The Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF) offers one of the most generous privately funded scholarships for international students in Japan. It is specifically designed for Master’s and PhD students and provides a monthly stipend of ¥200,000 for up to five years—a substantial amount that fully covers the cost of living, housing, food, and even research-related expenses in Japan. For Pakistani students, especially those from middle-income backgrounds or regions with limited access to research funding, this scholarship provides a life-changing opportunity to pursue world-class graduate education without financial stress.
What sets the Honjo Scholarship apart is its focus on students with a clear vision for contributing to global development. Pakistani students interested in research areas such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, health sciences, economics, public policy, and engineering are ideal candidates. The foundation prioritizes individuals who aim to use their education to solve international problems and give back to their communities. This aligns well with the aspirations of many young Pakistani scholars who wish to return home with skills that can make a real difference in national progress and international cooperation.
To qualify, students must submit a strong and well-structured research proposal, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also how their research connects to broader global challenges. This is where Pakistani students must prepare diligently—outlining how their background, goals, and project align with Honjo’s mission of promoting international harmony and academic collaboration. Additionally, selected students are required to submit progress reports during the course of their studies, showing accountability and commitment to their research.
The application process is competitive but accessible. Applicants can either already be enrolled in a Japanese graduate school or be planning to enroll in the coming academic term. This flexibility is useful for Pakistani students still waiting for admission or finalizing their research supervisors. With application rounds in both April and September, there are two chances each year to apply. For Pakistani students with passion, academic strength, and global vision, the Honjo Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it's a platform to become a globally connected researcher with real impact on the world.
Pros
¥200,000/month for up to 5 years
Open to all nationalities and fields
Apply before or after admission
Cons
Needs a strong research proposal
Regular progress reports required
Very competitive selection process