Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 by Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation
Posted September 7, 2026
About this opportunity
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, is a private institution that blends Asian‑Pacific studies with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, global citizenship, and multilingual education. Since its founding in 2000, APU has attracted students from more than 80 countries and maintains partnerships with industry, government, and non‑profit sectors across the region. The Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation, established to honor the legacy of Mr. Yoneyama, funds this scholarship to promote cultural exchange, academic excellence, and goodwill between Japan and the world. Awardees will join APU’s graduate programs in either a Master’s or Doctoral track, pursuing research that aligns with the university’s focus on sustainability, technology, and international relations. Daily life includes attending lectures, conducting laboratory or field research, participating in seminars, and engaging with the local Rotary Club network through cultural events, community service projects, and mentorship sessions. Applicants are encouraged to use Oppora’s CV Builder Studio to craft a research‑oriented résumé and the AI Cover Letter Generator to articulate their study plan and alignment with Rotary’s mission.
Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: ¥140,000 per month for up to two years, covering living expenses and partial tuition support.
- Travel Allowance: Up to ¥250,000 reimbursed for economy airfare and initial arrival costs.
- Rotary Network Access: Direct participation in Rotary Club activities, mentorship from senior members, and invitations to international conferences.
- Health & Insurance Support: Basic health insurance coverage provided through APU’s student services.
- Academic Resources: Full access to APU’s libraries, research labs, and language centers.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Must hold non‑Japanese citizenship; dual citizens with Japanese nationality are ineligible.
- Residence: Must reside outside Japan at the time of application and have spent no more than 31 cumulative days in Japan (exceptions for childhood stays or Rotary Youth Exchange).
- Visa: Must obtain a Japanese Student visa for the duration of study.
- Language: Minimum Japanese proficiency of JLPT N4 (or higher) at the start of the program.
- Age: Born after 2 April 1982.
- Academic Level: Applicants must be admitted to a Master’s or PhD program at APU.
- Field of Study: Open to all disciplines offered by APU, provided the research proposal demonstrates relevance to international goodwill or regional development.
Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from all prior institutions.
- Detailed study/research plan (max 1,500 words) outlining objectives, methodology, and expected impact.
- Two academic recommendation letters on institutional letterhead.
- Proof of Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N4 certificate or equivalent).
- Valid passport copy and a recent photograph.
- Completed Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship application form (available on the foundation’s portal).
How to Apply
- Click the Apply button below to open the official APU Graduate Admissions portal and select the “Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship” option.
- Upload all required documents listed above, fill in the online questionnaire, and submit the scholarship registration form to the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation.
- Review the confirmation email, ensure the APU admission deadline (September 15 2026 for September intake or October 7 2026 for April intake) is met, and submit the final application before the closing date.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Japan to Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.






