Discover top Japan scholarships available without JLPT requirements in 2025. Explore fully funded and partially funded programs for international students, eligibility, benefits, universities, application tips, and FAQs.
Find scholarships in Japan that do not require JLPT or Japanese language skills.
Japan has become one of the world’s most attractive study destinations, offering world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, high employability, and generous scholarship programs for international students. However, many students worry that they must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) before they can qualify for scholarships.
The good news?
There are MANY Japan scholarships you can apply for without JLPT requirements—especially programs taught in English or those providing a 1-year Japanese foundation course before degree studies.
Why Do Many Japan Scholarships Not Require JLPT?
Many Japanese universities now offer full degree programs taught in English, especially for international students. To attract global talent, scholarship providers allow students to apply without Japanese fluency.
Common reasons:
1. English-Taught Degree Programs
Hundreds of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs are fully taught in English, especially in:
- Engineering
- Business
- Computer Science
- International Relations
- Sciences
- Economics
- Humanities
Thus, JLPT becomes optional.
2. Pre-Enrollment Japanese Language Training
Some scholarships include:
- 6–12 months of Japanese language training
before degree studies.
This removes the need to have prior language qualifications.
3. Globalization of Japanese Universities
Japan aims to internationalize its education sector, attract foreign students, and boost cultural exchange—making language criteria flexible.
4. Focus on Academic Excellence
Most scholarships prioritize academic records, research proposals, leadership, or extracurricular achievements—not Japanese fluency.
Top Japan Scholarships You Can Apply For Without JLPT (2025)
Below is a detailed list of major scholarships that do not require JLPT at the time of application.
1. MEXT Scholarship (No JLPT Required at Application)
Funding: Fully Funded
Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, accommodation assistance
Available For: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Teacher Training, Research students
Why MEXT Doesn’t Require JLPT
- You can apply without Japanese language knowledge.
- Selected students often receive 1 year of Japanese language training before degree courses.
- Many programs are English-taught.
Requirements
- Strong academic performance
- Good health
- Must pass written exam + interview
- English or Japanese proficiency (JLPT optional)
Benefits
- Highest-paying Japanese scholarship
- Fully funded
- Opportunity to study at top Japanese universities
2. JASSO Scholarships (No JLPT Required for Many Programs)
Funding: Partially funded
Applies to: Short-term study, degree students, exchange students
Why JLPT Isn’t Required
JASSO accepts students enrolled in English-taught programs or exchange programs where Japanese is not essential.
Coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel allowance (varies)
3. Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarships Program (ADB-JSP)
(No JLPT Required)
Funding: Fully Funded
Level: Master’s
Why No JLPT?
Programs under ADB-JSP at Japanese universities (like University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, etc.) are taught in English.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Housing
- Medical insurance
- Travel expenses
4. University of Tokyo Scholarships (English-Taught Programs)
Many UTokyo graduate schools offer English-only programs, especially:
- Engineering
- Public Policy
- Environmental Sciences
- Science
- Information Technology
Scholarship options include:
- University of Tokyo Fellowship
- Graduate School of Science Scholarship
- Global Science Course Scholarship
JLPT Not Needed
Applicants need English proficiency only (TOEFL/IELTS).
5. APU MEXT University Recommendation (No JLPT Required)
University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Funding: Fully Funded via MEXT
APU is globally recognized for offering 100% English-taught programs, so JLPT is not required.
Benefits
- Complete tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Flight tickets
6. Ritsumeikan University Scholarship (English-Based Programs)
Funding: Up to 100% tuition waiver
Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
Programs available entirely in English:
- Global Studies
- Information Science
- International Relations
- Economics
JLPT not necessary for English-medium courses.
7. Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) Scholarship (No JLPT Required)
Funding: Up to full tuition + monthly stipend
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Programs: Engineering (taught fully in English)
Why No JLPT?
KUAS offers internationally oriented engineering programs in English.
8. Hiroshima University Peace Scholarships (English-Taught Programs)
(No JLPT Required)
Funding: Full tuition + monthly stipend
Level: Undergraduate, Graduate
Field: Peace studies, International Cooperation, Social Sciences
JLPT not mandatory for English-medium courses.
9. International Christian University (ICU) Scholarships (No JLPT Required)
Funding: Partial or full tuition support
Programs: Liberal Arts (English-Japanese bilingual system)
You can apply to the English track, and JLPT is optional at entry.
10. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship (No JLPT Needed)
Level: Master’s
Fields: Development-focused programs
Universities: University of Tokyo, Yokohama National University, etc.
All programs under this scholarship are taught in English.
11. Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship
(No JLPT Required)
Covers complete tuition + monthly stipend.
Applicable to:
- Life Sciences
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Environmental Sciences
Most master’s and PhD programs are English-taught.
12. Nagoya University G30 Scholarships
(English-Taught Global 30 Program)
Funding: Partial/Full
Programs: Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Humanities
100% English-taught.
JLPT not needed.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan You Can Apply For Without JLPT
Here is a quick list for clarity:
- MEXT (All categories)
- ADB–JSP
- APU MEXT University Recommendation
- Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship
- Hokkaido University Fellowship
- KUAS Scholarship
- Hiroshima University Peace Scholarship
- University of Tokyo Graduate Scholarships
All accept applications without JLPT.
Can You Study in Japan Entirely in English?
Yes.
Japan offers more than 1,200+ English-taught degree programs including:
- Engineering
- Sciences
- AI & Robotics
- Business
- Economics
- International Relations
- Agriculture
- Medicine (partially)
International students can complete full degrees without Japanese knowledge.
Benefits of Scholarships Without JLPT Requirements
1. Easier Application Process
You focus on academic and personal achievements, not language exams.
2. Faster Admission Timeline
No need to spend a year preparing for JLPT.
3. Opportunities in Top Global Universities
Including UTokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, Waseda, Keio, APU.
4. More Diversity in Programs
Especially in STEM and social sciences.
5. Free Japanese Language Classes After Admission
Many scholarships include a language course for daily life in Japan.
Common Eligibility Requirements
While JLPT is not needed, applicants usually require:
- Strong GPA (varies by university)
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Research proposal (for graduates)
- Passport + relevant documents
Some programs may require interviews.
How to Apply for Japan Scholarships Without JLPT
1. Choose English-Taught Programs
Look for G30, international, or English track programs.
2. Prepare English Tests
IELTS or TOEFL scores substitute for JLPT.
3. Build a Strong Application
Focus on:
- Academic excellence
- Research plan
- Awards
- Extracurricular activities
4. Apply Early
Most scholarships open between April–October (varies by program).
Tips to Increase Your Japan Scholarships Chances Without JLPT
- Maintain a strong academic record
- Write compelling essays/SOP
- Secure strong recommendation letters
- Show international leadership or volunteer experience
- Apply to universities with higher acceptance rates
- Highlight global perspective and cross-cultural interest
- Attend webinars or info sessions offered by universities
Japan Scholarships Student Life Without Knowing Japanese
You can manage daily life in Japan with basic English, especially in:
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Nagoya
- Fukuoka
Most universities have:
- English-speaking staff
- International student offices
- Language support
- Buddy programs
Learning simple Japanese later always helps—but it’s not required initially.
Also Read: How Can International Students Secure Canada Government Scholarships in 2025?
Sources
FAQs
1. Can I get a Japan scholarship without JLPT?
Yes. Many scholarships, including MEXT, ADB-JSP, KUAS, and university programs, do not require JLPT.
2. Is Japanese language mandatory for studying in Japan?
No. Many universities offer complete English-taught degrees.
3. Do fully funded scholarships require Japanese?
Most fully funded scholarships—especially MEXT—do not require Japanese at the time of application.
4. Do English-taught programs have the same value as Japanese-taught ones?
Yes. They are accredited and recognized internationally.
5. Can I learn Japanese after arriving in Japan?
Yes. Most scholarships provide free Japanese classes or a 6–12 month preparatory program.
6. Is JLPT required for part-time jobs?
Basic Japanese helps, but some jobs accept English-speaking students.
7. Can I work in Japan after graduating from an English-taught program?
Yes, especially in sectors like IT, Engineering, and Business.
8. Which Japan Scholarships is best for studying in without JLPT?
MEXT is the most prestigious and fully funded option.
9. Do Japanese universities accept IELTS instead of JLPT?
Yes. For English-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL is required.
10. Is it difficult to get Japan Scholarships?
Competition varies, but strong academics and a well-prepared application significantly improve chances.