The certified specified non-profit organization Katariba has started accepting applications from June 15, 2026, for the '2026 Katariba Scholarship.' This program combines a grant-based scholarship with a mentorship program that includes financial planning for high school students who face hurdles in pursuing higher education due to economic difficulties or family circumstances.
While university education is common, some students face barriers beyond just finances
According to a 2025 survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the enrollment rate in higher education institutions such as universities and vocational schools has reached 85.4%. While attending higher education after high school is becoming the norm, many students are forced to give up for various reasons, including family economic status, views on scholarships, access to information, and application difficulties. For instance, in households with an annual income of less than 4 million yen, many do not apply for scholarships, citing reasons like 'missing the application timing' or 'anxiety about future repayment.' Furthermore, some students and families Katariba has met express concerns such as 'the procedures are too complex to complete on our own,' 'we don't know how much money is needed after enrollment,' and 'it's difficult to discuss higher education with parents given our family situation.' Students with foreign roots may also face institutional constraints, as some residency statuses make them ineligible for scholarships despite their desire to study and work in Japan. Many such students work part-time during high school to save for their education, but recent rises in tuition and living costs are forcing them to abandon their plans.
A scholarship program that provides ongoing support, not just a handout
In response to these issues, Katariba believes a three-pronged approach is crucial: grant-based aid, support for understanding and applying for public systems, and personalized financial planning to help students prepare for their future as independent adults. In 2024, Katariba partnered with the Coach Foundation, which oversees the social contribution activities of the global fashion brand COACH, to launch a scholarship program that addresses these often-unseen challenges. Now in its third year, the program is expanding its capacity to 100 students.
**Program Features:** - **Pre-application online support:** A space to discuss finances and get help with the application. - **Selection based on need, not grades:** Priority is given to students from single-parent households, those with experience in social care, first-generation university students, and those with residency statuses ineligible for JASSO scholarships. - **Mentorship in financial planning:** Equips students with money management skills for independence.
A two-step grant to support education and independence
This scholarship offers two types of support:
**1. Scholarship for University Entrance Exam Expenses** - Amount: Up to ¥100,000 - Eligibility: 100 students in total (including a 30-student quota for those with foreign roots) - Use: Application fees, transportation, accommodation, enrollment fees, etc. - Disbursement: From September 2026
**2. Scholarship for Independence** - Amount: Up to ¥500,000 - Eligibility: 50 students selected from recipients of the first scholarship - Use: Enrollment fees, costs for moving out, etc. - Disbursement: From January 2027
**Eligibility** - High school seniors, students retaking exams (up to two times), and holders of high school equivalency certificates residing in Japan who plan to enroll in a university or junior college in April 2027 and require financial assistance. (Vocational schools are not covered.) - The 'foreign roots' quota is open to those who do not meet the residency status requirements for JASSO scholarships.
**Application Schedule** - Application Period: June 15 (Mon) - July 13 (Mon), 2026, 23:59 - Result Notification: August 7 (Fri), 2026
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: キャンペーン