SOAS University of London is happy to announce the Meiji Jingu Scholarships for the academic year 2026/2027. This prestigious scholarship offers £10,000 to support a full-time MPhil or PhD student conducting research on Japan.
SOAS University of London was founded in 1916 as the School of Oriental Studies to promote the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It became part of the University of London and later expanded its focus to include social sciences, languages, culture, and international studies. In 1938, the institution was renamed the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Today, SOAS is recognised worldwide for its teaching and research on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, attracting students from across the globe.
Table of Briefs
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Meiji Jingu Scholarships |
| Institution | SOAS University of London |
| Study Level | MPhil / PhD |
| Research Focus | Japanese Studies |
| Scholarship Value | £10,000 stipend |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study Mode | Full-time only |
| Application Deadline | 15 May 2026 |
| Eligible Applicants | Home and Overseas students |
Background
The Meiji Jingu Scholarship supports research students whose work focuses on Japan, its culture, history, society, language, or related academic fields. The scholarship reflects a commitment to promoting deeper academic understanding of Japan through high-quality research.
At SOAS University of London, a globally recognised centre for Asian and African studies, the scholarship provides financial support to talented postgraduate researchers who demonstrate academic excellence and strong Japanese language skills. The award is highly competitive and intended for students who can contribute meaningful research to Japanese studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several academic and admission requirements to be considered for the scholarship:
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Applicants must be enrolled in or have an offer for a full-time MPhil or PhD programme involving research on Japan.
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Part-time programmes are not eligible.
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Open to Home and Overseas fee status applicants.
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Current SOAS PhD students and new full-time MPhil students with an admission offer may apply.
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Candidates must hold an MA degree from SOAS or an equivalent institution in a relevant subject.
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Applicants must have received an offer of admission before the scholarship deadline.
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Candidates must demonstrate Japanese language ability, including reading, composition and speaking.
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Students beginning in September 2026 must meet the English language requirement as soon as possible if their offer is conditional.
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Previous recipients of the Meiji Jingu Scholarship cannot apply again.
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The scholarship cannot be held during Extension of Writing-Up (Continuation) status.
Benefits
The scholarship provides a £10,000 stipend to support the recipient during their research studies.
Key details include:
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The funding is paid directly to the student as a stipend.
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The scholarship is valid for one year only.
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It does not cover pre-sessional English courses or additional funding beyond the stipend.
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The award supports research specifically focused on Japan or Japanese studies.
Application Process
Students must complete the following steps to apply for the scholarship.
Step 1: Apply for Your Programme New Students Only
Applicants who are not currently studying at SOAS must first apply for an MPhil or PhD programme through the SOAS Doctoral School.
Applicants should submit their programme application early, as processing may take up to 4 weeks, or up to 6 weeks during busy periods.
Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application
Applicants must complete the online scholarship application form before the deadline.
Step 3: Submit an Academic Reference Current Students Only
Current SOAS MPhil/PhD students must:
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Provide one academic reference
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Ensure the referee sends the completed reference form to:
scholarships@soas.ac.uk
New applicants beginning their programme in 2026 will have their reference taken from their programme admission application, so they do not need to submit a separate reference.
Important Dates
Application Deadline:
Conclusion
The Meiji Jingu Scholarships at SOAS University of London provide an excellent opportunity for talented postgraduate researchers interested in Japanese studies. With a £10,000 stipend and the chance to study at one of the world’s leading institutions for Asian studies, this scholarship can significantly support students pursuing advanced research on Japan.