Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship 2027 in Japan

The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship for Overseas Candidates is offered by the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation to prospective international students who plan to begin or transfer into degree studies in Japan in 2027. The programme is funded through donations from Rotarians throughout Japan.

The scholarship aims to support academic achievement while encouraging cross-cultural understanding and communication between scholars, Japanese Rotarians and local communities. Scholars receive both financial assistance and personal support through designated Sewa Clubs and Rotary counsellors.

The 2027 overseas scheme covers applicants entering Japanese universities or graduate schools in April, September or October 2027. Applicants must independently identify and apply to their intended Japanese institution; the Foundation does not arrange university admission.

All academic fields are eligible. Successful scholars are expected to participate actively in Rotary activities, attend their designated Sewa Club meeting at least once per month and contribute to intercultural exchange during their scholarship period. The scholarship is non-repayable, but it should not be described as a fully funded scholarship because the official package does not provide general tuition-fee coverage or full accommodation funding.

• Applicants must be international students scheduled to enrol in or transfer to a university or graduate school in Japan in April, September or October 2027.
• Applicants must enter a full-time regular degree programme leading to a degree in Japan.
• Undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral degree programmes are eligible.
• Research students, trainees, short-term international students and other non-degree students are not eligible.
• Students under a long-term study system are not eligible.
• Applicants must hold citizenship of a country other than Japan when entering Japan.
• Applicants must enter Japan for study purposes and obtain Student residence status.
• In principle, applicants must reside outside Japan until entering Japan for enrolment.
• Previous stays in Japan are subject to specific conditions; applicants whose total eligible prior stay does not exceed 365 days may still qualify, and certain additional exceptions apply.
• Applicants must have passed JLPT N3 or above at the time of application.
• JLPT N2 or above is encouraged for easier communication with Rotarians.
• Applicants must be under 45 years old as of 1 April 2027; the official guide specifies a birth date of 2 April 1982 or later.
• All academic fields are eligible.
• Applicants must either have received university admission/acceptance or plan to take the entrance examination for their intended institution.
• Double-degree applicants are eligible only where their study period in Japan will be at least two years.
• Applicants who have previously received a Yoneyama Scholarship cannot apply again.
• Scholars generally cannot concurrently receive another individual scholarship of a similar nature, although specified tuition reductions, certain research grants, loans and other forms of support may be permitted.

• ¥100,000 per month for undergraduate scholars.
• ¥140,000 per month for Master’s students.
• ¥140,000 per month for PhD students.
• Scholarship support for two years.
• Travel subsidy of up to ¥250,000 for eligible expenses associated with travelling to Japan.
• Eligible travel support can include a one-way economy-class airline ticket.
• Eligible transportation expenses in the applicant’s home country and within Japan may be covered.
• Visa application fees may be covered within the travel subsidy.
• First-night accommodation of up to ¥10,000 may be covered where unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.
• Personal support from a designated Rotary counsellor and Sewa Club.
• Access to Rotary and Yoneyama alumni networks after completion of the scholarship.

Scholarship period:
April 2027 entrants: April 2027–March 2029
September 2027 entrants: September 2027–August 2029
October 2027 entrants: October 2027–September 2029

Applicants must prepare:

• Official scholarship application form with a recent photograph.
• Handwritten signature on the application form.
• Research Proposal using the designated form.
• Short essay: “Why did you choose Japan as your study destination, and what are your future plans after completing your studies in Japan?”
• Recommendation letter using the prescribed form.
• Copy of the JLPT result notification confirming N3 or above.
• Copy of the acceptance letter or admission permit from the intended Japanese university, where already available.
• Copy of the university application form or entrance-examination admission ticket if admission has not yet been confirmed.
• Admissions guidelines for the intended Japanese institution if an acceptance/admission permit is not yet available.

For undergraduate applicants, the recommendation may come from the most recent school, employer/relevant organisation, or an appropriate representative/adviser connected with the intended Japanese institution.

For graduate applicants, the recommendation should normally come from the prospective academic adviser at the intended Japanese institution. An alternative may be accepted where the adviser is determined only after enrolment.

Documents must be prepared in Japanese or English. Applicants able to write in Japanese are encouraged to do so.

The Foundation identifies three central qualities for Yoneyama scholars:

• Academic work and academic excellence.
• Cross-cultural understanding.
• Communication skills.
• Clear academic objectives and commitment to study or research.
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to build constructive relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Capacity to adapt to living and studying abroad.
• Quality and completeness of the submitted application documents.

Selection begins with document screening by the relevant Rotary Yoneyama district selection committee. The committee may conduct an online interview and may contact the applicant or academic supervisor by telephone or email.

• Two years of financial support: Provides consistent monthly funding throughout the scholarship period.
• Open to all academic fields: Students are not restricted to a particular discipline.
• Undergraduate and postgraduate access: Supports Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral study.
• Travel assistance: Eligible scholars may receive up to ¥250,000 towards travel-related costs.
• Rotary mentoring: Scholars receive support from Rotary counsellors and Sewa Clubs.
• Cross-cultural experience: The programme encourages meaningful engagement with Japanese communities.
• International network: Scholars can remain connected through Yoneyama alumni associations after completing the scholarship.