The ROHM Music Foundation Scholarships provide monthly stipends of 300,000 JPY (approximately $2,000 USD) to music students studying at educational institutions in Japan or abroad. The stipend is tax-free and requires no repayment. Founded in 1991 by ROHM Semiconductor and headquartered in Kyoto, the foundation is one of Japan's largest private music scholarship providers. It has supported 557 students with approximately 327.98 million JPY (about $2.2 million USD) as of 2024. The 2026 academic year call accepted applications from July 1 to September 8, 2025, with practical auditions and interviews held in Kyoto on March 4 and 5, 2026. Approximately 30 scholars are selected each year. The scholarship is best suited for classical musicians pursuing higher education who can attend in-person auditions in Kyoto.
How the ROHM Music Foundation Scholarships Work
The ROHM Music Foundation was established in 1991 by ROHM Co., Ltd., a semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto. The foundation's scholarship program has run continuously for over 30 years, supporting music students who are pursuing higher education at institutions in Japan or internationally.
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 300,000 JPY for one year (September 2026 to August 2027 for the 2026 academic year). The stipend is a grant, not a loan, and does not require repayment. Recipients can renew the scholarship once, for a maximum of two years of support, but must submit a new application for the renewal.
The foundation selects approximately 30 scholars each year. In addition to the financial stipend, the foundation provides non-financial support including opportunities to participate in concerts and training programs. This comprehensive support system helps scholars grow significantly during their scholarship period.
The foundation has produced numerous prizewinners at major international music competitions, including the Chopin International Piano Competition, the ARD Munich International Music Competition, and the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition.
Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Japanese nationals studying music at institutions in Japan or abroad, OR foreign nationals studying music at institutions in Japan (those planning to enroll are also eligible to apply).
- Age: No age limit.
- Field of study: Music (classical performance, composition, and related fields).
- Audition attendance: Applicants must be able to attend the practical audition and interview in Kyoto on the scheduled dates (March 4 and 5, 2026 for the 2026 call).
- Renewal: Recipients can renew once (maximum two years total). A new application is required for renewal.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the foundation's online portal. The process requires:
- Create an account on the foundation's application portal (mypage login).
- Complete all required forms and answer all questions online.
- Upload required documents in digital format.
- Submit the application before the deadline (September 8, 2025, 17:00 Japan time for the 2026 call).
Some specializations may allow postal submission for certain materials. Check the application guidelines (PDF) for details.
Selection Process
The selection process includes four stages:
- Document screening: Review of application materials, academic records, and recommendations.
- Audio/video screening: Review of submitted performance recordings.
- Practical audition: In-person performance audition in Kyoto (March 4 and 5, 2026).
- Interview: Personal interview with the selection committee.
Final selection results are communicated by the end of March 2026.
Application Details
2026 Calendar
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application period | July 1 to September 8, 2025 (17:00 JST) |
| Practical audition and interview | March 4 and 5, 2026 (Kyoto) |
| Final results | End of March 2026 |
| Scholarship period | September 2026 to August 2027 |
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following through the online portal:
- Completed application form
- Academic records and transcripts
- Performance recordings (audio/video)
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of enrollment or admission to an educational institution
- Repertoire list
- Additional materials as specified in the application guidelines
The application guidelines (PDF) are available on the foundation's website and must be read in full before applying.
Benefits
- 300,000 JPY monthly stipend: Tax-free and no repayment required, totaling 3.6 million JPY (approximately $24,000 USD) per year.
- Renewable for one additional year: Maximum two years of support (7.2 million JPY total).
- No age limit: Open to musicians at any stage of their education, from high school to doctoral level.
- International study supported: Japanese nationals can use the scholarship at institutions abroad.
- Non-financial support: Access to concerts, training programs, and networking opportunities.
- Prestigious track record: Foundation alumni have won major international competitions including Chopin, ARD Munich, and Queen Elisabeth.
- Approximately 30 scholars per year: A larger cohort than many private music foundations.
- Kyoto-based auditions: Opportunity to perform in one of Japan's cultural centers.
Real-World Example
A 22-year-old Japanese pianist is accepted into a master's program at the Royal Academy of Music in London. The tuition and living costs are substantial, and their family cannot fully cover the expense. They apply for the ROHM Music Foundation scholarship before the September 8, 2025 deadline.
They submit their application through the online portal, including academic records, performance recordings of Chopin and Beethoven, and a letter of recommendation from their undergraduate professor. They travel to Kyoto in March 2026 for the practical audition and interview.
If selected, they receive 300,000 JPY per month (approximately 1,500 GBP at current exchange rates) from September 2026 to August 2027. This covers a significant portion of their living expenses in London. They can renew the scholarship for a second year, providing support through the entire two-year master's program.
The total support over two years would be 7.2 million JPY (approximately $48,000 USD or 38,000 GBP), substantially reducing the financial burden of international study.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Kyoto audition required: All applicants must attend the practical audition and interview in Kyoto in person. This requires travel to Japan for international applicants.
- Short application window: The 2026 call was open from July 1 to September 8, 2025. The window is approximately two months. Late applications are not accepted.
- Japanese language: The application portal and guidelines are primarily in Japanese. Some English support is available through the Study in Japan portal, but applicants should expect Japanese-language documentation.
- One-year initial award: The scholarship is initially for one year. Renewal is not guaranteed and requires a new application.
- Classical music focus: The foundation primarily supports classical music performance and composition. Contemporary, jazz, and popular music students may not be the target audience.
- Limited to music students at institutions: Self-taught musicians or those not enrolled in formal education programs are not eligible.
- Foreign nationals limited to Japanese institutions: Foreign nationals can only apply if studying at a Japanese institution. They cannot use the scholarship to study in their home country or a third country.
- Competitive: With approximately 30 scholars selected from a large applicant pool, the acceptance rate is low.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
The ROHM Music Foundation is one of Japan's largest private music scholarship providers, with a 30-year track record of supporting musicians who go on to win major international competitions. The monthly stipend of 300,000 JPY is substantial enough to cover living expenses while studying, allowing recipients to focus on their artistic development without financial distraction.
If you are a Japanese national studying music (in Japan or abroad) or a foreign national studying music in Japan, the ROHM Music Foundation should be on your application list. Prepare your application materials early, as the two-month window (July to September) passes quickly. The audition in Kyoto is the most important factor in the selection process, so prepare your audition repertoire thoroughly.
For Japanese musicians planning to study abroad, the ROHM scholarship can be combined with other funding sources. The foundation allows duplicate receipt of other scholarships, making it possible to layer multiple awards to fully cover international study costs.
For more on pursuing music education internationally, read our guide on music production essentials and explore other scholarships in our Music Scholarships Directory.
Related Opportunities
- Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation for string soloists worldwide
- Berklee College Scholarships for contemporary music students
- Ferrer-Salat Scholarships for Spanish musicians at Conservatori Liceu
- Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
- ROHM Music Foundation Scholarships for official guidelines (Japanese)
- Study in Japan Scholarship Listing for English-language information
