Tobe Maki Scholarship Program 2026 in Japan (Funded)

The Tobe Maki Scholarship Program in Japan invites international students to pursue undergraduate (3rd year or higher), Master's, and PhD degrees. This program, offered by the Tobe Maki Foundation, aims to support gifted, hardworking, and financially challenged students engaged in research in specific academic disciplines. It is a need-aware, merit-based initiative.

Financial Benefits: Graduate students receive ¥70,000 per month (¥840,000 annually). Undergraduate students receive ¥60,000 per month (¥720,000 annually). Duration: The scholarship is awarded for two years, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028. Outstanding PhD candidates may be eligible for an extension up to four years or more, with a maximum total of four years, though exceptional cases may extend beyond. Payment: Scholarships are paid directly to recipients. The first payment in July 2026 covers April to July. Subsequent payments are made every two months. Note on other scholarships: The Tobe Maki Scholarship sum may be cut in half if recipients receive other high-value, non-repayable scholarships totaling more than ¥2 million annually. Tuition exemptions and JASSO scholarships will not affect the benefit. The scholarship is non-repayable.

Nationality: Open to international students, including those from overseas, provided they are self-financed (private students). Ethiopian students are eligible. Academic Level: Applicants must be enrolled in a Japanese university or graduate program for the entire duration of the award (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028). This includes undergraduate students (3rd year or higher), Master's program students, and Doctoral program students. Professional courses are eligible if research papers or equivalent assignments are required for completion. Age: Must be under 30 years old on April 1, 2026. Exceptions may be made for personal circumstances such as childcare, illness, or natural disasters. Academic Fields: Candidates must be studying in one of the following areas: Chemistry, Food Science (research related to "food in general"), Design and Art, Sports Science or Physical Education, or Business Administration (including marketing and public management). Other Criteria: Applicants must exhibit excellent academic standing, a strong desire to learn, polite behavior, and be recognized as having financial difficulty. The scholarship expects further deepening and development of studies and research.

Online Application Form Scanned copies of academic transcripts Residence certificate (submit by mail only, no My Number) GPA certificate (if not stated on transcript) Certificate of enrollment (post-April 1, 2026) Personal Statement Letter of Recommendation A medical fitness certificate Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

The application process requires both an online submission and a postal submission of documents. First, complete the online application form. After online submission, you will receive a reception number. Then, mail the required original documents (including the residence certificate, which is mail-only) to the Tobe Maki Foundation, ensuring the reception number is written on the top right of the mailing label. Ensure that the documents submitted online and by mail are identical; discrepancies will lead to disqualification. The foundation will not send confirmation of receipt for application documents.

The scholarship is non-repayable, and recipients are free to choose their post-graduation employment. Scholarship recipients may attend optional exchange meetings organized by the foundation. The privacy policy states that personal information provided in the application will only be used for this scholarship program.