Hey there, welcome to the forum
Regarding funding for your study abroad (might be easier if I outline in points rather than a HUGE text)
1) Scholarships
- The MEXT scholarships are government funded scholarships for those wishing to study in Japan (be it undergraduate or postgraduate). They are however, subject to strict requirements and criteria and only a certain number are available. If you are lucky though, you get a monthly stipend of 125,000 yen.
- JASSO provide scholarships for those studying in Japan also. Although again subject to criteria and requirements, luckily a bit more scholarships available for this (1,800 compared to 340 with MEXT). The monthly stipend is 80,000 yen
- The Universities you can choose to study abroad may offer scholarships for International Students. Best to get in contact with them (or your course co-ordinators) regarding this.
2) Part time work: As an Undergraduate student in your year abroad, you can be allowed up to work up to 28 hours a week. There are restrictions on the amount of work you can do per day (4 hours max I think) and there are also restrictions on the type of work.
3) Grants/Loans from your home country: See if it's possible for student loans from banks/credit unions or if your University or Local Authority provide grants.
4) Saving: Try save as much as possible with your own funds?
5) Japanese Government Specific help: Some local governments provide help for students who are studying at their local University. You can get help in terms of more financial help (maybe an extra 8,000 yen a month) or anything like subsidised costs for transport. You would have to find out more info on this yourself.
