If you’re dreaming of studying in Japan on a fully funded scholarship, the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho/MEXT) Scholarship could be your ticket. This prestigious scholarship offers a wide range of programs for international students—from undergraduate to postgraduate, teacher training to leadership development.
Whether you’re applying through your local Japanese embassy or directly through a university, here’s a complete breakdown of the MEXT Scholarship 2025.
Types of MEXT Scholarship Programs
There are seven main categories under the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship:
| Scholarship Type | Level of Study | Duration | Field of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Students | Graduate | Up to 2 years | Master’s/Doctoral research in any field |
| Teacher Training Students | Non-degree | 1.5 years | Educational development |
| Undergraduate Students | UG | 5 years (7 for medical) | Any field |
| Japanese Studies Students | UG exchange | 1 year | Japanese language/culture |
| College of Technology Students | UG | 4 years | Engineering, etc. |
| Specialized Training College Students | UG | 3 years | Vocational fields |
| Young Leaders Program (YLP) | Master’s | 1 year | Public policy, business, etc. |
Note: Fields and durations vary based on the program and recommendation route (embassy or university).
Two Ways to Apply for MEXT Scholarship
1. Embassy Recommendation
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Conducted by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country
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You apply through the embassy, take exams, and attend an interview
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Offers a broader range of programs and more slots
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Exams required:
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Research & Teacher Training: Japanese & English
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Undergraduate: Japanese, English, Math, Science
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Japanese Studies: Japanese only
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College of Technology: Japanese, English, Math, Chemistry/Physics
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Specialized Training: Japanese, English, Math
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2. University Recommendation
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Apply via a partner university in Japan that has an exchange agreement with your institution
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Suitable for Research, Undergraduate, Japanese Studies, and College of Technology students
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Not all universities have this quota—check with your intended Japanese university
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Screening, nomination, and MEXT approval handled internally by the university
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Scholarship often starts in September/October, but some arrive in March/April
Eligibility Criteria (by Category)
| Scholarship Type | Age Limit | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Research Students | Under 35 | Bachelor’s degree or 16 years of education |
| Teacher Training | Under 35 | Graduate + 5 years of teaching experience |
| Undergraduate Students | 17–25 | 12 years of schooling or equivalent |
| Japanese Studies | 18–30 | Enrolled in Japanese major in home country |
| College of Technology | 17–25 | 11+ years of school (includes prospective graduates) |
| Specialized Training College | 17–25 | 12 years of education |
| YLP (Young Leaders Program) | Under 40 | Bachelor’s + work experience (Govt. or Admin roles) |
MEXT Scholarship Benefits
All categories come with generous financial support, including:
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Monthly Stipend:
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¥143,000–¥145,000 for Research
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¥117,000 for Teacher Training
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¥242,000 for YLP
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Tuition Fees: Fully exempted
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Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare to and from Japan
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Language Training: 6–12 months of Japanese language study (if required)
Preliminary Japanese Language Training
Some categories require you to undergo preparatory Japanese training:
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Research Students: 6 months (if needed)
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Teacher Training: 1 year (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies or Osaka University)
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Japanese Studies: 1 year (JASSO Tokyo)
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College of Tech/Specialized Training: 1 year (Bunka Institute/JASSO Osaka)
Important Notes
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Not all universities have university recommendation quotas.
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Travel allowance may not be available for certain university-recommended students.
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Always refer to the latest application guidelines issued by MEXT or your local embassy.
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Some countries may not offer all categories. Confirm with your embassy before applying.
Official Resources
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MEXT Official Site: https://www.mext.go.jp/en
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Embassy Contact: Check your country’s Japanese Embassy website
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University Info: Visit specific Japanese university websites for their MEXT quotas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for multiple MEXT scholarship categories?
No, you must choose one category based on your education level and goals.
Q: Do I need to know Japanese to apply?
Not necessarily. However, Japanese language training is often part of the program unless waived based on proficiency.
Q: Is MEXT only for science or engineering?
No, MEXT supports all fields—arts, science, social sciences, technology, etc.
Q: Can I bring family members with me?
The scholarship does not cover dependents. You may need to support them yourself.
Q: Can I apply if I’m currently living in Japan?
Some MEXT routes are only open to students living outside Japan at the time of application.