The MEXT Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded opportunity for international students offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This prestigious program supports undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and specialized training studies at leading Japanese universities. The scholarship provides airfare to Japan, full tuition coverage, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
There are seven types of the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship program: Research students, Teacher training students, Undergraduate students, Japanese studies students, College of technology students, Specialized training college students, and Young Leaders Program (YLP) students. Students can apply through two pathways: embassy recommendation or university recommendation, making this scholarship accessible to qualified candidates worldwide.
The program attracts over 10,000 applicants annually, with approximately 1,200 scholarships awarded each year. This competitive scholarship has maintained its reputation as Japan’s premier educational funding opportunity for international students since 1954.
Scholarship Overview
- Program Type: Fully funded government scholarship
- Funding Source: Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Target Students: International students from all countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, research, and specialized programs
- Application Methods: Embassy recommendation or university recommendation
- Annual Awards: Approximately 1,200 scholarships
- Program Duration: 1-7 years, depending on study type and field
- Language Requirements: Japanese language proficiency tests are required for some programs
- Academic Focus: All fields of study accepted
Also read: Yale University Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
MEXT Scholarship Coverage
The MEXT scholarship provides comprehensive financial support that eliminates most study-abroad expenses. All scholarship types include full tuition exemption and round-trip travel expenses (airfare). This extensive coverage makes studying in Japan accessible to students regardless of their financial background.
Monthly Stipend:
- Research Students: ¥143,000 per month (approximately $950 USD)
- Master’s Students: ¥144,000 per month (approximately $960 USD)
- Doctoral Students: ¥145,000 per month (approximately $970 USD)
- Teacher Training Students: ¥146,000 per month (approximately $975 USD)
- Undergraduate Students: ¥117,000 per month (approximately $780 USD)
Additional Benefits:
- Tuition Fees: Complete exemption from university tuition costs
- Entrance Examination Fees: Full coverage of admission test expenses
- Round-trip Airfare: Transportation costs from the home country to Japan
- Arrival Allowance: One-time payment upon reaching Japan
- Preparatory Education: Japanese language training costs covered (when required)
- Health Insurance: National Health Insurance enrollment support
- Academic Materials: Textbook and research material allowances
- Research Support: Laboratory fees and equipment usage covered
- Regional Allowance: Additional ¥2,000-¥3,000 monthly for designated regions
- Extension Benefits: Scholarship renewal possible for degree completion
Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship 2026
Meeting eligibility requirements represents the first step toward securing this prestigious scholarship. Age limits and educational backgrounds vary significantly across scholarship categories. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and meet specific nationality requirements.
- Research Students: Under 35 years of age and a college graduate or completed 16 years of schooling
- Teacher Training Students: Under 35 years of age, college graduate with 5+ years of active teaching experience
- Undergraduate Students: 17-25 years old with completed 12 years of school education
- Japanese Studies Students: 18-30 years old, enrolled in Japanese language or culture programs
- College of Technology Students: 17-25 years old with a high school education equivalent
- Specialized Training Students: 17-25 years old with 12 years of completed schooling
- Young Leaders Program: Under 40 years old, university graduates with practical work experience
Additional Requirements:
- Nationality Requirements: Citizens of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Japan
- Academic Performance: Minimum GPA of 2.3/4.0 or equivalent academic standing
- Health Standards: Physical and mental fitness for overseas study
- Language Commitment: Willingness to learn the Japanese language basics
Also read: DAAD Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded) | Application Process
How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2026
There are two ways to apply for a Japanese Government Scholarship: embassy recommendation or university recommendation. The embassy route involves direct application through Japanese diplomatic missions, while the university recommendation requires prior acceptance from participating Japanese institutions.
- Choose Application Route: Select embassy recommendation or university recommendation based on your circumstances
- Contact Relevant Authority: Reach the Japanese embassy in your country or the target university in Japan
- Verify Scholarship Availability: Check if there are openings in the type and field you wish to apply
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork, including transcripts, certificates, and recommendations
- Complete Application Forms: Fill out embassy-specific or university-specific application materials accurately
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure all materials reach authorities by the specified dates
- Take Required Examinations: Complete Japanese, English, mathematics, and subject-specific tests as required
- Attend Interviews: Participate in screening interviews conducted by embassies or universities
- Await Selection Results: Final decisions are announced between October and December annually
- Complete Pre-departure Procedures: Handle visa applications and travel arrangements after acceptance
Required Documents MEXT Scholarship 2026
Application success depends heavily on submitting complete, accurate documentation. All required documents and interviews will be conducted by the Japanese embassy or other diplomatic mission abroad. Missing or incorrect documents result in immediate application rejection.
Essential Documents:
- Application Form: Embassy-specific or university-specific official forms filled out
- Photograph: Recent passport-sized photos meeting Japanese visa standards (4.5cm x 3.5cm)
- Nationality Certificate: Valid passport copy or official nationality verification document
- Academic Transcripts: Official records from all previously attended educational institutions
- Graduation Certificate: Diploma or degree certificates with official translations when required
- Language Proficiency Certificates: JLPT, TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognized test scores (when applicable)
- Letter of Recommendation: Academic references from professors, employers, or supervisors
- Research Proposal: Detailed study plan outlining academic objectives and methodology (for research programs)
- Health Certificate: Medical examination results confirming fitness for overseas study
- Financial Statement: Bank statements or income verification for application processing
- Passport Copy: Valid passport with a minimum of 2 years remaining validity
Also read: Required Scholarship Documents: 47 Must-Have Documents
Application Deadline for MEXT Scholarship 2026
Embassy Recommendation Deadlines:
- Application Period: April-June annually (varies by country)
- Document Submission: Typically by June 30th
- Examination Dates: July-August
- Interview Period: August-September
- Results Announcement: October-December
University Recommendation Deadlines:
- Vary by institution (typically January-March)
- Contact target universities directly for specific dates
- Earlier deadlines may apply to particular programs
Also, check other scholarships in Japan: Scholarships in Japan
Official Website
For the most current information about MEXT scholarship requirements, application procedures, and updates, visit the official Study in Japan website. This government-approved platform provides comprehensive details about all scholarship categories and maintains up-to-date application guidelines. Additionally, contact your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for country-specific application procedures and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions for MEXT Scholarship 2026
What is the MEXT scholarship, and how much money does it provide?
The MEXT scholarship is a fully funded program from Japan’s government. It pays for your entire education in Japan. You get free tuition at Japanese universities. You also receive monthly money for living costs. Undergraduate students get ¥117,000 per month (about $780). Graduate students get ¥143,000-¥145,000 per month (about $950-$970). The scholarship also covers your round-trip flight to Japan.
Who can apply for the MEXT scholarship?
You can apply if you are from any country that has good relations with Japan. You must meet age limits for different programs. Undergraduate students must be 17-25 years old. Graduate research students must be under 35 years old. You need good grades with at least a 2.3 GPA out of 4.0. You must also be physically and mentally healthy to study abroad.
When is the MEXT scholarship application deadline for 2025?
Application deadlines vary by country and application method. For embassy applications, most deadlines are between April and June 2025. Documents are usually due by June 30th. For university applications, deadlines are typically between January and March 2025. Check with your local Japanese embassy or your target university for exact dates. Late applications are never accepted.
How many people get the MEXT scholarship each year?
About 1,200 students receive MEXT scholarships annually. Over 10,000 people apply each year from around the world. This means the scholarship is very competitive. Only about 12 out of 100 applicants are selected. You need excellent grades and a strong application to win.
Can I apply for an MEXT scholarship in English, or do I need Japanese?
You can apply in English. You do not need to speak Japanese to apply. However, some programs require basic Japanese language skills for studying. The application forms can be filled out in English or Japanese. Choose one language and use it consistently throughout your application. Most international students apply successfully in English.
What are the two ways to apply for the MEXT scholarship?
There are two application routes. First is the embassy recommendation. You apply directly through the Japanese embassy in your home country. Second is a university recommendation. You apply through a specific Japanese university first. The embassy route is more common for most students. The university route requires you to contact Japanese universities directly before applying.
What documents do I need for my MEXT scholarship application?
You need several important documents. These include completed application forms and recent passport photos. You must provide academic transcripts from all schools you attended. You need graduation certificates and language test scores if required. Get recommendation letters from teachers or employers. Include a detailed study plan explaining your goals. You also need a health certificate and a passport copy.
How long does the MEXT scholarship last?
The scholarship length depends on your study program. Undergraduate programs last 4-7 years, including language preparation. Master’s degree programs last 2-3 years. PhD programs last 3-4 years. Research programs can last 1-2 years. Medical and dental programs take longer, at 6-7 years total. The scholarship covers your entire study period in Japan.
Do I need to take any exams for the MEXT scholarship?
Yes, you must take screening exams after applying. These include Japanese language tests for some programs. You may take English, math, and subject-specific tests. The exact exams depend on your chosen field of study. After passing written exams, you attend an interview. The embassy or university conducts all tests. Exam dates are usually in July and August.
Can I work part-time while on a MEXT scholarship?
Yes, you can work part-time with permission. You need to get approval from immigration authorities first. International students can work up to 28 hours per week. Many scholarship students work to earn extra money and gain experience. Popular jobs include teaching English, restaurant work, and tutoring. Working helps you learn Japanese culture and language better.
