Daiwa Scholarship for UK Graduates in Japan 2027 is open to UK and EU Students. The scholarship allows non-Degree level program(s) in the field of Architecture, Science, Laws, Art, any other field taught at Japan Universities.
The Daiwa Scholarship is a fully funded 19-month programme run by the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation for British graduates who want to learn Japanese and work in Japan. It mixes a short language course in the UK, intensive study in Tokyo, a month with a host family, and a work placement shaped around each scholar’s career plans.
Scholars get Yen 280,000 a month for living costs, with tuition, flights, medical insurance, and the first weeks of hotel accommodation in Tokyo also paid. Applications for the 2027 programme close on 3 December 2026, and you do not need any prior knowledge of Japan or Japanese.
| Provider | Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation |
| Study level | Graduate (graduates or due to graduate by departure) |
| Host country | Japan |
| Funding | Fully funded: Yen 280,000/month maintenance grant, all tuition and examination fees, economy-class travel, medical insurance, accommodation support |
| Deadline | 3 December 2026 |
| Who can apply | British citizens; graduates or due to graduate by departure; strong degree in any subject except Japanese language studies, or strong record of achievement; clear career objectives and commitment to furthering UK-Japan l |
| Subjects | Any subject except Japanese language studies |
| Duration | Approximately 19-20 months |
Degree Level
- Daiwa Scholarship for UK Graduates in Japan 2027 is available to undertake non-degree-level programs at Japanese universities.
- Open to graduates, or to students who will graduate before departure. The award is not a degree: it funds a language, homestay, and work placement programme.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Architecture
- Science
- Laws
- Art
- Any other field
Any degree subject is accepted, with one exception.
- Sciences
- Arts
- Law
- Architecture
- Any other field, or a strong record of achievement in your field
Graduates in Japanese language studies cannot apply and should look at the Foundation’s Japanese Studies scholarships instead.
Benefits at a glance
| Benefit | What you get | Amount or period |
| Maintenance grant | Living allowance for a single person, covering accommodation and living costs | Yen 280,000 per month |
| Tuition | All tuition and examination fees | Whole programme |
| Travel | Economy-class flights to Japan and back | Start and end of the award |
| Accommodation | Hotel in central Tokyo while you find a flat | First weeks in Japan |
| Medical insurance | Standard medical insurance in Japan, on top of the compulsory Japanese Government Health Scheme | Duration of the award |
| Support | Help from the Foundation’s Tokyo Liaison Office and an arranged work placement | Duration of the award |
Rent in Tokyo runs at about Yen 80,000 a month, paid out of the grant. Paid work is not allowed during the programme.
Eligible Nationalities
Only nationals of the countries below can apply. Applicants from other countries are not eligible. Must be a British citizen.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Daiwa Scholarship, applicants need to:
- Be a British citizen.
- Be a graduate, or due to graduate by the time of departure.
- Hold a strong degree in any subject other than Japanese language studies, or show a strong record of achievement in their field.
- Have clear career objectives and a commitment to furthering UK-Japan links.
- Have no prior experience of Japan or Japanese, which is not required.
Required Documents
- Proof of British citizenship
- Degree record or evidence of graduation before departure
- Statement of career objectives and commitment to UK-Japan links
How Winners Are Selected
The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation selects scholars in three stages.
- First-round interview in February, most likely in the week of 8 February.
- Online Modern Language Aptitude Test in the week after the first-round interview.
- Final interview on 15 or 16 March 2027.
Application Procedure
Read the application notes
Open the Daiwa Scholarship page and read the application notes before you touch the online form. The Foundation also answers questions at scholarships@dajf.org.uk.
Check your eligibility
Confirm you are a British citizen and a graduate, or due to graduate before departure. Graduates in Japanese language studies cannot apply.
Prepare your documents
The form asks for the following:
- Proof of British citizenship
- Degree record or evidence that you will graduate before departure
- A statement of your career objectives and commitment to UK-Japan links
Submit the online application
Complete the online form linked from the Foundation’s website by 3 December 2026.
Attend the first-round interview
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in February, most likely in the week of 8 February. Those who pass sit the Modern Language Aptitude Test online the following week.
Attend the final interview
Final interviews take place on 15 or 16 March 2027. Selected scholars begin Japanese tuition in the UK in late July or early August.
