The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2026 for undergraduate Students offers a fully funded opportunity to pursue higher education in Japan. Administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this prestigious scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly allowances, and travel expenses. It’s an excellent chance for international students to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich culture while obtaining a world-class education.
It supports undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and training studies at top Japanese universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare from your home country to Japan.
What Does MEXT Scholarship Cover?
The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for International Students to study in Japan for free. This scholarship will provide the recipient with the following benefits:
- Allowance: 117,000 yen per month. A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month
will be added to the monthly scholarship amount for the grantees studying or conducting research in specially
designated regions. Due to the situation of the Japanese Government’s budget, the amount of payment may be
subject to change each fiscal year. If a grantee is absent from the university or the preparatory educational
institution for an extended period, the scholarship shall be suspended for that period. - Education Fees: Fees for the entrance examination and tuition fee at universities will be paid by MEXT.
- Travelling Expenses: Transportation to Japan: MEXT will cover your round-trip airfare expenses from your country to Japan. The airline ticket will be an economy-class ticket for the flight.
- Accommodations: Residence halls for international students provided by universities.
Program Period: Undergraduate: 4-5 Years, Masters: 2-3 Years, PhD: 3-4 Years
- MEXT Scholarship Deadline: Varies from Embassy to Embassy (Click here to check deadlines)
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Required Language: English. Willingness to learn Japanese is essential. Applicants should be interested in Japan and be willing to deepen their understanding of the country before and after arriving.
- Eligible Countries: All world countries
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Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Applicants holding Japanese nationality are not eligible. An applicant who has Japanese nationality at the time of application is not eligible.
- For Undergraduate Students: You must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age and have completed 12 years of school education or have completed courses in a school comparable to a high school (includes prospective graduates)
- For master’s/PhD students: You must be under 35 years of age and a college graduate (including prospective graduates). Or you must have completed 16 years/18 years of education.
- For Teacher training students: You must be under 35 years of age and a graduate of a college or teacher training college. You must have at least five years of active experience as a teacher in a primary, secondary, or teacher-training college in your country.
- For Japanese Study Students: Applicants 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 and must be enrolled in the home institution at the time when they return to their home countries.
Application Process
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Embassy Recommendation: Applicants must apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate general in their home country. Select your country and then click on the Scholarship & Culture tab.
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Submission of Documents: Required documents include the Application form, academic transcripts, graduation certificate, recommendation letter, medical certificate, and a passport-sized photograph.
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Examinations: Applicants will be required to take written examinations in subjects such as English and mathematics.
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Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the Japanese embassy or consulate.
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Final Selection: Candidates who pass the embassy selection will be recommended to MEXT for final approval.
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Documents Required for MEXT Scholarship 2026
(1) MEXT Scholarship Application form
(2) The highest degree verified with official stamps.
- Bachelor program applicants: 12 Years of Education
- Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree
- Ph.D. program applicants: Master’s degree
Note: If the degree is not in English, a notarised copy of a translation in English is required.
(3) The highest degree transcript is verified with official stamps. (Including Grading system)
- Bachelor program applicants: 12 Years of Education
- Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree Transcripts
- Ph.D. program applicants: Master’s degree Transcripts
Note: If the diploma is not in English, a notarized copy of a translation in English is
required.
(4) Two recommendation letters: The letters of recommendation must be written by the applicant’s teachers/advisors/employers (who can evaluate your academic performance and research potential) in English. (for research students)
(5) Passport Scan (if available at the time of application)
(6) Curriculum Vitae (CV) (for research students)
(7) Photographs
(8) Study plan/statement of purpose. The study plan is written in English. Basic content shall include motivation for application, education/research background, and prospective study at APU. (for research students)
(9) English Language Proficiency Document: Those students whose language institute was in English can submit an English proficiency certificate from their home university, & they are exempted from the language test.
(10) Academic thesis or relevant publications (for research students)
(11) Other reference documents (if applicable)
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Pro Tips
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Learn Basic Japanese: Demonstrating an interest in the Japanese language can strengthen your application.
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Tailor Your Study Plan: Clearly articulate your academic goals and how studying in Japan will help achieve them.
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Seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or past MEXT scholars to gain insights into the application process.
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Stay Informed: Regularly check the official MEXT website and your local Japanese embassy’s website for updates and detailed information.
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With comprehensive financial support and the chance to experience Japan’s unique culture, the MEXT scholarship can be a life-changing experience. By meeting the eligibility criteria, carefully preparing your application, and demonstrating a genuine interest in Japan, you can enhance your chances of being selected for this prestigious program.
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