The MEXT Scholarship 2026, offered by the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), provides fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or specialized training programs in Japan. This prestigious scholarship aims to foster international exchange and mutual understanding.
MEXT Scholarship 2026 Overview
- Host Country: Japan
- Degree Level: Undergraduate, Graduate (Master’s/PhD)
- Eligible Countries: Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Duration: Program Specific
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- IELTS: Not Required
- Application Deadline: Typically opens in April and closes by May or June
Participating Countries & Fields of Study
Citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan are eligible to apply. The list of participating countries and detailed eligibility requirements are available via local Japanese embassies.
Find your local Japanese embassy here: Japanese Embassies
Almost all fields offered by Japanese universities, like Humanities & Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Japanese Language & Culture (for Japanese Studies Students), and various others, depending on the institution
Also Read: Fully Funded Australia Awards Scholarship 2025
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic ties to Japan.
For research students, you must be a college graduate (including those who are aspiring to graduate) and under 35. Or you have to have finished 16 years of education.
- For undergraduate students, you must have finished 12 years of education or have taken courses at a school that is equivalent to a high school (including prospective graduates), be at least 17 years old, and be under 25.
Must meet academic background requirements for the desired level
Willing to learn Japanese (if required) and adapt to life in Japan
Scholarship Coverage
Full tuition fee exemption
Monthly stipend (approx. ¥117,000–¥145,000 depending on level)
Round-trip airfare to/from Japan
Preparatory education (Japanese language & other courses if needed)
Entrance examination and admission fees
Required Documents
Completed application form
Academic transcripts and certificates
Recommendation letters
Field of study and study program form (for graduate students)
Medical certificate
Proof of nationality (passport copy or ID)
English/Japanese language proficiency (if required)
Note: Exact documents may vary by country and type of program.
Check your country’s document requirements by clicking on your country name from the embassy list and navigating to the MEXT Scholarship page: Japanese Embassies
Application Process
Visit the website of the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country to view country-specific instructions and application forms.
Gather all required documents and ensure accuracy.
Send your completed application to the Japanese embassy/consulate.
The embassy conducts document review, written tests, and interviews.
Successful candidates are recommended to MEXT in Japan.
MEXT conducts the final selection and notifies selected students.
Research Students Application Guidelines and Documents: Guidelines and Documents
Undergraduate Students Application Guidelines and Documents: Guidelines and Documents
Scholarship Types and Duration
Undergraduate ( 4 to 5 Years) and 7 years for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary science
- Master’s (2 to 3 Years)
- PhD (3 to 4 Years)
Required Examinations
- Research Students: Japanese and English
- Undergraduate Students: English, Japanese, science, and mathematics
(*Only candidates from the science faculty must select two of the three subjects: biology, physics, or chemistry.)
Application Deadline
Deadlines vary by country and scholarship type. Generally:
Application Opens: Around April 2025
Application Closes: By May or June 2025
Results of First Screening: June–July
Final Results by MEXT: January 2026
Check with the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country for exact dates.
Note: It’s recommended that you apply as early as possible to increase your chances of selection.
