Lifestyle

Studying in Japan is an investment that is likely to pay off. Tokyo is ranked the world’s third best city for international students in the QS Best Student Cities 2016 as it offers world-class schooling to discerning students from around the world. If you are looking to complete instruction in Japan, applying for a scholarship is highly recommended as it is an expensive country. Finding school scholarships in Japan for international students requires quite a bit of effort as requirements may vary from year to year.

Here are the six ways to find a scholarship in Japan

1. Know the cost of education and other expenses 

Studying in Japan is an expensive proposition, and you need to consider travel costs, food, housing, transportation, tuition and other expenses. A lot of groundwork is required before applying for a Japanese school scholarship. University students need to get recommended by the Japanese embassy or consulate general and a Japanese school of your choice that accepts you for study. This can be achieved by sending a completed application form to your local Japanese embassy.

2. Understand the guidelines of the scholarship

Although it might look intimidating in the beginning, getting a school scholarship in Japan is not that difficult as long as you adhere to guidelines related to age, academics, and fulfil financial obligations. The best way to find school scholarship opportunities in Japan is to visit the school websites that offer scholarship programs to international students. 

3. Fill the application forms 

Start applying if you meet the eligibility criteria - fill the form correctly and on time. School scholarship timelines are different from those set for the college admission application. Some schools ask you to apply for scholarships before you apply for admissions. Good test scores in high school will certainly increase your chances of earning a Japanese school scholarship.

4. Seek the help of a counsellor

When searching online for a school in Japan scholarships, be specific with your search criteria and use queries such as the names of schools and programs of study to find relevant results. If you are unsure about which Japanese school scholarship is best for you, consult a school counsellor who can guide you about the scholarship that is ideal for your career. Qualified counsellors can also plan your financial aid strategy to secure school scholarships.

5. Take note of the application timelines

Timelines for Japan school scholarships vary as per the nature of the scholarship. Some fall in summers while others fall in winters or spring. To stay organized and keep track of due dates, keep a calendar to meet the timelines for all your scholarship applications. You cannot afford to miss the timelines as you will have no recourse if your application arrives late.

6. Look for interest-specific scholarships

Several schools in Japan offer scholarships designed as per the students’ academic interests, talents, extracurricular activities, and career goals. The selection process for these scholarships is based on the eligibility criteria, student’s performance in the previous school, percentage scored, student’s ability to pay the school fee and more.  

The basic requirements to secure a scholarship in Japan include acquiring a Japanese passport, acquiring a Japanese student visa, students must be in the age group of 17 to 35 years depending on which scholarship they are planning to apply for, and your home country must have diplomatic relations with Japan.