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MEXT Scholarships

MEXT Scholarships

Country: 

Funding:

Nationality:

Degree:

Deadline:

Japan

Fully Funded

All

All

May 24, 2025

More details :

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) in Japan offers fully funded scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and round-trip airfare. There are two application routes: embassy recommendation and university recommendation. Embassy recommendation requires applying through a Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. University recommendation involves applying through a Japanese university that nominates the candidate directly to MEXT.


Each route has slightly different procedures and timelines. Applicants should review requirements carefully based on their chosen path. Regardless of the method, all selected candidates must obtain a Student residence status to qualify. MEXT scholarships are competitive and prioritize strong academic records, well-defined study plans, and international collaboration potential. The program helps Japan build academic ties globally while giving students access to its advanced education and research environment.

Eligibility :
  • Must be a non-Japanese citizen

  • Must hold citizenship of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan

  • Age:

    • Under 25 for undergraduate applicants

    • Under 35 for master’s or doctoral applicants

  • Academic qualifications:

    • 12 years of schooling for undergraduate studies

    • Bachelor’s degree for master’s programs

    • Master’s degree for doctoral programs

  • Language requirements:

    • Japanese or English proficiency depending on the program and university

  • Health: Must be physically and mentally fit

Important
Each country may have additional or different criteria set by the local Japanese embassy or consulate. Always check the specific requirements in your country before applying.

For example, Yemeni students can find the details here 

Required documents :
  • Passport copy

  • Degree certificates from all universities attended

  • High school certificate or equivalent

  • Checklist (confirming all documents are included)

  • Applicant Information Sheet

  • Application Form

  • Application Guidelines (read carefully, not submitted)

  • Placement Preference Application Form (FY2023)

  • Certificate of Health (completed by a physician)

  • Field of Study and Research Plan

  • Recommendation Form (from a university professor or academic advisor)

Tip
Prepare all documents in the specified format. Check the embassy or university website for templates and submission instructions.

How to apply :

You can apply in two ways:

  • Embassy Recommendation

    • Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country

    • Submit required documents, take written exams, and attend interviews

    • If selected, you will be nominated to MEXT for final approval

  • University Recommendation

    • Apply directly to a Japanese university offering MEXT scholarships

    • The university screens and recommends candidates to MEXT

    • Most often used for graduate-level programs

  • Steps to Apply

    • Check availability and requirements on the embassy or university website

    • Prepare all documents

    • Submit your application before the deadline

    • Attend exams and interviews if required

    • Wait for nomination and final selection by MEXT

Reminder
Application timeline, fields of study, and procedures may differ by country and institution. Always follow the official guidelines provided by the embassy or university.

The Scholarship Benefits:
  • Full tuition coverage – no fees for admission or enrollment

  • Monthly stipend 

    • ¥143,000 for master’s students

    • ¥145,000 for doctoral students

    • Additional ¥2,000–3,000 for students in designated regions

  • Round-trip airfare – economy-class tickets to and from Japan

  • Preparatory education (if needed):  6month Japanese language course or academic prep

  • University placement support:  through embassy or university recommendation route

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