MEXT Scholarships
Get full details on eligibility, benefits, and application deadlines below.
Application Status
Country
Japan
Deadline
May 31, 2025
Eligibility Criteria:
General eligibility criteria include:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Applicants with Japanese nationality are generally not eligible, though dual nationals may apply if they renounce Japanese nationality by their arrival date in Japan.
- Age: In principle, applicants must be born on or after April 2, 2001 (for the 2026 intake, usually meaning under 25 years old as of April 1, 2026).
- Education: Must have completed 12 years of schooling (equivalent to high school graduation) or be expected to complete it by March 2026 (or August 2026 for fall enrollment).
- Health: Must be in good physical and mental health to pursue studies in Japan. A medical examination form will be required.
- Visa: Must be willing to acquire a "Student" visa upon receiving the scholarship.
- Language: Willingness to learn Japanese and study in Japanese. While initial Japanese proficiency might not be strictly required for application (as a one-year preparatory course is included), a willingness to learn is essential. Some programs or universities might have specific English language proficiency requirements (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS, though often not mandatory for the embassy-recommended scholarship itself, but can be helpful for university acceptance).
- Arrival: Must be able to arrive in Japan between April 1 and April 7, 2026 (or in Fall 2026 if direct placement applies).
Necessary Documents:
While specific requirements may vary slightly by embassy, common documents include:
- MEXT Application Form: Download the latest version from the Japanese Embassy website.
- Placement Preference Application Form
- Academic Transcripts: From all secondary and higher education institutions attended.
- Certificates of Graduation/Prospective Graduation: From your last school.
- Recommendation Letter: From a principal, teacher, or academic advisor of your last school.
- Health Certificate: Completed by a certified medical doctor using the MEXT-provided form.
- Passport Copy: Photo page.
- Photographs (4.5x3.5 cm)
- Mark Sheet Form
- Any other supporting documents requested by your specific embassy.
Important Notes on Documents:
- All documents must be in English or Japanese, or accompanied by a certified translation.
- Documents should be printed on A4 paper and often submitted unstapled (assembled with paper clips).
- Submitted documents are typically not returned.
Required Admission Tests (if any):
Yes, for the Embassy Recommendation track, applicants are typically required to take written examinations administered by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate. These usually include:
- Japanese Language
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Science (for Natural Sciences majors, usually choosing two from Chemistry, Physics, or Biology)
Past examination questions are often made available on the "Study in Japan" website or your local embassy's website to help applicants prepare.
Scholarship Benefits:
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship, providing comprehensive support:
- Monthly Stipend: Approximately ¥117,000 per month (with potential additional allowances for specific regions).
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Examination, admission, and tuition fees at the designated Japanese university are exempted.
- Round-trip Airfare: Economy-class airfare from your home country to Japan and back upon completion of the scholarship.
- Preparatory Education: A one-year preparatory course (including intensive Japanese language training and foundational subjects) before entering the university, unless the applicant qualifies for direct placement.
- Accommodation Support: While not always fully covered, support in finding student accommodation is often provided.
Complete Application Process:
The application process for the Embassy Recommendation track generally follows these steps:
- Check Embassy Website: Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country to find the specific application guidelines, deadlines, and required documents for the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2026 intake.
- Download Forms: Download all necessary application forms and carefully read the guidelines.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, ensuring they meet the specified format and translation requirements.
- Submit Application: Submit your complete application package to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate by their designated deadline. Do not send documents directly to MEXT in Japan.
- Preliminary Screening (Document Review): The Embassy will conduct an initial screening of applications.
- Written Examinations and Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for written examinations (Japanese, English, Mathematics, Science) and an interview at the Embassy.
- Recommendation to MEXT: Successful candidates from the preliminary screening are recommended by the Embassy to MEXT.
- University Acceptance: Recommended candidates then seek a "Letter of Provisional Acceptance" from Japanese universities of their choice. This is a crucial step, and you may need to contact universities to inquire about their application process for MEXT scholars.
- Final Selection by MEXT: MEXT makes the final decision based on the Embassy's recommendation and the university's acceptance.
- Notification and Enrollment: Successful applicants receive final notification, and prepare for travel to Japan for enrollment (typically in April or October 2026).