Masason Foundation Pre-Entry Now Open! A Complete Guide to Winning Admission

Hello, this is TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors!

The Masason Foundation, which supports young people aiming to make an impact on the global stage, has opened pre-entry for its 10th cohort. This foundation offers funding and networking opportunities for students pursuing study abroad, research, or entrepreneurship—a critical first step toward realizing their dreams.

The main application process is scheduled to begin around January 2026, but completing pre-entry now ensures you receive notifications about the official launch and upcoming events, giving you a strategic advantage in preparation.

In this article, I will explain the foundation’s overview, eligibility requirements, selection process, and concrete preparation strategies—clearly laid out for students aiming to study abroad and their families. Together, let’s explore the path to winning admission.

What is the Masason Foundation? A Program Supporting Young People’s Dreams

The Masason Foundation, established by Masayoshi Son of the SoftBank Group, is a public-interest organization designed to help talented young individuals succeed globally, regardless of their chosen field. Becoming a scholar brings the following benefits:

・Non-repayable funding: Covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs needed to pursue your goals
・Access to dedicated facilities: Free use of scholar-only facilities, equipment, and resources
・Participation in events: Free entry to lectures by prominent figures and networking opportunities with other scholars
・A global network: Connections with peers who share the same vision and ambition

Why Pre-Entry Matters and the Key Timeline

The main application for the 10th cohort is scheduled to begin around January 2026. By completing pre-entry, you gain the following advantages:

・Early notification when the main application opens
・Access to updates on events and activities hosted by the foundation
・More time to prepare strategically for the selection process

If you are considering applying, it’s best to register early and start gathering information. Since registration is intended only for those aligned with the foundation’s mission, having a clear sense of purpose is essential.

Visit the official site here ＞ Masason Foundation 10th Cohort Pre-Entry

Understanding Eligibility and the Selection Process

Eligibility

To qualify as a foundation scholar, you must be 25 years old or younger and meet at least one of the following criteria:

・Outstanding performance in international or national competitions
・Possession of globally recognized qualifications or membership in international organizations
・Demonstrated academic or research achievements
・Entrepreneurial preparation or proven results in running a business
・Excellence in the foundation’s essay-based selection

Selection Process

The selection takes place in three stages, according to the following schedule:

・First Stage (January–March, planned): Document and essay review, assessing intellect, vision, and goals
・Second Stage (April, planned): Online interview and presentation to evaluate potential and character
・Final Stage (May–June, planned): Presentation evaluation by the selection committee
・Certification (July): Successful applicants are officially recognized as foundation scholars

Four Key Points for Success

The foundation’s selection process is highly competitive, requiring not only academic ability but also a well-rounded personal profile. Here are four concrete points to focus on:

・Clearly articulate your vision: Explain why you want to pursue your chosen field and what kind of impact you aim to make. If you are seeking to study abroad, connect your goals with your target school and program.
・Prepare evidence of your achievements: Collect and organize documentation such as competition results, research papers, and certificates in advance. Having clear proof strengthens your application.
・Refine your presentation skills: In the second and final stages, you must communicate your vision logically and passionately. Practice through mock interviews and presentations.
・Build a consistent story: Ensure that your past achievements, current activities, and future goals form a coherent narrative. Show that you embody the type of “future creator” the foundation is seeking.

The selection process is extremely competitive, and success requires more than academic performance alone. In many educational systems, admissions are centered on written exams, leaving some students without strong extracurriculars or long-term goals. However, to win this scholarship, elements beyond academics become the differentiating factors. The first step is to clearly express your values and beliefs. At Alpha Advisors, we guide applicants through this process thoroughly.

Common Mistakes in Choosing Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are critical for both foundation selection and overseas university admissions, but choosing or presenting them incorrectly can undermine your application. Below are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Following generic activities

Popular options like Model United Nations or volunteer camps are valuable experiences, but participation alone is not enough. For example, stating you joined Model UN has little impact unless you connect it clearly to your values and career vision.

Treating the activity as the goal

What matters is not the activity itself but the values, personality, and initiative it reveals. If you participated in an environmental volunteer project, it is not sufficient to say “I joined because it was popular.” You must show why you chose it, what actions you took, and what you learned.

Lack of values and long-term goals

Both the foundation and overseas universities evaluate how your activities align with your long-term vision and core values. Simply accumulating experiences is not enough—you need to demonstrate purpose. For example, if you are concerned about educational inequality and volunteer at a local tutoring program where you developed specific teaching methods, that carries far more weight than simply noting “volunteer participation.” Consistency between your activities and your future goals directly influences scholarship and admissions outcomes. This is why defining your values and clarifying long-term goals is essential.

How Parents Can Provide Support

Parental support can be a powerful asset as children prepare for both the foundation’s selection process and overseas university admissions. Keep the following in mind:

・Create an environment for focus: Ensure your child has the time and resources to concentrate on academics, research, and application preparation.
・Assist with information gathering: Help develop strategies that may include applying to overseas universities and multiple scholarships in parallel.
・Offer emotional support: Encourage your child through the pressure of applications and interviews.
・Rely on professionals: Securing admission to top foundations or global universities rarely happens through self-study alone. Trust Alpha to guide you to success.

Active involvement and encouragement from parents will strengthen a child’s confidence and motivation.

Take the First Step Toward Your Dream with Alpha Advisors

The Masason Foundation offers non-repayable scholarships and a global network—an incredible opportunity for ambitious young people. Whether your goal is to study abroad, pursue research, or launch a business, the foundation’s support can help you make significant progress. However, competition is intense, and demonstrating both your achievements and a clear vision is essential.

That is why we encourage you to take advantage of Alpha’s one-on-one guidance!
For admission to top global universities and winning scholarships, turn to Alpha Advisors’ personalized coaching! With 17 years of proven results, TJ—formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, Chicago Booth MBA, and Goldman Sachs IBD—will rigorously train you to win. Consult Alpha now!

We are fully committed to supporting you as you take the first step toward your dream.

Sign up for a free consultation here! ＞ Free Consultation

Learn more about our advisory program with a proven track record of top university admissions! ＞ 【College Admissions Advisory】You can get accepted by Harvard, Stanford, Columbia and more top schools

Scholarship support details here! ＞ 【Scholarship Advisory】Support for winning scholarships for college, graduate school, and beyond

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TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.