The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is offering fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students. This Japanese Government Scholarship is available for master’s and PhD degree programs. The recipents of the MEXT Scholarship 2026 will study at different Japanese universities as research Students. The excellent education system of Japan has made it a leading country in latest knowledge and technologies.Japan has transformed many innovative ideas into creative products by using state-of-the-art science, technology and medicine. Along with teaching academic courses, Japanese schools also focus on the development of human skills and abilities.

 

The purpose of MEXT Scholarship for 2026 Embassy Recommendation is to promote human resources who will strengthen friendship between the student’s country and Japan. The academic environment in Japanese universities allows students to think out of the box and enhances their critical thinking and creativity. During this MEXT research scholarship 2026, students can expand their horizons through Japanese and other diverse cultures of the world. They will get international exposure,  make new contacts, have unforgettable memories and lifelong lessons.

Along with getting a degree, students will also acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for employment. They will get to improve their Japanese language skills and develop an international mindset. MEXT scholarship for Master’s and doctoral students will provide an incredible opportunity to conduct research in a supportive environment with latest facilities. After completing the study period, students can get a chance to work and stay in Japan. Students will not have to pay tuition fees and will also get allowances according to their degree programs to cover the cost of their living

MEXT Scholarship 2026 | Japanese Government Scholarship:

Host Country:

• Japan

 

 

Offered by:

• This scholarship in Japan is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.

Host Universities:

• All applicants can choose their host university across Japan.

 

 

MEXT Japan Scholarship level:

• Master’s and doctoral programs

Study in Japan Scholarship Duration:

• Masters: 2-3 Years
• Doctoral: 3-4 Years

 

 

Benefits of the MEXT Scholarships in Japan 2026:

• Allowance amount will be paid depending on the course enrolled in and the status as regular or non-regular student.
• A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month will be added to the monthly scholarship amount. This allowance is for students who are studying or conducting research in specially designated regions.
• Students who are receiving the preparatory education and non-regular students will get 143,000 yen per month.
• Regular students enrolled in master’s or professional degree courses will get 144,000 yen per month.
• Regular students enrolled in doctoral courses will receive 145,000 yen per month.
• There is no entrance examination, and tuition fees at universities for selected candidates.
• Traveling expenses will be covered by MEXT.
• Accommodation in residence halls will be provided.

Check Best Scholarships for International Students 2025-26 | Fully Funded

 

 

Eligibility Criteria of MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan:

• Research Students are: Students who are enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or a professional graduate course at a graduate university. or Students who are conducting research in a specialized field at an undergraduate department of a university. or Students who are getting preparatory education in the Japanese language and other subjects before getting into the university.
• Non-regular students: Participants who arrive in Japan during the April term and Participants who arrive in Japan during the October term.
• Regular students: Students who will receive preparatory education before starting their enrolled program.
• Applicants must apply for the field of study they have already majored in or its relevant fields.
• The fields of study are specified by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country.
• Subjects that require practical training are not included in this scholarship program.
• Applicants should have nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Students who have Japanese nationality are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants should be born on or after April 2, 1991.
• Applicants must fulfill any one of the following conditions to get admission in either a master’s or doctoral course (phase 1) at a Japanese graduate school.
  • Applicants must have completed 16 years of education in countries other than Japan.
  • Applicants who have completed a program equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants should be eligible for enrollment in a master’s course or doctoral course at a Japanese graduate school.

   

• For Doctoral course (phase 2):
  • Applicants who have completed an overseas degree equivalent to a master’s or professional degree.
  • Applicants who have already graduated from universities and are participating in research study for more than two years.
• Applicants must be willing to learn Japanese language and adapt to living in Japan.
• Applicants have to submit a health certificate in the given format which should be signed by a physician.
• Applicants have to choose their arrival period and then fill in the application form. (April term or October term).
• Applicants have to newly obtain a “Student” visa at the Japanese diplomatic mission situated in the applicant’s country or region of nationality.
• Scholarship period maybe extended if participants fulfill the requirements.

Check OUC Chinese Government Scholarship 2025 in China | Study in China

 

 

Ineligible Applicants:

• Military personnel or military civilian employees.
• Those who fail to arrive in Japan within specified period.
• Previous grantees of Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship programs.
• Who are also applying to another program under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship system.
• Who are already enrolled in a Japanese university with a residence status of “Student,”.
• Who are planning to receive other scholarships or fellowships from the Japanese government, a Japanese government-related organization or others after beginning of the scholarship period.

How to apply for MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan?

• Applicants have to submit their application documents according to the deadline of each Japanese diplomatic mission. The deadline can be confirmed from the official website.
• Write the document number from 1-11 in the upper right hand corner of all documents.
• The first phase of screening will begin in early May to late July, 2025.
• Applicants who pass the first screening phase will directly contact the Japanese universities in which they want to enroll and request for provisional acceptance.
• Applicants then have to submit a completed Placement Preference Application Form according to the deadline to the Japanese diplomatic mission from Mid September to early October, 2025.
• The second screening and university placement will be done from November 2025.
• Applicants who pass the second screening and have an acceptance letter from the university will be selected as MEXT Scholarship candidates (in March 2026).

Check Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program 2025 | Fully Funded

Documents required for MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan:

Note: Do not submit your original documents.

For all applicants:

• MEXT Scholarship Application form (1 original and 2 copies).
• Placement Preference Application Form (1 original).
• Field of study and research plan (1 original and 2 copies).
• Academic transcript for all academic years of university attended (2 copies each).
• Certification of graduation or degree certificate of the university attended (2 copies each).
• Recommendation letter from the president/dean or the academic advisor at the current or last university attended (1 original and 2 copies).
• Medical Certificate (1 original and 2 copies).

Submit only if applicable:

• Abstract of thesis (1 original and 2 copies).
• Certificate of Proficiency in English or Japanese language (3 copies).
• Recommendation letter from the present employer (1 original and 2 copies).
• Photographs of candidates own work (for fine arts or music majors)

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Mext Scholarship Deadline:

• Varies from program to program. Check deadlines on the official website before applying.

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