Author: Michael | Published: August 2, 2026
The College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ)
The College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) offers merit-based graduate scholarships to support women pursuing advanced degrees. The program awards non-repayable grants worth 2,000,000 JPY to help cover academic and living expenses in Japan or abroad. Applications for the 2026/2027 cycle open in July 2026 and must be submitted by October 5, 2026 (22:00 JST).
Scholarship Overview and Award Value
CWAJ provides financial support through separate funding streams tailored to specific applicant backgrounds.
- Non-Japanese Graduate Program (NJG): ¥2,000,000 for non-Japanese women enrolled in doctoral programs at Japanese universities.
- Study Abroad Program (SA): ¥2,000,000 for Japanese women accepted into graduate programs outside Japan.
- Scholarships for the Visually Impaired (SVI): Awards for students with visual impairments studying in Japan or overseas.
Recipients may combine this stipend with tuition waivers or other institutional support, and all funding is distributed directly to selected recipients without restriction on field of study or age.
Eligibility for NJG Applicants
- Must identify as a woman.
- Hold foreign nationality (not a permanent resident of Japan).
- Be enrolled in a PhD program at a Japanese university between April 2027 – March 2028.
- Reside in Japan during the application period through March 2028.
- Other scholarship income must not exceed ¥1,500,000 during the award period.
- Applicants who completed secondary education (grades 7–12) in Japan are ineligible.
- Current CWAJ members and past scholarship recipients cannot reapply.
Required Documents
All materials must be submitted in English via the online portal:
- Form A: Application ID registration.
- Form B: Main application and research essay.
- Academic transcripts: Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD coursework.
- Form C: Two recommendation letters submitted directly by referees.
- Residence card: Scan of Japanese Zairyu Card (front and back).
- Processing fee receipt: Proof of ¥2,000 payment.
Candidates who completed secondary education (grades 7 through 12) inside Japan are ineligible. CWAJ members and past scholarship winners cannot reapply.
Selection Schedule and Deadlines
| Online Registration Opens | July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | October 5, 2026 (22:00 JST) |
| Candidate Interviews | February 2027 |
| Results Announced | March 2027 |
| Award Ceremony | May 2027 |
Interviews take place in Tokyo or online. Selected applicants receive notification at least two weeks before their interview date.
Essay Guidelines and Academic Expectations
Your research essay is central to the evaluation. Reviewers assess academic quality, feasibility, and social contribution. Write authentically in your own voice. Automated or AI-generated essays are discouraged, as reviewers prioritize originality and clarity.
Official Application Website
Visit the CWAJ official website for forms, technical support, and detailed instructions.
Next Steps
- Register online in July 2026 to obtain your Application ID.
- Share Form C with your referees early to give them time to prepare.
- Request official transcripts from all universities attended.
- Draft your research essay carefully.
- Pay the ¥2,000 processing fee and upload all documents before October 5, 2026 (22:00 JST).
Explore other scholarship opportunities that you may find helpful to increase your chances to finding global funded opportunities, you can also see the KWI Research Scholarship Fellowship, Florida State University Scholarship and Bond University Hdr Scholarship in Australia detailed guides.
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