If you're planning to study in Japan with financial support, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship  is one of the best opportunities available to international students. This scholarship offers fully funded study programs at top Japanese universities across a wide range of disciplines. In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about the MEXT Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, and a detailed explanation of the application process to ensure your success.

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year supports undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies and training at top Japanese universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare from your home country to Japan.

This prestigious scholarship is offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and is part of the Japanese Government Scholarship Program (MEXT). It is designed for outstanding students who aspire to study in Japan and contribute to international exchange and academic development.

Applications typically open in April, and it's important to note that proficiency in Japanese, as well as IELTS/TOEFL scores, is not a prerequisite. This is a recommended MEXT scholarship, meaning applicants must apply through the Japanese embassy in their home country.

Summary of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Scholarship

• Level of study: Bachelor's / Master's / PhD / Training
• Institutions: Japanese universities
• Study in: Japan
• Courses offered: All types of courses are offered at all Japanese universities, from social sciences to engineering, from medicine to health, arts, humanities, etc. There are no restrictions on the academic field.
• Program duration: Bachelor's: 4-5 years, Master's: 2-3 years, PhD: 3-4 years

The deadline for submitting applications for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology scholarship

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

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology scholarship coverage

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students to study in Japan free of charge. This scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:

• Allowances: Monthly salary allowance, preparation allowance (2026 rate)
• Tuition fees: The entrance exam fees and university tuition fees will be paid by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
• Travel expenses: Transportation to Japan: The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) will cover your round-trip airfare from your country to Japan. The airfare will be economy class.
• Accommodation: Universities provide housing for international students.

Eligibility criteria for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology scholarship for 2027

To qualify for the MEXT scholarship, the candidate must meet all of the following requirements:

• Required language: English
• Eligible countries: All countries
• Applicants must be citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
• Applicants who hold Japanese citizenship at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
• For undergraduate students: You must be at least 17 years old and under 25 years old and have completed 12 years of schooling or completed courses at a school similar to high school (including prospective graduates).
• For Master's/PhD students: You must be under 35 years of age and a university graduate (including prospective graduates). Or you must have completed 16/18 years of education.
• For teacher training candidates: You must be under 35 years of age and a graduate of a college or teacher training institute. You must have at least five years of practical experience as a teacher in a primary or secondary school or teacher training institute in your country.
• For students studying Japanese: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate students at a college or school specializing in Japanese language or culture at a university outside of Japan upon arrival in Japan, and must be enrolled at their home university upon returning to their home countries.

How to apply for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology scholarship for 2027?

Please follow the application instructions below to apply for the MEXT scholarship:

1. Find the Japanese Embassy or Consulate of your country from here.
2. Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country. Under the Education/Scholarship tab, you will find the MEXT scholarship.
3. Download the MEXT scholarship application form and fill it out.
4. Submit the required documents (list given below) to the Japanese Embassy of your country.
5. A written test will be conducted by the Japanese Embassy. Find a sample written test with answers here.
6. After that, interviews will be conducted with the candidates.
7. Successful candidates will be notified via email or the embassy's website.

Documents required for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology scholarship for 2027

(1) MEXT Scholarship Application Form

(2) The highest grade verified with official seals.

• Applicants for the Bachelor's program: 12 years of education
• Applicants for the Master's program: Bachelor's degree
• PhD applicants: Master's degree.
  Note: If the degree is not in English, a certified copy of the English translation must be submitted.

(3) A certified transcript of the highest academic degree, bearing official seals. (Including the grading system)

• Applicants for the Bachelor's program: 12 years of education
• Applicants for the Master's program: Bachelor's degree transcripts
• PhD applicants: Master's degree transcripts.
  Note: If the certificate is not in English,
  a certified copy of the English translation must be submitted.

(4) Two letters of recommendation : The two letters of recommendation must be written in English by the applicant's professors/advisors/employers (who can assess their academic performance and research potential). (For graduate students)

(5) Scanning of passport (if available at the time of application)

(6) Curriculum Vitae (CV) (for graduate students)

(7) Photographs

(8) Study Plan/Statement of Purpose . The study plan should be written in English. The core content should include the applicant's motivation for applying, educational/research background, and future studies at Asia Pacific University (for graduate students).

(9) English Proficiency Certificate: Students whose language institutes were in English can submit an English proficiency certificate from their original university, and they are exempt from the language test.

(10) Academic thesis or related publications (for graduate students)

(11) Other reference documents (if any)

Website

To learn more about the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology (MEXT) scholarship, please visit the official website: