If you’re interested in studying in Japan, the MEXT Scholarship is an excellent opportunity. In this article, we’ll provide detailed information about the MEXT scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
The MEXT Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and training studies. The MEXT scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare from your country to Japan.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarships to international students who wish to study at Japanese universities as undergraduate or research (master’s/PhD) students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships Program.
The application cycle for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship is typically announced in April. Knowledge of the Japanese language and IELTS/TOEFL are not mandatory for this scholarship. This is an embassy-recommended scholarship, meaning you will apply through the Japanese embassy in your country.
MEXT Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Training
- Institution(s): Japanese Universities
- Study Location: Japan
- Courses Offered: All types of courses are available in Japanese universities, including fields like Social Science, Engineering, Medical, Health, Arts, Humanities, and more. There are no restrictions on academic fields.
- Program Duration:
- Undergraduate: 4-5 years
- Masters: 2-3 years
- PhD: 3-4 years
- MEXT Scholarship Deadline: Varies by embassy (Click here to check specific deadlines).
MEXT Scholarship Coverage
The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that allows international students to study in Japan for free. The scholarship provides the following benefits:
- Allowances:
- Monthly stipend allowance
- Preparatory allowance (2024 rate)
- Education Fees:
- Fees for the entrance examination
- Tuition fees at universities
- Traveling Expenses:
- Round-trip airfare from your country to Japan (economy-class ticket)
- Accommodations:
- Residence halls for international students provided by universities.
Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship 2025
To qualify for the MEXT Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: Open to all countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan
- Nationality: Applicants must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan. Applicants who have Japanese nationality at the time of application are not eligible.
Specific Requirements by Program:
- For Undergraduate Students:
- Age: Between 17 and 25 years old
- Education: Must have completed 12 years of school education or have completed courses comparable to high school (includes prospective graduates)
- For Masters/PhD Students:
- Age: Under 35 years old
- Education: Must be a college graduate (includes prospective graduates) or have completed 16 years/18 years of education.
- For Teacher Training Students:
- Age: Under 35 years old
- Education: Must be a graduate of a college or teacher training college
- Experience: Must have at least five years of active teaching experience in a primary, secondary, or teacher training college.
- For Japanese Study Students:
- Age: Between 18 and 30 years old
- Education: Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student majoring in Japanese language or Japanese culture at a university outside Japan at the time of coming to Japan and must be enrolled in the home institution when returning to their home country.
How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2025?
Please follow the following application instructions to apply for MEXT Scholarship:
- Find the Japanese Embassy or Consulate of your country from here.
- Visit the website of Japanese Embassy of your country. Under the Education / Scholarship tab, you will find the MEXT scholarship.
- Download the MEXT scholarship application form and fill it.
- Submit the required documents (list given below) to Japanese Embassy of your country.
- A written test will be conducted by the Japanese Embassy. Find Sample Written Test with Answers Here.
- After that interviews of the candidates will be conducted.
- The successful candidates will be informed through email or embassy website.
Documents Required for MEXT Scholarship 2025
(1) MEXT Scholarship Application form
(2) The highest degree verified with official stamps.
- Bachelors 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 notarized copy of a translation in English is required.
(3) The highest degree Transcript verified with official stamps. (Including Grading system)
- Bachelors 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 or is
required.
(4) Two recommendation letters: The letters of recommendation must be written by the applicant’s teachers/advisors/employers (who are able to evaluate your academic performance and research potential) in either 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 of 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 English Proficiency Certificate from their Home University & they are exempted from Language Test.
(10) Academic thesis or relevant publications (for research students)
(11) Other reference documents (if applicable)
To know more about MEXT Scholarship, please visit official website: