MEXT Scholarship Japan

The MEXT scholarship, also known as the Monbukagakusho scholarship, is a scholarship program through which students are able to study at a Japanese university with a scholarship from the Japanese government, specifically from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.

MEXT Scholarship is a Fully Funded Scholarship for International Students who are seeking to study in Japan for free. The ministries and agencies of Japan encourage acceptance of more international students including Pakistan.

Facts of MEXT Scholarship

  • The goal of the MEXT scholarship is to attract outstanding scholars from around the world who have the potential to go on to become leaders in their countries and communities.
  • MEXT wants to bring these students to Japan to establish and strengthen relationships so that they will become bridges between their home countries and Japan in the future.
  • It is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract the best students from around the world, not a need-based scholarship.
  • More than 100,000 international students apply for the MEXT scholarships every year, and only about 9,000 obtain it

MEXT Scholarships 2023-2024 Application Status

If you are looking to study in Japan with a scholarship then you are in the right place. Here we will guide you completely about this scholarship opportunity which you can avail. Normally the Application cycle of the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship is announced in April.

  • To apply for the MEXT scholarship, interested candidates should contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country or you can visit the official MEXT website for detailed information about this Scholarship.
  • Then you have to download the MEXT scholarship application form and fill it.
  • Submit the required documents to the Japanese Embassy of your country.

This scholarship program is for training studies, undergraduates, masters and doctoral study programs. MEXT scholarship will cover tuition fee, accommodation, monthly living allowance and round airfare travel expenses from your country to Japan.

Host country: Selected applicant will continue their studies in Japan

Level of study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD / Training

Courses of study: All types of courses offered in all Japanese Universities including Social Science to Engineering, Medical to Health, Arts, Humanities, etc.

MEXT Program Period: Undergraduate: 4-5 Years, Masters: 2-3 Years, PhD: 3-4 Years

Top Universities Where Students Can Get Admission

There are 775 universities in Japan and many universities provide the MEXT. However, the 20 top universities listed below should come to your list first as they are highly regarded by the Japanese government.

  1. Hiroshima University
  2. Akita International University
  3. Hokkaido University
  4. Chiba University
  5. Kyoto University
  6. International Christian University
  7. KYUSHU University
  8. International University of Japan (IUJ)
  9. Nagoya University
  10. Kanazawa University
  11. Osaka University
  12. Kumamoto University
  13. Tohoku University
  14. Tokyo Institute of Technology
  15. Kyoto Institute of Technology
  16. Tokyo Medical and Dental University
  17. Meiji University
  18. The University of Tokyo
  19. Nagaoka University of Technology
  20. University of Tsukuba

Benefits/ Expenses Covered by Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship

This scholarship will provide the recipient with the following benefits:

  • Monthly Stipend Allowance, Preparatory Allowance (2024 Rate). Around 43,000 – 145,000 yen living expenses stipend per month
  • Fees for the Entrance Examination, Tuition Fee at Universities will be paid by MEXT.
  • Transportation to Japan: MEXT will cover your Round Airfare Travel Expenses from your Country to Japan. The Airline ticket will be an Economy-class ticket for the flight.
  • Residence halls and accommodation for international students provided by universities.

Eligibility criteria for MEXT scholarship application

To qualify for MEXT Scholarship, candidate must fulfill all of the following eligibility requirements below:

  • to be eligible for the MEXT scholarship you have to pass the Language Proficiency Test such as (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Applicants must have the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.

For Undergraduate Students

  • You must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age
  • Must have completed 12 years of school education or have completed courses in a school comparable to a high school.

For Masters / PhD Students

  • You must be under 35 years old
  • You must have completed 16 years / 18 years of education.

For 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 from 18 to 30 years old.
  • Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate students in faculties or schools which major in Japanese language or Japanese culture in 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.

How To apply for MEXT Japan Scholarship program 2024

You have to follow the following application instructions to apply for MEXT Scholarship:

  • Find the Japanese Embassy or Consulate of your country.
  • Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy of your country. Under the Education / Scholarship tab, you will find the MEXT scholarship.
  • Download the MEXT scholarship application form and fill it.
  • Submit the required documents (list given below) to the Japanese Embassy of your country.
  • A written test will be conducted by the Japanese Embassy.
  • After that interviews of the candidates will be conducted.
  • The successful candidates will be informed through email or embassy website.

Candidates Who Can’t Apply

An applicant who has Japanese nationality at the time of application is not eligible to apply for this scholarship

Documents Required for MEXT Scholarship

The following documents should be submitted before the deadline:

  • Mark Sheet Form
  • Application Form (1 original)
  • Research Plan
  • Attested copy of degrees and transcripts from the last universities attended. ​
  • Attested copy of certification of graduation or degree certificate of university attended. (1 with original attestation)
  • Recommendation Letter from the dean or the academic advisor at the current or last university attended. (1 original)
  • Recommendation letter from the present employer (if applicable) (1 original)

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship Test Description

MEXT scholarship tests are quite challenging, especially for the undergraduate MEXT scholarship. All tests have multiple-choice questions, except for the math tests and some parts from the Japanese test,

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the deadline for MEXT scholarship 2023?

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for 2024 (Application deadline to apply is May 26, 2023.

Q: How much percentage is required for a Japanese scholarship?

It is a merit-based scholarship, students with excellent educational scores can apply for the scholarship. The minimum required marks percentage to become eligible for MEXT scholarship is 80%.

Q: Can I study in Japan without IELTS?

Yes, International students can study in Japan without IELTS to pursue undergraduate, masters, or PhD degree programs.

Q: What is the photo size for a Japanese student visa?

The photo size should be 45mm X 45mm or 45mm X 35mm or 2-inch X 2-inch Full Face (looking straight forward) on a white background.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the MEXT scholarship in Japan?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be between 18 and 30 years old.
  • Have completed 12 years of education or have a high school diploma.
  • Be enrolled as an undergraduate student in a country outside of Japan before applying and be able to return to that institution upon your return from Japan.
  • Major in Japanese language or Japanese culture.