Tobe Maki Scholarship Program 2026 in Japan for International Students
The Tobe Maki Scholarship Program 2026 in Japan is now open for applications, offering funded support to both domestic and international students studying at Japanese universities. Sponsored by the Tobe Maki Foundation, this scholarship is available for students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees in selected academic fields.
Designed as a merit-based and need-aware scholarship, the Tobe Maki Scholarship supports talented students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need. The programme is especially competitive for international applicants, as only five scholarships are awarded to foreign students each year, making it a prestigious opportunity for those planning to study in Japan.
The scholarship provides monthly financial assistance for up to two years, with possible extensions for outstanding PhD candidates. This funding can significantly ease living expenses while students focus on their academic and research goals in Japan.
Scholarship Overview
Host Country: Japan
Scholarship Provider: Tobe Maki Foundation
Study Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Scholarship Type: Funded
Application Deadline: 8 May 2026
Degree Level
The Tobe Maki Scholarship is open to students enrolled in:
- Undergraduate Degree Programmes (third year or above)
- Master’s Degree Programmes
- Doctoral Degree Programmes
Students must already be enrolled in a Japanese university or graduate programme during the scholarship period.
Available Subjects
Applicants must be studying in one of the following fields:
- Chemistry
- Food Science
- Design and Art
- Sports Science
- Physical Education
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Public Management
These priority areas reflect the foundation’s aim to support education and innovation in specialized disciplines.
Benefits
The Tobe Maki Scholarship Program 2026 offers the following financial support:
For Graduate Students:
- ¥70,000 per month
- ¥840,000 per year
For Undergraduate Students:
- ¥60,000 per month
- ¥720,000 per year
Additional Benefits:
- Funding duration of up to two years
- Possible extension for PhD students up to four years or more
- Payments issued directly to scholarship recipients
- First payment covers the period from April to July 2026
This monthly stipend helps students manage their living expenses while studying in Japan.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to:
- Japanese students
- International students of all nationalities
International students must hold valid student visa status in Japan to be eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a Japanese university or graduate programme
- Be studying in one of the eligible academic fields
- Be an undergraduate student in the third year or above, or a master’s/doctoral student
- Be under 30 years old as of 1 April 2026
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance
- Show motivation to learn and strong personal character
- Have financial difficulty covering tuition or study expenses
- Hold student visa status if applying as an international student
The scholarship supports both one-year and two-year funding requests, depending on the applicant’s study plan.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts
- Residence certificate
- GPA certificate (if GPA is not listed on transcript)
- Certificate of enrollment
- Personal statement
- Letter of recommendation
- Medical fitness certificate
- Updated CV or resume
Applicants should ensure all documents are complete before submission.
Application Procedure
To apply for the Tobe Maki Scholarship Program 2026, follow these steps:
- Complete the official online application form.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Submit the documents online.
- Send the required hard copies by mail to the scholarship foundation.
- Wait for the final review and selection results.
Because the process requires both online submission and postal mailing, applicants should prepare early to avoid missing the deadline.
Why Apply for the Tobe Maki Scholarship?
Studying in Japan can be financially challenging, especially for international students. The Tobe Maki Scholarship Program provides important financial support that allows students to focus on academic and research work without the constant burden of living expenses.
The scholarship also recognizes students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need, making it a valuable opportunity for deserving candidates. Although the number of international awards is limited, the monthly funding and multi-year support make this one of the more attractive funded scholarship options in Japan.