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MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded

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If you find yourself on this page, it means that you’ve been seeking for information on  how to apply for the MEXT scholarship. This post will provide answers to all the many questions about the scholarship. You will learn about its benefits, application process, past questions, and relevant interview tips. Hence, we recommend all international students to hurry and grab this opportunity.

Furthermore, this scholarship opportunity is available in undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., and training studies programs. The scholarship is fully a funded program, covering accommodations, living expenses, tuition fees and travel expenses. Interestingly, to win this scholarship, you do not necessarily need to know the Japanese language, nor must you have an IELTS/TOEFL certificate.

mext-scholarship

Similarly, to apply for this scholarship, it has to be through the Japanese embassy in your home country. You can check for the links to respective countries’ embassy sites below this page. In addition, we also replied to numerous queries relating to the MEXT scholarship program on this page. This includes: who the real sponsors of the MEXT scholars are, available institutions where recipients can study during the scholarship. Read on to learn more about the MEXT Japanese Government scholarship.

Table of Contents

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  • Scholarship Summary
  • About The Host Of The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship
    • Why Apply For The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?
  • How much is the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Worth?
  • What Is MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Acceptance Rate?
  • Eligibility Nationality
  • Eligibility Nationality
  • Which Course of Study is Eligible for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?
  • Which Level is Eligible for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?
  • MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
  • Documents Requirement for The MEXT Scholarship
  • How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?
  • MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Selection Process
  • Is MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Application Ongoing?
  • What Can I Do To Win MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship This Year?
  • Application Deadline
  • Does the MEXT Japan Scholarship have Past Questions?
  • Frequently Asked Questions About The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship
  • Is it hard to get a MEXT scholarship?
  • How much is the stipend for the MEXT scholarship?
  • Do I need to know Japanese for MEXT?
  • Can a foreign student get a scholarship in Japan?
  • Is the MEXT exam difficult? 
  • How do I pass the MEXT exam? 
  • Conclusion
  • Recommendation
  • Reference 

Scholarship Summary

Summary

Award Type

Fully Funded

Provider

Japanese Government

Scholarship Study Type

Undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., and training studies programs

Eligible Courses

Courses available at the school

Eligible Students

All nations of the world

Location

Japan

About The Host Of The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship

The MEXT scholarship is hosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). It is a government-hosted scholarship at the University of Tokyo School of Science. Meaning that to be qualify for the MEXT Japanese scholarship you must apply for a program in the School of Science at the University of Tokyo. 

Furthermore, the University of Tokyo’s School of Science conducts studies and education across several scientific fields. This is done to understand the mechanisms of nature and uncover the unchangeable laws that govern them. Meanwhile, in most cases, intellectual interest from researchers motivates and advances scientific research and not by the desire to seek the immediate application of findings.

Hence, the MEXT seeks prudent students who want to enroll in STEM programs at the University of Tokyo. As a result, the Charter of the School of Science has established “innovation and handing down of knowledge” as the School’s main objective. 

Similarly, the University Of Tokyo School of Science consists of the Graduate School of Science (GSS) and the Faculty of Science. While the GSS consists of five departments and twelve affiliated centers and research institutions. Courses in the GSS deal with a wide range of specialized fields in science. This shows the world-class research and modern graduate education being conducted in each department. It’s faculty and graduates have received numerous international prizes and awards.

You can also check out the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University | Fully Funded

Why Apply For The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?

Each year, thousands of international students apply for the MEXT Japanese Government scholarship in STEM programs across various levels of study. This is as a result of the high standard of education in Japan plus their well-structured curriculum that makes learning easy. 

Similarly, the scholarship covers the basic cost of study, affording you the time to efficiently focus on your study. You will have access to its professional tutors and take part in cutting-edge research in one of the countries with his level of technological advancement. Therefore, winning the scholarship award will be an invaluable opportunity for international students who want to study in Japan.

How much is the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Worth?

Just as we earlier said, the MEXT Japanese government scholarship is a fully funded financial aid program. Hence, the scholarship covers:

  • Residence halls for international students.
  • A monthly allowance, in form of a stipend worth over 140,000 yen for Master’s program and 145,000 yen for Doctoral program 
  • Education fees for the Entrance Examination and Tuition Fees at the designated Universities. 
  • Round Airfare Travel Expenses from recipient Country to Japan.

What Is MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Acceptance Rate?

The scholarship selection body does not usually disclose the number of winners for the scholarship award. However, in the previous year, each Graduate School nominated at most one applicant and the University of Tokyo nominated a minimum of three applicants to MEXT.

Eligibility Nationality

The MEXT Japanese Government scholarship is open to all qualified students from all countries of the world. Meanwhile, the scholarship body gives preferences to applicants from specific countries during selection. However, they have not disclosed the respective countries that will receive the preferential selection, for this year’s application. The scholarship panel will announce the countries on the list at the end of the application process.  

However, in the previous selection, only those who hold a nationality seen on MEXT’s list of Priority Nationalities were eligible for nomination. To see the list of priority nationalities, please click here. 

Moreover, to stand a greater chance of winning  a scholarship, applicants must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with the Japanese government. Moreover, candidates from Japan cannot apply. Nonetheless, if you’re a Japanese citizen that resides outside of Japan at the time of application, and you hold dual nationality with another country, and plan to renounce your Japanese nationality before arrival, you can apply.

Eligibility Nationality

The MEXT scholarship program is held in Japan. 

Which Course of Study is Eligible for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?

The MEXT scholarship program is open in any courses offered at the University of Tokyo School of Science. Some of these courses include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medical programs.

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Which Level is Eligible for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?

The scholarship is open for students in Undergraduate programs, Graduate programs, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs.

MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To be consider for the MEXT Japanese scholarship program, you must ensure to meet the following criteria: 

  • Japanese Study Students must be from 18 to 30 years old. Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate students in faculties or schools that major in Japanese language or Japanese culture in a university outside Japan at the time when they come to Japan 
  • Undergraduate Students must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age and have completed 12 years of education or have completed courses in a school comparable to a high school (includes prospective graduates).
  • Masters/Ph.D. Students must be under 35 years of age and a college graduate or you must have completed 16 years /18 years of education.

Non-eligibility 

Applicants in the following categories are ineligible for the MEXT Japanese Government scholarship. Hence, they must decline the scholarship offer if they are found to fall under any one of the following criteria upon their selection.

  • An active member of the military or a civilian employed by the military at the time of arrival or at any point during the period of the MEXT Scholarship. 
  • An applicant who is unable to travel to Japan within the period designated by MEXT or the University of Tokyo.
  • A former recipient of a Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (including those who withdrew from the scholarship after coming to Japan) except he or she has had at least three years of educational or working experience since the month after completing the former scholarship period as of the beginning of the new scholarship period. 
  • An applicant who is also applying for a Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for another program.
  • An applicant who is already enrolled in a Japanese university, institution, etc. under the “Student” visa as of the time of application, or plans to be enrolled in a Japanese university, institution, etc. as a self-supported international student between the times of application to the start of receiving this scholarship. 
  • An applicant who expects to receive a scholarship from any source other than the Japanese Government (MEXT).
  • An applicant who is “expected to graduate by the entrance date” at the time of application but then cannot provide proof of completing a degree by the designated deadline. 
  • A Japanese national who has dual nationality with another country, and is not able to provide proof of relinquishing Japanese nationality by the day of arrival.  
  • One who has completed a Doctoral program and does not plan on obtaining another degree.

Documents Requirement for The MEXT Scholarship

To apply for the MEXT scholarship program, you’ll need the following documents: 

  • Academic thesis or relevant publications (for research students)
  • The highest degree verified with official stamps.  
  • Recommendation letters, written by dean or your teachers/employers.
  • Passport-type photo taken within the last 6 months (4.5 x 3.5 cm, upper-body, full-faced, without a cap). A photo in electronic data format is acceptable.
  • strong curriculum Vitae (CV), for research students)
  • Study plan/Statement of purpose in English. 
  • English Language Proficiency Document 
  • Academic thesis or relevant publications (for research students)

How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

The application for the MEXT Japan government scholarship is a two process, hence, students will have to apply both online and offline. The online application process involves filling out the online form and uploading the necessary documents. While the offline process includes mailing your documents photocopy via courier service to the scholarship body. Meanwhile, here is the step-by-step application process for the Scholarship:

Time Needed : 0 days 2 hours 0 minutes

Below are the general procedures for applying for the MEXT scholarship in Japan.

  1. Find Scholarship

    mext-scholarship

    Find the Japanese embassy or consulate of your country here. Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy of your country. Under the Education / Scholarship tab, you will find the MEXT scholarship. Download the scholarship application form and fill it out. 

  2. Written Test and Interview

    mext-scholarship

    A written test will be conducted by the Japanese Embassy. You can Find Sample Written Tests with Answers Here. After that, applicants will be contacted for an interview.

  3. Notification

    scholarships-for-nigerian-students
    After interview, the scholarship panel will review all applications and if you’re among the selected applicants, you will be notified of your award through email or the embassy website.

Tools
  • Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
  • Online Application

Apply Online Here

MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Selection Process

The selection process for the MEXT Scholarship begins by a document review by the embassy. Following this review process, selected applicants will be nominated by the Graduate School of Science. 

After the University of Tokyo nominates its candidates, candidates then proceed to an interview phase. This is where they must demonstrate their academic goals, motivation for studying in Japan and the grantees will be decided upon by MEXT. 

Finally, selected candidates will be notified by email in mid-February, 2025. Successful candidates will receive further instructions on how to accept the scholarship arrangements to prepare for study in Japan.

Is MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship Application Ongoing?

The application window for the MEXT scholarship is currently closed. Meanwhile, you can start preparing your documents for the next intake as the application period is fastly approaching.

What Can I Do To Win MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship This Year?

The MEXT Scholarship is highly competitive, but with attention to details and a compelling application, you can improve your chances. Here are some recommendations to increase your likelihood of success:

  • Ensure to carefully understand the scholarship requirements.
  • Aim for quality academic performance.
  • Prepare a strong research proposal.
  • Be knowledgeable in the Japanese language.
  • Secure strong letters of recommendation.
  • Prepare for the written exam and ace the interview by practicing interview questions.
  • Clearly highlight your motivation and future plans.
  • Submit a polished application.
  • Stay informed and proactive.
  • Apply early and be persistent.

Application Deadline

There is no general deadline for the MEXT Japanese Scholarship as the application deadlines vary by country and the type of scholarship. However, the application cycle begins in April of every year. To obtain the most accurate information, we recommend that you contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Does the MEXT Japan Scholarship have Past Questions?

Yes, past questions for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship exam are available on the study in Japan website. You can access all past questions and answers here. Ensure to start practicing so that you can be ready when nominated for an award.

Frequently Asked Questions About The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship

Is it hard to get a MEXT scholarship?

The MEXT Japanese Government scholarship is a highly competitive program that attracts thousands of applicants worldwide, with a limited intake annually. The scholarship has a very thorough application process but with proper preparation you can still win a scholarship award.

How much is the stipend for the MEXT scholarship?

The monthly stipend for graduate students is 143,000 yen for research (non-degree program) students, 144,000 yen for Master’s-level students, and 145,000 yen for Doctoral-level students.

Do I need to know Japanese for MEXT?

Well, Japanese language proficiency is not a prerequisite for the Scholarship selection process for most categories, but it will be an extra advantage.

Can a foreign student get a scholarship in Japan?

Yes, foreign students can get scholarships to study in Japan! Japan offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students at various academic levels.

Is the MEXT exam difficult? 

The MEXT exam is designed to assess your academic abilities and suitability for the scholarship. Hence, it can be challenging but you can scale through with proper preparation. Meanwhile, the difficulty of the exam depends on your academic background, preparation, and the specific exam subjects required for your chosen field of study.  

How do I pass the MEXT exam? 

To pass the MEXT exam, you need to:

  • Understand the exams format.
  • Download and review past questions, and focus on key subjects.
  • Improve language proficiency (Japanese or English)  
  • Create a study plan, use quality materials, and seek guidance from former scholars.
  • Keep in touch with the embassy where you apply.
  • Stay consistent, and motivated.

Conclusion

The MEXT Japanese Government scholarship present a unique opportunity to study in Japanese. This program is your chance to learn from the best and prepare yourself for productive career. Whether it’s undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., or training studies programs, the scholarship will ensure that you pursue your passion with all expenses taken care of. 

Meanwhile, the MEXT Japanese scholarship is a very competitive program, but if you carefully follow all the tips that we’ve shared on this post, you’ll improve your chance of being selected. If you’re ready to improve your career, you should start preparing to reach out to the scholarship embassy in your country.

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Reference 

  • mext.go.jp – MEXT scholarship Program
  • studyinjapan.go.jp – Overview of the MEXT scholarship
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