MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is one of the most generous government scholarships in Asia, funding international students for undergraduate, master's, doctoral, research-student, and specialised study at Japanese universities. Benefits include exemption from examination, entrance, and tuition fees, a monthly stipend of ¥117,000 (with a supplemental allowance of ¥2,000–¥3,000 for designated regions), and a round-trip economy airfare; recipients also receive preparatory Japanese-language training where needed. There are two application routes. The Embassy Recommendation route is the most common: you submit your application, certificate of health, and recommendation to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country (never directly to MEXT in Japan), with recruitment typically running April–May of the year before enrolment and first screening through the summer. The University Recommendation route is run by approved Japanese universities through their exchange agreements, so you should check whether your target university holds a recommendation quota. Exact deadlines, age limits, and document requirements differ by country and track, so applicants confirm details with their local Japanese embassy or the recommending university.

Eligibility

• Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan (not a Japanese national)
• Meet the age limits for your track (e.g. typically under 25 for undergraduate, under 35 for research)
• Apply via the Japanese embassy/consulate (Embassy Recommendation) or an approved university (University Recommendation)
• Meet the academic and health requirements set out in the application guidelines
• Be willing to undertake Japanese-language study as required