The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by the Japanese government’s Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture, Science, and Technology. It enables international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Japanese universities.

Types of MEXT Scholarships:

– Research Students: For graduate-level applicants, including Master’s and Doctoral students, with a duration of up to 2 years (extendable to full degree programs)

– Undergraduate Students: For students who want to pursue a full undergraduate degree in Japan, with a duration of 4-5 years

– College of Technology Students: For students interested in technical and engineering fields, with a duration of 4 years

– Japanese Studies: For students who want to study Japanese language and culture

– Teacher Training: For students who want to pursue teacher training programs

Benefits:

– Full Tuition Coverage: University fees are completely waived for the entire duration of the program

– Monthly Stipend: Ranges from ¥118,000 to ¥243,000, depending on the level of study

– Round-Trip Airfare: Economy-class tickets to and from Japan

– Preparatory Education: 6-month Japanese language course or academic prep, if needed

Eligibility Criteria:

– Nationality: Must be a non-Japanese citizen with diplomatic relations with Japan

– Age Limit: Varies by program, but generally under 25 years old for undergraduate and under 35 years old for postgraduate

– Academic Qualifications: Varies by program, but generally requires completion of 16 years of formal education

Application Process:

– Embassy Recommendation: Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country

– University Recommendation: Apply directly to a Japanese university that has a recommendation slot for the MEXT Scholarship

Deadlines:

– August-September 2025: Application period for Research Students and Undergraduate Students

– December 2025-January 2026: Application period for Japanese Studies and Teacher Training

In Summary:

To increase your chances of securing the MEXT Scholarship as a student, prepare a strong research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, proficiency in Japanese or English is beneficial, but not always required.