Are you an ambitious international student enrolled at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan and pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Business Management or International Relations? Then this prestigious opportunity could be your next big academic leap!
The Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship 2026 is now accepting applications from deserving international graduate students. This is more than just a scholarship—it’s a mission to nurture leaders who will promote international goodwill between Japan and the world.
About this Otsuka Scholarship
The Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship Foundation offers generous financial support to self-supporting international students in Japan, aiming to foster cross-cultural exchange, academic achievement, and mutual development.
Purpose: To promote friendship between Japan and other countries by supporting the education of individuals who will contribute to global academic, cultural, and educational collaboration.
Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship Benefits
- Annual financial support of: ¥2,000,000, ¥1,500,000, or ¥1,000,000
(The scholarship amount is decided by the selection committee.) - Duration: April 2026 to March 2027 (1 year max while enrolled)
- Renewal: Possible for up to 2 years total
- Total awardees: To be determined (only 1 student per country/region can be recommended).
Eligible Fields
- Business Management
- International Relations (applicable for students from developing countries).
Ideal Applicants for This Scholarship
You must meet all of the following:
- A non-Japanese national with “college student” visa status.
- 38 years old or younger as of April 1, 2026.
- Enrolled in a graduate-level degree program (Master: 3rd semester; Doctor: 4th or 5th semester).
- Not receiving any other scholarships during this period.
- GPA requirements as specified by APU’s screening criteria.
- Residing in Japan and expected to complete your program on time.
- Must not have applied directly to this foundation or through APU in previous cycles.
- Must not leave Japan for 40+ days during the award year.
Required Responsibilities of Awardees
- Submit a Letter of Agreement upon selection.
- Attend a certification ceremony between July–August 2025.
- Must have a professor/supervisor who will guide the submission process.
Apply: https://en.apu.ac.jp/studentsupport/scholarship_tuition/international/
Call: https://en.apu.ac.jp/studentsupport/assets/file/scholarship_tuition/international/2026/2026_Otsuka_Toshimi_Scholarship_INFO_E.pdf
Important Application Deadlines
The application deadline to be considered for the Otsuka Toshimi Scholarship at APU is Monday, May 26, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to an interview with the scholarship foundation, scheduled for mid-November 2025. Final results will be announced around February 2026, and the scholarship period will officially commence in April 2026.
