monbukagakusho scholarship

I am a US student trying to apply to Sophia University. Judging from the replies received in the post "Sophia University FLA"
by by LynnM, it seems that acceptance is feasible. My dream is to get accepted and study in the FLA program, in addition to learning japanese. The only obstacle that might deter my dream is money. Now seeing that I am unable to meet the next deadline for the monbukagakusho scholarship I would like to know if it is possible to apply for it once in Japan? Also, does anybody know how difficult it is to obtain the new students scholarship from sophia university? Past result show only one or two people getting them. Finally, even if I were to receive the new students scholarship or the monbukagakusho scholarship would I still need a lot of money?
If anybody could help me I would be extremely grateful.

Application is accepted only by the Consulate General of Japan in your region. Japanese Consulate General in each jurisdiction in the U.S. select ONE potential scholarship recipient. Their recommendation is forwarded to the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. This year 5 from U.S. will be awarded the scholarship. Deadline for receipt of application December 20, 2009.

In Japan scholarship is available to those that are enrolled in the Japan university.

Therefore, I will advise you as I did with LynnM, appply to your local university first, then the following year apply for the student exchange through your university.

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/shinnikeijin2010.html

http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0302e.html