MEXT Scholarship for 2026 Application Process, Eligibility, and Benefits

This scholarship post was updated on 3rd April 2025

Description

The Japanese Government's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers a prestigious scholarship program for international students aiming to pursue higher education in Japan. This fully funded scholarship encompasses undergraduate, master's, PhD, and specialized training programs, providing recipients with comprehensive financial support throughout their studies.

Application Process:

Identify the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in Your Country:
- Applications for the MEXT Scholarship are facilitated through Japanese embassies or consulates in each country. Locate the relevant embassy or consulate to begin your application process.
Review Application Guidelines:
- Visit the official website of the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. Navigate to the Education or Scholarship section to find detailed information about the MEXT Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and specific application procedures.
Prepare and Submit Application Materials:
- Complete the MEXT Scholarship application form and gather all necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and language proficiency certificates. Submit these materials to the Japanese embassy or consulate by the specified deadline.
Selection Process:
- The selection process typically includes a review of submitted documents, a written examination, and an interview. Successful candidates will be notified by the embassy or consulate regarding their selection status.

Eligibility Requirements:

Nationality:

Applicants must hold the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals are not eligible.

Age:

For undergraduate programs, applicants should be at least 17 and under 25 years of age.
For master's and PhD programs, applicants should be under 35 years of age.

Academic Background:

Undergraduate applicants must have completed 12 years of schooling or equivalent.
Master's and PhD applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Language Proficiency:

While knowledge of Japanese is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Applicants can apply with English language proficiency proof.

Scholarship Benefits:

Tuition and Fees: Full coverage of tuition and other university fees.
Monthly Stipend:
Undergraduate students: ¥117,000 per month.
Research students (master's and PhD): ¥143,000–¥145,000 per month, depending on the program.
Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare between the recipient's home country and Japan.
Accommodation: Assistance in securing housing, with some universities providing residence halls for international students.

Fields of Study:

MEXT Scholarship recipients can pursue studies in a wide range of disciplines, including:

Social Sciences and Humanities:
Law, Politics, Pedagogy, Sociology, Literature, History, Japanese Language, Economics, Business Administration, and related fields.

Natural Sciences:
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Information Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Textile Engineering, Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Forestry, Food Science, Fisheries, Pharmacy, Hygienics, Nursing, Biology, Medicine, Dentistry, and related fields.

Embassy Recommendation Procedure

Recruitment for those arriving in Japan in April 2025 or September/October 2025 is made between April and May of the previous year. First screening is conducted between May and July by the Japanese Embassies or Consulates General. As the application process and specific schedule differ according to the country of your nationality, please inquire the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your country for details. DO NOT send any application documents directly to MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) in Japan.

List of Websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates GeneralOpen in a new window

Documents for Application - Embassy Recommendation

Applicants MUST read through the Application Guidelines below and follow the instructions. Application Forms along with Certificate of Health, and Recommendation Letter should be submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country. These documents can be printed out and filled in by hand-written, typed out, or filled in with software applications and printed out.