📲 Join our WhatsApp for Daily Fully Funded Scholarship Alerts
Studying in Tokyo is a transformative academic milestone, but tuition and living costs in Japan can often present a significant barrier for talented global scholars. Meiji University—one of Tokyo’s top private institutions—directly addresses this challenge through the Meiji University Special Grant for International Students.
Designed specifically for International Students enrolling in degree programs, this prestigious award provides up to 100% Tuition exemption throughout the duration of your program. Whether you are planning your enrollment strategy for 2026 or preparing ahead for 2027, understanding this award can help make your higher education journey in Japan accessible and affordable.
MUST READ:
- Fully Funded Sophia University New Century & Adachi International Scholarships Japan
- Fully Funded International University of Japan (IUJ) ADB & Nakayama Scholarships Japan
- Fully Funded Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) PhD Program Japan
Meiji University Special Grant Overview
Meiji University maintains a strong commitment to globalizing its campuses and nurturing outstanding global leaders. To support high-achieving applicants, the university automatically evaluates international candidates during the entrance examination process.
The financial award is structured as a direct tuition exemption, reducing the financial burden for self-funded international scholars:
| Scholarship Detail | Financial Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Award Value | 100% Tuition Fee Exemption | Covers basic annual tuition fees |
| Duration | Up to 4 Years | Reviewed annually based on academic standing |
| Application Type | No Separate Application Required | Automatically considered during admission screening |
| Target Audience | Privately Financed International Students | High-performing international applicants |
Note: The grant specifically targets basic academic tuition fees. Standard matriculation fees, facilities maintenance costs, and general living expenses remain the student’s responsibility unless paired with external grants or a secondary monthly Stipend.
Key Benefits & Financial Value
Securing the Meiji University Special Grant drastically reduces the cost of living and studying in Tokyo. The effective financial value provides several distinct advantages:
- Massive Cost Savings: Eliminating 100% of annual tuition saves students hundreds of thousands to over a million Japanese Yen each academic year.
- Multi-Year Security: The award covers the full standard program length (up to 4 years for undergraduates), subject to annual academic review.
- No Extra Stress: Candidates are automatically screened based on entrance examination performance, eliminating the need to manage separate scholarship submission deadlines.
- Pairing Opportunities: Recipients can pair their tuition waiver with monthly living expense grants, such as the JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship Stipend.
Eligibility Criteria for International Applicants
To qualify for consideration under the Meiji University Special Grant for the 2026/2027 intake, candidates must meet the following parameters:
- Visa Requirement: Must hold or be eligible to obtain a valid “Student” (Ryugaku) visa status under Japanese immigration laws.
- Academic Standing: Must demonstrate exceptional academic credentials in previous schooling and achieve top ranking scores in the entrance examination.
- Enrollment Path: Must apply as a privately financed international student through qualifying admission routes (such as the International Student Entrance Examination Type I/Type II or English Track programs like the School of Global Japanese Studies).
- Funding Exclusions: Students receiving government-funded awards, such as the Fully Funded Japanese MEXT Scholarship, are ineligible for internal tuition grants.
Language Proficiency & “No IELTS” Options
Language requirements vary based on the medium of instruction for your chosen faculty at Meiji University:
- English-Taught Programs: Programs like the English Track at the School of Global Japanese Studies require standard test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- No IELTS Options: Applicants who have completed their prior formal education (high school diploma or bachelor’s degree) entirely at an English-medium institution can often request an English Medium of Instruction (MOI) waiver, removing the standard IELTS test requirement.
- Japanese-Taught Programs: Candidates must submit valid Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) scores or Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N1/N2) certificates.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- Fully Funded Ritsumeikan University MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship Japan
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Tuition Reduction Scholarship in Japan: Fully Funded & Partial Waiver Guide
- Keio University ADB-JSP Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship in Japan: Comprehensive Guide
Step-by-Step Application Process
Because the Meiji University Special Grant is integrated directly into university entrance screening, following the regular admission timeline is essential.
| Step Number | Action Stage | Key Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Choose Your Faculty | Select an eligible undergraduate or graduate degree program at Meiji University. |
| Step 2 | Review Entry Guidelines | Check examination types (Type I, Type II, or English Track) for 2026/2027 intake periods. |
| Step 3 | Prepare Documentation | Gather academic transcripts, language scores/MOI certificates, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. |
| Step 4 | Complete University Application | Submit the formal application during the active admission window via the official portal. |
| Step 5 | Screening & Award Notice | High-performing applicants are selected based on examination results and notified of their grant award upon admission. |
Document Checklist for Applicants
Preparing an accurate and complete application package ensures seamless processing by the admissions board:
- Completed University Admission Application Form
- Official Academic Transcripts and Graduation Certificates
- Language Proficiency Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, EJU, JLPT, or English MOI Certificate)
- Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
- Recommendation Letters from previous educators or academic supervisors
- Valid Passport Copy verifying nationality
Tips for Grant Retention
While the Special Grant covers up to 4 years of tuition, recipients must maintain high academic standards throughout their studies:
- Maintain Academic Excellence: Keep your cumulative GPA within the top percentile required by your faculty.
- Meet Term Credit Requirements: Enroll in and complete the required credit load every semester.
- Good Standing: Adhere strictly to university guidelines and Japanese immigration laws to retain grant eligibility.
FAQs
What does the Meiji University Special Grant cover?
The grant covers up to 100% of the basic tuition fees for eligible international students enrolling in undergraduate degree programs.
Do I need to submit a separate application form for this scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required. Eligible candidates are automatically evaluated and selected based on their entrance examination performance during the standard university application process.
Can I pair the Special Grant with external living stipends?
Yes. Students holding the Meiji Special Grant can apply for secondary living expense awards, such as the JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship, to receive a monthly Stipend while living in Japan.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
Since the Meiji University Special Grant is awarded strictly based on entrance examination performance, concentrate heavily on your academic preparation and personal essay! High EJU scores, strong language qualifications, and an outstanding academic record are the exact credentials that lift an international applicant to the top tier for a full tuition exemption.
Official Web Address for Admissions and Financial Aid Details: Meiji University Official Financial Aid Portal
