MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship: requirements, benefits and deadline

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship funds international students to study at Japanese universities. Research students apply through the Japanese embassy in their country (embassy recommendation) or through a Japanese university (university recommendation).

Country
Japan
Level
Master’s, PhD and research students
Funding
Fully funded
Next deadline
Set by the Japanese embassy in your country (screening May–July)

Official website

What it covers

  • A monthly allowance of ¥143,000 (preparatory and non-regular students), ¥144,000 (master’s) or ¥145,000 (doctoral), per the 2027 guidelines; ¥2,000–3,000 extra in designated regions
  • Entrance examination, matriculation and tuition fees at the university
  • An economy-class air ticket to Japan

Who can apply

  • Research students for 2027: born on or after 2 April 1992 (limited exceptions)
  • An academic background that qualifies you for a master’s or doctoral course in Japan by the time you enrol
  • Your field of study must match what you studied at university or a related field

Key dates

Embassy screening
First screening by Japanese embassies and consulates between May and July
Scholarship start
April 2027 or September/October 2027, depending on your arrival term

How to apply

  1. Check the MEXT scholarship notice on the website of the Japanese embassy in your country.
  2. Submit the application documents to the embassy by its deadline.
  3. Take the written exams and interview the embassy runs.
  4. If recommended, obtain acceptance from a Japanese university as the guidelines describe.

Open MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship listings on SeekFora

Frequently asked questions

What does the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship cover?

A monthly allowance of ¥143,000 (preparatory and non-regular students), ¥144,000 (master’s) or ¥145,000 (doctoral), per the 2027 guidelines; ¥2,000–3,000 extra in designated regions. Entrance examination, matriculation and tuition fees at the university. An economy-class air ticket to Japan.

Who can apply for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?

Research students for 2027: born on or after 2 April 1992 (limited exceptions). An academic background that qualifies you for a master’s or doctoral course in Japan by the time you enrol. Your field of study must match what you studied at university or a related field.

When is the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship deadline?

Set by the Japanese embassy in your country (screening May–July). Embassy screening: First screening by Japanese embassies and consulates between May and July. Scholarship start: April 2027 or September/October 2027, depending on your arrival term.

How do I apply for the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship?

Check the MEXT scholarship notice on the website of the Japanese embassy in your country. Submit the application documents to the embassy by its deadline. Take the written exams and interview the embassy runs. If recommended, obtain acceptance from a Japanese university as the guidelines describe.

Sources: Study in Japan: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship · MEXT Scholarship 2027 application guidelines (research students) (checked 26 September 2026)

Compare dates across programmes in the scholarship deadlines calendar.

Other scholarship guides