Sophia University Scholarships 2026 in Japan

Sophia University Scholarships 2026 in Japan | Fully Funded & Partial Funding

Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, is offering fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international and domestic students enrolling in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in 2026. These scholarships aim to support academically talented students who wish to pursue higher education at one of Japan’s leading universities but face financial challenges.

Applicants for the 2026 entrance examinations in English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to apply for the Sophia University New Student Scholarship and the Adachi (Benefactors’) Scholarship at the time of admission.

Degree Levels

Available Subjects

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

• Graduate School of Global Studies: Global Studies, International Business and Development Studies, Japanese Studies, International Cooperation Studies

• Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies: Global Environment Studies

• Graduate School of Science and Technology: Green Science, Green Engineering

• Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics: Linguistics (TESOL)

• Graduate School of Human Sciences: Education (English Course)

Scholarship Benefits

1. Sophia University New Student Scholarship

   • Available for both international and Japanese students.

   • Covers one-third, one-half, or full tuition fees for the first year.

2. Sophia University Benefactors’ (Adachi) Scholarship

3. Graduate School Scholarship for Fostering Researchers in Doctoral Programs

   • Available for doctoral students (no application required).

   • Awarded based on recommendation by graduate schools.

   • Supports outstanding researchers to continue doctoral-level studies.

Eligible Nationalities

• International students (with a student visa)

• Domestic Japanese students

• Foreign nationals with visas other than student visa (can apply under Japanese student category)

Eligibility Criteria

• Must apply for the 2026 entrance examination at Sophia University.

• Must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

• Must apply to one of the English-taught programs listed above.

• Scholarship applications must be submitted alongside admission applications (in separate packets).

Application Process

1. Select an eligible program (Undergraduate or Graduate, English-taught).

2. Prepare admission and scholarship applications separately.

3. Send the scholarship application by post to:

   Sophia University Center for Student Affairs, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan (Building No.2, 1F).

4. Application Deadlines (depending on program entry):

   • Undergraduate (Faculty of Liberal Arts, Spring 2026):

     • August 20 – September 17, 2025

     • November 12 – December 12, 2025

   • Graduate Programs (Spring 2026): August 20 – September 17, 2025

   • Graduate Programs (Autumn 2026): March 11 – April 8, 2026

5. Wait for results—scholarship awards are announced together with admission results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Sophia University Scholarships 2026?
Both international and Japanese students applying for undergraduate or graduate English-taught programs at Sophia University can apply.

2. Are the scholarships fully funded?
Yes, some scholarships such as the Adachi Scholarship cover full tuition plus an education enhancement fee, while others cover partial tuition.

3. Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
Yes, applicants must submit a scholarship application separately but at the same time as the admission application.

4. Can transfer students apply?
Yes, transfer students applying to undergraduate programs are eligible.

5. What is the selection criteria?
Selection is based on academic excellence, financial need, and program eligibility.

6. Is there an application fee?
Yes, Sophia University requires an admission application fee. The scholarship application itself does not carry an additional fee.

7. Can students applying to Japanese-taught programs apply for these scholarships?
No, these scholarships are specifically for English-taught programs.

8. When will results be announced?
Scholarship results are released together with admission results for each intake.

9. Are doctoral students eligible for funding?
Yes, doctoral students can be recommended by their graduate school for the Graduate School Scholarship for Fostering Researchers.

10. How can I increase my chances of selection?
Submit a strong academic record, demonstrate financial need, and provide a complete application package within the deadlines.