The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship (JASSO) is a prestigious financial aid program funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and administered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO).
Unlike the full MEXT Scholarship, the JASSO Honors Scholarship provides a monthly stipend to support international students already enrolled in Japanese universities or language schools, including Filipinos studying in Japan.
If you are planning to study in Japan or are already an international student, this guide explains everything you need to know about the JASSO Honors Scholarship 2025 — benefits, eligibility, application process, and tips.
What is the JASSO Honors Scholarship?
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The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students is designed to assist self-funded foreign students in Japan. It helps them cover part of their living expenses while they focus on studies and research.
The scholarship is not full coverage like MEXT, but it provides reliable monthly support, especially for those who need financial relief while studying in Japan.
Benefits of the JASSO Scholarship
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Monthly Stipend: ¥48,000 per month (about ₱18,000–₱20,000)
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Duration: 12 months maximum (can be renewed annually if conditions are met)
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Support for Living Expenses: Helps cover housing, food, and daily needs while studying in Japan.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
The JASSO Honors Scholarship is open to privately financed international students who meet the following requirements:
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Status – Must be an officially enrolled student at a Japanese university, junior college, college of technology, professional training college, or Japanese language institute.
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Residency Status – Must hold a valid student visa (not tourist or dependent).
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Academic Performance – GPA of at least 2.30 out of 3.00 in the previous academic year.
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Financial Need – Must be privately funded (not already receiving large scholarships or aid).
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Nationality – Open to all foreign nationals, including Filipinos.
Application Process
Unlike MEXT, students cannot apply directly to JASSO. Instead, the process is managed through universities:
Step 1: Admission to a Japanese Institution
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You must first be admitted to a Japanese university or approved language school.
Step 2: Recommendation by School
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The school reviews all enrolled international students and nominates eligible students for JASSO.
Step 3: University Submits Application
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The school submits the recommended list to JASSO for screening.
Step 4: Selection & Award
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JASSO makes the final decision, and successful scholars receive monthly stipends through their schools.
Documents Typically Required
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Academic transcripts (previous year’s GPA proof)
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Proof of enrollment (certificate from the school)
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Copy of student visa (residence card)
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Financial documents (showing privately financed status)
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Recommendation letter from the school
(Exact documents may vary depending on the school’s process.)
Difference Between MEXT and JASSO
| Feature | MEXT Scholarship | JASSO Honors Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full tuition, airfare, stipend | Monthly stipend only (¥48,000) |
| Application Process | Through Embassy or University before admission | Through Japanese school after enrollment |
| Competition | Highly competitive, limited slots | More widely available, recommended by schools |
| Best For | Students needing full financial coverage | Students already in Japan needing living allowance |
Why Choose JASSO?
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Reliable Monthly Support – Helps cover basic living expenses.
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Less Competitive – Since nomination comes from the school, chances are higher.
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Flexible – Available to undergrad, master’s, PhD, and language school students.
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Good for Filipinos – Many Filipino students in Japan qualify if they maintain good grades.
How to Apply for the JASSO Scholarship 2025
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Enroll in a Japanese university or language school first.
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Maintain good academic performance (at least 2.30 GPA).
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Coordinate with your school’s international office, since applications are submitted through them.
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Submit complete documents as requested by your school.
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Wait for selection results (usually announced at the start of each academic year).
👉 Official Info: JASSO Official Website
Final Thoughts
The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship (JASSO) 2025 is a practical and reliable scholarship for Filipino and other international students already studying in Japan. While it doesn’t cover tuition or airfare like MEXT, it provides a steady monthly allowance that can greatly ease living expenses.
For Filipino students planning to study in Japan, this scholarship is an excellent supplement to tuition fee support from other programs. If you maintain strong grades and financial need, your school can recommend you for JASSO and help you focus on your studies without worrying too much about daily costs.