Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Overseas Candidates in Japan
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Next deadline expected around Sep 16, 2027, based on the last confirmed round (closed September 16, 2025). Most scholarships open again at a similar time each year, but dates can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
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Do you intend to pursue graduate studies in Japan as an international student? Do you hope to advance academically while immersing yourself in Japanese culture? Perhaps this is your chance to apply for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Overseas Candidates. This esteemed scholarship is intended for international students wishing to enrol in Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's Graduate School (APU).
Applicants to master's and doctoral programs can use this scholarship to help with living expenses and travel expenses. The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship offers significant financial aid and a route to study in Japan to draw gifted people who are dedicated to using their academic endeavours to benefit the global community.
Rotary is a global organization of individuals committed to using their various vocations to further social progress and international peace. This Foundation was established to honour the accomplishments of Sir Umekichi Yoneyama, a businessman who helped establish the first Rotary Club in Japan. As of right now, Rotary Clubs can be found in more than 200 nations and regions across the globe. As of April 16,, there were over 36,600 clubs and over 1,193,804 members. This Foundation helps international students meet academic goals and spreads the Rotary spirit by working with sewa clubs and counsellors. The objective is to strengthen ties and advance understanding between nations, building a bridge between the home country of the students and Japan.Also, read The University of London 22 Scholarships for Degree Programs for Refugees
The following criteria for the scholarship demand excellence and passion:
- Academic Work
- Cross-Cultural understanding
- Communication skills
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Duration: Two years
- Study Level: Master’s and Doctoral programs
- Program Language: Japanese
- Eligible Countries: All countries outside Japan
- Application Deadline:September 16,
- APU Results Date:November 13,
- Scholarship Organization Application Deadline: October
- Funding Type: Monthly stipend and travel expenses
- Organizer: Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
- Host Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Benefits
The benefits of the scholarships are as follows:- Monthly Stipend:
- Master’s students: 140,000 JPY per month
- Doctoral students: 140,000 JPY per month
- Travel Expenses: Reimbursement of up to 250,000 JPY for economy air travel and other travel-related expenses after arrival in Japan.
Eligibility Criteria
Below are the requirements for the scholarships:- Applicants must not hold Japanese nationality (dual nationality holders included).
- They must obtain a student visa to enter Japan for study.
- They are residing outside Japan until the start of the program.
- Applicants have not resided in Japan for more than 31 days in total.
- Exceptions: If the stay exceeded 31 days due to family situations (before completing compulsory education) or participation in the Rotary Youth Exchange high school program.
- Japanese language proficiency is equivalent to JLPT N4 or above.
- Born after April 2, 1980.
- Applicants have not previously been Rotary Yoneyama Scholars.
Required Documents
Please submit the following application documents:- Application for Scholarship
- Research Plan at Japanese University
- Scholarship Essay: “Objective of my studies in Japan”
- recommendation letter from a supervisor/professor of the targeted graduate school
- Copy of the application for admission to the Japanese university/graduate school
Selection Process
The application process is as follows:- APU Application:Request to be considered as a Rotary Yoneyama scholarship candidate in the APU Online Application System and apply by September 16,.
- Scholarship Application:Apply directly to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation around October, notifying them that the Letter of Recommendation from APU will be issued after the application deadline.
- APU Review:APU provides a Letter of Recommendation for selected scholarship candidates after the admissions results are announced on November 13,.
- Final Submission: Submit the Letter of Recommendation to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation.
How to Apply
- Register Online: Begin by registering with the APU online application system to submit your application.
- Submit APU Application: Complete and submit your application to APU by the specified deadline.
- Direct Application to Scholarship Organization:Apply directly to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation in October, ensuring you submit all required documents.
- Receive APU Results: Await the announcement of APU admissions results and the issuance of the Letter of Recommendation.
- Final Submission: Submit the Letter of Recommendation and any additional documents to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation.
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How to apply
- Read the eligibility, benefits and required documents above.
- Prepare your documents — transcripts, CV, motivation letter and any tests required.
- Apply through the official website before the deadline.
- Track your progress on GrabScholarships so you never miss a step.
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