Fully Funded Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU Japan - Living Cost Stipend
Fully FundedBeppu, Japanmasters· ¥140,000 monthly stipend for 2 years .(Tuition not included.)
Project Overview
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 for Overseas Candidates at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) provides ¥140,000 per month for two years to Master's and PhD students plus up to ¥250,000 in travel reimbursement. Foundation application window: 1-31 October 2026. APU deadlines: 15 September 2026 (Sept 2027 intake) and 7 October 2026 (April 2027 intake).
Programme Overview The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 for Overseas Candidates at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is run by Japan's largest private scholarship foundation. It provides ¥140,000 per month for two years to Master's and PhD students plus up to ¥250,000 in travel reimbursement. This is a living-cost scholarship, not a tuition award.
Key Dates | Milestone | Date | |---|---| | APU application deadline — September 2027 intake | 15 September 2026 | | Foundation application portal opens | 1 October 2026, 13:00 JST | | APU application deadline — April 2027 intake | 7 October 2026 | | Foundation application portal closes | 31 October 2026, 13:00 JST | | Selection results by email | Mid-March 2027 | | Certificate of eligibility issued | End of March 2027 | | Stipend payments begin | April 2027 (April intake) / Sept–Oct 2027 (fall intake) |
- ¥140,000 monthly stipend for two years (Master's and Doctoral students).
- Travel subsidy up to ¥250,000 toward economy airfare and related costs, reimbursed after arrival in Japan.
- Host-club network and cultural exchange: each scholar assigned to a local Rotary Sewa Club and personal counselor.
Not Covered
- Tuition and admission fees. APU charges a ¥200,000 admission fee plus tuition of roughly ¥1,655,000 in the first year of the Master's program (approximately ¥3,110,000 across two years).
- Remedy: APU's own Tuition Reduction Scholarship (30%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 100%) applied within the APU admission application.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must not hold Japanese nationality, including dual nationals.
- Must be able to obtain a student visa for study in Japan.
- Must be residing outside Japan until the program begins.
- Must not have resided in Japan for more than 31 days in total (exceptions apply for family situations or Rotary Youth Exchange).
- JLPT N3 or above must be passed at the time of application.
- Born after 2 April 1982 (under 45 years old at award).
- Not a past recipient of a Yoneyama scholarship.
- Not concurrently holding another major living-cost scholarship such as MEXT or JDS.
- Research (non-degree) students are not eligible.
Eligible APU Graduate Programs
- Master's Program in Asia Pacific Studies (APS)
- Master's Program in International Cooperation Policy (ICP)
- Doctoral Program in Asia Pacific Studies
- MBA program (Graduate School of Management)
All graduate classes at APU are conducted in English.
Application Process (Dual-Track)
1. Apply directly to the Foundation through its web portal (around March for April enrollment or August for September enrollment).
2. Apply to APU and mark the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship candidacy box in the APU Online Application System by 15 September 2026 (Sept 2027 intake) or 7 October 2026 (April 2027 intake).
3. Receive the Letter of Acceptance from APU after admission results are announced.
4. Submit the Acceptance Letter to the Foundation to complete the scholarship file.
5. Selection results emailed by mid-March 2027. If rejected for university admission, scholarship eligibility is lost.
Required Documents (Foundation)
- Application for Scholarship (official form)
- Research Plan at Japanese University
- Essay: Why I chose to study in Japan. My future plan after studying in Japan.
- Recommendation Letter from supervisor/professor of targeted graduate school
- Copy of admission application submitted to APU
- Academic transcripts and degree documentation
- JLPT certificate (N3 or above)
Scholar Obligations (Sewa Club System)
- Assigned to a host Rotary club and personal counselor.
- Communicate in Japanese at club meetings.
- Attend host club's regular monthly meetings.
- Give speeches and participate in Rotary District activities.
- Submit activity report twice a year (September and February).
- Maintain alumni relationship after scholarship ends.
Official Links
- Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation: https://www.rotary-yoneyama.or.jp/english/overseas
- Fully Funded label is misleading: stipend and travel allowance cover living costs only; tuition must be met through APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship or other funds.
- The 7 October deadline is APU-side for April 2027 intake; September 2027 intake closes 15 September 2026. Foundation window runs full month of October 2026.
- JLPT N3+ at application is mandatory. Host-club obligations are formal award conditions.
