How can international students get scholarships for studying in Japan?

I'm really interested in studying in Japan, but I'm worried about the costs. Are there any scholarships available for international students wanting to study there? How competitive are they, and what is the application process like?

Certainly, several scholarships are available for international students wishing to study in Japan. These are usually offered by different entities such as the Japanese government, private foundations, and universities.

1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships: These are highly competitive, as they cover tuition, monthly allowance, and a round-trip flight ticket. There are two major types - undergraduate and research scholarships. For the undergraduate category, candidates must apply through the Japanese embassy in their home country, and the selection process involves a written exam and an interview. On the other hand, research scholarships are for those who want to pursue Masters, Ph.D., or research in Japan. The processes are similar but may require additional steps such as finding a supervisor or getting an acceptance letter from the university in Japan.

2. JASSO Scholarships: The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships for students in Short-term Student Exchange Programs under the Japanese government's Student Exchange Support Program. The student must be accepted by the host Japanese university agreed upon student exchange agreements or other student exchange arrangements.

3. Private Scholarships: Many private organizations also offer scholarships, and the application process varies. An example is the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students. It's less competitive than the government scholarships and doesn't cover as many expenses but can still be a substantial help.

4. University Scholarships: Many universities in Japan offer their scholarships for international students. These are generally less competitive, with the university itself setting the selection criteria.

It's important to remember that the competition level for scholarships varies considerably. MEXT scholarships, in particular, are truly prestigious, so the selection process is quite competitive.

Finally, start preparing early and make sure your academic records are strong, as most of these scholarships put a lot of emphasis on academic achievement. Be sure to check each scholarship's official webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about eligibility, application process, and deadlines. Good luck!