CWAJ Non-Japanese Women to Study in Japan (NJG) Scholarship 2027
Title: CWAJ Scholarship 2027: Funding for Non-Japanese Women Pursuing a PhD in Japan
Meta description: The CWAJ scholarship supports non-Japanese women completing a PhD in Japan between 2027 and 2028. See the full eligibility rules and application timeline.
This scholarship is specific in a way worth reading closely before you assume you qualify — it’s not for women planning to study in Japan, it’s for women already living in Japan and currently enrolled in a PhD program there.
Who’s eligible:
- Identify as a woman, and hold a non-Japanese nationality with no permanent residency in Japan
- Currently enrolled in a PhD program at a Japanese graduate school for the entire scholarship period (April 2027 – March 2028)
- Living in Japan continuously from the time you apply through the end of March 2028
- Not already holding scholarships worth more than ¥1.5 million from other sources for the same period (university financial aid is generally exempt from this cap)
- Have never received a CWAJ award before, and are not a CWAJ member
Who’s automatically excluded:
- Anyone currently studying or working outside Japan at the time of application
- Anyone who attended junior or senior high school in Japan (grades 7–12) — a short exchange year is the only exception allowed
- Anyone finishing their PhD before March 2028
Application timeline:
- From July 2026: register for your Application ID Number online
- Deadline: 5 October 2026, 22:00 JST — full application plus two letters of reference due by this date
- Interviews: February 2027 (usually a weekend, in Tokyo or online)
- Results: March 2027
What you’ll submit: an application essay, transcripts (including PhD transcripts if you’ve started), two references, a copy of your residence card (zairyu card), and a ¥2,000 processing fee, everything in English.
One thing CWAJ says directly: they’re upfront that essays should reflect your own voice, not a generic AI-polished version; reviewers are explicitly looking for personal, specific writing over anything that reads impersonal or templated. Worth keeping in mind if you’re drafting with any writing assistance at all.
For more information and application:
Visit the official website of the CWAJ Scholarship 2027
