The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Programme offers fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue postgraduate study and research at Japanese universities. Administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the 2027 intake targets research students seeking to undertake master’s, doctoral, or non-degree research programmes in Japan.
About the MEXT Scholarship Program
MEXT defines “research students” as individuals enrolled in master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate programmes; conducting research at undergraduate departments, graduate schools, or university-affiliated institutes; or undertaking preparatory Japanese language or academic training before formal university placement.
Funding Size
Monthly allowances vary by study level:
- Research or non-regular students: ¥143,000 per month
- Master’s or professional students: ¥144,000 per month
- Doctoral students: ¥145,000 per month
- Additional regional allowance of ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 may apply
Other benefits include full exemption from entrance examination fees, tuition waiver, matriculation fee coverage, economy-class airfare to Japan, and return airfare upon completion. Travel costs within the home country and transit expenses are not covered.
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Who Can Apply
- Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Dual nationals holding Japanese citizenship must renounce it before arrival
- Applicants born on or after 2 April 1992
- Those who have completed 16 years of formal education, or a bachelor’s degree equivalent of at least 3 years, or a master’s degree for doctoral entry, or hold equivalent academic research experience recognised by Japanese institutions
- Applicants must demonstrate willingness to learn Japanese, strong physical and mental health confirmed by a medical certificate, and the ability to obtain a student visa before entry
Geographic Eligibility
- Open to nationals of all countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Application deadlines vary by country and are determined by the Japanese diplomatic mission in each applicant’s home country
- Applicants are advised to confirm eligibility and deadlines with their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Postgraduate academic research across a broad range of fields
- Fields must align with the applicant’s prior university studies or professional expertise
- Clinical training in medicine, dentistry, and related fields is restricted until Japanese licensing requirements are met
- Some fields may be restricted depending on individual embassy guidelines
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the Japanese diplomatic mission in the applicant’s home country. Applicants should confirm eligibility, field restrictions, and specific deadlines with their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate before applying. Successful candidates are placed at Japanese universities for either an April or October 2027 intake.
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Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates confirming 16 years of formal education or equivalent
- Medical certificate confirming physical and mental health
- Research proposal or study plan aligned with the applicant’s academic background
- Any additional documents required by the relevant Japanese diplomatic mission
Key Dates
- Application deadline: Varying by country
- Programme start: April or October 2027 intake
- Preparatory Japanese language training of up to six months may be included prior to formal placement
- Arrival within specified timelines is mandatory; failure to arrive within the required period may result in withdrawal of the scholarship offer
Selection Notes
- Extensions are available for students who successfully progress to a higher degree programme and demonstrate strong academic performance, but are not automatic and require formal MEXT approval
- Applicants currently enrolled as privately financed students at Japanese universities are not eligible
- Active military personnel are not eligible
- Individuals holding multiple concurrent MEXT scholarships or who have previously received MEXT funding are generally ineligible