Overview

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers fully funded scholarships for international students wishing to study in Japan. This prestigious scholarship provides opportunities for students to pursue undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees at Japanese universities without any tuition or living costs. With no mandatory Japanese language skills or IELTS/TOEFL requirements, the MEXT Scholarship is an attractive option for students worldwide.

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants must hold the nationality of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan. Individuals with Japanese nationality at the time of application are not eligible.
• For Undergraduate Students: You must be at least 17 but under 25 years old and have completed 12 years of formal education or equivalent courses from a school comparable to high school (prospective graduates included).
• For Master's/PhD Students: You must be under 35 years old and hold a bachelor's degree (prospective graduates included), or have completed 16 years/18 years of education.
• For Teacher Training Students: Applicants must be under 35 years of age and have graduated from a college or teacher training institution. They must also have at least five years of active teaching experience at a primary, secondary, or teacher training college in their home country.
• For Japanese Study Students: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. They should be enrolled as undergraduate students in programs focusing on Japanese language or culture at universities outside Japan at the time of arrival in Japan, and must also remain enrolled at their home institution upon return.

Application Procedure

Follow these steps to apply for the MEXT Scholarship:

1. Find Your Japanese Embassy: Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
2. Download the Application Form: Get the MEXT Scholarship Application Form from the embassy's website.
3. Prepare the Documents: Complete the application and gather all required documents (see list below).
4. Submit the Application: Submit your application and documents to the Japanese Embassy.
5. Written Test & Interview: After submission, there will be a written test and an interview.
6. Results: Successful candidates will be notified by email or on the embassy’s website.

Required Documents 

Ensure that you have the following documents ready for submission:

1. Complete the official MEXT Scholarship Application form.
2. The highest degree you've obtained with official stamps.
3. Your academic transcripts, including the grading system.
4. Two letters of recommendation from academic advisors or employers.
5. Passport Scan: If available at the time of application.
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required for research students.
7. Recent passport-sized photographs.
8. A document in English outlining your motivation, academic background, and research interests.
9. A certificate from your university if your studies were in English.
10. Academic Thesis/Relevant Publications: For research students.
11. Any other supporting documents that might be applicable.

What Financial Support is Available?

• Allowances: Monthly stipend and preparatory allowance (2024 rates).
• Education Costs: MEXT will cover the entrance examination fees and university tuition fees.
• Travel Expenses: MEXT will pay for round-trip airfare from your home country to Japan, with an economy-class ticket provided.
• Accommodation: International students will be offered residence halls by the universities.