MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD)

Government of Japan - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Under 35 years old and eligible for a master's or doctoral programme at a Japanese graduate school. Embassy track: apply to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. University track: only MEXT-approved universities with a quota can recommend students.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this is Japan's most prestigious government scholarship. It enables international students to study at Japanese universities as undergraduate students, research students, or degree-seeking master's/doctoral candidates with full tuition waivers and tax-free monthly stipends.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Under 35 years old and eligible for a master's or doctoral programme at a Japanese graduate school. Embassy track: apply to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. University track: only MEXT-approved universities with a quota can recommend students.
2. Note the deadline. Apr – Jun (annual; embassy recommendation - dates set by each Japanese embassy) and Dec – Feb (university recommendation, through your Japanese university) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. MEXT Application Forms: Placement Preference Form, Application Form, and Field of Study and Research Program Plan.; Academic Credentials: Certified graduation certificates and academic transcripts from all prior institutions.; Recommendation Letters: Signed letters from university deans, professors, or employers.; Health Certificate & Thesis Abstract: Official MEXT medical form completed by a licensed physician, plus abstracts of previous undergraduate/master's theses..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Primary Screening by Embassies (Document review, English/Japanese written exams, and formal interview) → Secondary Screening by MEXT in Tokyo.

Profile of past winners

Diligent science or humanities graduates who excel in embassy written exams and present a rigorous, feasible research proposal for their prospective Japanese laboratory.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD)?

Under 35 years old and eligible for a master's or doctoral programme at a Japanese graduate school. Embassy track: apply to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. University track: only MEXT-approved universities with a quota can recommend students.

What does MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD) cover?

Tuition exemption, monthly allowance (about JPY 143,000 - 145,000) and round-trip airfare; most students begin with a preparatory period of Japanese

When is the deadline for MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD)?

Apr – Jun (annual; embassy recommendation - dates set by each Japanese embassy) and Dec – Feb (university recommendation, through your Japanese university) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD)?

Host countries: Japan.

What documents do I need for MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD)?

MEXT Application Forms: Placement Preference Form, Application Form, and Field of Study and Research Program Plan.; Academic Credentials: Certified graduation certificates and academic transcripts from all prior institutions.; Recommendation Letters: Signed letters from university deans, professors, or employers.; Health Certificate & Thesis Abstract: Official MEXT medical form completed by a licensed physician, plus abstracts of previous undergraduate/master's theses..

How are applicants selected for MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD)?

Primary Screening by Embassies (Document review, English/Japanese written exams, and formal interview) → Secondary Screening by MEXT in Tokyo.

How much work is the MEXT Scholarship (Research Students, Master's and PhD) application?

High: Field of Study & Research Program Plan + Placement Preference Form + Embassy Exams