Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan · 🇯🇵 Japan · Asia
FundingFully Funded
LevelBachelors/Masters/PhD
DeadlineMay
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Full tuition exemption plus a monthly stipend and round-trip international airfare for the full study period. Bachelors/Masters/PhD, plus 6-12 months language preparatory training
ProviderMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
CountryJapan (Asia)
Host university / institutionJapanese national, public and private universities & colleges of technology
Degree levelsBachelors/Masters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeFree
DeadlineEmbassy recommendation call opens mid-April; each Japanese Embassy/Consulate sets its own country deadline (typically April-May).
IntakeApril / September-October
Applications openApril
CompetitionVery High
Programme durationBachelors/Masters/PhD, plus 6-12 months language preparatory training
BachelorsMastersPhDAll fields
MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship eligibility criteria
Nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
Meet age limits by category (e.g. Research applicants under ~35, Undergraduate under 25)
Completed required years of prior education (bachelor's/16 years for Research track)
Willingness to learn Japanese
Meet health requirements
Dual nationals must relinquish Japanese citizenship by arrival
Benefits and coverage
Full waiver of tuition, entrance exam and matriculation fees
Round-trip economy-class international airfare to and from Japan
Japanese language preparatory training (about 6-12 months)
Supplemental regional allowance in designated areas
Required documents
Application form and placement preference form
Academic transcripts and degree/graduation certificates
Certificate of Health completed by a physician
Letter of recommendation
Field of study and research plan (Research track)
Language proficiency certificates where applicable
How to apply for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Embassy recommendation call opens mid-April; each Japanese Embassy/Consulate sets its own country deadline (typically April-May). Submit a complete application before the May deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageFull tuition exemption plus a monthly stipend and round-trip international airfare for th…
LevelsBachelors/Masters/PhD
Frequently asked questions
Nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan Meet age limits by category (e.g. Research applicants under ~35, Undergraduate under 25) Completed required years of prior education (bachelor's/16 years for Research track) Willingness to learn Japanese Meet health requirements Dual nationals must relinquish Japanese citizenship by arrival
Full waiver of tuition, entrance exam and matriculation fees Monthly stipend (approx. ¥117,000 undergraduate; ¥143,000-¥145,000 research/graduate) Round-trip economy-class international airfare to and from Japan Japanese language preparatory training (about 6-12 months) Supplemental regional allowance in designated areas
Application form and placement preference form Academic transcripts and degree/graduation certificates Certificate of Health completed by a physician Letter of recommendation Field of study and research plan (Research track) Language proficiency certificates where applicable
Embassy recommendation call opens mid-April; each Japanese Embassy/Consulate sets its own country deadline (typically April-May).
No — applications for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship are free.