Key takeaways
- Scholarships for language school students are limited, so plan your budget without counting on one.
- The main program is the JASSO honors scholarship for privately financed international students, reported at ¥30,000 per month for Japanese language schools and ¥48,000 per month at universities.
- You cannot apply to JASSO directly: your school nominates a limited number of students.
- Ask your school about its own fee reductions and about private foundations.
About this guide: written by the LALALA Nihon team. LALALA Plus Co., Ltd. has helped students apply to Japanese language schools since 2009, and our counselors have helped more than 1,000 students. This guide on scholarships is based on the official sources listed at the end and on the published information of our partner schools.
Studying Japanese in Japan is a real investment, and many students look for scholarships to help. The honest answer is that scholarships for language school students are limited and competitive, so you should plan your budget without counting on one. This guide explains the main option, how to apply, and what it would cover.
Photo: Wenhao Ruan on Unsplash.
The JASSO honors scholarship
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students. It supports students who pay their own way and meet academic and financial requirements. According to the information site for studying in Japan (JPSS), the monthly stipend is ¥48,000 for university-level students and ¥30,000 for students at Japanese language schools. Amounts can change each academic year, so confirm the current figure with your school.
Who can receive it?
- You are an international student with a "Student" status of residence.
- You are privately financed, meaning you do not receive a Japanese government (MEXT) scholarship or similar support.
- You are enrolled at a school that takes part in the program.
- You meet your school's requirements for attendance, grades and Japanese ability.
How to apply
You cannot apply to JASSO directly. Each school nominates a limited number of students according to its own enrollment and timeline, and JASSO makes the final decision. Ask the school office about its nomination process as soon as you enroll, and keep your attendance and grades strong, because schools usually select students based on both.
What would it actually cover? A worked example
Take a first-year Academic Japanese Course at ISI Ikebukuro, Osaka or Kyoto for 2027–2028, which costs ¥1,015,000. Add 12 months of living costs at the estimated ¥73,000 to ¥190,000 per month, which is ¥876,000 to ¥2,280,000. Together that is ¥1,891,000 to ¥3,295,000, or about US$11,970 to US$20,850.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| First-year tuition and fees (2027–2028) | ¥1,015,000 |
| Living costs, 12 months (estimate) | ¥876,000 to ¥2,280,000 |
| Total for the year | ¥1,891,000 to ¥3,295,000 |
| Scholarship, ¥30,000 for 12 months | ¥360,000 (about US$2,280) |
| Share of the total covered | about 11% to 19% |
Even if you receive it for the full 12 months, the scholarship covers roughly one-tenth to one-fifth of a year in Japan. US dollar amounts are estimates at about ¥158 = US$1. Scholarship periods can also be shorter, so it is best treated as a bonus, not as part of your proof of funds.
A separate program for university students
JASSO also runs a reservation program for privately financed students who score highly on the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) and then enter a university, junior college, college of technology or professional training college. It is aimed at degree-level study, not language school, but it is worth knowing about if you plan to continue to university. Read our guide to EJU preparation for more.
School scholarships and private foundations
Some schools have their own scholarship or fee-reduction systems. For example, ISI lists a scholarship system in its admission guide. Ask your counselor which schools offer reductions, what the conditions are and whether they apply to first-time applicants. Private foundations also offer scholarships for international students, including some for language school students, and the JPSS website lists many of them with their requirements. Most of these are applied for through your school.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting on a scholarship in your proof of funds or first-year budget.
- Waiting until the end of the year to ask your school about nominations.
- Letting attendance or grades slip, since schools use them when choosing students.
- Assuming you are guaranteed to receive it because you are eligible.
Plan your budget without a scholarship
For 2027, ISI's first-year long-term courses cost ¥905,000 to ¥1,115,000 depending on the campus, and ARC Academy starts at ¥202,200 for 3 months. See our 2027 cost guide for the full breakdown, and our guide to part-time jobs for students for what you can earn once you arrive.
Ways to lower your costs
| Lever | How it helps |
|---|---|
| City | Osaka and regional cities usually cost less than Tokyo, and ISI cites living costs in Osaka about 26% lower |
| Housing type | Dormitories and shared rooms are often cheaper than a private apartment |
| Course length | A shorter first term lowers the upfront cost while you check the school fits |
| School | Compare total prices, including admission and facility fees, not tuition alone |
| Part-time work | Up to 28 hours per week with permission, at minimum wages of ¥1,180 to ¥1,280 per hour in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto |
A realistic funding plan
Treat your savings and your sponsor as the foundation, then add part-time income and any scholarship as support. Plan to document about ¥2,000,000 for the first year so that your funds cover tuition and living costs even if you do not receive a scholarship or find a job quickly. Ask your school whether it offers fee reductions for early application, longer courses or returning students, and compare the conditions carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the JASSO scholarship before I arrive?
Not directly. Language school students are nominated by their school after they enroll, so ask the school office about the timeline when you arrive.
Is the scholarship guaranteed if I qualify?
No. Schools can nominate only a limited number of students, so being eligible does not guarantee that you will receive it.
Can I combine it with part-time work?
Yes, within your work permit limits. Keep your hours under the legal limits described in our part-time work guide.
Related guides
- SMBC Banking and Money Transfers in Japan: A Guide
- Student Housing in Japan: Dorms, Apartments, Homestays
- Cost of Living in Japan for International Students: 2027
- Cold Medicine in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Residents
- Japan Certificate of Eligibility: Language School Applications
- Ikebukuro Station Guide: Transport, Shopping, and Dining
Sources and further reading
- JPSS: scholarships for international students in Japan
- JASSO: reservation program for privately financed international students
- ISI Japanese Language School: scholarship system
- ISI Japanese Language School: price list
Want to compare schools and total costs before you apply? If you would like help choosing a school, see our 2027 cost guide, the April 2027 intake timeline, or book a free consultation with LALALA Nihon.
LALALA Nihon helps you compare schools, plan your budget and apply for 2027 intakes, with free multilingual support on applications, visas and student life.