Fully Funded Study in Japan: MEXT Scholarship 2026–2027

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Begin your academic journey in Japan. Applications for the MEXT Scholarship are now open. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the MEXT Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step application process.

The MEXT Scholarship 2026–2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered to international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or training programs at leading Japanese universities. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare between the student’s home country and Japan.

Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this prestigious program—officially known as the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship—aims to develop global talent, promote academic excellence, and strengthen international exchange.

The application cycle typically opens in April each year. Notably, Japanese language proficiency and IELTS or TOEFL scores are not mandatory at the time of application. This is the embassy-recommended MEXT Scholarship, meaning applicants must apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

You may also wish to explore the Chinese Government Scholarship for International Students.

MEXT Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Training
Host Institutions: Japanese Universities
Study Location: Japan
Available Fields: All academic disciplines, including social sciences, engineering, medicine, health sciences, arts, humanities, and more. There are no field restrictions.

Program Duration:

  • Undergraduate: 4–5 years

  • Master’s: 2–3 years

  • PhD: 3–4 years

Application Deadline: Varies by Japanese Embassy (check the official embassy website for exact dates)

Related Opportunity: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) 2026

MEXT Scholarship Coverage

The MEXT Scholarship is fully funded and provides the following benefits:

  • Monthly living allowance (based on the 2026 rate), including preparatory allowance where applicable

  • Full coverage of entrance examination fees and tuition fees

  • Round-trip economy-class airfare from the recipient’s home country to Japan

  • Accommodation in university-provided residence halls for international students

Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship 2026

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Language Requirement: English

  • Eligible Countries: All countries with diplomatic relations with Japan

  • Applicants must not hold Japanese nationality at the time of application

Specific requirements by study level:

  • Undergraduate Applicants:

    • Aged between 17 and 25 years

    • Completion of 12 years of formal education or equivalent (including prospective graduates)

  • Master’s and PhD Applicants:

    • Under 35 years of age

    • Completion of a bachelor’s degree (for master’s) or a master’s degree (for PhD), including prospective graduates

    • Completion of 16 years (master’s) or 18 years (PhD) of education

  • Teacher Training Applicants:

    • Under 35 years of age

    • Graduate of a college or teacher training institution

    • At least five years of full-time teaching experience at a primary, secondary, or teacher training institution

  • Japanese Studies Applicants:

    • Aged between 18 and 30 years

    • Enrolled in a Japanese language or Japanese culture program at a university outside Japan

    • Must remain enrolled at the home institution upon returning

Related Opportunity: OIST Internship 2026 (Japan – Fully Funded)
Also consider: DAAD Scholarship for International Students

How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2026

Follow the steps below to apply:

  1. Locate the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

  2. Visit the official website of the embassy and navigate to the Education or Scholarships section.

  3. Download and complete the MEXT Scholarship application form.

  4. Submit all required documents to the Japanese Embassy by the stated deadline.

  5. Sit for the written examination conducted by the embassy.

  6. Attend the interview if shortlisted.

  7. Successful applicants will be notified via email or the embassy’s official website.

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Documents Required for MEXT Scholarship 2026

  1. Completed MEXT Scholarship Application Form

  2. Certified copy of the highest academic degree:

    • Undergraduate applicants: High school certificate (12 years of education)

    • Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree

    • PhD applicants: Master’s degree
      If the document is not in English, a notarized English translation is required.

  3. Certified academic transcripts (including grading system):

    • Undergraduate: High school transcripts

    • Master’s: Bachelor’s transcripts

    • PhD: Master’s transcripts
      Non-English documents must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.

  4. Two letters of recommendation (for research students), written in English by academic supervisors or employers

  5. Passport copy (if available at the time of application)

  6. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for research applicants

  7. Recent passport-size photographs

  8. Study Plan or Statement of Purpose (in English), including motivation, academic background, and proposed research or study plan

  9. English language proficiency document (if applicable). Applicants whose previous education was conducted in English may submit an official English Proficiency Certificate from their institution and may be exempt from language testing.

  10. Academic thesis or relevant publications (for research students)

  11. Any additional supporting documents, if applicable

Related Opportunity: Qingdao University Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Official Website

For detailed and up-to-date information, visit the official MEXT Scholarship website through the Japanese Embassy in your country.

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