoritsu Maintenance itself. Join the members-only LinkedIn group and Slack channel.

6. Your Action Plan

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Draft your 1,000-character study plan.
3. Gather bank & income documents.
4. Book a mock interview for December.
5. Bookmark the guidelines & JPSS listing.

Applications can feel daunting, but with a clear timeline and an authentic story, the KIF Scholarship is within reach. Good luck!