The Young Leaders’ Programs (YLP) 2019-2020 by the Government of Japan

Posted July 7, 2026

About this opportunity

Opportunity Overview

Apply for the prestigious Young Leaders' Programs (YLP) 2019-2020 by the Government of Japan and take the first step towards becoming a future national leader in your country. This scholarship opportunity is designed for international students who wish to pursue a Master's program in various fields such as local governance, law, business administration, public administration, and health administration in Japan. By joining the YLP, you'll not only gain valuable knowledge and skills but also become part of a network of national leaders from around the world. The YLP aims to foster friendly relationships among countries and enhance policy planning activities by fostering a deeper understanding of Japan. As a participant, you'll be part of a year-long scholarship program that empowers young leaders with leadership roles from diverse backgrounds. This is a unique opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in your chosen field while building a network of international connections. Whether you're a prospective graduate student or an aspiring leader, the YLP is an exciting opportunity to take your career to the next level. Apply now and become part of a prestigious program that has been shaping future leaders since 2001.

Benefits & Financial Aid

Stipend: ¥146,000 per month
Tuition: Fully covered
Round-trip airfare: Provided
Living expenses: ¥200,000 (approximately $1,800 USD)
Other expenses: ¥200,000 (approximately $1,800 USD)

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen of an Asian country or other eligible countries • Be under the age of 40 • Hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent • Have a high level of proficiency in English • Have a strong interest in Japan's culture and society • Have no family members enrolled in the YLP • Have not previously been awarded a Japanese Government Scholarship • Have not previously been enrolled in a Japanese university

Required Documents

• Application form • Certificate of graduation from a Bachelor's program • Transcript of academic records • Letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor • Certificate of language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) • Certificate of employment (if applicable) • Other documents as required by the recommending authority

Guide: IELTS Test Guide →

How to Apply

Find your country's recommending authority and contact them for more information.
Submit your application and required documents to the recommending authority by the specified deadline.
Wait for the recommending authority to review and recommend your application.
If recommended, submit your application and required documents to the Japanese Government.
Wait for the Japanese Government to review and award the scholarship.
If awarded, prepare for your departure to Japan and enroll in your chosen Master's program.
Submit your application using the Apply button below.

Ready to apply?

Apply Now →

Eligibility CheckerFind opportunities that fit you CV BuilderBuild a scholarship-ready CV

Similar Scholarships

View all →

Scholarships

Ministry of Science and Higher Education (Poland)

Study in Poland by Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Rep

Opportunity Overview The Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education offers a scholarship opportunity for students to study in Poland. This scholarship covers various programs, including the Stefan Banach NAWA Programme, Erasmus+, the Fulbright Program, and the Visegrad Scholarship Programme, each with its own separate deadlines and eligibility criteria. Benefits The benefits of this scholarship vary by program. For example, the Stefan Banach NAWA Programme includes a PLN 2,500/month stipend, full tuition exemption at public universities, and a travel allowance. The full terms depend on which specific program a student applies to. Eligibility The eligibility criteria for this scholarship vary by program and university. The scholarship search tool allows students to filter by field of study, degree level, and language of instruction to find programs that match their background. The Stefan Banach NAWA Programme is open to citizens of 36 countries covered by Poland's development aid list, including Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Required Documents The required documents for this scholarship are determined by the individual program or university. Typically, these include academic transcripts, a passport copy, and proof of language proficiency, but the requirements may vary. How to Apply To apply for this scholarship, follow these steps: 1. Use the search tool to filter by degree level, field, and country of interest. 2. Review the specific program's deadline and requirements. 3. Apply directly through the individual program or university's process.

Rolling deadline🇵🇱 Poland

Scholarships

Government of Hungary

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme

Opportunity Overview The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme is run by the Hungarian government. It offers scholarships to students from specific countries for study at Hungarian higher education institutions. For the 2025/2026 academic year, 30 Hungarian institutions are participating in the programme with over 900 study programmes in foreign languages. Most study programmes are taught in English or Hungarian, but some are offered in German, French, or other languages. To be eligible, applicants must apply for study fields determined in the educational cooperation programmes between Hungary and their home country. The available study fields and host institutions can be found in the online application system. The programme is managed by Institutional Stipendium Hungaricum Coordinators at each participating university. Contact information for these coordinators is available for students who need assistance with their application. Benefits - Full tuition coverage - Monthly stipend Eligibility - Open to citizens of specific countries with educational cooperation programmes with Hungary - Must apply for a study field determined in the educational cooperation programme between Hungary and the applicant's home country Required Documents No required documents are specified in the source. How to Apply 1. Check the available study fields in your country. 2. Select the "available" option in the "Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme" field to see the results. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.

Rolling deadline🇭🇺 Hungary

Scholarships

Nuffic

Study in the Netherlands — Nuffic Scholarships

Opportunity Overview The Nuffic Scholarships are administered by Nuffic. These scholarships are for study in the Netherlands. The Orange Knowledge Programme is no longer available as it ended in 2024. There are other scholarships available, including the MENA Scholarship Programme and the NL scholarship, also known as the Holland Scholarship. The MENA Scholarship Programme and the Holland Scholarship are two options for students. Students should also contact the institution of their choice to ask about other possibilities. The Nuffic Scholarships are for students who want to study in the Netherlands. Benefits - No specific benefits are mentioned for the Nuffic Scholarships as a whole - Benefits for the MENA Scholarship Programme and the NL scholarship are not specified Eligibility - No general eligibility criteria are mentioned for the Nuffic Scholarships - Eligibility for the MENA Scholarship Programme and the NL scholarship are not specified How to Apply 1. Research the available scholarships, including the MENA Scholarship Programme and the NL scholarship. 2. Check the eligibility criteria and benefits for each scholarship. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.

Rolling deadline🇳🇱 Netherlands