The Monbukagakusho MEXT Scholarships are provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan. These scholarships are fully funded by the Japanese government and are available to applicants from countries with which Japan has diplomatic ties. For the academic year 2026, the MEXT scholarships offer opportunities to students attending various educational institutions at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
International applicants can choose specific majors within certain fields of study and apply for undergraduate or graduate programs. This article provides comprehensive information about the MEXT Scholarship 2026, including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and application procedures for studying in Japan.
About the MEXT Scholarship
The Monbukagakusho MEXT Scholarship is designed to strengthen educational exchange and international cooperation between Japan and other nations. It offers financial assistance to students seeking admission to Japanese universities in various academic fields. Depending on their qualifications, some students may need to complete preparatory courses before admission, while others may gain direct entry into their chosen programs.
Types of Institutions Approved for MEXT Scholarships
MEXT Scholarships 2026 are available for the following types of students:
- Research students (graduate level)
- Teacher training students (graduate level)
- Undergraduate students
- Japanese studies students (undergraduate level)
- College of technology students (undergraduate level)
- Specialized training college students (undergraduate level)
Fields of Study for MEXT Scholarship 2026
The fields of study covered by the scholarship include the following:
| Courses | Majors |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences and Humanities – A | Law, Politics, Pedagogy, Sociology, Literature, History, Japanese Language |
| Social Sciences and Humanities – B | Economics, Business Administration |
| Natural Sciences – A | Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, etc. |
| Natural Sciences – B | Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Forestry, Food Science |
| Natural Sciences – C | Medicine, Dentistry |
MEXT Scholarship Amount and Benefits
MEXT Scholarships offer financial support depending on the type of academic program:
| Type of Academic Student | Scholarship Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Research Students | ¥143,000 – ¥145,000 |
| Teacher Training Students | ¥143,000 – ¥145,000 |
| Undergraduate Applicants | ¥117,000 |
| College of Technology Students | ¥117,000 |
| Specialized Training College Students | ¥117,000 |
| Japanese Language Studying Applicants | ¥117,000 |
| Young Leaders Program Students | ¥242,000 |
Other benefits include an additional ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 monthly for research in designated regions, tuition fee waivers, and round-trip travel expenses.
Duration of MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT scholarship duration varies depending on the program:
| Type of Academic Student | Scholarship Duration |
|---|---|
| Research Students | 1 year and 6 months (includes Japanese language) |
| Undergraduate Applicants | 5 years (7 years for medicine, dentistry, etc.) |
| College of Technology Students | 4 years (4 years and 6 months for merchant marine) |
| Specialized Training College Students | 3 years |
| Teacher Training Students | 1 year and 6 months |
| Japanese Language Studying Applicants | 1 academic year |
Eligibility Criteria for JAPAN MEXT Scholarship
Eligibility varies based on the academic level:
For Undergraduates:
- Nationality: Must be from a country with diplomatic ties to Japan.
- Age: At least 18 years old.
- Academic Background: 12 years of schooling equivalent to a Japanese upper secondary school.
- Language Proficiency: Interest in learning Japanese.
- Health: Must submit a health certificate.
- Student Visa: A new and recent student visa is required.
For Postgraduates:
- Master’s/Doctoral Course: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 70% (for Master’s) or Master’s degree with 70% (for Doctoral).
- Research Students: Under 35 years old with a graduate degree or 16 years of schooling.
- Teacher Training Students: Under 35 years old with a graduate degree and five years of teaching experience.
- Young Leaders Program: Under 40 years old, with a graduate degree and leadership potential.
MEXT Scholarship Application Deadline
The application deadline for the MEXT Scholarship varies by program:
| Type of Academic Student | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Research Students | April to May 2025 |
| Undergraduate Applicants | April 17 to May 27, 2025 |
| College of Technology Students | April 17 to May 27, 2025 |
| Specialized Training College Students | April 17 to May 27, 2025 |
| Japanese Language Studying Applicants | December 2025 to January 2026 |
| Teacher Training Students | December 2025 to January 2026 |
| Young Leaders Program | July 2025 to September 2026 |
How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2026?
There are two ways to apply for the MEXT Scholarship:
- Embassy Recommendation: Applicants must submit their application to the Japanese Embassy, qualify for entrance exams, and attend an interview. Successful candidates are then recommended for the scholarship.
- University Recommendation: Applicants may also apply through Japanese universities, particularly if they are part of an exchange program.
Visit the official website and select county wise Embassy and after visit the “Education” section and find scholarships
Required Documents
The following documents are required for the application:
- Direct placement preference form
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificate
- Letter of Recommendation
- Medical certificate
- Enrollment certificate (for those already enrolled at a Japanese university)
- English or Japanese proficiency certificates
- University-specific enrollment exam certificate
Conclusion
The MEXT Scholarship is a great chance for international students who want to study in Japan. It offers strong financial support, many study programs, and different ways to apply. This makes studying in Japan easier and more beneficial. However, students must follow the rules, deadlines, and eligibility conditions, so it’s important to prepare early. With proper planning and a clear understanding of how to apply, students can use this scholarship to continue their studies and experience Japan’s culture and education system.