The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is excited to announce the 2026 Research Student Scholarship for international students. This prestigious scholarship is all about building future global leaders who’ll help strengthen friendship and collaboration between Japan and the rest of the world.
🎓 Why Study in Japan?
Japan is famous worldwide for its top-tier universities, cutting-edge research, and a strong innovation-driven economy. Choosing Japan for your Master’s or PhD means you get:
✅ Excellent universities & world-class research institutions
✅ A safe, clean, and culturally rich life experience
✅ A chance to build strong cross-cultural networks
✅ Access to advanced labs, new tech & modern research setups
💰 Scholarship Benefits
If you get selected as a MEXT scholar, here’s what you’ll receive:
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Full tuition fee coverage
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Monthly living stipend (so you don’t worry about rent, food, travel)
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Round-trip airfare to and from Japan
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Free Japanese language training (if you need it)
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Visa support & university placement help
✅ Who Can Apply?
To apply for the MEXT Research Student Scholarship, you must:
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Be born on or after April 2, 1991
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the time you leave for Japan
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Show strong academics & motivation for research
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Be in good physical & mental health (verified by a doctor)
🔬 Fields of Study
Applicants can pick from a wide range of disciplines, like:
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Humanities
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Social Sciences
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Natural Sciences
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Engineering
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Agriculture
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Medicine
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Environmental Studies
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…and more!
You must prepare a Field of Study and Research Plan that matches your academic background & career goals.
📝 How to Apply
1️⃣ Visit the official MEXT application portal: 👉 [Click here]
2️⃣ Download these forms:
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Application Form (FY2026)
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Placement Preference Form
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Field of Study & Research Plan
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Certificate of Health
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Recommendation Letter (sample)
3️⃣ Prepare all your documents carefully:
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Use A4 paper, single-sided
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Do not staple pages
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Check that all pages are complete & accurate
4️⃣ Submit your application to the Embassy of Japan in your country.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Deadline to Apply | Friday, June 20, 2025, by 3:00 PM AST |
| First Screening Results | Around June 27, 2025 |
| Written Exam & Interview | Around July 10, 2025 |
(Note: Dates may vary a bit — so try to apply well before the deadline!)
🚀 Take the Leap!
If you’re a bright, curious, committed student who wants to dive deep into research and global cultural exchange — this is your chance!
Apply for the MEXT 2026 Research Student Scholarship, unlock a fully funded opportunity to study in Japan, and build memories that’ll last a lifetime.