Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program 2027 | Applications Open Soon

The Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program is open to Filipino students who want to study and finish their college degree in Japan.

This scholarship is funded by the foundation of Fast Retailing, the holding company of UNIQLO and other global brands. It aims to help students become future global leaders by giving full financial support for their undergraduate studies.

If you are a hardworking student who wants to experience Japanese culture and get a high-quality education, this guide will help you learn about the qualifications, requirements, and application schedule for the 2027 intake.

About the Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship:

The Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program supports the development of global leaders. It provides Filipino students the chance to study at prestigious Japanese universities.

The goal is to foster a deep understanding of Japanese culture and encourage intellectual exchange that helps improve society in both the Philippines and Japan.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for the Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program, applicants must meet these general requirements:

• Citizenship: You must be a Filipino citizen throughout your entire stay in Japan.
• Age: You must be 19 years old or younger when you enroll in the university in 2027.
• Education: You must have graduated from high school or be on track to graduate before you enter university.
• Commitment: You must be willing to learn the Japanese language and immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
• Leadership: You should have an “international perspective” and a desire to be a leader in your future field.
• Exclusivity: You cannot receive other grant-type scholarships while you are an FRF Scholar.

Scholarship Benefits:

This is a highly generous scholarship, providing up to 4,500,000 JPY per year. The benefits include:

Benefit Type	Amount / Coverage
Tuition & Fees	Full coverage of examination, enrollment, and tuition fees.
Preparation Support	200,000 JPY (One-time payment for pre-departure/settling).
Monthly Stipend	144,000 JPY to 160,000 JPY per month.
Insurance	Coverage for insurance premiums.

Scholarship Duration:

The scholarship covers the entire length of the recipient’s undergraduate program until graduation, provided the student does not take an unauthorized leave of absence.

Study Destination: Japan

Scholars will study at Designated Universities in Japan. These are top-tier institutions selected by the Fast Retailing Foundation.

Below is the comprehensive list of designated universities and their specific English-taught programs for the 2027 intake:

University	Programs / Faculties	Application Window (Approx.)	Enrollment
Hokkaido University	Modern Japanese Studies (MJSP); Integrated Science Program (ISP)	Oct 2026 / Nov 2026	Oct 2027
Tohoku University	Gateway College	To Be Determined (TBD)	April / Oct 2027
The University of Tokyo	UTokyo College of Design	Oct 2026	Sept 2027
Institute of Science Tokyo	Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP)	Aug 2026	April 2027
Nagoya University	Automotive, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Science, Social Science, Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies	Nov 2026	Oct 2027
Kyoto University	Kyoto iUP; Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering	Nov 2026 (iUP) / Aug 2026 (Eng)	Oct 2027 / April 2027
The University of Osaka	Human Sciences; International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS)	Dec 2026	Oct 2027
Kyushu University	School of Agriculture; Interdisciplinary Science & Innovation; School of Engineering	Dec 2026	Oct 2027
Waseda University	Political Science & Econ (PSE); SILS; Culture, Media & Society (JCulP); Social Sciences (TAISI); Science & Engineering	Aug 2026 / Jan 2027	April / Sept 2027
Keio University	PEARL (Economics); GIGA Program (Policy Management / Environment & Info Studies)	Oct 2026 (PEARL) / Dec 2026 (GIGA)	Sept 2027
Sophia University	Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF); Green Science & Technology	Aug 2026 / Nov 2026	April / Sept 2027
International Christian Univ. (ICU)	College of Liberal Arts (Arts & Sciences)	Oct 2026 / Jan 2027 / Feb 2027	April / Sept 2027

Note: For the specific list of partner schools, please refer to the “Designated Universities” PDF below:

Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program Designated Universities →

Key Application Dates:

Mark your calendars! The registration window is specific and strictly followed.

• Registration Opens: July 1, 2026 (8:00 AM JST)
• Application Deadline: September 1, 2026 (8:00 AM JST)
• Recommendation Letter Deadline: September 1, 2026

Requirements:

Before the registration portal opens in July, ensure you are ready to provide:

1. English Language: A score of TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 7.0.
2. Standardized Tests: You should have one of the following:
   • SAT: 1450
   • ACT: 33
   • IB: 40 (predicted score)
   • A-level: A*AA
   • EJU: 340 (Math Course 2 and Science)
3. High School Transcripts: Official records of your grades from the start of high school to the present.
4. Official Test Results: Copies of your English proficiency and academic test scores.
5. Recommendation Letter: One letter from a teacher at your high school.
   • Important: You cannot submit this yourself; your teacher must send it directly to the Foundation.
6. Three Personal Essays:
   • 1. Your Dreams: Your mission and passion for learning (150–200 words).
   • 2. Why Japan? Why you must go to Japan to achieve your goals (100–150 words).
   • 3. Personal Growth: A past experience that helped you grow as a person (100–150 words).

Step-by-step: How to Apply

Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide based on the official application guidelines to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before starting, ensure you meet the basic requirements. You must meet all of the following:

• Citizenship: You must hold a valid citizenship from the Philippines, Indonesia, or Vietnam throughout your study period.
• Age: You must be 19 years old or younger at the time of your university enrollment in 2027.
• Education: You must have graduated or be on track to graduate from high school before entering the university.
• Scholarship Status: You generally cannot receive other grant-type scholarships at the same time.

Step 2: Aim for the “Desirable” Academic Scores

While you can technically apply without these scores, the Foundation notes that your chances of passing are “very slim to none” without them. Aim for these minimums before the July application period:

• English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 7.0.
• Academic Tests: SAT (1450), ACT (33), or IB (40 predicted).
• Alternative Tests: EJU Math/Science (340) or A-levels (A*AA).

While these are not strict ‘minimum’ requirements, the Foundation uses them as a benchmark for high-potential candidates.

Step 3: Choose Your Designated University

You must be willing to enroll in an undergraduate program taught in English at one of the 12 designated Japanese universities.

Important: You are responsible for checking the specific application and enrollment deadlines for your chosen university, as they all differ.

Step 4: Prepare Your Three Essays

The application requires three specific essays. Use the following word counts and prompts to prepare your drafts early:

1. Essay #1 (150–200 words): Describe your dreams, your “zest for life,” and your passion for learning. Explain what you want to achieve and why you feel a mission to make it happen.
2. Essay #2 (100–150 words): Explain why you need to go to Japan specifically to pursue the dreams you mentioned in the first essay.
3. Essay #3 (100–150 words): Reflect on a past experience or realization that triggered your personal growth.

Step 5: Coordinate the Recommendation Letter

A recommendation letter from a high school teacher is mandatory.

• The Rule: You cannot submit this letter yourself.
• The Action: You must ask your teacher to submit the letter directly to the Foundation following their specific instructions.

Step 6: Complete the Online Application

The application window is strictly from July 1, 2026, to September 1, 2026 (8:00 AM JST).

1. Registration Form: Complete the initial registration as instructed on the website.
2. Application Form: Fill out the full form in English. This includes your basic info, hobbies (20 words), and achievements (up to 3).
3. Submit Transcripts: You will need to provide copies of official transcripts for all high school grades and test scores by the final selection stage.

Selection Timeline (Philippines)

Date (2026)	Milestone
July 1 – Sept 1	Application and Recommendation Letter Acceptance.
By Sept 30	Invitation to the 1st Round Interview.
Oct 3 or Oct 4	1st Round Interview (Whole day in the Philippines).
By Oct 23	Invitation to the Final Interview.
Nov 3	Final Interview (Whole day in Manila).
Nov 13	Final Result Announcement.

Pro-Tips for a Successful Application

1. Time Management: Internet traffic increases near the deadline, which can slow down the portal. Submit your data early.
2. Japanese Language: While the degree is in English, you are expected to commit to learning Japanese and reaching at least an N2 level by graduation.
3. No Changes: You cannot change or confirm your information once the application is sent. Double-check everything before hitting “Submit.”
4. Financial Preparation: The scholarship covers almost everything once you are enrolled, but you are responsible for any expenses incurred before the first payment (like travel to Japan or bank setup).

Selection Process:

The Fast Retailing Foundation has a strict and fair selection process. Applicants are not only evaluated based on their grades, but also on their leadership skills and future goals.

1. Document Screening (September 2026):

• After the September 1 deadline, the selection committee will review all submitted documents, essays, and recommendation letters.

2. First Interview Invitation (By September 30, 2026):

• Applicants who pass the screening will receive an email invitation for the first interview.

3. First Round Interview (October 3 or 4, 2026):

• This is a whole-day interview event held in Manila or other major cities in the Philippines. The interview will focus on your goals, studies, and personality.

4. Final Interview Invitation (By October 23, 2026):

• Top applicants from the first interview will move on to the final stage.

5. Final Interview (November 3, 2026):

• The final interview will be held in Manila with the Foundation’s leadership team.

6. Announcement of Scholars (November 13, 2026):

• Successful applicants will receive their official acceptance email.

Contact Details & Support

If you have questions about the application process or specific eligibility requirements, please use the official channels below. Note that inquiries are only accepted in English or Japanese.

• Official Website: Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Portal
• Inquiry Form: Direct Link to FRF Inquiry Form
• Technical Support: For portal issues, you may also access the FRF Help Form.

Final Thoughts:

Studying in Japan through the Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program is not only about getting a college education. It is also a chance to grow, learn new experiences, and become a future global leader. The scholarship covers your tuition, monthly allowance, and travel expenses, so you can focus on your studies and enjoy learning about Japanese culture.

If you are a student leader who wants to help others and create new ideas, remember the application opening on July 1, 2026. This could be the beginning of your journey to study in one of the world’s most modern and culturally rich countries.

You can also explore more international scholarships and other scholarship programs by organizations here.

Reference:

1. Commission on Higher Education – International Affairs Service (CHED-IAS). (2026, May 11). Call for Applications: Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program for 2027. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bit.ly/FRFScholarship
2. Commission on Higher Education – International Affairs Service (CHED-IAS). (2026, May 11). Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship Program for 2027. [Facebook Post]. CHED International Affairs Service Facebook Page. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1361221929359827&set=a.449588623856500