Nishimura Foundation International Scholarship 2027 | Nishimura Foundation | Brilliant Scholarship
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Nishimura Foundation International Scholarship 2027
Scholarship for ITB alumni from Indonesia to pursue Master's or PhD study in Japan from April 2027, deadline 5 December 2026.
Nishimura Foundation
Overview
For Indonesian graduates of one of the country's most respected technical universities, the Nishimura Foundation International Scholarship 2027 offers a distinctive and narrowly targeted pathway into graduate study in Japan. Unlike broad international scholarships open to applicants from any country, this program is specifically designed for alumni of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) who hold Indonesian citizenship and wish to pursue a Master's or PhD degree at one of fourteen participating Japanese universities beginning in April 2027. The scholarship is offered by the Nishimura Foundation, an organization whose mission centers on strengthening academic and cultural ties between Indonesia and Japan by supporting talented ITB graduates in advancing their education abroad. For eligible applicants, this scholarship matters not just as a source of financial support but as a structured pathway that combines funding with a genuine emphasis on cultural exchange, research collaboration, and long-term relationship-building between the two countries.
Scholarship Details
Successful recipients of the Nishimura Foundation International Scholarship receive a monthly stipend of JPY 130,000, disbursed on a quarterly basis every three months rather than monthly, which applicants should factor into their personal budgeting and cash-flow planning after arriving in Japan. This stipend support continues for up to two years for students pursuing a Master's degree and up to three years for those pursuing a PhD, aligning with the typical duration of graduate study at Japanese universities. In addition to the recurring stipend, scholars receive a one-time arrival allowance of JPY 150,000, intended to help offset the costs of international airfare and initial settling-in expenses such as securing housing, purchasing essential household items, and covering other early transition costs; this allowance is provided subject to applicable conditions and the recommendation of the host university. One important detail applicants should note carefully is that the available scholarship information does not explicitly confirm coverage of tuition fees. This means successful applicants should independently verify tuition costs at their chosen university and budget accordingly, since the stipend and arrival allowance may not be sufficient to cover the full cost of study once tuition is factored in. There is no application fee associated with this scholarship, which removes at least one financial barrier from the application process itself.
Eligibility Requirements
The Nishimura Foundation Scholarship applies an unusually specific and multi-layered eligibility framework compared to most international scholarships. First and most fundamentally, applicants must hold Indonesian citizenship and must be an alumnus or alumna of Institut Teknologi Bandung, meaning graduates of other Indonesian universities, however qualified, are not eligible under this particular program. Applicants must be planning to begin their Master's or PhD studies in Japan specifically in April 2027, aligning with the standard Japanese academic calendar's spring intake. On the academic side, applicants need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00, while those applying for PhD study should generally hold a Master's GPA of at least 3.50, reflecting the more competitive and research-intensive nature of doctoral admission. Beyond grades, applicants must identify a prospective academic supervisor at their chosen Japanese university and, critically, must obtain that supervisor's Letter of Acceptance (LoA) as part of the scholarship application — a requirement that effectively means securing informal supervisor buy-in before the scholarship itself is awarded. Applicants must also demonstrate genuine financial need for living expenses in Japan, signaling that the scholarship is intended to support students who would otherwise face real financial barriers to studying abroad. Beyond academic and financial criteria, the Foundation places explicit weight on personal and cultural fit: applicants should show willingness to learn Japanese or already possess some Japanese-language ability, demonstrate genuine interest in Japanese society and culture, and express interest in contributing to stronger relations between Indonesia and Japan. Finally, the scholarship supports only on-campus study in Japan; applicants planning to study through online or distance-learning arrangements are not eligible.
Fields of Study & Programs
While the Nishimura Foundation Scholarship does not restrict applicants to a single academic discipline, eligible fields of study are effectively defined by whatever graduate programs are offered at the fourteen participating Japanese universities. Based on the typical academic strengths of these institutions, likely eligible fields include Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Business, Economics, Social Sciences, Humanities, Environmental Studies, and Health and Medical Sciences, among other Master's and PhD programs these universities offer. Because eligibility is tied closely to finding a willing supervisor whose research area matches the applicant's own academic and research interests, prospective applicants should approach their field selection practically — starting not just from personal interest but from a realistic assessment of which specific faculty members at the participating universities are working on closely related research and might realistically supervise a new doctoral or Master's candidate.
Participating Universities
The Nishimura Foundation Scholarship supports study at fourteen participating Japanese universities, offering applicants meaningful choice in terms of institutional focus and location. These include Kyoto University and Doshisha University in Kyoto, both long-established and highly respected institutions; Kobe University and the University of Hyogo in Kobe; Ritsumeikan University, also based in Kyoto; and a cluster of universities in the Osaka area, including Kansai University, Osaka Metropolitan University, Kindai University, Osaka University of Economics, Osaka Institute of Technology, and The University of Osaka. Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya, Kansai Medical University in Hirakata, and Setsunan University in Neyagawa round out the list. Collectively, these universities are concentrated in Japan's Kansai region, home to major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, giving admitted scholars access to a historically and culturally rich part of Japan with strong transportation links between institutions. Applicants should research each university's specific graduate programs and faculty research strengths carefully, since the Kansai region's universities vary considerably in their specific academic focus, from Kyoto University's strength in fundamental research to more specialized institutions such as Kansai Medical University's focus on health sciences.
How to Apply
Applying for the Nishimura Foundation Scholarship involves a structured nine-step process that requires considerably more advance planning than many other scholarship applications, largely because of the supervisor engagement requirement built into the program. The process begins with confirming basic eligibility — Indonesian citizenship, ITB alumni status, and a plan to begin studies in April 2027 — before moving to selecting an eligible Japanese university and confirming that the intended graduate program is actually offered there. The next and arguably most critical stage involves finding a prospective supervisor: applicants should search for professors whose research interests genuinely align with their own academic background and proposed research direction, reviewing recent publications and faculty profiles carefully rather than contacting professors indiscriminately. When reaching out, applicants should send a professional, well-targeted email that introduces their academic background, articulates specific research interests connected to that professor's own work, and, where appropriate, attaches a CV and other relevant academic materials — generic mass emails without a clear research connection are unlikely to succeed. Once a supervisor agrees to the arrangement, the applicant must request a formal Letter of Acceptance, a document distinct from final university admission and required specifically for the scholarship application itself. Alongside supervisor outreach, applicants need to develop a clear, well-structured research proposal addressing the research topic, objectives, background and significance, methodology, expected outcomes, and rationale for conducting the research specifically in Japan. The remaining steps involve collecting all required academic and recommendation documents — including transcripts, a legalized diploma, language proficiency certificates, a CV, a motivation letter, and multiple recommendation letters — ensuring they meet the Foundation's formatting and language requirements, and then completing and carefully reviewing the full scholarship application before submitting it by the deadline. Given the complexity of coordinating supervisor contact, document legalization, and multiple recommendation letters simultaneously, applicants are strongly advised to begin this process many months before the deadline rather than treating it as a task that can be completed in a few weeks.
Deadlines & Important Dates
The application deadline for the Nishimura Foundation International Scholarship 2027 is 5 December 2026, with completed application packages required to reach the designated submission location in Yogyakarta by that date. Given the scholarship's heavy reliance on securing a supervisor's Letter of Acceptance well in advance of submission, along with the time typically required to obtain legalized academic documents and multiple recommendation letters, applicants should not wait until the final weeks before the deadline to begin preparing. Ideally, outreach to potential Japanese supervisors should begin many months prior — potentially six months or more before the deadline — to allow adequate time for professors to respond, review research proposals, and formally agree to supervise before the applicant can request the required Letter of Acceptance. Document legalization processes, particularly for diplomas, can also take considerable time depending on the relevant Indonesian government authorities involved, further reinforcing the importance of early preparation.
Life as a Scholar
Scholars who successfully secure both the Nishimura Foundation Scholarship and admission to one of the participating Japanese universities join a small, culturally distinct cohort of Indonesian ITB alumni pursuing graduate study in Japan's Kansai region. Because the scholarship places explicit emphasis on interest in Japanese society and culture, and encourages willingness to learn the Japanese language, recipients often find themselves more deeply integrated into local life than students at universities without this cultural expectation, engaging actively with Japanese language study, local traditions, and community life alongside their academic work. The Kansai region itself offers scholars access to a rich blend of historic and modern Japan, from Kyoto's centuries-old temples and gardens to Osaka's dynamic urban culture and food scene, all connected by an efficient regional rail network. Financially, the quarterly stipend disbursement schedule requires scholars to plan their budgeting carefully across three-month periods rather than relying on a steady monthly income, and because tuition coverage is not explicitly guaranteed, many scholars also need to research additional funding sources or manage tuition costs independently. The close mentorship relationship built during the supervisor outreach process often continues throughout the scholar's studies, providing not just academic guidance but also a built-in support network for navigating both research expectations and daily life in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-ITB graduates apply for this scholarship? No, this scholarship is specifically restricted to Indonesian citizens who are alumni of Institut Teknologi Bandung; other Indonesian graduates are not eligible.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees? The available information does not confirm tuition fee coverage, so applicants should budget separately for tuition costs at their chosen university.
Is admission to a Japanese university guaranteed if I receive the scholarship? No, receiving the scholarship does not guarantee university admission; applicants must separately secure admission, and the scholarship may be cancelled if admission is not obtained.
Do I need to know Japanese before applying? Existing Japanese-language ability is not strictly required, but applicants must demonstrate willingness to learn Japanese as part of the eligibility criteria.
What is the difference between the supervisor's Letter of Acceptance and university admission? The supervisor's Letter of Acceptance is an earlier-stage document required for the scholarship application itself, while formal university admission typically comes later, following the university's own entrance examination and admission process.
How is the stipend paid? The JPY 130,000 monthly stipend is disbursed every three months rather than on a strict monthly basis, so recipients should plan their finances accordingly.
Final Thoughts
The Nishimura Foundation International Scholarship 2027 offers a meaningful and culturally grounded opportunity for Indonesian ITB alumni to pursue graduate study in Japan, but its success depends heavily on proactive early preparation, particularly around securing a supervisor's Letter of Acceptance well before the December deadline. Applicants who begin their supervisor outreach early, craft a genuinely well-matched research proposal, and carefully assemble all required documentation will be best positioned to navigate this multi-step process successfully. For ITB graduates with a genuine interest in Japan and a clear research direction, this scholarship represents a valuable and distinctive bridge between two countries' academic communities.
Award Amount
Monthly stipend of JPY 130,000, paid every three months, plus a one-time JPY 150,000 arrival allowance
Payment: Monthly
Deadline
2026-12-05
Application documents must reach the designated submission location in Yogyakarta by the deadline
Duration
Up to 2 years for Master's programs and up to 3 years for PhD programs
Renewable
Yes
About This Scholarship
The Nishimura Foundation International Scholarship 2027 is a narrowly targeted scholarship for Indonesian citizens who are alumni of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and wish to pursue a Master's or PhD degree in Japan starting in April 2027. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of JPY 130,000, paid every three months, for up to two years for Master's students and up to three years for PhD students, along with a one-time JPY 150,000 arrival allowance to help with airfare and initial settlement costs. Tuition coverage is not specifically confirmed, so applicants should budget separately for tuition and other living expenses. Eligible applicants must hold a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (PhD applicants generally need a Master's GPA of at least 3.50), identify a prospective supervisor at one of the 14 participating Japanese universities, and secure that supervisor's Letter of Acceptance before applying. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need, willingness to engage with Japanese language and culture, and interest in strengthening Indonesia-Japan relations. Receiving the scholarship does not guarantee university admission; candidates must independently secure admission to an eligible Japanese university, and the scholarship may be cancelled if admission is not obtained. The application deadline is 5 December 2026, and completed applications must reach the designated submission location in Yogyakarta by that date.
Eligible Study Levels
MasterPhD
Fields of Study
EngineeringInformation TechnologyComputer ScienceNatural SciencesBusinessEconomicsSocial SciencesHumanitiesEnvironmental StudiesHealth and Medical Sciences
Available Countries
Japan
Eligibility Requirements
Must be an Indonesian citizen
Must be an alumnus or alumna of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
Must plan to begin a Master's or PhD program in April 2027
Must apply to one of the participating Japanese universities
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00
PhD applicants should generally have a Master's GPA of at least 3.50
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: Minimum 3.00 undergraduate GPA; PhD applicants generally require Master's GPA of at least 3.50
Language Requirements:
Willingness to learn Japanese or existing Japanese-language ability
Japanese or English language proficiency certificate required as part of application documents
Application Process
1Confirm eligibility: Indonesian citizen, ITB alumnus/alumna, planning to begin studies in April 2027
2Select an eligible Japanese university from the participating institutions
3Find a prospective supervisor whose research interests match your academic background
4Contact the supervisor with a professional introduction, CV, and research interests
5Obtain the supervisor's Letter of Acceptance (LoA)
6Prepare a clear research proposal covering topic, objectives, background, methodology, and expected outcomes
7Collect academic and recommendation documents meeting the Foundation's requirements
8Complete the Nishimura Foundation scholarship application accurately and review before submission
9Submit the complete application package before 5 December 2026
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae*Required
CV in Japanese or English
Research Proposal*Required
Research proposal in Japanese or English
Motivation Letter*Required
Statement explaining motivation for the scholarship and study plan
Partner Universities
Kyoto University
Kyoto, Japan
Kobe University
Kobe, Japan
Ritsumeikan University
Kyoto, Japan
Kansai University
Osaka, Japan
Kwansei Gakuin University
Nishinomiya, Japan
Doshisha University
Kyoto, Japan
Additional Benefits
One-time arrival allowance of JPY 150,000 for airfare and initial settlement expenses
About the AuthorActive ApplicantUniversity Graduate
I'm a university graduate currently navigating the world of scholarship applications. I run this blog as an active, personal database of opportunities I'm researching — every listing here is one I've evaluated myself. My goal is to help fellow students cut through the noise and find funding that actually fits their profile.
📚 Researched & curated by a current applicant · Updated regularly
