Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship in Japan 2026 at APU

The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year is a fully-funded scholarship for outstanding international students seeking to undertake undergraduate or graduate studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan. This prestigious scholarship, funded by the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation, covers all major expenses, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their academic and personal development in Japan.

The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation offers these scholarships to promote international understanding and friendly relations between Japan and other countries. The scholarship supports highly motivated students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. This program is open to students enrolling in either undergraduate or graduate programs at APU, one of Japan's most international universities

Also Apply for: University British Columbia UBC Dean Entrance Scholarship

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, and is renowned for its multicultural environment, with students and faculty from over 90 countries and regions APU offers a unique bilingual education system in both Japanese and English, making it an ideal destination for international students. The university's curriculum emphasizes global perspectives, cross-cultural understanding, and practical skills development

Why choose the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship at APU. This scholarship offers more than just financial support - it provides access to a global network of Rotary scholars, opportunities for cultural exchange, and professional development Recipients become part of APU's vibrant international community and benefit from the university's strong industry connections and career support services

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
• Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
• Study in: Japan
• Programs Offered: All undergraduate and graduate programs available at APU
• Scholarship Duration: Undergraduate: 4 years Masters: 2 years PhD: 3 years
• Application Deadline: For April 2026 Entry: October 20, 2025 For September 2026 Entry: May 31, 2026

Scholarship Coverage

The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support including

• Monthly Stipend: Undergraduate students: ¥100,000 per month Graduate students: ¥140,000 per month
• Entrance Fee: Coverage of APU's admission fee (¥250,000)
• Tuition Fees: Full or partial coverage of tuition fees
• Travel Allowance: Round-trip airfare between home country and Japan
• Settling-in Allowance: One-time payment upon arrival in Japan
• Research Support: Additional funding for research activities (graduate students)
• Accommodation Support: Assistance with housing arrangements

Also Apply for: Commonwealth Masters Scholarships For Developing Countries

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements

• Required Languages: English or Japanese (depending on chosen program)
• Eligible Countries: All countries except Japan
• Academic Requirements: For undergraduate programs: Completed 12 years of formal education For master's programs: Bachelor's degree with excellent academic record For doctoral programs: Master's degree with excellent academic record
• Admission Status: Must apply and be accepted to APU
• Age Limit: Generally under 25 for undergraduate, under 35 for graduate programs
• Health Requirements: Good physical and mental health
• Additional Criteria:
  • Not receiving other scholarships exceeding ¥150,000 per month
  • Commitment to contributing to international understanding
  • Willingness to participate in Rotary club activities

How to Apply

The application process for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship involves these key steps

1. Apply to APU

   1. Submit application to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
   2. Choose either April or September 2026 intake
   3. Complete all required admission documents

   APU Online Application System: Apply to APU

2. Prepare Scholarship Documents Gather these required documents
   • Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship application form
   • Academic transcripts (all years of university/high school)
   • Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
   • Research plan (for graduate students)
   • Two letters of recommendation
   • Proof of language proficiency (English or Japanese)
   • Photocopy of passport
   • Photograph (4cm×3cm)
3. Submit Scholarship Application
   1. Access the Rotary Yoneyama Application System
   2. Complete the online application form
   3. Upload all required documents
   4. Submit before the deadline: October 20, 2025 for April 2026 entry May 31, 2026 for September 2026 entry
4. Selection Process
   1. Document screening by Rotary Yoneyama Foundation
   2. Interview (in-person or online)
   3. Final selection notification
   4. Acceptance procedures

Required Documents Checklist

• Completed application form
• Academic transcripts
• Graduation certificate
• Research plan (graduate applicants)
• Two recommendation letters
• Language proficiency certificate
• Passport copy
• Photograph
• APU admission application confirmation

Selection Timeline

For April 2026 Entry:

• October 20, 2025: Application deadline
• November 2025 - January 2026: Document screening
• February 2026: Interviews
• March 2026: Results announcement

For September 2026 Entry:

• May 31, 2026: Application deadline
• June-July 2026: Document screening
• August 2026: Interviews
• September 2026: Results announcement

Official Website and Contact

For complete information and application

• Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Official Website: Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
• APU International Admissions: APU Graduate Admissions
• Check Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility Details
• Contact: Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation - info@rotary-yoneyama.or.jp

For more scholarships in Japan, visit Japan Student Services Organization