Japan JEES Ishibashi Foundation Scholarship 2026

February 28, 2026 10:56 am

Japan JEES Ishibashi Foundation Scholarship 2026

Attention future art historians. A major funding opportunity just landed for graduate students ready to take their research global. The Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) has officially opened applications for the 2026 JEES/Ishibashi Foundation Scholarship. This program stands out because it operates in two directions. It welcomes international scholars to Japan while simultaneously sending Japanese students abroad to pursue their studies.

This scholarship targets the specific needs of master’s and doctoral candidates. It focuses squarely on art history and its related disciplines. The goal is clear: to remove financial barriers and let you focus entirely on your academic work. Whether you study architectural history, craft history, curation, or a field tightly connected to art, this could be your path forward.

A Financial Package Built for Deep Focus

Money should not be your primary worry as a graduate student. This scholarship makes that a reality. It provides a consistent monthly stipend that covers the essentials and lets you concentrate on your research.

Here is the breakdown of the funding:

For International Students Coming to Japan (Inbound):
- Monthly Stipend: 150,000 yen
- Duration: Up to two years, beginning April 2026
For Japanese Students Going Abroad (Outbound):
- Monthly Stipend: 200,000 yen
- Duration: Up to two years, beginning April 2026

This money goes directly toward your academic journey. You can allocate it toward tuition, rent, daily necessities, or research materials. The organization has not released the exact number of awards for this intake. That means the competition will be fierce, and only the strongest candidates will succeed.

Who Qualifies for This Opportunity?

This is not a general scholarship. The selection committee looks for specific traits and academic backgrounds. You need to show a clear direction and a genuine need for support.

First, your academic focus must align. You should major in art history or a field directly related to it. This includes architectural history, craft history, history, or curation, but only if your study plan clearly connects back to art history.

Beyond your major, you must meet these core requirements:

Present a well-defined and focused study or research plan.
Prove you have a record of strong academic performance.
Demonstrate a genuine financial need for the funding.
Be in good physical and mental health.
Maintain a record of good conduct.

The requirements also split based on your applicant type. For international students planning to study in Japan, you must be self-financed and applying from overseas for a master’s or doctoral program. This includes research students. You also need to hold a “Student” residence status once you arrive.

For Japanese students planning to go abroad, you must intend to enroll as a regular student in a master’s or doctoral program at a university outside Japan during the 2026 academic year.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Why This Scholarship Matters Now

This program is rare. It actively promotes exchange in both directions, strengthening the global network of art history scholars. The two-year funding duration is a significant advantage. It provides the stability needed to dive deep into complex research without the constant pressure of finding the next funding source.

If you are a serious postgraduate candidate with a passion for art and a clear research vision, do not let this deadline pass. The financial support is substantial, and the academic focus is precise.

You must act quickly. The internal deadline for your department to submit materials to the International Planning Division is Friday, March 27, 2026. Check the official application link for specific instructions from your university. This is your moment to secure the funding you need to shape the future understanding of art and culture.