MEXT Scholarship

The MEXT Scholarship is Japan's main government scholarship for international students. The embassy recommendation route is handled by Japanese embassies or consulates, and Study in Japan states that applicants should not send documents directly to MEXT.

Required documents

• MEXT application form.
• Placement preference form.
• Field of study and research plan, for research students.
• Passport or citizenship document.
• Academic transcripts.
• Degree certificate or expected graduation certificate.
• Recommendation letter.
• Medical certificate.
• Language certificate, if available.
• Thesis abstract, if applicable.
• Publications, if applicable.
• Portfolio for arts or design, if relevant.
• Certified translations.
• Embassy-specific forms.

Eligible nationalities

• Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan.
• Applicants normally apply through the Japanese embassy in their country of nationality.
• Japanese nationals are usually not eligible.
• Dual nationals with Japanese citizenship may need to renounce Japanese nationality before arrival.
• Age limits and degree conditions depend on scholarship category.
• Some categories target undergraduate, research, teacher training, Japanese studies or specialised training applicants.

How to apply

• Check the Japanese embassy website in your country.
• Download the correct MEXT category forms.
• Submit documents to the embassy or consulate.
• Pass document screening.
• Take written exams if required.
• Attend interview.
• For research students, obtain provisional acceptance from Japanese universities after first screening.
• Final approval comes through MEXT.

Usual timeline

• Start preparing: January to March.
• Embassy application: often April to May for many countries, but some cycles differ.
• First screening: May to July.
• University placement process: summer to autumn.
• Final results: late winter or early spring.
• Arrival:
• April intake or October intake, depending on category.
• Payment: after arrival, enrolment and university procedures.