The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), which is Japan’s best research university, just opened the doors to the Kawashima Shoshi Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Academic Year 2026. This is one of its most renowned scholarships.
If you’re a foreign student who pays for your own school and wants to learn more about your field in Japan but is worried about how to pay for it, this scholarship could change your life.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out?
While some scholarships are open to everyone, this fund helps international students who are good at school and really need money but don’t have access to a grant. It’s not just a grant; it’s a lifeline for people who want to keep studying in Japan without having to worry about money.
Scholars who are chosen will get a huge JPY 1,440,000 a year, split into two payments in April and October. This will cover two full years, from April 2026 to March 2028.
That’s enough to lower the cost of tuition, pay for study supplies, and even cover the costs of living in Japan’s busy academic cities.
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Benefits of Kawashima Shoshi Memorial Scholarship:
- Full or Partial Tuition Coverage: The scholarship helps pay for foreign students’ tuition, which makes it easier for them to pay for school.
- Monthly Stipend: People who are learning in Japan often get a monthly allowance to help pay for things like food, books, and other daily costs.
- Support for International Students: This program is meant to help international students who want to go to college in Japan and promotes academic exchange around the world.
- Access to a Good Education: Students can go to top Japanese universities that are known for their cutting-edge research and academic success.
- Supporting Academic Excellence: The grant rewards students for their excellent academic work and encourages them to keep doing well in their classes.
- Networking Chances: Recipients can get in touch with other students, teachers, and professionals to build long-lasting relationships in their field.
- Cultural Immersion: This program lets you experience Japan’s rich culture, language, and customs while you are in college.
- Getting ahead in your career: Graduates get better grades and may be able to find work in Japan or other countries.
- Honorable Recognition: Winning the Kawashima Shoshi Memorial Scholarship is a big deal for both the student’s academic record and their business reputation.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is only for people who really live up to the standards of greatness and dedication that the Kawashima Shoshi Memorial Fund stands for.
You can get it if you:
- Are a foreign student from a country other than Japan who will start attending SOKENDAI on April 1, 2026.
- Have a great academic record and a nice personality that your teachers will notice.
- Can show that you have the money you need to keep studying in Japan.
- Know how to speak and write Japanese very well, because most paperwork and conversations are done in Japanese.
- Don’t have any other scholarships worth at least 50,000 yen a month.
People who are already AY 2025 students can apply again if they still meet the requirements.
Application Method:
You can’t apply directly to this grant fund because you need a recommendation from a college.
Follow these steps:
- For internal directions, check the notice from your department or program office.
- Carefully read the written rules.
- Get all the paperwork you need ready. Usually, this includes your papers, proof that you need the money, proof that you can speak Japanese, and a personal statement.
- Please send your full application to https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/news/2025/20251009.html.
After being looked over, the university will put forward the best candidates so that the scholarship group can choose the winners.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Kawashima Shoshi Memorial Scholarship Fund?
The Kawashima Shoshi Memorial Scholarship Fund is a famous award given to outstanding international students who want to go to college in Japan. Through schooling, it wants to encourage academic excellence, cultural exchange, and understanding between people around the world.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
International students enrolled in Japanese colleges or graduate schools are usually eligible. Applicants must show that they have done well in school, that they need the money, and that they are dedicated to their area of study. Different schools may have different standards.
What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The grant usually covers some or all of the cost of tuition and gives the recipient a monthly stipend to help with things like food, housing, and transportation. The exact amount is based on the school and program.
