Studying in Japan: University Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

Japan has emerged as a top destination for Bangladeshi students seeking higher education, offering world-class universities, affordable tuition, and a rich cultural experience. With shifting global study abroad trends, Japan’s university-specific scholarships and English-taught programs make it an attractive choice. This guide focuses on scholarship opportunities at the University of Tsukuba, Kyoto University, Hitotsubashi University, Hiroshima University, Nagoya University, Akita International University, Waseda University, Keio University, Sophia University, and other private institutions like Hosei, Rikkyo, Kwansei Gakuin, Ritsumeikan, Tsuda, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and Tokyo International University, tailored for Bangladeshi students.

Why Choose Japan?

Japan combines academic excellence with cultural immersion, making it ideal for Bangladeshi students. Key benefits include:

• High-Quality Education: Over 800 universities, many offering English-taught programs.
• Affordable Tuition: Public universities charge around ¥535,800 annually, lower than many Western countries.
• Scholarships: University-funded awards reduce financial burdens, with special consideration for students from developing countries like Bangladesh.
• Cultural Experience: A unique blend of tradition and modernity.
• Flexible Intakes: April (spring) and September (fall) intakes provide scheduling flexibility.

University-Specific Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

Below are scholarship opportunities at the specified universities, focusing on merit-based and need-based aid available to Bangladeshi students.

Public Universities

University of Tsukuba

• Location: Near Tokyo.
• Programs: Geoscience, Biology, Global Issues, and International Social Studies.
• Costs: Admission fee ¥282,000; Master’s tuition ¥535,800/year (first semester ¥267,900 waived).
• Scholarships:
• Tuition Exemptions: Partial or full waivers for students with strong academic records.
• Application: Apply for exemptions after enrollment through the university’s financial aid office.
• Why It’s Ideal: Budget-friendly public university with accessible aid for Bangladeshi students.

Kyoto University

• Programs: International Undergraduate Program (iUP) with a six-month Japanese language course, followed by Civil Engineering.
• Costs: Preparatory course ¥296,000; admission fee ¥282,000; tuition ¥535,800/year.
• Scholarships:
• Merit-Based Scholarship: Up to ¥120,000/month for the six-month preparatory course and four-year undergraduate program, awarded automatically to successful iUP applicants.
• Tuition Waivers: Full or partial waivers for up to 4.5 years, based on financial need or academic performance.
• Application: No separate scholarship application; awarded with iUP admission results.
• Why It’s Ideal: Prestigious university with automatic scholarship consideration for Bangladeshi students.

Hitotsubashi University

• Programs: Commerce, Economics, Law, Social Sciences.
• Costs: Entrance exam ¥17,000; admission fee ¥282,000; tuition ¥642,960/year.
• Scholarships:
• Global 30 Undergraduate Scholarship: Covers full tuition, reimburses admission fee, and provides ¥500,000 annual stipend.
• Tuition Waivers: 50% or 100% based on academic performance or financial need.
• Application: Apply for scholarships after enrollment through the university’s international office.
• Why It’s Ideal: Strong financial support, especially for social sciences, is appealing to Bangladeshi students.

Hiroshima University

• Location: Hiroshima.
• Programs: Integrated Global Studies (IGS).
• Costs: Application fee ¥17,000; enrollment fee ¥282,000; tuition ¥535,800/year.
• Scholarships:
• IGS Scholarship: One-time ¥300,000 for selected students.
• Other Aid: Tuition waivers for privately financed students based on financial need.
• Application: Apply for scholarships post-admission via the IGS office.
• Why It’s Ideal: Affordable tuition with targeted aid for international students from countries like Bangladesh.

Nagoya University

• Programs: Global 30 International Program (Engineering, Chemistry, Law, Cultural Studies).
• Costs: Application fee ¥5,000; admission fee ¥282,000; tuition ¥535,800/year.
• Scholarships:
• Global 30 Undergraduate Scholarship: Covers full tuition, reimburses enrollment fee, and provides ¥500,000 annual stipend.
• Tuition Exemptions: 50% or 100% based on academic performance or financial need.
• Application: Apply for scholarships after enrollment through the university’s financial aid office.
• Why It’s Ideal: Comprehensive scholarship package for diverse fields, suitable for Bangladeshi students.

Akita International University

• Programs: Global Business, Global Studies, Global Connectivity.
• Costs: Enrollment fee ¥423,000; tuition ¥696,000/year.
• Scholarships:
• Tuition Waivers: Available for students with financial need.
• Application: Apply for waivers post-admission through the university’s international office.
• Why It’s Ideal: Focus on global programs with flexible aid options for Bangladeshi students.

Private Universities

Waseda University

• Programs: Political Science, Social Sciences, Liberal Studies, Engineering.
• Costs: Tuition ¥1,051,000 (Social Sciences) to ¥1,584,000 (Engineering)/year; admission fee ¥200,000.
• Scholarships:
• 50% Tuition Reduction Scholarship: For students with financial need.
• Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship: Merit- and need-based, prioritized for students from developing countries like Bangladesh.
• Application: Apply through your faculty/graduate school after enrollment via MyWaseda (https://www.waseda.jp/inst/scholarship/en/).
• Why It’s Ideal: Diverse programs and targeted aid for Bangladeshi students.

Keio University

• Programs: PEARL (Economics), GIGA (Information & Governance).
• Costs: Tuition ¥1,110,000 (Letters) to ¥3,610,000 (Medicine)/year; admission fee ¥200,000.
• Scholarships:
• University-Funded Grants: Merit- and need-based, covering up to full tuition.
• Approximately 30% of students receive aid, averaging ¥259,942 for international undergraduates.
• Application: Apply post-admission through the International Center (https://www.keio.ac.jp/en/student-life/scholarships.html).
• Why It’s Ideal: Prestigious institution with substantial aid for Bangladeshi students.

Sophia University

• Programs: Liberal Arts, Green Science, Engineering.
• Costs: Tuition ¥1,352,650 (Liberal Arts) to ¥1,864,650 (Science and Technology)/year; entrance fee ¥200,000; additional fees (e.g., ¥30,000/semester).
• Scholarships:
• Merit- and Need-Based Awards: Partial to full tuition coverage.
• Application: Apply via My Sophia after enrollment (https://piloti.sophia.ac.jp/eng/scholarships1/international-students/).
• Why It’s Ideal: Strong liberal arts focus with accessible scholarships for Bangladeshi students.

Other Private Universities

• Institutions: Hosei, Rikkyo, Kwansei Gakuin, Ritsumeikan, Tsuda, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo International University.
• Programs: English-taught programs in business, social sciences, engineering, and more.
• Scholarships: Range from 25% tuition reductions to full coverage, based on merit or financial need.
• Application: Apply post-admission through each university’s financial aid office.
• Why It’s Ideal: Diverse options with flexible aid, catering to Bangladeshi students’ academic interests.

Practical Considerations

• Cost of Living: Moderate, especially outside Tokyo. Monthly expenses (excluding tuition) are around ¥80,000–¥120,000. Part-time work (up to 28 hours/week) is allowed, earning ¥800–¥1,200/hour.
• Visa: Student visa required, with a 90% approval rate in 2024.
• Language: English-taught programs are widely available; preparatory Japanese courses are offered by universities like Kyoto.
• Application Requirements:
• Transcripts, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English-taught programs.
• Deadlines: 6–12 months before intake (April/September).

How to Apply

1. Research Programs: Check university websites for English-taught programs and scholarship details.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and English proficiency proof.
3. Apply for Scholarships: Apply post-admission through your faculty or university’s financial aid office.
4. Meet Deadlines: University application deadlines vary, typically 6–12 months before April or September intakes.

 

Japan’s universities offer Bangladeshi students affordable, high-quality education with generous scholarships, particularly for those from developing countries. From the budget-friendly University of Tsukuba to the prestigious Waseda and Keio, these institutions provide English-taught programs and financial aid to support academic and cultural growth. Start planning early to seize these opportunities and achieve your educational goals in Japan.