Overview
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) in Japan offers a fully funded scholarship for international students to conduct research or pursue graduate-level education in Japanese universities. The scholarship is intended to foster academic and cultural exchange between Japan and participating countries. “About the MEXT Scholarships”
There are two categories of recipients:
- Non-Regular (Research) Students – Scholars conduct research at a Japanese university without being enrolled in a degree program.
- Regular Students – Scholars are enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate program.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be from countries with diplomatic ties to Japan.
- Dual citizens holding Japanese nationality must renounce it before arriving in Japan.
Age
- Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1990.
- Exceptions apply only for unavoidable circumstances like military service or war-related disruptions.
Academic Background
Applicants must meet one of the following:
-
For Master’s or first-phase Doctoral courses:
- Completed 16 years of education outside Japan.
- Earned a bachelor’s degree from a 3+ year program.
- Other qualifications that meet Japanese graduate school admission criteria.
-
For second-phase Doctoral courses:
- Holds a master’s or professional degree.
- Has research experience for 2+ years and is deemed academically competent.
-
For medical, dentistry, veterinary, or pharmaceutical programs:
- Completed 18 years of education.
- Holds a five-year professional degree.
- Has research experience in related fields.
Language & Health Requirements
- Scholars must be willing to learn Japanese.
- They must submit a medical certificate proving they are fit for study.
Visa Requirement
- Must hold a “Student” visa issued by a Japanese diplomatic mission.
- Those who already reside in Japan must change their status to “Student”.
Disqualifications
Applicants are ineligible if they:
- Are military personnel or government employees.
- Cannot arrive in Japan within the specified timeframe.
- Have received a MEXT scholarship in the past and have not met the three-year gap requirement.
- Are applying for multiple MEXT scholarships at the same time.
- Plan to receive another scholarship after arriving in Japan.
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend:
- ¥143,000 – Non-Regular (Research) Students.
- ¥144,000 – Master’s students.
- ¥145,000 – Doctoral students.
- An additional ¥2,000 – ¥3,000/month is given for students studying in specific regions.
Tuition & Fees
- University tuition fees, entrance examination fees, and matriculation fees are covered.
Travel Support
- Round-trip airfare (Economy class) is provided:
- To Japan: From the international airport nearest to the applicant’s residence.
- From Japan: If the scholar returns home immediately after finishing studies.
Note: Travel costs like domestic flights, airport taxes, baggage fees, or temporary stays in third countries must be covered by the student.
Duration of Scholarship
- Non-Regular (Research) Students:
- April 2025 arrivals: Scholarship lasts until March 2027.
- October 2025 arrivals: Scholarship lasts until March 2027.
- First six months may include Japanese language preparatory education.
- Regular Students: The scholarship period matches the standard duration of the degree program.
Extension of Scholarship
Students may apply for an extension if:
- They advance from Non-Regular to Regular Student status.
- They move from a Master’s to a Doctoral program.
- Their academic performance meets MEXT’s standards.
Application Process & Selection
The selection process involves two main screenings:
First Screening (by Japanese Embassies)
- Document screening – Evaluates academic transcripts, research plans, and recommendations.
- Written language exams – Tests Japanese and English proficiency.
- Interview – Assesses motivation, research goals, and communication skills.
Second Screening (by MEXT)
- MEXT reviews the results of the First Screening.
- MEXT matches applicants to Japanese universities.
- Final acceptance is announced between January – February.
University Placement Process
- Scholars must secure a provisional acceptance letter from a Japanese university.
- They can contact up to two universities at a time.
- MEXT decides the final placement based on:
- Applicant’s preference.
- University’s approval.
- Government budget constraints (priority is given to national universities).
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Application Form (MEXT 2025 version).
- Placement Preference Form (List of desired universities).
- Field of Study & Research Plan (Detailed proposal).
- Academic Transcripts (From all university-level education).
- Graduation Certificates/Degree Proof.
- Letter of Recommendation (From university dean, advisor, or employer).
- Medical Certificate (MEXT form).
- Abstracts of Theses (If applicable).
- Language Proficiency Proof (JLPT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
- Employer Recommendation (If currently working).
- Art/Music Work Samples (If applying for related fields).
Note: Documents must be in Japanese or English or accompanied by a translation.
Reasons for Scholarship Termination
MEXT may cancel the scholarship if the student:
- Provides false information on their application.
- Fails to meet academic standards or drops out.
- Violates Japanese laws or university rules.
- Changes visa status to anything other than “Student”.
- Receives another scholarship not approved by MEXT.
- Engages in long-term research or internships outside Japan.
Additional Information
- Health Insurance: Scholars must enroll in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken).
- Living Costs: Scholars should bring at least $2,000 USD for initial expenses.
- Housing:
- Some universities provide international student dormitories.
- Many students must find private housing at their own cost.
- Data Sharing: MEXT may share scholars’ information for research and international student programs.
For more information, please visit: MEXT Scholarships
