The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship for Overseas Candidates is a prestigious financial award designed for international postgraduate students residing outside Japan who intend to pursue higher education at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). Supported by the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation, the scholarship provides continuous monthly financial stipends, travel cost reimbursements, and direct integration into an international network of Rotary members.
Targeting both Master’s and Doctoral degree applicants, this scholarship supports scholars dedicated to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and building international goodwill through study at APU in Beppu, Japan. Below is a complete breakdown of eligibility criteria, award benefits, and submission deadlines for both the April 2027 and September 2027 academic intakes.
Program Summary & Financial Overview
The Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship provides comprehensive living and travel subsidies for successful candidates:
| Category | Details |
| Host Institution | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) |
| Funding Organization | Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation |
| Study Levels | Master’s Degree & Doctoral (PhD) Programs |
| Location | Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan |
| Target Audience | International Students Residing Outside Japan |
| Monthly Stipend | 140,000 JPY per month (Master’s & PhD) |
| Funding Duration | Up to 2 Years |
| Travel Allowance | Up to 250,000 JPY (Airfare and arrival expense reimbursement) |
| September 2027 Deadline | September 15, 2026 (APU Application) |
| April 2027 Deadline | October 7, 2026 (APU Application) |
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Key Benefits & Financial Allowance
Monthly Living Allowance: Recipients receive a stipend of 140,000 JPY per month for up to two years to cover personal living expenses and tuition support.
Travel & Arrival Subsidy: Economy airfare and travel-related expenses are reimbursed up to 250,000 JPY after arrival in Japan.
Cultural Exchange & Networking: Scholars gain direct exposure to Japanese culture, participate in Rotary Club events, and connect with academic and professional mentors across Japan.
Mandatory Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for consideration, candidates must satisfy the following foundation criteria:
Nationality & Citizenship: Must hold non-Japanese citizenship (dual citizens holding Japanese nationality are ineligible).
Residence Requirements: Must reside outside Japan until the start of the academic program. Applicants must not have resided in Japan for longer than 31 days in total (exceptions apply if the stay was during childhood for family reasons or under the Rotary Youth Exchange high school program).
Visa Requirement: Must obtain a valid “Student” visa to enter Japan for educational purposes.
Language Proficiency: Must possess Japanese language capability equivalent to JLPT N4 or higher at the time of study.
Age Limit: Must be born after April 2, 1982.
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Dual Application & Selection Workflow
Applicants must manage two parallel procedures—applying directly to the scholarship foundation and applying for graduate school admission at APU.
Step 1: Submit Scholarship Form to Rotary Organization │
│ (Around March for April intake / August for Sept intake) │
└────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 2: Apply to APU Graduate School Online Portal │
│ (Select Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship Consideration) │
└────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 3: APU Screenings & Letter of Acceptance (LOA) │
│ (APU issues LOA to nominated candidates) │
└────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 4: Submit LOA to Scholarship Foundation │
│ (Final award confirmation & enrollment preparation) │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Important Deadlines for 2027 Enrollment
- September 2027 Entry Deadline: Submit your APU admission application by September 15, 2026.
- April 2027 Entry Deadline: Submit your APU admission application by October 7, 2026.
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How to Apply
Review the official eligibility guidelines on both the APU Graduate Admissions website and the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation portal.
Submit your preliminary scholarship registration directly to the scholarship foundation.
Log into the APU Online Application System, choose your intended Master’s or PhD program, and check the option indicating your intent to be considered for the Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship.
Upload all required supporting materials, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, study/research plans, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.
Complete and submit your APU admission application prior to the cutoff date for your intended enrollment term.
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