Overview
Scholarship Name: Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Overseas Candidates
Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Description
Scholarship Name: Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Overseas Candidates
Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Host Country: Japan
Study Location: Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Degree Level: Master's and PhD
Eligible Applicants: International students living outside Japan
Eligible Nationality: Non-Japanese nationals
Monthly Stipend: JPY 140,000
Maximum Duration: Up to 2 years
Travel Support: Up to JPY 250,000 reimbursement
Language Requirement: Japanese ability equivalent to JLPT N4 or above
Age Requirement: Born after April 2, 1982
September 2027 APU Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
April 2027 APU Application Deadline: October 7, 2026
Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Application Window: October 1 – October 31, 2026 (13:00 JST)
Application Method: Online
APU Admission Required: Yes
Separate Rotary Application: Yes
Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy both the Rotary Yoneyama scholarship conditions and the admission requirements of APU.
Key eligibility requirements include:
Be a non-Japanese national (dual Japanese nationals are not eligible).
Be applying for an eligible Master's or doctoral program at APU.
Be living outside Japan before beginning the program.
Enter Japan using a student visa.
Have not resided in Japan for more than 31 days in total, subject to the scholarship's specific exceptions (for example, family circumstances or participation in a Rotary Youth Exchange).
Have Japanese language ability equivalent to at least JLPT N4.
Be born after April 2, 1982 (age requirement for the 2027 scholarship cycle).
Meet APU's academic and admission requirements for the chosen program.
Be available to participate in activities associated with the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship, including Rotary Club meetings.
Complete both the APU admission process and the separate scholarship process.
Additional Information
Scholarship Summary
Scholarship Name: Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Overseas Candidates
Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Host Country: Japan
Study Location: Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan
Degree Level: Master's and PhD
Eligible Applicants: International students living outside Japan
Eligible Nationality: Non-Japanese nationals
Monthly Stipend: JPY 140,000
Maximum Duration: Up to 2 years
Travel Support: Up to JPY 250,000 reimbursement
Language Requirement: Japanese ability equivalent to JLPT N4 or above
Age Requirement: Born after April 2, 1982
September 2027 APU Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
April 2027 APU Application Deadline: October 7, 2026
Rotary Yoneyama Foundation Application Window: October 1 – October 31, 2026 (13:00 JST)
Application Method: Online
APU Admission Required: Yes
Separate Rotary Application: Yes
Degree Level
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship at APU is available for students applying to graduate-level programs.
Eligible degree levels include:
Master's degree
Doctoral degree
PhD programs
Master's and doctoral applicants can receive the JPY 140,000 monthly stipend for up to two years, subject to the scholarship conditions. APU's graduate programs are taught in English, and Master's programs are normally two years in length, so the scholarship can cover the full standard duration of a Master's degree.
Available Subjects
Applicants can apply for eligible graduate programs offered by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University through its Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies and Graduate School of Management.
APU provides graduate-level study and research opportunities in areas including:
Business Administration (MBA)
International Management
Tourism and Hospitality
International Relations
Public Policy
Sustainability Science
Environmental Studies
Social Sciences
Development Studies and Development Economics
Asia Pacific Studies (PhD)
Other eligible graduate fields
Applicants should check the specific APU graduate program requirements before applying because admission requirements can differ between programs.
Benefits
Successful Rotary Yoneyama scholars receive the following financial support:
JPY 140,000 per month as a living stipend.
Scholarship support for up to two years (both Master's and doctoral levels).
Up to JPY 250,000 reimbursement for economy-class airfare and related travel expenses to Japan, paid after arrival on submission of receipts.
Financial support toward living expenses while studying in Beppu, Japan.
Opportunity to study at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, one of Japan's most international universities.
Pairing with a local Rotary Club and a Rotarian counselor for the duration of the scholarship.
Opportunity to participate in Rotary-related cultural exchange, networking and community activities.
The monthly stipend is intended primarily as living support. Applicants should not assume that the scholarship automatically covers tuition, university fees or every personal expense.
Is The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Fully Funded
The scholarship provides substantial financial support, but it is not a fully funded scholarship. Tuition is not covered by the scholarship itself, so students should review APU's graduate tuition fees and other costs separately and determine whether additional funds or APU's own tuition reduction schemes will be required.
Why Apply For The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship
The JPY 140,000 monthly stipend helps students manage everyday living expenses in Beppu, while the travel reimbursement reduces the initial cost of moving to Japan. Yoneyama scholars are also paired with a local Rotary Club and are expected to take part in Rotary meetings and cultural exchange activities, making the program more than simply a financial award – it is a gateway into a Japan-wide professional and community network.
Eligible Nationalities
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship is intended for international students who are coming to Japan from overseas. Students of all nationalities other than Japanese are welcome to apply.
Applicants must generally:
Be a non-Japanese national.
Not hold Japanese nationality, including dual nationals (dual Japanese nationals are excluded).
Be living outside Japan until the start of their program.
Meet the scholarship's requirements regarding previous residence in Japan (no more than 31 days in total).
Obtain a student visa to study in Japan.
The scholarship is specifically designed for international students who have not already established residence in Japan.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy both the Rotary Yoneyama scholarship conditions and the admission requirements of APU.
Key eligibility requirements include:
Be a non-Japanese national (dual Japanese nationals are not eligible).
Be applying for an eligible Master's or doctoral program at APU.
Be living outside Japan before beginning the program.
Enter Japan using a student visa.
Have not resided in Japan for more than 31 days in total, subject to the scholarship's specific exceptions (for example, family circumstances or participation in a Rotary Youth Exchange).
Have Japanese language ability equivalent to at least JLPT N4.
Be born after April 2, 1982 (age requirement for the 2027 scholarship cycle).
Meet APU's academic and admission requirements for the chosen program.
Be available to participate in activities associated with the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship, including Rotary Club meetings.
Complete both the APU admission process and the separate scholarship process.
Japanese Language Requirement
One of the distinctive requirements of the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship is the Japanese language condition. Applicants need Japanese proficiency equivalent to at least JLPT N4 .
This requirement applies even if the applicant is applying to an English-taught graduate program at APU. Therefore, satisfying APU's English-language admission requirement does not satisfy the Rotary Yoneyama scholarship's Japanese-language requirement. Applicants should prepare appropriate evidence of their Japanese ability when required.
Previous Residence In Japan
Applicants should normally be living outside Japan until they begin their studies, and their previous stays in Japan must remain within the permitted limit of 31 days in total , although specific exceptions may apply. Students who have already been living in Japan should check this requirement carefully before starting the application.
Applicants should carefully check the official requirements because eligibility conditions can vary according to the particular intake and scholarship cycle.
Application Procedure
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship at APU requires applicants to complete two related but separate application processes.
Step 1 Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you meet the Rotary Yoneyama requirements concerning:
Nationality
Age (born after April 2, 1982)
Residence outside Japan
Previous stay in Japan (31 days or less in total)
Japanese language ability (JLPT N4 or equivalent)
Degree level
Student visa requirements
Step 2 Apply To Apu
Submit an application for admission to the relevant Master's or doctoral program through the APU Online Application System . In the application, indicate that you wish to be considered as a Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship candidate. Applying to APU does not automatically submit a Rotary Yoneyama scholarship application.
Step 3 Apply For The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship
Submit a separate application directly to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation according to the foundation's schedule. For 2027 enrollment (both April and September intakes), the foundation's online application window is 13:00 JST, October 1, 2026 to 13:00 JST, October 31, 2026 .
Step 4 Submit Supporting Documents
Prepare the required academic and scholarship documents, which may include:
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Research proposal or study plan
Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
Proof of English proficiency (for APU admission)
Proof of Japanese language ability
Passport or nationality documentation
Other documents required by APU or Rotary Yoneyama
Step 5 Complete The Apu Admission Process
Wait for APU to evaluate your graduate admission application. The scholarship process does not replace the university admission process.
Step 6 Obtain The Letter Of Acceptance
If you are selected through the APU screening, the university will issue a Letter of Acceptance after the scholarship selection. Submit this document to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation to complete the scholarship procedures.
Step 7 Finalize The Scholarship Process
Follow the instructions provided by the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation to finalize your scholarship award, arrange your student visa and prepare for your arrival in Japan.
Important Application Deadlines
September 2027 intake: APU application deadline September 15, 2026
April 2027 intake: APU application deadline October 7, 2026
Rotary Yoneyama Foundation application: October 1 – October 31, 2026 (13:00 JST)
Because the Rotary Yoneyama scholarship and APU admission processes operate separately, applicants should not wait until the last moment to begin either application. Scholarship conditions may change, so always verify the latest details on the APU and Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation websites.
Two Applications Are Required
Applicants need to deal with two organizations. The first is Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University , which decides admission to the graduate program. The second is the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation , which administers the scholarship.
Applying to APU does not automatically mean you have applied for the Rotary scholarship.
Applying for the Rotary scholarship does not replace your APU admission application.
Applicants should carefully follow the instructions for both applications.
The APU Letter of Acceptance plays an important role in completing the scholarship process.
Final Thoughts
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 at APU can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in Japan. Pay particular attention to the Japanese language requirement, the residence restriction, the age requirement, and the separate APU and Rotary applications. Students planning for September 2027 should note the September 15, 2026 APU deadline, April 2027 applicants should keep October 7, 2026 in mind, and both groups must submit the foundation's own application between October 1 and October 31, 2026 .
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
How much does the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 provide? Successful scholars receive JPY 140,000 per month for up to two years. Eligible scholars may also receive reimbursement of economy-class airfare and related travel expenses of up to JPY 250,000 after arriving in Japan.
Can international students apply for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship at APU? Yes. The scholarship is intended for international students coming to Japan from overseas. Applicants must meet the nationality, residence, visa, Japanese-language, age, academic and other eligibility requirements.
Do I need to apply separately to APU and Rotary Yoneyama? Yes. Applicants must complete the APU admission application and the separate Rotary Yoneyama scholarship application. Applying to APU alone does not constitute an application for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship.
Do I need to know Japanese if my APU program is taught in English? Yes. Even though APU graduate programs are taught in English, the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship requires Japanese ability equivalent to JLPT N4 or above. Meeting APU's English requirement does not satisfy this condition.
Is there an age limit for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027? Yes. For the 2027 scholarship cycle, applicants must have been born after April 2, 1982.
Does the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship cover tuition fees? No. The scholarship provides a living stipend of JPY 140,000 per month and travel reimbursement of up to JPY 250,000. Tuition fees at APU must be covered separately, although APU offers its own tuition reduction schemes for which students may apply.
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Card
Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Degree
Masters, PhD
Subjects
All Subjects, International Relations, Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences +7 More , Development Studies, Asia Pacific Studies, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Business Administration (Mba), International Management, Hospitality And Tourism Management
Nationality
International Students
Country
Japan
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.