Hello, this is TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors!

Are you dreaming of studying abroad but feeling uncertain about the cost? Wondering if it's even possible to win a scholarship? If so, this article is for you. Today, I’ll walk you through two of the most powerful scholarship programs available for Japanese students pursuing undergraduate degrees abroad: the Yanai Tadashi Foundation Scholarship and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Scholarship.

At Alpha Advisors, we provide personalized support to over 1,000 students and professionals every year. Our track record includes helping clients gain admission to top-tier institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, and landing jobs at leading global companies like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Google, and other world-renowned corporations.

Importantly, more than 90% of our successful clients do not come from wealthy families. In fact, most of them start with the very real concern: “How can I afford to study abroad?” The key to their success lies in strategically winning scholarships. The two scholarships we’re covering today come with designated university lists and are awarded in tandem with admission to top global institutions.

Moreover, earning a scholarship not only alleviates financial pressure but also increases your chances of admission to top universities. Being selected as a scholarship recipient gives credibility to your profile and can improve how you’re viewed in competitive admissions. What’s more, graduates from elite institutions often go on to secure offers from the world’s most prestigious companies. In this sense, winning a scholarship is truly a gateway to top universities and top global careers.

If you're wondering, “Do I even stand a chance?” or “Where do I start?” — don’t worry. At Alpha Advisors, we provide fully customized one-on-one support, from strategy building and application planning to essay writing and interview preparation. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Your global journey starts now. Reach out to Alpha and let’s build your scholarship-winning strategy together.

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About the Yanai Tadashi Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

Designated Universities

◯ Designated Universities for the Yanai Tadashi Foundation:

United States [Research Universities] – 29 Institutions
Brown University / California Institute of Technology / Carnegie Mellon University / Columbia University / Cornell University / Dartmouth College / Duke University / Georgetown University / Georgia Institute of Technology / Harvard University / Johns Hopkins University / Massachusetts Institute of Technology / New York University / Northwestern University / Princeton University / Rice University / Stanford University / University of California, Berkeley / University of California, Los Angeles / University of California, San Diego / University of Chicago / University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign / University of Michigan-Ann Arbor / University of Notre Dame / University of Pennsylvania / University of Texas at Austin / University of Washington in Seattle / Vanderbilt University / Yale University

United States [Liberal Arts Colleges] – 18 Institutions
Amherst College / Barnard College / Bowdoin College / Carleton College / Claremont McKenna College / Colgate University / Davidson College / Grinnell College / Hamilton College / Harvey Mudd College / Middlebury College / Pomona College / Swarthmore College / Vassar College / Washington and Lee University / Wellesley College / Wesleyan University / Williams College

United Kingdom – 7 Institutions
Imperial College London / King’s College London / London School of Economics and Political Science / University College London / University of Cambridge / University of Edinburgh / University of Oxford

Designated Universities for the Sasakawa Peace Foundation:

[U.S. Research Universities – 25 Institutions]
Brown University / California Institute of Technology / Carnegie Mellon University / Columbia University / Cornell University / Dartmouth College / Duke University / Georgetown University / Harvard University / Johns Hopkins University / Massachusetts Institute of Technology / Minerva University / New York University / Northwestern University / Princeton University / Rice University / Stanford University / The University of Chicago / University of California, Berkeley / University of California, Los Angeles / University of Michigan, Ann Arbor / University of Pennsylvania / Vanderbilt University / Washington University in St. Louis / Yale University

[U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges – 12 Institutions]
Amherst College / Bowdoin College / Carleton College / Claremont McKenna College / Grinnell College / Hamilton College / Middlebury College / Pomona College / Swarthmore College / Wellesley College / Wesleyan University / Williams College

[United Kingdom – 4 Institutions]
Imperial College London / University College London (UCL) / University of Cambridge / University of Oxford

These scholarships cover a broad range of globally recognized universities. While some parents may believe that only Ivy League schools or Oxbridge are worth aiming for, the truth is that many top-tier liberal arts colleges in the U.S. are also designated under these programs. These colleges are renowned for their small class sizes, strong undergraduate focus, and outstanding alumni outcomes—including high placement rates at elite firms like Goldman Sachs.

If you're unsure where to apply or which schools align best with your goals, don’t worry—Alpha Advisors is here to guide you from school selection all the way to scholarship success!

Scholarship Details

Overview of the Yanai Tadashi Foundation Scholarship

◯ Purpose and Background:
The Yanai Tadashi Foundation Scholarship is a relatively new and highly competitive merit-based scholarship established in 2017 by Tadashi Yanai, the founder of UNIQLO. Its core mission is to support talented individuals in gaining access to world-class education regardless of their financial background.

The foundation believes that students with strong ambition and a clear sense of purpose can acquire advanced knowledge at a global level and ultimately lead positive change in society. Since its inception, the program has provided full-ride scholarships—requiring no repayment—to Japanese students admitted to top universities in the United States and the United Kingdom. Starting with the 7th cohort in 2022, the foundation expanded the range of eligible universities and removed the limit on the number of recommendations per high school to reach a broader, more diverse applicant pool.

◯ Amount and Coverage:
The scholarship covers the full duration of undergraduate study—four years for U.S. universities and three years for U.K. universities. Recipients may receive up to USD 100,000 per year for U.S. institutions and up to GBP 68,000 per year for U.K. institutions.

Specifically, tuition, room and board, and health insurance are covered up to USD 85,000 or GBP 57,000 per year, depending on the institution. Additionally, a separate stipend for learning, research, and living expenses is provided—USD 15,000 in the U.S. and GBP 11,000 in the U.K. As a result, the scholarship typically covers nearly all major costs associated with studying abroad, making it one of the most comprehensive and generous financial aid programs available.

◯ Number of Recipients:
Each year, approximately 40 students are selected, with a target of around 20 students through the Early Decision track (school recommendation required) and 20 through the Regular Application track (after university admission). For the 2025 cycle (9th cohort), a similar number of recipients is expected.

◯ Application Timeline and Selection Process:
The scholarship accepts applications twice a year. The Early Decision track, which requires a recommendation from the applicant’s current high school, is available while the student is still enrolled in high school. The application period is typically in the summer (e.g., July 18 to August 15 in 2024).

The Regular Application track, for students who apply after receiving admission to a university, usually opens in the fall. For the Early Decision track, schools must submit recommendation letters and other required documents, with submission windows beginning in early May. Selection is based on document screening and interviews, with finalists chosen by the foundation.

◯ Eligibility and Key Features:
Applicants must be Japanese nationals currently enrolled in high school (including international and overseas schools). For the Early Decision track, a school recommendation is mandatory; for the Regular Application track, students must apply after receiving an offer of admission from an eligible university.

Additionally, applicants and their families must meet financial eligibility criteria, with a general annual household income cap of approximately JPY 27 million (around USD 180,000). This ensures that support is targeted toward students who genuinely need financial assistance.

Applicants may not receive this scholarship in conjunction with other domestic merit-based scholarships (although student loans or municipal/overseas scholarships may be allowed). The selection committee places significant weight on academic achievement, extracurricular leadership, and English proficiency. The foundation officially lists IELTS 6.5 or higher as a required English score, though exceptions may be made if the applicant demonstrates sufficient academic potential and university readiness through other means and is supported by a strong school recommendation.

Finally, all recipients are expected to actively participate in the foundation’s initiatives, including community-building and public outreach. Scholars are required to remain in good academic standing and engage with the program for the full duration of their scholarship—four years in the U.S. or three years in the U.K.

Overview of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Scholarship

◯ Purpose and Background:
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation Scholarship is a relatively new grant-based scholarship program for undergraduate studies abroad, established by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. Chaired by Yohei Sasakawa, the foundation launched this initiative with the mission of nurturing the next generation of global leaders by supporting outstanding Japanese students in pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees at overseas universities.

According to the foundation, ideal candidates are those who:
・Demonstrate a strong interest in global challenges and are eager to contribute to society through problem-solving.
・Aspire to broaden their academic perspectives through international study and personal growth.
・Embrace diversity and can actively engage in cross-cultural environments.

In short, the scholarship seeks individuals who are motivated to tackle social issues and grow through global learning. This is a fully funded, non-repayable grant open to all eligible and motivated students. There are no age or income restrictions, making it widely accessible.

◯ Funding and Benefits:
The scholarship offers highly generous financial support. All major academic expenses—tuition, housing, health insurance, etc.—are covered in full for the duration of the program. Specifically, it supports four years for U.S. universities and three years for U.K. universities.

Additionally, recipients receive a fixed annual stipend—USD 15,000 for the U.S. and GBP 11,000 for the U.K.—to help with daily living expenses, meals, books, and other personal costs. This is similar in structure to the living support offered by the Yanai Tadashi Foundation Scholarship.

There is no explicitly stated cap on the total funding. The foundation is committed to covering actual expenses as needed, although in the future, limits may be set in response to rising tuition or inflation. If recipients obtain other scholarships, the foundation will adjust the amount to cover only any shortfall (i.e., the Sasakawa Scholarship will not be awarded in full alongside another grant-based scholarship). Student loans or purpose-specific financial aid may be combined.

Overall, this is a highly comprehensive scholarship designed to eliminate financial barriers to studying abroad.

◯ Number of Recipients:
The foundation plans to award up to 35 recipients per year, making it one of the most sizable programs in Japan. The actual number may vary depending on application quality and selection results, but the fall 2024 cycle was capped at 35 students.

◯ Application Timeline and Selection Process:
The scholarship typically offers two application cycles annually. The Fall Application (main round) is held from summer to autumn during the applicant’s final year of high school, with the application period usually running from late July to mid-August (e.g., July 25–August 14 in 2024). A Spring Application (additional round) may be offered between winter and early spring, with details for 2025 expected to be released from December onward.

In principle, applicants should already have received an admission offer at the time of application. However, during the fall cycle, candidates may apply without a confirmed offer, as long as they secure it after being selected. In other words, scholarship and university applications can be processed in parallel. The selection process includes document review and interviews if necessary, and selected students will complete pre-departure orientation and administrative procedures.

◯ Eligibility and Key Features:
To be eligible, applicants must:
・Hold Japanese nationality.
・Plan to enroll in the first year of an undergraduate degree program at a designated university in the U.S. or U.K. starting in Fall 2025 (admission offer is not required at the time of application).

Additional eligibility highlights include:
・There is no age limit.
・There are no restrictions based on family income.
・Applicants who have already graduated from high school but are not yet enrolled in a university may apply.
・All academic disciplines are welcome—STEM and humanities alike.

The scholarship cannot be combined with other grant-based scholarships, and recipients of other awards must agree to have their funding adjusted accordingly. The evaluation places special emphasis on personal character, motivation, and alignment with the foundation’s mission, which centers on students with a commitment to social impact through global learning.

Applicants must submit an essay (statement of purpose) detailing their academic interests, long-term goals, and why they seek to study abroad. This narrative is expected to be clear, logical, and deeply personal.

Applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Although no official minimum is specified, successful candidates are generally expected to demonstrate strong proficiency.

Finally, recipients are expected to actively participate in orientation programs and alumni networking events during and after their studies. This scholarship is more than financial support—it is a community-based leadership program designed to foster both academic excellence and social responsibility.

Benefits of Winning a Scholarship

Receiving a scholarship from the Yanai Tadashi Foundation or the Sasakawa Peace Foundation offers a wide range of powerful advantages for students pursuing undergraduate studies abroad.

1. Significant Reduction in Financial Burden:

Perhaps the greatest benefit is the dramatic reduction in concerns around tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are fully funded and non-repayable, covering nearly all major costs such as tuition, accommodation, and student insurance. In many cases, even travel costs like airfare are partially covered.

This means that students and their families can pursue top global universities without being held back by financial anxiety. There's no need to take out large student loans or work long hours during school—students can focus fully on their academics, which is a crucial advantage.

2. Easier Access to Top Global Universities:

With strong financial backing in place, students can apply to more competitive institutions with confidence. Schools that may have previously felt out of reach—such as Ivy League universities or Oxbridge—become realistic targets. In fact, being selected as a scholar by prestigious foundations like Yanai or Sasakawa is a strong indicator of excellence.

For instance, in the case of the Yanai Foundation’s Early Decision track, students can be selected as scholars before even applying to university, and can highlight this recognition in their college applications. This can positively influence admissions officers, reinforcing a student’s perceived potential and credibility.

Additionally, the Sasakawa Foundation provides direct guidance and support for school selection and the application process, often through advisors with overseas study experience. These services can help students craft competitive applications and prepare strategically for top-tier admissions.

3. Access to an Elite Peer Network:

Once selected, scholarship recipients gain entry into a prestigious network of like-minded, high-achieving peers. Both foundations emphasize the value of scholar communities and alumni networks, offering events, workshops, and other opportunities for collaboration—during and after the students’ time at university.

This network becomes an invaluable resource throughout a student’s academic and professional life. It facilitates peer exchange, mentorship, and collaboration across disciplines and career paths. In many cases, scholars also gain access to senior professionals and academics through foundation-hosted events, enhancing their visibility and growth as future global leaders.

4. Enhanced Credibility and Long-Term Career Advantages:

Being awarded a scholarship from a well-known foundation serves as a clear endorsement of a student’s academic excellence, leadership, and social commitment. Whether applying to graduate school or interviewing for top-tier jobs, being identified as a “Yanai Scholar” or “Sasakawa Scholar” can greatly boost a candidate’s profile.

Many scholars are later invited to participate in foundation-sponsored projects or social impact initiatives, which further enriches their résumé and experience. In short, scholarship awards offer far more than financial relief—they become a platform for long-term personal growth and career success.

Strategy for Admission to Designated Universities and Winning Scholarships

Gaining admission to top universities in the U.S. or U.K. and receiving competitive scholarships like the Yanai and Sasakawa Scholarships is a highly challenging process. However, with careful planning and early strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Here are five key strategies to guide you.

1. Start Early:

The most important step is to begin preparing as early as possible, ideally from the start of high school. This includes maintaining a high GPA, preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, and aiming for strong TOEFL or IELTS scores. Since both university admissions and scholarship selection are highly academic, building a solid foundation from 9th or 10th grade is essential.

Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership experience are also valued. By actively engaging in these areas, you can develop a strong, well-rounded profile that aligns with the requirements of your target universities and scholarship programs.

2. Secure a Strong School Recommendation:

The Yanai Foundation’s Early Decision track requires a school recommendation, and even for the Regular track, school endorsements are often considered. That’s why it’s crucial to build strong communication with your academic advisors, counselors, and teachers.

If you demonstrate both academic excellence and strong character, you’re more likely to receive a compelling recommendation. Choose your recommender wisely—someone who knows you well and can speak passionately about your strengths will write a more powerful letter than someone with a prestigious title but little connection to you. Be proactive and ask for recommendations well in advance, giving your teacher ample time to write thoughtfully.

3. Perfect Your Essays and Application Materials:

Your personal statement and scholarship essays are critical components of your application. You’ll need to clearly articulate your motivations, academic interests, and long-term goals—particularly how your studies will contribute to society on a global level. Both the Yanai and Sasakawa Foundations seek applicants with a demonstrated commitment to international impact.

Your application should tell a consistent and compelling story, supported by extracurriculars, awards, and strong letters of recommendation. Before submission, make sure to have your documents reviewed by a professional advisor at Alpha. Avoid relying on Google Translate or ChatGPT-written English—admissions officers can detect this instantly, and it may lead to immediate rejection.

4. Choose the Right Target Universities:

Strategic school selection is just as important as academic preparation. Within the designated university list, choose schools that align with your intended major and realistically match your academic profile. Don’t limit yourself to Ivy League or Oxbridge institutions—liberal arts colleges and top state universities can also offer world-class education and strong career outcomes.

Carefully research admission criteria, campus culture, and the kinds of students each school admits. If you identify any gaps in your test scores or experience, start working to fill them early. And if you’re not sure where to start—talk to Alpha. We’ll help you build the right list of target schools.

5. Don’t Go It Alone—Rely on Alpha’s Expertise:

At Alpha Advisors, our experts provide comprehensive one-on-one support for overseas university admissions and scholarship applications. From school selection and essay coaching to mock interviews and strategy planning—we’ve done it all. In fact, several of our students have been selected for the Yanai and Sasakawa scholarships in recent years, and we know exactly how to navigate the process.

If you’re thinking, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I’m overwhelmed doing this alone,” reach out to us today. We’ll create a customized roadmap that fits your timeline, goals, and academic background—maximizing your chances of both admission and scholarship success.

One of the most common mistakes? Trying to do everything alone. When applying to ultra-competitive scholarships like the Yanai and Sasakawa programs, half-hearted preparation won’t cut it. You’ll be competing with students who are also gaining admission to Harvard, Stanford, and Oxbridge. To win in such a tough field, professional support is essential.

With the right guidance, you’ll dramatically improve the quality and focus of your application—and most importantly, your odds of success. Let Alpha help you win.

Conclusion: Scholarships Are Gateways to Top Universities and Global Careers

The Yanai Tadashi Foundation and Sasakawa Peace Foundation scholarships are not just sources of financial aid—they are powerful tools that open doors to the world’s best universities and ultimately to careers at top global companies. With the right guidance and preparation—including strong test scores, a compelling personal narrative, and early strategic planning—any motivated student can seize these opportunities.

Many students who once thought, “Studying abroad is financially impossible,” have turned their dreams into reality through these scholarships.

・Eliminate tuition and living cost worries with full funding
・Increase your chances of getting into elite universities
・Leverage the title of “scholar” to stand out in future job applications!

In short, winning one of these scholarships is the fastest route to a top university and a top-tier career. Beyond financial benefits, these programs can become the launchpad for your future.

If you're thinking, “I don’t know how to start preparing on my own,” you’re not alone. That’s exactly why Alpha Advisors is here to help. With a proven track record of helping students gain admission to schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Oxford, as well as guiding many through successful Yanai and Sasakawa scholarship applications, we are uniquely positioned to support your journey.

From personalized essay coaching to mock interviews and full application strategy, we offer comprehensive one-on-one support to help you achieve your goals.

Start with a free individual consultation. Let's build your 'Study Abroad × Scholarship' strategy together. We look forward to hearing from you!

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When It Comes to Winning Scholarships and Getting Into Top Global Universities, Alpha Is the Only Choice!

Over the past 17 years, Alpha Advisors has helped students gain admission to world-renowned boarding schools—including Andover, Exeter, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, and Choate—as well as top global universities. We now specialize in education support for children aiming for overseas boarding schools, high school, and university admissions. Through Alpha Private Coaching and Alpha Intensive Programs, we offer fully customized guidance—from admission strategy and essays to recommendations, interviews, and scholarships.

We also support university students through graduate school admissions, study abroad placements, and international transfer admissions, offering long-term guidance that aligns with each student’s career goals.
Our proven framework and personalized advising ensure that you reach your destination as efficiently as possible.

If you are seriously considering international boarding school or university admissions, start with our “Career Strategy Advisory” (¥48,000, with discounts available) and speak directly with our founder TJ (formerly Sumitomo Corporation → Chicago Booth MBA → Goldman Sachs IBD) to create a clear roadmap. We are here to support your child’s academic success and global career—every step of the way.

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