Rohm Music Foundation Scholarship is Japan's largest music scholarship program. It provides 300,000 yen per month (approximately $2,000 USD) for up to two years to music students with no repayment required.
How Rohm Music Foundation Scholarship Works
The Rohm Music Foundation was established in 1991 in Kyoto. It is supported by ROHM Co., Ltd., a semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto. The foundation has supported 557 students with approximately 327.98 million yen in total funding as of 2024.
The scholarship provides 300,000 yen per month (approximately $2,000 USD) for one year. The payment period runs from September to August. Recipients can apply for a one-time renewal, extending support to a maximum of two years.
Eligibility requirements:
- Japanese nationals studying music at educational institutions in Japan or abroad
- Foreign nationals studying music at educational institutions in Japan
- No age restriction
- Applicants may include those planning to enroll (not yet admitted)
- Must be able to attend the practical exam and interview in Kyoto (typically held in early March)
The application period runs from early July to early September each year. For the 2026 academic year, applications were accepted from July 1 to September 8, 2025. The selection process includes a document screening, a practical exam, and an in-person interview in Kyoto.
Approximately 30 scholars are selected each year. Recent recipients have gone on to win prizes at major international competitions including the Chopin International Piano Competition, the ARD Munich International Music Competition, and the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition.
Beyond financial support, the foundation offers special seminars with external instructors and recital concerts. These give scholars opportunities to connect with peers and build professional networks.
Real-World Example
A Japanese pianist accepted into a Master's program at a European conservatory would receive 300,000 yen per month (approximately $2,000 USD) for 12 months. That totals 3.6 million yen (approximately $24,000 USD) for the first year. If they apply for and receive a renewal, they would get the same amount for a second year, totaling 7.2 million yen (approximately $48,000 USD) over two years. This is a grant, not a loan. No repayment is required.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you are a Japanese national studying music anywhere in the world, or a foreign national studying music in Japan, this is one of the most generous music scholarships available. The monthly stipend of 300,000 yen can cover living expenses, tuition, or instrument costs. The no-repayment structure means you graduate without debt.
Apply between July and September. Prepare your practical exam repertoire carefully. The in-person audition in Kyoto is mandatory. If you are studying abroad, plan your travel to Japan for the March exam dates.
Drawbacks / Things to Consider
The scholarship is restricted to Japanese nationals (studying anywhere) or foreign nationals studying in Japan. If you are a foreign national wanting to study outside Japan, you are not eligible. The practical exam and interview must be attended in person in Kyoto. This requires travel for international applicants. The application period is short (approximately two months). The renewal is not guaranteed and requires a new application. Only about 30 scholars are selected annually from a competitive pool.
Eligibility Criteria
- Who can apply: Music students at any level (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral) studying at educational institutions in Japan or abroad. Applicants planning to enroll (not yet admitted) may also apply.
- Nationality: Japanese nationals studying music anywhere in the world, or foreign nationals studying music at institutions in Japan. Foreign nationals studying outside Japan are not eligible.
- Age: No age restriction.
- Education level: High school students through doctoral candidates. The scholarship supports performance, composition, musicology, and other music-focused fields.
- Attendance requirement: Applicants must be able to attend the practical exam and in-person interview in Kyoto. The 2026 exam dates are March 4 and 5, 2026.
- Membership: No membership requirement.
Deadlines and Application Timeline
- Application opens: Typically early July (July 1, 2025 for the 2026 academic year)
- Deadline: Typically early September (September 8, 2025 for the 2026 academic year)
- Practical exam and interview: Early March (March 4 to 5, 2026)
- Notification: Typically March 2026
- Payment period: September 2026 to August 2027
Past Recipients
The Rohm Music Foundation has supported 557 students since 1991. The foundation publishes a full list of past scholars on its website. Notable past recipients include:
| Year | Recipient | Award/Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 to 1993 | Daishin Kashimoto | Violin (Berlin Philharmonic 1st Concertmaster, 2010) |
| 1999 | Sayako Kusaka | Violin (2007 Tchaikovsky International Competition winner) |
| 2002 | Satoko Fukui | Piano (2002 Mozart International Competition, first Japanese winner) |
| 2002 to 2007 | Toshio Hosokawa (multiple years) | Composition (Rome Prize 2015, Queen Elisabeth Competition Grand Prix 2012) |
| 2007 to 2008 | Daishin Kashimoto | Violin (Munich International Competition, 2nd prize) |
| 2011 to 2013 | Rina Kato | Flute (2008 Jean-Pierre Rampal International Flute Competition winner) |
The 2024 cohort included 30 scholars across keyboard, strings, winds, voice, composition, and musicology.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check eligibility: Confirm you are a Japanese national studying music anywhere, or a foreign national studying music in Japan. Verify you can attend the Kyoto exam in March.
- Download application materials: Visit the Rohm Music Foundation website during the application period (July to September) and download the application overview and requirements.
- Submit application documents: Prepare and submit required documents including academic records, recommendation letters, and a description of your study plan.
- Document screening: The foundation reviews all submitted applications. Shortlisted candidates are invited to the practical exam.
- Practical exam: Perform a prepared repertoire for the jury in Kyoto. The exam is typically held in early March.
- In-person interview: Attend an interview with the foundation's selection committee in Kyoto, typically on the same day as the practical exam.
- Receive notification: Successful applicants are notified after the exam and interview period. Approximately 30 scholars are selected each year.
- Accept the scholarship: If selected, confirm acceptance. The payment period runs from September to August. You may apply for a one-time renewal for a second year.
Program Videos
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- MEXT Scholarship - Japanese government scholarship for international students studying at Japanese universities
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Related Opportunities
- Music Scholarships Directory
- MEXT Scholarship for international students studying in Japan
- Yamaha Music Foundation for additional Japanese music funding
- Visit Rohm Music Foundation to apply
