The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for overseas candidates supports international students planning to enter a Japanese university or graduate school. The current guide offers ¥100,000 per month for undergraduates and ¥140,000 per month for master’s and doctoral students. Successful candidates may also receive up to ¥250,000 toward travel.
Applications are open until 31 October 2026 at 1:00 PM Japan time. Applicants need at least JLPT N3, a planned 2027 university entry and evidence that they have applied or will apply to an eligible Japanese institution. About 15 overseas candidates are expected to be selected.
Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Details
This route is for students who are generally still living outside Japan and plan to begin or transfer into a regular degree course in April, September or October 2027. Eligible study can be at undergraduate, master’s or doctoral level. Non-degree, preparatory, short-term and language-school routes do not qualify.
The scholarship combines financial help with personal support from Rotary members and a designated club. Scholars are expected to attend club meetings, submit reports and participate in exchange activities. The award normally runs for two years according to the entry month described in the guide.
Programme | Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Overseas Candidates |
|---|---|
Country | Japan |
Levels | Undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees |
Monthly support | ¥100,000 undergraduate; ¥140,000 graduate |
Travel support | Up to ¥250,000 |
Expected awards | About 15 overseas candidates |
Duration | Two years for the listed 2027 entry routes |
Deadline | 31 October 2026, 1:00 PM Japan time |
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Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Benefits
The monthly award is intended to help students establish themselves in Japan and continue degree study. Graduate scholars receive ¥140,000 per month, while undergraduate scholars receive ¥100,000. Up to ¥250,000 can be reimbursed for eligible travel costs after arrival and proof of expenses.
Scholars also receive mentoring and cross-cultural support through Rotary networks. Applicants comparing Japanese awards can review the Honjo International Scholarship, the Science Tokyo MEXT Scholarship and the Keio University ADB Scholarship.
Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants must be non-Japanese nationals who plan to enter or transfer into a regular degree course at a Japanese university in April, September or October 2027. They should generally remain outside Japan until admission and must meet the residence-history rules in the guide. The applicant must pursue a degree, not a non-degree or language course.
At application, candidates need JLPT N3 or higher; N2 or better is preferred. The guide also sets an age condition, academic and health expectations, and restrictions on overlapping scholarships. Applicants should read every compatibility rule before accepting other funding.
Requirements and Documents
The application uses official forms, a research plan or essay, a recommendation and evidence of the intended university application. Graduate applicants need a recommendation from the prospective supervisor or professor. If an admission letter is not yet available, the guide explains which application or schedule evidence can be submitted.
Applicants must prepare separate materials for each university if applying to more than one institution. The files may be completed in Japanese or English, with Japanese encouraged where possible. Another current Japanese funding option is the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship, which has different nomination rules.
How to Apply
Download and read the current overseas-candidate guide before filling any form. Identify the Japanese university and degree, confirm JLPT eligibility, and collect the institution’s admission evidence. Use the exact university name in the application system.
Register on the dedicated Yoneyama application website, enter applicant information and upload the complete document set. Finish all uploads before the Japan-time deadline.
Application Deadline
The current Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship application window closes on 31 October 2026 at 1:00 PM Japan Standard Time. Submit every document before the deadline and check the official guide for any rule on later university-admission evidence.
Applicants should complete registration early enough to correct upload problems. University admission evidence has separate later dates in some circumstances, but that does not extend the main scholarship deadline. Follow the guide precisely. The foundation says selection results will be emailed to applicants by mid-March 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers clarify the main overseas-candidate conditions. The programme also has domestic nomination routes, which are not the same application intent.
Applicants should use the current overseas guide and not an older English PDF if dates conflict. The official download page points to the live forms.
How much is the monthly scholarship?
Undergraduates receive ¥100,000 per month, while master’s and doctoral scholars receive ¥140,000 per month.
Is travel support available?
Yes. Successful candidates can receive up to ¥250,000 toward eligible travel costs after submitting evidence.
What Japanese level is required?
Applicants must have passed JLPT N3 or higher at the time of application; N2 or higher is preferred.
Can language-school students apply?
No. The overseas route is for regular degree study at a Japanese university or graduate school.
Must applicants already be admitted?
Applicants may use specified university-application or entrance-schedule evidence where the final admission document is not yet available.
How long does the scholarship last?
The current guide describes a two-year scholarship period for the listed April, September and October 2027 entry routes.
Conclusion
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship combines monthly funding, travel support and a local Rotary network for overseas students entering Japanese degree programmes. Its ¥140,000 graduate rate and two-year period are substantial. The application also carries firm language, admission and participation obligations.
Prepare the university evidence, JLPT proof and official forms before 31 October 2026 at 1:00 PM Japan time. Complete every upload. Use only the current overseas-candidate guide when checking dates or scholarship compatibility.
