JASSO Scholarship Programs
Monthly stipend of JPY 48,000 for self-sponsored students in Japan
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarship programs for international students studying in Japan. Unlike MEXT which is a full scholarship, JASSO provides a monthly stipend to supplement your existing funding. The most common JASSO program for Nepali students is the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship (Learning Incentive Grant), which provides JPY 48,000/month to privately funded international students with excellent academic records. JASSO also operates the Student Exchange Support Program for short-term exchange students.
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Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our JASSO Scholarship Programs program.
Any Japanese university or college
All levelsNationwide
JASSO scholarships are available at all accredited Japanese universities, colleges, vocational schools, and approved language schools.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Top 1000Beppu, Oita
Known for combining JASSO with institutional tuition reduction. Many Nepali students receive both.
Waseda University
QS #181Tokyo
Top private university that recommends international students for JASSO alongside university scholarships.
University of Tsukuba
QS #355Tsukuba
Strong support for international students. Active JASSO scholarship recommendations.
Nagoya University
QS #112Nagoya
National university with good track record of JASSO awards for self-sponsored international students.
Kyushu University
QS #135Fukuoka
Affordable city combined with JASSO makes studying here very cost-effective.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Must be a privately funded (self-sponsored) international student — MEXT scholars are NOT eligible
- Enrolled full-time at a Japanese university, college, vocational school, or approved language school
- Strong academic performance (university typically requires top 30% of class or GPA equivalent)
- Student visa holder residing in Japan
- Not receiving other Japanese Government scholarships (MEXT, etc.)
- Demonstrable financial need (total monthly income including support from home must be below a threshold set by JASSO)
- Must be nominated by your school/university — no direct application to JASSO
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Enroll at a Japanese Institution
First, gain admission to a Japanese university, college, vocational school, or language school as a self-sponsored student. You need to be enrolled and studying before becoming eligible for JASSO.
Maintain Strong Academic Performance
JASSO nominees are selected based on academic merit. Focus on achieving high grades in your courses, maintaining good attendance (critical in Japan — most schools require 90%+ attendance), and being an active student.
School Nomination
Your school or university selects candidates internally and nominates them to JASSO. Each institution has a limited quota of JASSO scholarships. Selection criteria include GPA, attendance, financial need, and overall conduct. Express your interest to the international student office.
JASSO Review & Approval
JASSO reviews nominations and approves scholarship recipients. Approval rates are generally high for properly nominated candidates. The process happens at the institutional level — you do not submit a separate application to JASSO.
Receive Monthly Stipend
Once approved, you receive JPY 48,000/month deposited to your Japanese bank account. The scholarship runs for one academic year (April to March) and can be renewed if you maintain good performance and your school re-nominates you.
Renewal & Continuation
JASSO scholarships are reviewed annually. Maintain strong grades and attendance for re-nomination. If your GPA drops or attendance falls below the threshold, you may lose the scholarship for the next year.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
JASSO is a living stipend, not a tuition scholarship. However, many institutions combine JASSO with their own tuition reductions. National universities: JPY 535,800/year (often with 50-100% tuition exemption for financial need). Private universities: JPY 800,000-1,500,000/year (30-100% reduction available at many schools). Language schools: JPY 700,000-900,000/year. The combination of institutional tuition reduction + JASSO makes studying in Japan very affordable.
JASSO's JPY 48,000/month covers roughly 35-70% of living expenses depending on your city. Remaining costs must be covered through family support, savings, or part-time work. In a regional city with JPY 48,000 JASSO + JPY 100,000 part-time work income = JPY 148,000/month, which is very comfortable.
JASSO total annual value: JPY 576,000 (approximately NPR 540,000/year). When combined with tuition reduction and part-time work, many Nepali students study in Japan with minimal financial support from home. Some students stack JASSO + university tuition exemption + part-time work to be nearly self-sufficient.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
Self-sponsored students with JASSO scholarships have a typical Japanese university experience. You attend classes, participate in club activities, and engage in campus life alongside Japanese and international students. The JASSO stipend provides a helpful financial cushion that reduces stress and allows more focus on studies.
Most self-sponsored students work part-time to cover remaining expenses. The combination of JASSO + part-time work + tuition reduction creates a sustainable financial model. Many Nepali students in Japan follow this model successfully, completing their degrees without significant financial burden on their families.
JASSO also organizes events and programs for scholarship recipients, including networking events, cultural exchange programs, and career seminars. These provide additional value beyond the financial stipend.
JASSO Scholarship Programs — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for JASSO scholarship?
Can I receive JASSO while working part-time?
Is JASSO guaranteed if I study in Japan?
Can I combine JASSO with a university tuition waiver?
What happens if my grades drop?
Ready to JASSO Scholarship Programs?
Get free, expert counseling from StudyJapan Nepal. We will help you with university selection, applications, scholarships, and visa processing. Call +977-9849998031 or book online.