The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships offer international students a prominent, fully supported program called the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) Scholarship. It encourages specialized training and master’s, doctoral, and undergraduate studies in Japan.

Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships Summary
Country | Japan |
Host Institute | Various institutes in Japan |
Level | Undergraduate, master’s, PhD, teacher training, and Japanese studies programs |
Eligible Nationality | International |
Fellowship Type | Fully Funded |
Opening Date | Usually in April |
Closing Date | May 2025 |
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MEXT Scholarships
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology offers the MEXT Scholarship, a highly regarded and fully financed program that aids foreign students pursuing higher education in Japan. It seeks to foster international academic collaboration and fortify ties between nations by including a range of educational levels, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specialized training. The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students from all over the world to continue their study while residing in Japan because it provides full financial support, access to prestigious research institutes, and the ability to get a firsthand look at Japanese culture.
Benefits of the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships
Among the many benefits that MEXT Scholarship recipients experience are:
- Funding Assistance:
- Monthly Stipend: Undergraduate students receive about JPY 117,000 per month, while graduate students receive between JPY 143,000 and 148,000.
- The price of Living Adjustment: An extra JPY 2,000–3,000 per month might be offered, depending on the area.
- Educational Fees: The entire cost of tuition is paid.
Fees for entrance exams are also covered. - Travel Costs: At the beginning and conclusion of the student’s studies, the scholarship covers round-trip airfare from their home country to Japan.
- Support for Housing: Although housing expenses aren’t always paid for outright, several colleges provide dorm choices or help with housing arrangements.
- Health Insurance: The national health insurance program in Japan usually enrolls scholars.
- Academic Opportunities: Availability of top-notch research and educational resources in Ja, Ja, Networking opportunities with specialists and professionals around the world.
- Cultural Immersion: Students can get a firsthand look at Japanese culture, including language instruction if needed.
This scholarship aims to give students intellectual and cultural enrichment while reducing the cost of studying in Japan.
Eligibility criteria for the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships below
Nationality requirements for undergraduate students:
- Candidates must be citizens of nations with diplomatic relations to Japan.
- Age: Usually in the range of 17 to 25.
- Academic Background: A minimum 80% average in grades X, XI, and XII is required after completing 12 years of education, which is similar to a Japanese high school.
- Health: Both mental and physical well-being are required.
For Master’s and doctoral students:
- The same nationality as undergraduates.
- Age: You have to be younger than 35.
- Academic Background: Candidates for master’s degrees must have a relevant bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 2.3/3.0.
- Candidates for PhDs must have a master’s degree that is related to their field and meet comparable GPA requirements.
- Certain programs may require hands-on research or work experience.
Programs with a focus:
- Investigate Students: Those under 35 who have finished 16 years of schooling or a graduate degree.
- Students enrolled in teacher training must be under 35, have a relevant degree, and have taught for at least five years.
- Young Leaders Program (YLP): Graduate-degree holders under 40 with real-world public administration leadership experience.
General Requirements
- During the application procedure, applicants cannot be nationals of Japan.
- Generally speaking, former MEXT scholars are not eligible unless they are continuing their education within a certain time frame.
- By the program’s start date, applicants must be able to travel to Japan.
Are there any language requirements for the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships?
English Proficiency:
- Applicants must typically exhibit English proficiency at the B2 level on the CEFR scale in order to be considered for university-recommended scholarships. Usually, this entails getting at least a 72 on the TOEFL iBT or a 5.5 on the IELTS.
- It may be recognized as evidence of proficiency if the applicant’s prior degree was completed in English. Official test results, however, might still be needed for verification at some colleges.
Japanese language fluency:
- During the application process, there is no official need for Japanese language fluency. Candidates must, however, demonstrate a desire to learn Japanese and adjust to Japanese culture.
- Depending on their university’s evaluation, students may occasionally need to finish a six-month Japanese language course before starting their primary coursework.
Applications Suggested by the Embassy:
During the application process, no preliminary evidence of language competency is needed. Rather, as part of the embassy’s initial screening, candidates must take a language exam.
Although there aren’t any rigorous prerequisites for knowing Japanese at the time of application, it is crucial to show that you are willing to learn the language. Unless exempted by past English-language education, applicants who apply through university recommendations for programs taught in English must achieve specific English proficiency levels.
How can I apply for the MEXT Scholarship through the Japanese Embassy?
- Find the Embassy or Consulate in Your Area:
- For information about the scholarship, go to the official website of the Japanese embassy or consulate in your nation.
- Fill out the application forms after downloading them.
- During the application window, use the embassy’s website to access application forms.
- Complete all forms completely, and if necessary, attach any necessary paperwork, such as a placement preference form.
- Collect the necessary paperwork:
- Filled-out application.
- Degree certificates and official transcripts (if not in English, notarized and translated).
- A medical professional fills out a health certificate.
- Letter of recommendation (format may vary).
- Evidence of linguistic ability, as required by the program.
- Deliver paperwork to the Embassy:
- During the allotted time, usually from April to May, deliver all documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your area.
Further Information on the MEXT Scholarship
You can visit the official website offered by the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships. The following are some vital resources:
MEXT Official Website: Comprehensive details on eligibility conditions, application processes, and scholarship benefits are available on the Study in Japan—MEXT Scholarships website.
You can also look at the following resources for information unique to the university:
Kyoto University: Details on Kyoto University’s MEXT Scholarship.
The University of Tokyo: A summary of the MEXT Scholarships that the university is offering.
Comprehensive details regarding the APU MEXT Scholarship program are available at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU).
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