Is the MEXT Scholarship available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies?

Yes. The MEXT Scholarship is offered for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes at Japanese universities, depending on the category you apply for.

Can I apply for the MEXT Scholarship through both the embassy and a Japanese university?

No. Applicants must choose only one application route: either the Embassy Recommendation route or the University Recommendation route. Applying through both routes at the same time is not permitted.

Do I need Japanese language proficiency to apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

Japanese language proficiency is not always required. Many master’s and PhD programmes are offered in English, while some undergraduate programmes or specific fields may require Japanese language ability.

Is there an age limit for MEXT Scholarship applicants?

Yes. Age limits vary by programme level. Undergraduate applicants are usually required to be under a specified age limit, while master’s and PhD applicants are generally required to be under 35, in line with MEXT guidelines.

Do I need to pass university entrance exams after being selected for the MEXT Scholarship?

Yes. In many cases, selected students must still meet the entrance or screening requirements of the Japanese university before being formally enrolled in a degree programme.

How competitive is the MEXT Scholarship?

The MEXT Scholarship is highly competitive. Selection is based on academic performance, the quality of the study or research plan, interview results, and overall suitability for the programme.

What written tests are part of the MEXT Scholarship selection process?

Depending on the category and application route, applicants may be required to sit written examinations such as English, Japanese, or subject-related tests during the selection process.

What should I expect in the MEXT Scholarship interview?

Interviews typically focus on your academic background, motivation for studying in Japan, future study or career plans, and how your chosen programme aligns with your goals.

Do I need to contact a professor before applying for the MEXT Scholarship?

For the Embassy Recommendation route, contacting a professor in advance is usually not required. For the University Recommendation route, contacting a supervisor may be necessary depending on the university’s requirements.

Can I choose which Japanese university I want to study at?

Applicants can list preferred universities, but final placement depends on acceptance by the university and approval by MEXT.

What academic results are considered competitive for the MEXT Scholarship?

While there is no official minimum GPA published, strong academic results combined with a well-prepared study or research plan significantly improve competitiveness.

If I am not selected for the MEXT Scholarship, can I apply again?

Yes. Applicants who are unsuccessful may apply again in future application cycles, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

MEXT Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

The MEXT Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in Japan. The Japanese government offers this fully funded scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes. The MEXT Scholarship 2027 covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare from your home country to Japan. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the MEXT Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

Offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this prestigious scholarship is part of the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Programme. It’s designed for high-achieving students who aspire to study in Japan and contribute to international exchange and academic development.

The application cycle usually opens in April, and it’s important to note that knowledge of the Japanese language, as well as IELTS/TOEFL scores, is not mandatory. This is the embassy-recommended MEXT scholarship, which means applicants must apply through the Japanese embassy in their home country.

MEXT Scholarship Highlights

Degree Programmes	Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
Scholarship Providers	Japanese Universities
Study Destination	Japan
Fields of Study	All degree programmes are available, from social science to engineering, medical to health, arts, humanities, etc.
Programme Duration	Undergraduate: 4 years; Master’s: 2 years; PhD: 4 years
Funding	Fully Funded

MEXT Scholarship Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students to study in Japan for free. This scholarship will provide the recipient with the following benefits:

Allowances: Monthly Stipend Allowance, Preparatory Allowance (2026 Rate)
Education Fees: Fees for the entrance examination and tuition fees at universities will be paid by MEXT.
Travelling Expenses: Transportation to Japan: MEXT will cover your round-trip airfare travel expenses from your country to Japan. The airline ticket will be an economy-class ticket for the flight.
Accommodations: Residence halls for international students are provided by universities.

Eligibility Requirements for the MEXT Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the MEXT Scholarship:

English is the required language
Applicants must have the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. An applicant who has Japanese nationality at the time of application is not eligible.
For Undergraduate Students: You must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age and have completed 12 years of school education or have completed courses in a school comparable to a high school (includes prospective graduates)
For Master’s/PhD Students: You must be under 35 years of age and a college graduate (including prospective graduates). Or you must have completed 16 years / 18 years of education.
For teacher training students: You must be under 35 years of age and a graduate of a college or teacher training college. You must have at least five years of active experience as a teacher in a primary, secondary, or teacher-training college in your country.
For Japanese Study Students: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate students in faculties or schools that major in Japanese language or Japanese culture at a university outside Japan at the time when they come to Japan, and must be enrolled in the home institution at the time when they return to their home countries.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the MEXT Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: Find the Japanese Embassy or Consulate of your country here.

Step 2: Visit the website of your country’s Japanese Embassy. Under the Education/Scholarship tab, you will find the MEXT scholarship.

Step 3: Download the MEXT scholarship application form and fill it out.

Step 4: Submit the required documents (listed below) to your country’s Japanese Embassy.

Step 5: A written test will be conducted by the Japanese Embassy. Find the Sample Written Test with Answers Here.

Step 6: After that, interviews of the candidates will be conducted.

Step 7: The successful candidates will be informed through email or the embassy website.

Documents Required for MEXT Scholarship 2027

MEXT Scholarship Application Form.
The highest degree verified with official stamps.
- Bachelor’s programme applicants: 12 Years of Education
- Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree
- PhD program applicants: Master’s degree
  Note: If the degree is not in English, a notarised copy of a translation in English is required.
The highest degree transcript verified with official stamps. (Including the grading system)
- Bachelor’s programme applicants: 12 Years of Education
- Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree, Transcripts
- PhD program applicants: Master’s degree Transcripts
  Note: If the diploma is not in English, a notarised copy of a translation in English is
  required.
Two recommendation letters: The letters of recommendation must be written by the applicant’s teachers/advisors/employers (who can evaluate your academic performance and research potential) in English. (for research students)
Passport Scan (if available at the time of application)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) (for research students)
Photographs
Study plan / Statement of purpose. The study plan is written in English. Basic content shall include motivation for application, education/research background, and prospective study at APU (for research students)
English Language Proficiency Document: Those students whose language institute was in English can submit an English Proficiency Certificate from their home university, and they are exempted from the language test.
Academic thesis or relevant publications (for research students)
Other reference documents (if applicable)

MEXT Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the MEXT Scholarship 2027 is from April to May 2026. Click here to view the country-specific deadline.

For further information about the MEXT Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official Website